The GAA, LGFA, GPA and the Camogie Association have combined to roll out a concussion baseline testing programme to all inter-county players with the goal of rapidly diagnosing and treating concussions in players, which was launched yesterday with UPMC,
Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said, “A considerable effort has been made in the area of education and awareness among players and coaches in relation to concussion and it requires constant vigilance.
“This latest development between leading experts in UPMC and the Gaelic Games Associations is not only welcome but vital to ensure best practice is being followed. Although this is a programme that focuses initially on inter-county players our intention is to see the benefits of the programme made available to clubs and to every player at every level as soon as possible.”
Mícheál Naughton, President of LGFA added, “The short and long-term impacts of concussion have come into sharp focus in more recent times and to be in a position to assist our players on such a wide-scale basis is a huge step forward.
“We are delighted to join forces with our colleagues in the GAA, the Camogie Association, the Gaelic Players Association and UPMC to roll-out the concussion baseline testing programme. I am sure that this programme will be of huge benefit to a number of our players, and, from a health and safety perspective, this is a vital intervention piece.”
CEO of the GPA Tom Parsons said, “This is an extremely important step in terms of looking after the physical welfare of players on the training pitch and the field of play. Being able to diagnose and better manage the return to play protocols provides players with a greater standard of care with head injuries.”
