Expert Lawyers Praise New Rules As A ‘Crucial’ Step Forward

Head injury experts at Irwin Mitchell have praised new guidelines from the FA on how to deal with concussions but have warned that these must be enforced and monitored at all levels and not just in the professional game.

The ‘If in doubt, sit them out’ guidelines provide clear information on symptoms, diagnoses and how quickly a player should return after suffering from concussion.

The guidelines state that an adult should sit out at least a week and only return when signed off by a doctor, and under-18s should rest for at least two weeks.

Leading sports law experts at Irwin Mitchell have called for clear and detailed instruction on concussions to be issued for every sport and at all levels.

Earlier this year, the FA's head of performance services, Dave Reddin, admitted that football had been slow to respond to concerns about the long-term effect of head injuries.

In the 2014 World Cup final Germany’s Christoph Kramer was allowed to play on despite suffering a concussion in front of a global audience of millions.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech recently revealed that despite wearing headgear for protection after a previous injury that "even with the helmet, I've been concussed twice."

In May the FA’s new expert panel, who worked on these guidelines, reviewed a decision by Chelsea to allow midfielder Oscar to play on after a heavy bang to the head but no punishment was handed out.

The US Soccer Federation have now banned headers for their under-10s and limited the amount of heading players aged between 11 and 13 can do in training.

Sports injury expert and specialist lawyer Ian Christian believes this is a huge step in the right direction but only if it is enforced properly.  

Expert Opinion

“The new guidelines from the FA are very welcome and finally provide clear guidance on dealing with concussion which is in keeping with what we have been requesting.

“There was much attention on how concussions would be managed during the Rugby World Cup and whilst there is still a long way to go World Rugby has drafted and enforced policies which have led to a cultural shift in the attitude towards concussion. It is important that the FA continue with their progress in confronting concussion which clearly remains a serious issue.

“Too often we have seen players who have suffered a serious head injury continue to play on. This is dangerous and could easily lead to a serious injury for the player or an opponent.

“The long term consequences remain under investigation but there must be a better understanding of problems arising later in life.

“These new guidelines go some way towards immediate concussion management but the FA must commit the time and money needed to ensure these rules are being applied up and down the country.

“Professional clubs must set the right example to grassroots players and take absolutely no risks with any of their players. Regardless of the level of the game, if someone has suffered concussion they must rest and ensure they’re completely recovered before competing again.

“There has been an undoubted sea change in the attitude towards management and treatment of concussion across many sports. However, it is imperative that the work currently being undertaken in researching the long term impacts of concussion assists the governing bodies in preserving the sports that are enjoyed by so many and in doing so the players are protected from long term injuries.” Ian Christian - Partner