Landmark UK-Wide Concussion Guidance Published

Participants in grassroots sports will be better protected from the potentially devastating effects of head injuries and concussion thanks to new official guidelines advising: ‘if in doubt, sit them out’. 

• First ever UK-wide concussion guidance published to help people identify, manage and prevent concussion affecting players in grassroots sport
• ‘If in doubt, sit them out’ becomes new call-to-action for all players, teachers, coaches, parents, schools and National Governing Bodies and sports administrators
• Guidance, developed by clinicians, academics and sports governing bodies, forms part of Government’s Action Plan on Concussion designed for all grassroots sport

The Government has 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.

‘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.

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.”

The move meets a commitment set out in the Government’s Action Plan on Concussion in 2021 to introduce a national approach to prevent concussion and brain injury in sport, and to do so through a combination of improved research and new technologies.

It follows increasing focus on the long-term negative health effects from brain injury and concussion sustained while playing sport. This is linked to advances in training, coaching, equipment and technology which have led to stronger, faster and better-trained players at all levels.

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 expert drafting group drew upon existing field research, with the aim of producing a consistent and preventative approach across all sports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It builds upon the world-leading work conducted in Scotland which was the first nation in the world to produce guidelines covering all types and levels of sport. Its guidance was updated in March 2021.

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government said: 

“These guidelines help players, referees, schools, parents and others balance the substantial health and social benefits and enjoyment from taking part in sport with minimising the rare but serious and potentially lifelong effects of concussion.”

Lisa Wainwright MBE, Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO said:

“Concussion is a serious issue and we must always strive to make sport as safe as possible for all those who take part at a grassroots level in clubs, schools and many other settings every week across the UK.

 

“The Sport and Recreation Alliance is pleased to have supported the development of these guidelines which will ensure there is a consistent, evidence-based approach to concussion in sport across all four home nations.”

 

“When it comes to concussion, the message is clear: if in doubt, sit them out.”

Sue Wilkinson MBE, afPE’s CEO said:

“We are delighted to be able to support the work of the UK concussion guidelines for non-elite (grassroots) sport. A key focus for us is the development of consistent preventative measures alongside educating participants, coaches, teachers and parents around causes and concussion protocols.

 

“With 600-700,000 related concussion sport injuries per year in grassroots sport, the Government is commended on bringing together experts to produce concussion guidelines. afPE believes that education is at the heart of changing practice to protect and support everyone involved in physical education, sport and physical activity and health and safety education is key to good practice.”

 

“afPE looks forward to working further with the working group to ensure that teachers and all staff in schools are part of the process in protecting children and young people in preventing and supporting those who experience or are uspected of having a concussion injury.”

 

“Please help us to promote the message ‘if in doubt sit them out’. Congratulations and thank you to all involved in the process and to afPE’s Health and Safety Team for their contribution. For the school workforce the afPE strap line remains, ‘teach safety, teach safely’. Our 2024 edition of the Safe Practice resource will ensure that all colleagues will receive consistent guidance to be able to plan and teach transformative PESSPA.”