Most people, in and out of sport, are ignorant about concussion. It is changing in

some sports although many of the leagues are really only coming up with "solutions" which are essentially lip service while they actually try to work out how to reduce concussions without ruining their game (e.g. Rugby, American Football, football at youth level in the US).

As I have said before football really seems to be one of the worst culprits for denial of a concussion problem. I saw at least four occasions in the last World Cup where players played on whilst clearly concussed. A concussion is a brain injury.

I don't mean to sound as though I think I am an expert myself. I've done a couple of weekend courses on concussion and listened to every medical person I know who talks about it, but I think the important message they got over to me is that I am not a doctor. Any doubt whatsoever that somebody might have a concussion, get the medical staff involved and follow their advice, or just sit that individual on the bench. It should not be my call as a coach.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Jun 5, 12:02:51