The year 2010 has been named the “Year of the Concussion” by some as widespread attention was focused on the long term physiological effects of athletes who have sustained multiple concussions (including permanent brain damage and death from second impact syndrome). As the physical evidence mounted, even the NFL could no longer ignore its implications.
Goodell Backs New Concussion Standards for NFL
The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, sent a memo to all NFL teams informing them of new protocols for the management of concussion (NFL Toughens Stance on Head Injuries, Los Angeles Times, December 3, 2009). New standards were subsequently put into place including the removal of any athlete with concussion symptoms from the game, an evaluation of the athlete from an independent neurologist prior to return to play, and tightening the punishment for athletes that initiate helmet-to-helmet hits.
In the world of sports, it is not uncommon to have well thought-out written protocols sitting in a notebook on a shelf in the corner recesses of some administrator’s office. It is refreshing to see the NFL actually following the new standards for reducing the incidence of concussion as well as the management of concussion.
Sports administrators and sports medicine professionals are watching closely to see how well the NFL teams follow the new protocols. The NFL is an important role model for not just the football organizations, but for all sports organizations.
According to Farmer, S. (NFL Delivers a Hit of its Own, September 20, 2011), the NFL stated that “it reserved the right to suspend flagrant hitters who were repeat offenders”. Robinson was fined $25,000 last year for a hit on DeSean Jackson (Eagles). This recent offense garnered the increased fine of $40,000 along with a strong letter from the NFL’s Vice President of Football Operations.
Illegal Helmet-to-Helmet Hits can Lead to Suspension
In a letter to Robinson from Merton Hanks, NFL VP of Football Operations, Robinson was warned that “future offenses will result in an escalation of fines up to and including suspension” (Farmer, S., September 20, 2011). While Robinson contends that his hit on the Philadelphia Eagles receiver was not illegal, others disagree.
According to a statement from Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, the problem was the way that Robinson used the top of his helmet (Farmer, S., September 20, 2011). The fundamentals of tackling include using the shoulders upon impact with the athlete’s eyes on the target. If these mechanics are followed, it would be impossible to lead with the top of the helmet.
The hope is that the message of reducing concussions and properly managing concussions is being handed down to all levels of sports including university, college, high school, and recreational organizations. Those who compete in football understand the risks of the game. However, sports organizations can do a lot to decrease the risk and protect the brains of those who compete.
References
Farmer, S. (September 20, 2011). NFL Delivers a Hit of Its Own. Los Angeles Times: Los Angeles, California.
Newswire. (December 3, 2009). NFL Toughens Stance on Head Injuries. Los Angeles Times: Los Angeles, California.
Suite101.com, “NFL Recommends New Concussion Guidelines”, (December 3, 2009).
Terry Zeigler - Educating through writing with over twenty-five years of experience as a Kinesiology Professor and Certified Athletic Trainer.
Join the Conversation