Governmental expert panel, including USW’s Professor Bailey, publishes first UK-wide concussion guidance

Damian Bailey, Professor of Physiology & Biochemistry and Royal Society Wolfson Research Fellow, was invited to sit on an expert panel looking to better protect grassroots players from the potentially devastating effects of head injuries and concussion.

The Government and the Sport and Recreation Alliance today 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. 

Professor Bailey said: “By exploring integrated physiological mechanisms, my team at the Neurovascular Research Laboratory has focused on the benefits of exercise for our brains, and the damage incurred through recurrent contact. These guidelines provide objective evidence-based recommendations that will help protect all our brains, across the spectrum of age and ability, so that we may live longer and healthier lives”. 

Stuart Andrew, Sports Minister, 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. 

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.”