The FIM has officially launched the first edition of its Concussion Assessment and Management Guidelines, developed specifically for motorcycle sport at all levels of competition.
Recognised as a significant traumatic brain injury, concussion requires timely identification and appropriate management to prevent potentially serious short- and long-term health consequences. While the FIM has referenced the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport since 2011, it became increasingly evident that existing assessment tools were not fully adapted to the specific demands and risks of motorcycle sport.
As a result, concussion was selected as the central theme of the first FIM Medical Summit, held in 2024 in Lyon, France, bringing together leading international experts, representatives from within motorcycle sport, and contributors involved in the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. The outcome of this summit was a clear agreement to develop concussion guidelines tailored specifically to motorcycle racing.
The newly released FIM Concussion Guidelines provide clear, consistent and sport-specific procedures for the assessment, management and return-to-sport process following concussion. Applicable across all disciplines and levels of motorcycle sport, the guidelines emphasise early recognition, mandatory removal from riding when concussion is suspected, and a structured, medically supervised return-to-sport framework.
The guidelines were formally validated during the fourth meeting of the FIM Board of Directors of the year, held on 3 December 2025 at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Headquarters.
Commenting on the importance of the initiative, FIM President Jorge Viegas said: “Placing safety first is essential to the sustainable development of motorcycle sport. With the introduction of these concussion guidelines, the FIM is taking a decisive step to ensure that rider health and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do. This initiative reflects our responsibility to evolve the sport in a safe, structured and scientifically grounded manner, protecting riders today while building a stronger and more sustainable future for motorcycle sport worldwide.”
A key feature of the guidelines is the adoption of the “9 R’s” of concussion management - Reduce, Recognise, Remove, Refer, Rest, Recover, Rehabilitation, Return-to-sport and Review - ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to rider safety. The document also outlines mandatory minimum exclusion periods, differentiated for adults and children, and introduces a motorcycling-specific graduated return-to-riding programme.
“These guidelines represent an important step forward in protecting the health, well-being and safety of our riders,” added Dr David McManus, FIM Medical Director and Director of the FIM International Medical Commission. “They are the result of extensive research, expert consultation and collaboration with national federations and other sports. Education and awareness are essential, and these guidelines will be supported by dedicated educational programmes for riders, teams, officials and federations.”
Developed following an extensive review of current scientific research and best clinical practice, the FIM Concussion Guidelines will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with emerging evidence to ensure the highest standard of care across motorcycle sport.
The FIM would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the FIM International Medical Commission, national federations, international experts and partner organisations involved in the development of these guidelines.