A range of clinical, functional and psychological criteria were assessed across four phases of a RTP continuum by premier-league football teams worldwide.

Absence of pain, hamstring strength, training load and functional performance/sport-specific tests were the most frequently reported top three criteria assessed.

There was no consistent information given to advance knowledge on specific metrics and thresholds for criteria.

Despite consistent involvement reported of medical staff in a shared decision-making process, there were differences in the reported involvement of science staff, coaches and players.

While faced with several challenges, teams typically achieved the criteria they set.