Government Guidelines for Concussion in Recreation Sport
The following is an extract from Hertfordshire Cricket News (hertscricket.org), giving guidance for concussion injuries in grassroots sports. The full article can be read using the link below:
The Government and the Sport and Recreation Alliance has today (28 April 2023) published the first
UK-wide Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport which
will help players, coaches, parents, schools, National Governing Bodies
and sports administrators to identify, manage and prevent the issue. The guidelines, developed by an expert panel of domestic and
international clinicians and academics in neurology and sports medicine,
sets out steps to improve understanding and awareness of the prevention
and treatment of concussion in grassroots sport where
trained medical professionals are less likely to be routinely present.
It is targeted at people of all ages.
The guidelines, developed by an expert panel of domestic and
international clinicians and academics in neurology and sports medicine,
sets out steps to improve understanding and awareness of the prevention
and treatment of concussion in grassroots sport where
trained medical professionals are less likely to be routinely present.
It is targeted at people of all ages.
'If in doubt, sit them out' is the strapline, making clear no-one should return to sport within 24 hours of a suspected concussion
and builds on guidance already introduced in Scotland.
Players, parents, coaches, teachers and administrators are now asked to
read the guidance and familiarise themselves with the necessary steps
to:
- RECOGNISE the signs of concussion;
- REMOVE anyone suspected of being concussed immediately and;
- RETURN safely to daily activity, education/work and, ultimately, sport.
The guidelines include a recommendation to call NHS 111 within 24 hours
of a potential concussion, to rest and sleep as much as needed for the
first 24 to 48 hours and avoid using devices which involve screen time. In addition, a graduated return to activity such as work, education and
sport is advised to reduce the risks of slow recovery, further brain
injury and longer-term problems. Individuals should be assessed by an
appropriate healthcare professional if symptoms
persist for more than four weeks.
In addition, a graduated return to activity such as work, education and
sport is advised to reduce the risks of slow recovery, further brain
injury and longer-term problems. Individuals should be assessed by an
appropriate healthcare professional if symptoms
persist for more than four weeks.
ECB Chief Medical
Officer, Prof. Nick Peirce MBE said: "The ECB welcomes the guidelines
and the robust process undertaken to produce them. In conjunction with
the other leading sports and National Governing
Bodies, the ECB will look to implement these guidelines across
grassroots and recreational cricket.
"Professional cricket, and those supported by appropriate medical care, can follow the ECB Concussion Guidelines 2018, which will be updated following the Amsterdam consensus later this year.
"The key points
for cricket in these new guidelines relate to the increased timescale
now recommended for graded return, the importance of asymptomatic gentle
exercise early on and careful resumption of education
as well as return to sport.
"Whilst cricket
does not have the likelihood of further concussion seen in some
activities, it is important that when they do occur that there is
sufficient recovery time before the risk of a further event.
Thus, following a suspected concussion, a graded return will be asked
to extend to 21 days, as a minimum, before returning to full competition
and unrestricted training."
