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Current practices in determining return to play following head injury in professional football
  1. Jo Price
  1. Centre for Sport & Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK

Abstract

Objective To investigate the awareness of English football team doctors of the ‘Consensus in Sport’ guidelines for the assessment and management of concussion. And to identify whether teams are following these recommendations and adhering to best practice.

Method A questionnaire was sent to Club Medical Officers of all the 92 English Football league teams.

Results The majority (55.6%) of teams in the English FA do not routinely follow the CIS guidelines. One third are still using outdated fixed periods of abstinence following a concussion.

Conclusions FA players are not being treated at standards recommended by International sporting organisations. The endorsement of the CIS guidelines by the FA would ensure that all medical teams have a sound and safe protocol for managing concussed players and making return to play decisions.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2010.081554.7

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