Waikato welcomes the Blue Card

‘‘It is a great initiative.’’

Waikato is the latest union to implement the Blue Card initiative into its club rugby as part of New Zealand Rugby’s programmes to combat concussion issues.

The blue card was introduced to Mitre 10 Cup provinces across the country in March after a successful trial in Northland in 2014.

A Blue Card trained referee can award a blue card to a player he suspects is suffering from concussion and that player must follow the Graduated Return to Play protocol before returning to action, which includes a minimum standdown period of 21 days for adults.

Three Chiefs midfielders - Charlie Ngatai, Sam McNicol and Stephen Donald - are currently sidelined with concussion issues.

The Blue Card initiative will be introduced into Waikato club rugby on June 3 and used in the premiership, championship, division one, under-85s and women’s competitions.

‘‘It is a great initiative. It is clearly an issue that needs to be taken more seriously and our referees have been great throughout the communication and education process,’’ Michael Winter, Waikato Rugby Union referee educational officer, said in a statement.

‘‘Referees will ensure player safety is paramount. If they see a player that has suffered a knock to the head, the referee will make the decision to whether that player can remain on the field or not.’’