Think that's fairly normal, some concussions can be delayed onset. You don't *only* check 5 days later, you do the test at the time, then repeat it 24 hours and say, 5 days later. I'm surprised every club is different though, you think that would be totally standardised!
There is a very clear concussion protocol
guidlines for minimum time before they can play again. You have to pass every stage before getting the OK. Not clear if they are mandatory.
I guess though that the club could put additional gates in that lengthen the process.
www.thefa.com%2F-%2Fmedia%2Fcfa%2Fglobal%2Ffiles%2F2023%2Fthe-fa-concussion-guidelines.ashx&usg=AOvVaw0cSJUpqKeMWshL5C18XFXM&opi=89978449
Graduated return to play (GRTP) programme
Stage 1 is an initial rest period of 48 hours. In the first 48 hours, it is ok to perform mental activities (e.g. reading), and normal activities of daily living as well as walking
Stage 2 Light exercise
Stage 3 Football specific exercise
Stage 4 Non-contact training
Stage 5 Full contact training
Stage 6 Return to play (RTP
and
Under the GRTP programme, the individual should only advance to the next stage as long as symptoms are not
more than mildly and briefly exacerbated (an increase of no more than 2 points on a 0-10 point scale for less than
an hour when compared with the baseline value).
If there is a worsening of symptoms at any stage of the GRTP programme, the individual must return to the
previous stage and attempt to progress again after a minimum 24-hour period.
Progressing too quickly through the stages of the GRTP, whilst symptoms are significantly worsened by exercise,
may slow recovery.
Failure to consult a healthcare professional to deal with on-going symptoms may also slow recovery.
It is recommended that a player undergoes a review by the healthcare professional responsible for their day to
day care prior to entering stage 5 (full contact training).
This six stage GRTP programme should be followed in all cases
Which is why it is a minimum of 7 days.
