In rugby, HIA stands for Head Injury Assessment. It is a protocol introduced by World Rugby for elite adult teams to assist with the identification, diagnosis, and management of head injuries, particularly concussions. The HIA protocol is a three-stage process that consists of:
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Off-field HIA1 Assessment: This is the initial assessment conducted by a medical professional off the field of play to determine if a player has a head injury that requires further evaluation.
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On-field HIA2 Assessment: If a player fails the HIA1 assessment, they are temporarily replaced and undergo an on-field HIA2 assessment. This is a more detailed evaluation that includes a neurological examination, balance assessment, and cognitive assessment.
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Off-field HIA3 Assessment: If a player fails the HIA2 assessment, they are permanently removed from the match and undergo an off-field HIA3 assessment. This is a more comprehensive evaluation that includes a medical examination, cognitive assessment, and balance assessment.
The HIA protocol is designed to support Law 3.11 and Regulation 10, which are relevant to the temporary replacement for head injury and the management of concussion. The protocol is subject to continual review and development by a working group of independent experts advising World Rugby.
