There has been a call made for the establishment of a government task force to tackle concussion in sport.
The Oireachtas Health Committee made the recommendation for sporting organisations, schools and medics to get involved in developing a strategy to deal with head injuries in sport.
Its chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD, told Lunchtime it is time for a “collaborative campaign” between all the bodies and participants involved in sport.
It's also suggesting that state funding for organisations should be linked to the completion of concussion training for referees, medical professionals and coaches.
“Sporting bodies have been very proactive in changing attitudes and the culture around concussion and around head injuries,” Buttimer told Jonathan Healy on Lunchtime.
“We have a way to go but we have seen an increase of the age group between 14 and 18 years of age – 41pc - of people reporting head injuries in the last two years.
“What this highlights is that there is awareness being created by the sporting bodies.”
The Fine Gael TD for South Cork added: “There has been an evolution around in the thinking and the attitude around head injuries and concussion.
“What we’re saying is that there must be a uniformity of approach
“The GAA have a 13-page protocol on how clubs deal with their concussion. The IRFU have engaged with 2,000 people in 54 roadshows with 900 people attending courses on it.
“It is important that we have a sustained, national, collaborative campaign with coaches, referee players parents and officials.”
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland) have welcomed the report. Speaking at its launch today, their CEO, Barbara O’Connell, said: “Concussion is finally recognised as a brain injury which needs specific care and rehabilitation to ensure a player if fully fit before returning to play after a knock to the head.
“This report is the first step towards uniformed return to play guidelines across all sports bodies which will put player welfare at the centre of all decisions made.
“An increase in concussion awareness and education is still needed across all sports bodies at all levels to ensure a real change will be made in relation to effective concussion management and player safety.”
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