Concussions, once downplayed in the NFL, have now taken center stage as player safety gains paramount importance. In today’s NFL, head injuries are treated with the utmost seriousness, with a structured protocol in place to ensure player well-being. Let’s delve into the NFL concussion protocol, understanding what it entails and how it impacts players.
Understanding the NFL Concussion Protocol
The NFL concussion protocol is a meticulously designed series of steps that players must follow to safely return to the game after suffering a concussion. It represents a crucial component of the league’s commitment to player safety.
Initiating the Protocol
The process begins when a player displays symptoms of a concussion, which could be identified by anyone, from a teammate to a medical professional. Once symptoms are observed, the player is immediately taken to the sideline for a comprehensive evaluation.
During this evaluation, the player is assessed for various “no-go” symptoms, including loss of consciousness, gross motor instability, confusion, amnesia, fencing response, and impact seizure. In light of ongoing research, ataxia, characterized by abnormal balance, motor coordination, or speech due to a neurological issue, has also been added to the list of concerns. If any of these symptoms are present, the player is prohibited from returning to the field.
Medical Examination and Monitoring
Players showing potential signs of a concussion are subject to a thorough examination by a team doctor, an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, or an athletic trainer. If these medical professionals suspect a concussion, the NFL concussion protocol is initiated. This protocol includes follow-up neurological exams and periodic evaluations conducted by the medical team. Importantly, players are not allowed to return to play during this evaluation process.
The Duration of the Protocol
The duration of the NFL concussion protocol varies depending on the severity of the concussion and the player’s progress through its various phases:
- Symptom Limited Activity: Initially, players are instructed to rest and limit any activity that could exacerbate their symptoms. Over time, supervised light aerobic exercises and stretching are introduced.
- Aerobic Exercise: Players begin cardio exercises while continuing supervised stretching and training. Balance testing also commences during this phase.
- Football-Specific Exercise: In this stage, players engage in position-specific football exercises for up to 30 minutes under supervision. They can increase their exercise intensity and workload. Neurocognitive and balance testing is also administered.
- Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills: Players reach the final phase, where they participate in non-contact training drills tailored to their positions, including throwing, catching, and running. Exercise intensity continues to increase, culminating in neurocognitive and balance testing.
