CONCUSSION MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY
- Concussion is a brain injury that needs to be taken seriously to protect the long term welfare of all players.
- Concussion can be caused by a direct or an indirect hit to the players head or body.
- Most concussion injuries occur without a loss of consciousness
- Any player suspected of having sustained a concussion should be removed immediately from the field and should not return to play on the same day.
- Where a Team Doctor is present, he/she must advise the person in charge of the team, ie Team Manager in this regard and the player must not be allowed to continue his/her participation in the game.
- Concussion is an evolving injury. It is important to monitor the player after the injury for progressive degeneration.
- Concussion diagnosis is a clinical judgement and the use of the SCAT 3 can aid the doctor in his/her diagnosis
- Players suspected of having concussion, must have adequate rest of a least 24 hours, possibly longer and then must follow a gradual return to play protocol
- Players must receive medical clearance (by a doctor) before returning to play.
For more information, see the below websites:
- Concussion Management GAA
- GAA Learning and Development Portal ( there is no requirement to be a GAA member to access this information)
- BSJ Concussion Protocol