The Government has announced new guidelines for concussion in sport suggesting a minimum 21-day break for people with concussion.
The first ever UK-wide concussion guidance has been published to help people identify, manage and prevent concussion affecting players in grassroots sport, with the advice “if in doubt, sit them out” becoming a new call to action for players.
The government has asked that players, parents, coaches, teachers, and administrators read the guidance to ensure they can follow protocol when dealing with concussion.
The RFL (Rugby Football League) have backed the guidelines, created by experts, clinicians, academics and sport’s governing bodies, urging the enforcements to be followed across all levels of Rugby League.
Anthony Collins, club-chairman, senior and youth team coach at Moldgreen Amateur Rugby League Football Club says that the protocols are long awaited.
“It’s something that has been needed for a long time, you know its something that we have tried to put in place already at the club, but we need guidance because at grassroots level there isn’t that medical training that you get higher up and it’s hard for us to tell how serious a concussion injury is.”
“If it’s a cut or a bruise can see it easily so it’s good to have those guidelines in place so we know what to do if there is a suspected concussion and we can keep everyone safe which is the most important thing.”
While Collins and all of Moldgreen ARFLC are in favour of the guidelines and believes it is good for the grassroots game he feels other clubs won’t be as welcoming to the guidelines.
“Some clubs prioritise wining and being competitive over anything and over player safety so I don’t think they will like being told they have to rest their best player but in our point of view is a welcome thing because we all have a responsibility as coaches and club officials, to make sure our sport is enjoyable and safe for everyone.”
The new rules will mean players with any ‘red flag’ symptoms such as loss of consciousness, amnesia or difficulty speaking will mean players must be urgently assessed at the side of the pitch by a medic or taken to an accident and emergency unit.
Players with suspected concussion are also told to not be alone, drink alcohol or drive a car 24 hours after injury. Advice is also to limit time spent staring at screens due to it lengthening recovery time.
-Daniel Allerton