We have based the information on this website on international best practice for concussion management. We were also informed by research conducted by New Zealand Rugby, the University of Otago and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the new ACC Concussion guidelines for sports-related concussion (2025), and by various stakeholders of secondary schools, and sports and health care provider organisations.

The website was developed as part of research conducted by researchers from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Otago.

Ethics approval

The study was approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (Ref. No. 24/84). All Participatory Action Research team members (participants) provided informed written consent to take part in the study.

Funding

The Headsmart Schools NZ/FRANCS project has been funded by a Lotteries Health Grant, and Faculty Research Development Grants from AUT University.

Construction of this website was supported by an Activation Grant of the Health Research Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (23/963).