Head And Brain Injuries In Sport Explained
By Christopher Hooper, Chartered Legal Executive
Whilst rugby fans and the wider sporting public will be eagerly awaiting the start of the Six Nations less than a month away, there has been a growing awareness of the dangers of brain injuries in sport, particularly concussions, due to their long-term effects on an athlete’s health.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is twisted or jolted inside the skull, often due to a blow to the head, a fall, or a violent impact.
While many concussions may be mild initially, repeated injuries can lead to severe consequences, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Conditions like CTE can result in mood swings, depression, memory loss, and cognitive impairment.
Governing bodies are increasingly taking preventative steps to reduce the risk of brain injuries in sport.
In rugby, players showing signs of concussion, or suspected concussion, must be removed from the field of play without returning.
A Head Injury Assessment (HIA) must be conducted off the field if the prognosis is unclear. HIAs were adopted into rugby at elite level in 2015.
Graduated Return To Play (GRTP) protocols have been introduced into various contact sports to monitor the recovery of athletes who have suffered a concussion.
The athlete must demonstrate a recovery from concussion symptoms at different stages over time in order to return to training and sporting competition.
Children are at greater risk of more severe consequences from brain injuries as their brains are still developing.
The Football Association (FA) introduced guidelines in 2020 stopping children aged 11 years or under from being taught to head footballs during training. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) have similar guidelines in place.
From the 2024/25 season, the FA are to phase out deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below following a successful two-year trial.
Research, education, and head impact studies are helping in the understanding of brain injuries and their long-term effects which should serve to assist in improving player welfare.
In recent years, legal action has been taken by former athletes, including high profile rugby and football players, alleging failings by governing bodies to adequately protect them from head injuries or warn them of the risks during their playing career.
At Howells, we specialise in personal injury and clinical negligence claims. Contact us to discuss your needs further.
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