A European-wide football concussion charter has been launched, stepping up efforts to safeguard players and urging the education of those involved in the game around the dangers of impacts to the head.
UEFA has launched its concussion charter, which will apply to all teams taking part in men’s and women’s club and national team competitions across Europe.
The charter aims to reinforce the importance of good practice in concussion management and highlights the concussion procedures that should be followed.
It also promotes the education of players, coaches and staff about the concussion procedures in force at UEFA games. Team doctors are being asked to organise specific education sessions to brief players, coaches and staff about the concussion procedure to be followed at UEFA matches.
Furthermore, its 55 member associations are ‘strongly encouraged’ to deploy where possible, a medical video review system at their stadiums to enable immediate and informed injury assessments.
UEFA will facilitate the installation of the system with the host broadcaster. Home teams using a medical review system should offer the visiting team the same system.
Club and national teams are being urged to sign the charter to underline their commitment to safeguarding the health of their players.
In doing so, the signatories pledge their full support for UEFA’s guidance on how to recognise and manage a head injury from the time of injury through to the safe return to football.
“Everyone should know how to react and what to do,” said Tim Meyer, UEFA Medical Committee chairman.
“Concussion is undoubtedly a serious injury which needs to be managed and treated properly.
“The health and safety of any players taking part in Europe’s club and national team competitions is of paramount importance not only to UEFA, but also to national associations across the continent.
“Although research studies report a low incidence in football, everyone should know how to react and what to do in the event of a concussion on the pitch.
“By signing this charter, clubs and national teams will demonstrate their support for UEFA’s concussion awareness activities – and take a considerable step forward in helping to protect their players.”
The measure is the latest stage in efforts to safeguard players, following steps including UEFA’s implementation of a keynote concussion awareness campaign in 2019 and the Premier League becoming the first competitive league in the world to introduce concussion substitutes.
UEFA’s head injury procedure is:
• In the event of a suspected concussion, the referee will stop the game to allow the injured player to be assessed by the team doctor. Players should remain calm during the situation and not interfere with the assessment.
• The assessment should in principle not take more than three minutes, unless a serious incident requires the player to be treated on the field of play or immobilised on the field for immediate transfer to hospital.
• If the assessment cannot be made after the three minutes and/or a suspicion for a concussion arises, the player should not be allowed to continue playing.
• A player suffering a head injury that requires assessment for a potential concussion will only be allowed to continue playing after the assessment, on specific confirmation by the team doctor to the referee of the players fitness to do so.
The decision remains entirely with the team doctor. Coaches, referees and players are not allowed to interfere in the assessment and decision of the doctor.
