Ger Ryan: GAA now in greater place with concussion awareness

The GAA are satisfied there is greater awareness of concussion protocols amongst managers and players.

Two days ago, The Sunday Times revealed the findings of a NUI Galway study in which one out of four players between the ages of 13 and 25 admitted they continued to play or train while concussed.

The study, which was published in the International Journal of Adolescent Mental Health, was completed between June and August 2013 and the conclusions were based on the responses of a sample of 80 players.

The evaluation indicated “participants lack a complete understanding of concussion, as common misconceptions about concussion prevailed”. However, it added: “Analyses revealed participants generally have safe attitudes towards concussion and concussion management.”

It was also discovered males were significantly more likely to play while concussed than females – 40.9% compared to 17.2%.The GAA’s medical, scientific and welfare committee chairman Ger Ryan said the Association’s efforts to make players and managers aware of concussion have increased since the study took place.

“An awful lot of education about concussion has been done in the meantime. We are helping with further research, providing Lindsay Sullivan in NUI Galway, an author of the study, with assistance in access to GAA clubs and encouraging them to co-operate with her. You could say the study highlighted a certain need for education, which has been followed up on. The GAA have identified the need for concussion education and we’re continuing to do so through various methods.

“We have an online training course, we have done briefing sessions in the provinces for inter-county management and backroom teams. At this stage, we have also issued posters to all clubs and have spoken about concussion at the coaching conference and GAA Youth Congress. We’re also working with the coaching and development department to develop coaches’ awareness of concussion.”

The GAA adopt an “if in doubt, take them out” policy on concussion, preferring no chances are taken in allowing a player who has taken a knock to the head to return to play. The committee declined recommending a concussion sub as they already believe GAA doctors are applying international best practice by permanently removing players they suspect of having concussion. Last month, Mayo acknowledged Lee Keegan should not have been allowed to return to the field having clashed heads with Eoin Cadogan, who was immediately replaced.