House of Commons · Ministerial Statement
02 May 2023 · 16 other contributors
Opened by Stuart Andrew Con Daventry
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Stuart Andrew raised concerns about uk concussion guidelines for grassroots sport in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Government Statement
The UK concussion guidelines for grassroots sport aim to enhance the safety of millions participating in sports, focusing on reducing head injury risks. These guidelines are a result of extensive work by medical experts and aim to ensure prompt and effective treatment. The minister emphasises the importance of the message 'If in doubt, sit them out' and acknowledges the need for further steps towards technological solutions and prevention strategies.
Question
Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you for granting this urgent question. Sport is indeed good for us but repeated concussions can lead to severe health issues. Delighted with the Government's guidelines but concerned about prevention measures, such as limiting heading in football and tackling in rugby for young players. Questions arise on multiple concussions, medical approval before return-to-play, and alignment with existing guidelines.
Minister reply
Congratulations to Chris Bryant on his work; acknowledges importance of prevention through dissemination via sports' national governing bodies and schools. Notes reliance on expert advice from senior medical professionals who have learned lessons from Scottish guidelines. Stresses the need for further steps towards continuous education and awareness-raising.
Question
Welcomes the introduction of guidelines but emphasises the importance of a continued education campaign to encourage children to take up sports despite concussion concerns.
Minister reply
Thanks Damian Green for his input, acknowledges the need for continuous education and awareness-raising. Reiterates government’s commitment towards raising activity levels among all age groups through an upcoming sports strategy.
Question
Congratulates the minister on the guidance regarding concussion in sport, but questions whether it is robust enough and asks about monitoring adoption of new guidelines.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of prevention and states that each national governing body will develop plans. Will monitor success and update guidelines based on research findings.
Question
Suggests that more needs to be done regarding preventative measures and aftercare for concussion.
Minister reply
Emphasises the seriousness of the issue, stating guidelines will be updated based on research findings from established groups.
Question
Asks whether governing bodies of elite sports are taking the concussion guidelines seriously and what measures are being taken to ensure they comply.
Minister reply
Suggests that the guidelines should be a baseline for all national governing bodies, who will also be expected to go beyond these recommendations.
Question
Requests more details on actions to ensure consistency of concussion protocols from amateur and grassroots levels up to elite level sports.
Minister reply
Announces the publication of guidelines as a serious commitment, stressing that elite sports also need to set an example.
Question
Welcomes changes but asks for updates on technological advancements in mitigating concussions in sport.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the work of research groups looking into such technologies and emphasises that safety is a priority.
Question
Inquires about the input of English rugby union authorities on setting guidelines for improvements to be implemented next season.
Minister reply
Welcomes the work done by Rugby Football Union and expresses interest in hearing how it develops during future meetings.
Question
Highlights the importance of linking 'concussion' with 'brain injury' to take the issue seriously, especially for gymnastics coaches.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the work being done by grassroots sports and emphasises further examination of brain injuries across Government.
Question
Welcomes guidelines and inquires about training for coaches and match officials to ensure swift identification and action on concussion.
Minister reply
Prioritises ensuring everyone has access to this information, understanding symptoms, and treating concussion appropriately.
Question
Asks about the assessment of rehabilitation beds availability for people with brain injuries post-concussion.
Minister reply
States that the issue will be raised in future meetings with Health and Social Care Department.
Question
I welcome the work being done in Scotland and across the UK. How does the Minister envisage disseminating guidance to match officials, referees and umpires at all age groups and levels?
Minister reply
We are working hard on dissemination through a summit with national governing bodies and will continue to monitor its effectiveness.
Question
Grassroots sports often lack medical professionals. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that coaches and others can identify and advise on concussion?
Minister reply
We have published guidelines for all involved parties, including players, referees, schools, parents, to help them understand and deal with concussion.
Question
Given the varying risks between sports, do sporting governing bodies need to regulate this independently, and should we review medical cover at events?
Minister reply
Each sport will have its own needs, so it is right that independent national governing bodies take guidance and build on it for safety.
Question
If a suspected concussion case leads to calling NHS 111, there could be long delays. Can the Minister assure discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care about this issue?
Minister reply
Absolutely, I will raise these issues as close working relationships with the Department of Health and Social Care are key.
Shadow Comment
Chris BryantThe shadow Minister welcomes the guidelines but expresses concerns about their limitations. He questions how to prevent brain injuries before they occur, suggests limiting activities such as heading in football and tackling in rugby for young players, and highlights issues with multiple concussions and lack of medical approval before return-to-play. He also raises concerns over elite sports' disregard for player health and the need for reliable statistics on brain injuries.