Sunday, November 4, 2012

Late to the party?

Sport’s experts meet at FIFA to discuss concussion

Top international sports experts representing the IOC, FIFA and several other international sports federations met at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 1 and 2 November 2012 for the Fourth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport. The objective of the two-day event was to discuss and find a consensus on the best way to manage and prevent cases of concussion in sport.

Professor Jiri Dvorak, FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer said: “What we are expecting is to develop very practical, simple, easy to use tools that could be applied for coaches, for the paramedical personnel on the sidelines and in grassroots, where there is little medical attention. So we’re trying to develop simple educational materials for all involved in football and disseminate them through FIFA development programmes. With such powerful partners like FIFA, the IIHF, the IRB, the Equestrian Federation and the IOC we can make a big impact. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Joy Online.

Kicking Back Comments: I am a little surprised FIFA is so late to the party here. The NFL has been aggressive in its campaign about concussions (after being sued). Other sports have followed in step in the US.

So much so that I was required to pass a concussion safety training course, and provide evidence of same before I was allowed to coach this year. The course is on-line, provided by the CDC, and can be found here.

While largely common sense, it is worth referees to take a look to at least be familiar.

Looks like FIFA's work is done ... just take a cue form the US guys.

2 comments:

  1. Peter, USSF is on top of this. Has been provided thus same training to referees working MLS, Dev. Acad., etc.. I was impressed at the knowledge base they bring to the table. Even though this training it's not required in most state associations, I suspect it soon will be. I have seen a split reaction to this as a requirement, since no one wants to take ownership if they have to be responsible. Safety, is our watch word as referees so it shouldn't be a big issue address for us but large organizations do tend to delay decisions if they don't have to act.

    A little sad FIFA, etc., couldn't take the lead on this with all their Drs. but I do think they have been working behind scenes to address this with studies with health organizations.

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  2. Good points Anon.

    I agree US Soccer and their affiliates are on this too. I would not have been required to take such a test if not.

    Agree as well that FIFA has delayed in being vocal on the topic. I am unsure how much background work they have done (I believe there is some) but like you, I had hoped they would have been more vocal as the world leader in the sport.

    Thanks for reading!
    PK

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