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C
oncussion.
It’s a word no one involved in the world
of sport could have avoided over the past few years.
From high-profile incidents in international matches to
a major Hollywood film, there’s no doubting awareness
of the dangers of head injuries has increased.
But exactly how much do we know about concussion? And
more to the point, how much do those playing grassroots
sport understand about the dangers of ignoring a concussion?
Not enough, according to brain injury charity Headway, which
has launched a new campaign to encourage amateur and
junior sports clubs to take an ‘If in doubt, sit it out!’ approach
to head injuries.
“For too long, the focus of the debate about concussion in
sport has been on the elite level, with media attention confined
to high-profile head injuries that are improperly treated,” said
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway.
“A great deal has been achieved in the past few years to
improve concussion protocols, with the emphasis being placed
on professional sport to set a good example for others to
follow.
“But we believe everyone who plays sport should be concussion
aware – particularly those at grassroots level who are playing
purely for the love of it and do not have ambulances and
doctors on standby should something go wrong.
“Too many concussions occur every weekend on sports fields
across the UK with amateur players risking their short and
long-term health by not understanding or appreciating the
dangers.”
#ConcussionAware
To address the issue, Headway has launched its Concussion
Aware campaign – aimed squarely at grassroots sports.
Clubs, universities, schools and colleges are being encouraged
to take advantage of a range of free information materials
about concussion on the campaign’s website at
www.concussionaware.org.uk, including factsheets, posters, a
digital awareness stamp for club websites, and signposting to
sport-specific concussion protocols.
They are also being encouraged to sign a pledge committing to
take a safety-first approach to head injuries.
“Sport plays a key role in keeping us fit and healthy,” said Peter.
“It’s part of our culture in the UK – and indeed for many other
countries across the world.
“This campaign is about ensuring people can continue to
enjoy playing sport with better safeguards in place to protect
participants.”
The campaign already has the backing of the FA, RFU and
WRU, in addition to former England Rugby Union captain Lewis
Moody.
“Concussion is something that everyone who plays sport – at
whatever level or intensity – should be aware of,” said Lewis.
“Don’t play on regardless – you could be putting yourself in
danger while also letting your teammates down.
“I urge everyone who plays sport to be concussion aware and
take a no-risk approach to head injuries.”
Sportscover, which has adopted Headway as its charity partner
for 2016, has also added its weight to the campaign.
Martin Crannis, Chief Executive of Sportscover Europe, said:
“We are delighted to support this campaign.
“Participation in sport is vital and, as an industry, we do not
want to put people off from playing. It is vital, however, that
more is done to ensure people are properly protected when
playing sport.
“We cannot eliminate all the risks and accidents do happen.
Insurance certainly has an important role to play, but we also
need better awareness and management of concussion at all
levels in order to prevent minor head injuries having more
serious consequences.
“Sportscover has a tradition of supporting charities with
a sporting connection. The work Headway is doing in this
important area makes the charity a perfect partner for us
#ConcussionAware?
ARE YOU
4 | Touchline issue 24 | September 2016
risk management