Today Rebecca Harris attended the launch of the Government’s Concussion in Sports Guidelines, which will help players, coaches, parents, schools, National Governing Bodies and sports administrators to identify, manage and prevent the issue. These newly published guidelines represent the first ever UK-wide guidance to help people identify and prevent concussion from affecting players in grassroots sport.
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.
Rebecca Harris commented:
“Sports are vital for the nation’s health and locally I know how important they are in developing a sense of community and friendship.
“These guidelines will help everyone who participates in grassroots sport in Castle Point, making sure they can continue to enjoy the sports they love whilst minimising the potential effects of concussion.”
To view the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport in full, please visit: https://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/policy/research-publications/concussion-guidelines.
