Concussion in Gaelic Games - RECOGNISE AND REMOVE!
Concussion in Gaelic Games - RECOGNISE AND REMOVE!
CONCUSSION AWARENESS VIDEO <<< CLICK TO VIEW
2024 GAA Concussion Guidance Document (for Screen Use) <<< CLICK to read
Gaelic games are contact sports. While collisions occur, they are not the primary focus of our games. The GAA has been at the forefront of concussion awareness and education since the publication of the Association’s first statement on concussion in 2007. The latest update of the Concussion Management Guidelines took place in Q4 2024 and is based on the most recent medical evidence and international best practice. The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association continue to take the issue of concussion extremely seriously, and this is reflected in the cross-Association approach to educational resources and initiatives available to our players, parents, match officials, coaches, and administrators. [ full document in Link above ]
WHAT IS CONCUSSION ?
- Concussion is a brain injury which results in a disturbance of brain function and can be caused by direct or indirect contact to the player’s head or body. It needs to be taken seriously to protect the short and long-term health and welfare of all players.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION ?
- There are many symptoms of concussion, common ones being – headache, dizziness, memory disturbance or balance problems. Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of concussions and is not a requirement in diagnosing a concussion.
- It should be noted that the symptoms of concussion can present at any time but typically become evident in the first 24-48 hours following a head injury
IF A PLAYER HAS HAD SEVERAL CONCUSSIONS WHAT SHOULD THEY DO ?
- Athletes with a history of two or more concussions within the past year are at greater risk of further brain injury and slower recovery and should seek medical attention from practitioners experienced in concussion management before returning to play.
IS CONCUSSION ONLY A GAA ISSUE ?
- Concussion is an issue that affects all sports and it is important that everyone involved in Gaelic Games recognises the symptoms of concussion and removes from playing or training any player with clear or suspected symptoms.
WHAT IS THE KEY MESSAGE WHEN YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS SUFFERED A CONCUSSION ?
- The key message is - Recognise & Remove. Recognise the symptoms of concussion and permanently remove a player displaying any of those symptoms from the game or training session.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON CONCUSSION ?
- Below you will be able to access a suite of resources, some targeted at medical personnel and others at those without medical training, which should be utilised by everyone involved in Gaelic Games - players, parents/guardians, coaches, administrators, referees and medics to ensure the welfare of all players at all levels of our games.
UPMC Concussion Network
The GAA have worked with UPMC over the past number of years, providing education and training to medical professionals involved in the GAA. They now have appointed number of clinical leads operating in Ireland for specialist treatment for those with prolonged symptoms. A GP/Hospital can refer players by contacting the Network via the details below.
The UPMC Concussion Network is revolutionising how concussion is approached in Ireland through education and the development of pathways to viable, standardised concussion testing and treatment. The UPMC Concussion Network Care Pathway is outlined below:
Document
If the injury occurred during a GAA training or practice match, and the other terms of the GAA Injury Benefit fund are met, costs for such consultations other than related physiotherapy treatment, can be claimed via the Injury Benefit Fund - https://learning.gaa.ie/node/281085
Further information on UPMC Concussion Network Services can be accessed here - https://upmc.ie/services/concussion
UPMC Concussion Network - Complete Concussion Care
Complete Concussion Care by UPMC Network Specialists includes:
• A clinical examination to understand the injury and medical history
• VOMS (vestibular/ocular motor screening) to assess balance, movement, and vision
• Neurocognitive ImPACT® testing to evaluate brain function after the injury
• Neurovestibular exam to evaluate processing speed, memory, and reaction time
• Personalised care plan, tailored rehabilitation plans with our trained physiotherapy teams
This targeted assessment and active treatment approach offers patients a scientific, evidence-based plan for recovery. It also provides safe pathways for a return to learning, work and play.
Everyone involved at any level of Gaelic Games is encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated 2024 guidance document
Concussion Guidelines & Resources for Non-Medically Trained Personnel
The Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool™ (Pocket CRT), developed by the Concussion Consensus Group, acts as a reminder of the signs and symptoms of concussion. If any of the signs or symptoms listed in the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool are identified and/or the player fails to answer correctly the five awareness questions in the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool, then the player MUST be removed from the field of play for a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Fellow players, coaches, match officials, team managers, administrators or parents who observe an injured player displaying any of the signs in the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool after an injury event with the potential to cause a head injury or concussion MUST do their best to ensure that the player is removed from the field of play in a safe manner.
The Concussion Recognition Tool
Bantry Blues
Founded 1887