UEA professor welcomes new concussion guidance for grassroots sport
Players should now 'Sit Out' of playing any sport for 24 hours, if there's any suggestion that they might be concussed
Last updated 28th Apr 2023
A University of East Anglia professor has welcomed the Government's new concussion guidelines for grassroots sport.
It's now recommended that players should now 'Sit Out' of playing any sport for 24 hours, if there's any suggestion that they might be concussed.
During this time it's also advised that NHS 111 is called and the person with the suspected concussion rest for up to two days and avoid screens during this time.
Before they gradually return to work or school, as to reduce the risks of slow recovery, further brain injury and longer-term problems.
Those who suffer a concussion are to be told to stay away from all competitive action for 21 days.
It's as part of advice titled ‘if in doubt, sit them out’, which aims to help players, coaches and teachers recognise and effectively recover from this brain injury.
"The guidance was very different from one sport to another"
Dr Michael Grey from the UEA, specialises in brain injuries:
"We have been calling for this for some time. Previously all of this was handled by professional associations and therefore the guidance was very different from one sport to another".
"As soon as we move away from a professional club that doesn't have a medical professional on staff, it's much more difficult. So guidance is really helpful to help let people know the types of things they should be doing and the type of questions they should be asking their GP".
"Let's get the word out now and start training people"
"The big thing is let's get the word out now and start training people properly in what to do on the pitch when it comes to concussion. The guidelines are all about returning to play and school, let's start managing that properly".
"The current guidance relies heavily on an NHS that has people in it, that really understand these concussion guidelines. In this present moment in time I think it's fair to say that is not the case. There are many GPs that just don't have the specialist training in concussion".
"Research has shown the importance of fast and effective tailored treatment"
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:
“Sport keeps us healthy and active but it is not without risk and major injuries to the head can and do happen.
“Research has shown the importance of fast and effective tailored treatment and we are issuing expert guidance to help people spot and treat head injuries.
“Whether used in a local leisure centre during a swimming lesson or on a village green during a cricket match, the guidance will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
How has this all been put together?
The development of the guidelines has been led by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, Professor James Calder, chair of the expert drafting group, and Laurence Geller, the Government's Adviser on Concussion in Sport.
The creation of this is part of the Government’s Action Plan on Concussion, set out in 2021.