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The English FA have taken a strict outlook towards head injuries, and have constituted new rules regarding players who lose consciousness on the field next season. This measure has been taken as an attempt to limit head injuries, and to minimise the chances of concussion.
The new regulations state that a player who loses consciousness on the pitch will not be allowed to continue on the field, and will have to be substituted immediately. Another addition is that players who do not lose consciousness will have to undergo a touchline/ on-field examination before they are allowed to continue.
The very controversial Hugo Lloris incident last season, when the Frenchman forced the Tottenham physios to let him play despite getting knocked out after a collision with Romelu Lukaku prompted this change. Spurs were criticized very heavily for allowing him to continue.
Added emphasis due to World Cup incidents
The importance of avoiding head injuries was also highlighted by many incidents at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira lost consciousness after getting hit by Raheem Sterling’s knee, but was adamant to come back onto the field. He said that he felt like “lights going out” when he got injured. Similarly, Germany’s Christoph Kramer got concussed in the final of the World Cup, and continued for a brief while before having to be substituted. Nicola Rizzoli, the referee said after the match that “Shortly after the blow, Kramer came to me asking: ‘Ref, is this the final?’”
Quotes from the English FA
Dr Ian Beasley, chief medical officer with the English FA wants teams and players to appreciate the danger that a head injury could cause, and to be cautious of second impacts in such cases. He said, “Managers, players and clubs need to understand the risks associated with head injuries. We have worked closely with the stakeholders to develop these new guidelines and the message is clear for players; listen to medical advice and take no chances – stop playing and take your time to recover.”
He also declared that the FA will look to start work with FIFA on developing a new program regarding the same.
