The charity is now calling for an independent review of the enactment of concussion protocols in the sport.
In August 2014, the Premier League introduced a new set of rules to improve the way in which suspected concussions were handled. This included the stipulation that all home teams must employ a third ‘tunnel doctor’ to support team doctors in identifying suspected concussions and deciding on whether or not a player is fit to resume.
The rules also reinforced the FA’s protocol that a player should be removed from the game even if a concussion is suspected but not necessarily confirmed.
“Headway welcomed the strengthening of football’s approach to concussion when these new rules were introduced, but serious questions now have to be asked about whether they are being fully implemented,” said charity spokesperson Luke Griggs.
“The role of the independent tunnel doctor needs clarifying. For example, how much influence do they have in decisions about whether or not a player is concussed? Why are they not more visible when these decisions are being taken? Are they actually being consulted?
“The rules state that if a concussion is even suspected the player should be removed and not allowed to return to the game. This is a vital detail as concussion can be notoriously difficult to diagnose on the spot – particularly on the pitch with doctors under intense pressure to make big decisions that could influence matches.
“But it’s vital that a safety-first approach is taken. Too often over the course of the past few seasons we have seen players return to games following a head injury only to be substituted a short time later showing more obvious signs of concussion.
“The danger is that period between the initial injury and the substitution. If the concussed player receives a secondary blow to the head in that time, the damage to their brain could be increased significantly.
“Elite-level football has to set a better example for the millions of youngsters around the world who take their lead from their idols. It must ensure that the principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it out!’ is applied in all cases of suspected concussion.
“We would like to see an independent review of the way in which professional football in this country is implementing its own concussion protocols in order to reduce the risk to not just professional athletes, but also to youngsters and amateurs who do not have doctors on the side of the pitch to provide medical support and advice.”
#ConcussionAware
Headway is running a campaign to encourage everyone who plays or is involved in sport to be concussion aware. The campaign aim is to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy sport, while being better protected from the risks of concussion.
Find out more at www.concussionaware.org.uk.
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