FIFA, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a concussion awareness campaign, 'Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk'.
'Suspect and Protect' highlights the risks of concussion and provides educational resources for everyone involved at all levels of football.
Project leaders say knowing the signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion and how to protect players could help make the game safer for everyone.
The campaign, supported by FIFA Member Associations, aims to raise awareness of the fact that concussion is a traumatic brain injury and is a risk for all players on the pitch. Supported by players, coaches, and team doctors around the world.
Developed through extensive consultation with brain health experts from FIFA Medical and WHO, the Suspect and Protect campaign aims to increase awareness of signs and symptoms among players, coaches and medical staff, as well as the general public. That's what I mean.
The campaign highlights that symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear and provides guidance on how to safely return to play after a suspected or confirmed concussion.
These customized resources are designed to empower national team officials, professional clubs and leagues, and grassroots and amateur communities.
Checking for concussion…No game is worth the risk, the campaign message says. Photo: Dave MacKay/Phototek.
Suspect and Protect will be delivered at a global level across FIFA channels, and the toolkit will be distributed to 211 FIFA member associations for delivery at national, regional and local levels.
“Concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Playing football should be safe and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“Knowing the signs of a concussion, being aware of the risks, and treating concussions correctly will help us prioritize player safety.
“We would like to express our huge gratitude to FIFA member associations for launching with us and following the advice provided by our colleagues at the World Health Organization.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said: “Concussions are a public health issue of concern at all levels of football and many other sports, and require higher levels of awareness and action.” said.
“That is why WHO is proud to collaborate with FIFA on the Suspect and Protection campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of young and old soccer players around the world from the risk of concussion.”
The campaign is built around three key action points for audiences within national teams, professional clubs and leagues, and amateur and grassroots communities.
Please note: Whether you are a player, coach, team doctor, parent or caregiver, it is important to understand that concussions are traumatic brain injuries and should always be taken seriously. Everyone should know the common signs of a concussion and when to seek emergency medical advice.
Suspect: Anyone who has sustained a direct or indirect impact to the head, face, neck, or body should be examined for symptoms of a concussion. Symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear. These include headaches or “pressure” sensations, nausea or vomiting, problems with balance, dizziness or unsteady footing, distorted, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and memory loss (due to traumatic events). Difficulty remembering events and/or). (or events surrounding), sleep problems that make you feel drowsy, confused, or unable to concentrate.
Protection: Anyone with one or more concussion symptoms should leave the pitch immediately. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible within 24 hours. Concussion symptoms can change or evolve within minutes, hours, days, or even weeks after the traumatic event. Some symptoms may require emergency medical attention. Athletes must follow medical guidance when returning to play. No match is worth the risk.
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This article was first published on October 31, 2024.
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