Majority of parents think not enough done to protect children from dangers of concussion
Headway, the brain injury services and support organisation, has teamed up with Ireland’s leading GAA, soccer and rugby player unions to launch Concussion Aware, a campaign in association with laya healthcare and supported by Life Style Sports.
70% of parents think schools and clubs lack adequate protocols when it comes to dealing with concussion in sports, a survey* commissioned by Headway and laya healthcare and conducted by Amárach Research revealed, with a further two thirds of parents saying the risk of injury influences what sports they allow their children to play.
#ConcussionAware, backed by Ireland’s top sports stars, is calling for schools and clubs nationwide to ensure adequate procedures are in place to deal with concussion injuries and is based on the simple message: “If in doubt, sit it out.”
Today, Seamus Coleman, Ireland soccer captain; Johnny Cooper, Dublin footballer; Luke Fitzgerald, former Leinster Rugby player and Kate Keaney, Donegal GAA Ladies footballer issued a nationwide plea to coaches nationwide and athletes of all ages to mind their heads and to remember, ‘If in doubt, sit it out’.
Elite Performance Laces from Headway to promote concussion awareness only £3!! @lifestylesports #headway #ConcussionAware #ifindoubtsititout pic.twitter.com/BX5gJxXphI
— Jordan Hanna (@JordanHanna98) October 18, 2016
The campaign is also being supported by Noelle Healy, Dublin Ladies Football captain; Isa Nacewa, Leinster Rugby and All-Black legend; Aidan O’Shea, Mayo GAA; Sean Gannon, Dundalk FC; Deirdre Murphy, Dublin Ladies full-back; and Seamus Callanan, Tipperary hurler.
Speaking at the launch, Kieran Loughran, CEO of Headway commented: “It’s evident that there is still a huge lack of awareness amongst the general public when it comes to concussion. 1 in 2 of those surveyed as part of our research admit they would not recognise the signs of concussion – this needs to be addressed.
“We are asking that schools and clubs nationwide become #concussionaware and put proper measures in place to deal with concussion. Parents need to know that their children are safe playing these sports. Clubs and schools can go to concussionaware.ie, get informed and download their concussion aware poster to signal to parents that they support this vital initiative. We’re particularly concerned about the lack of knowledge about Second Impact Syndrome, only 1 in 10 people knew what this is.”
Second Impact Syndrome occurs as a result of a second concussion received after an initial concussion has not been given time to heal. The consequences can be catastrophic.
As part of the campaign, the players are calling on athletes of all levels nationwide to follow their lead and show their support of Concussion Aware by wearing uniquely designed elite performance bootlaces, which have been created especially for the campaign and will be on sale in LifeStyle stores nationwide and online. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Headway and to raising further awareness of the dangers of concussion.
“It comes down to knowing the signs of concussion and looking after your teammates and yourself,” Ireland international Seamus Coleman said. “If a player is concussed, they may be in a confused state so will be relying on their teammates and coach to recognise that something isn’t right.
“If there is a shadow of a doubt, it’s so vital that they come off the field of play and sit it out. It might sound dramatic but you really could end up saving a player’s sports career, we’ve all seen some of our heroes having to retire early due to the impact of concussion.”
For further information and for the full survey results, visit www.concussionaware.ie and check out the campaign on Headway Ireland’s Facebook where you can download your personalised Concussion Aware frame to show your support.
