Football Concussion Protocol and What To Do If Safety Protocols Fail

Connecticut youth leagues, high school and college football seasons are in full swing. For many that means grabbing a blanket, some hot chocolate and heading down to the field to cheer on their favorite team. For the athletes, a more looming risk is on the field: a concussion injury.

A concussion is caused by a jolt, bump or blow to the head that causes the brain to twist or bounce around in the skull. This type of injury causes stretching, damage and chemical changes in brain cells.

The National Football League instituted a concussion protocol in 2013 after several football players (in this case employees in worker’s compensation claims) were severely injured after concussion injuries. Most recently, the NFL’s concussion protocol failed Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

For high school athletes, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that was enacted July 1, 2014 with the following safety laws for child concussion injuries:

• • Any league or intramural coach that observes a student athlete with concussion symptoms after witnessing a blow to the head shall immediately remove that student from play for proper evaluation.

• • The student athlete must have written consent or approval from a qualified healthcare provider to return to play.

• • The student cannot participate in full practice or games until written clearance is granted by a healthcare provider who is following his/her case.
  • Any concussion injury must be reported to the State Board of Education.

If your child was involved in a sports head injury and you question whether proper concussion protocol was followed, call our office. Concussions are considered traumatic brain injuries. Our team of medical and legal professionals will begin an immediate investigation into your child’s injury.