Big Ten taking over concussion protocols

Submitted by dnak438 on

Big Ten announces it's taking over concussion protocol. Won't leave it to schools. Neutral athletic trainer will be at each event.

— Brian Hamilton (@BrianHamiltonSI) December 8, 2014

I think that this is a good move for player safety, as long as it is properly implemented. Of course each school will have its own medical staff present.

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tolmichfan

December 8th, 2014 at 1:10 PM ^

The refs need to be part of concussion protocols. I watch to much football and will even watch a MAC game from time to time. During the Toledo vs Northern Illinois game one of the three UT QBs suffered a concussion and it was the refs who escorted him off the field. They didn't leave it up to the player, or a coaching staff that is 30 yards away to determine if he was fit to play. After a big hit they have the ability to control the clock and are in a better position to judge the injury status of a player.

Joined: 11/26/2010

MGoPoints: 1433

lilpenny1316

December 8th, 2014 at 1:38 PM ^

For instance, will they send a B1G trainer on the road with the team to Utah?  And I assume that if Oregon State comes here and one of their guys get concussed, the B1G trainer will tend to him too.  Not sure legally how that would all be sorted out.  I would think that other conferences would appreciate the extra help, but I could see conspiracy theories if "our" trainer declares a starter from another other team to be concussed at a pivotal point of a game.

Joined: 11/19/2009

MGoPoints: 61787

PIJER

December 8th, 2014 at 2:08 PM ^

Then the conference trainer will have the ultimate say. They will have strict guidlines to follow. Protocol is already in place, this is to insure the safety of the athletes. I applaud this, and I believe that it will be inplemented by most conferences in the near future. 

Joined: 07/12/2009

MGoPoints: 1143

JeepinBen

December 8th, 2014 at 3:11 PM ^

I think it would help a lot to have someone in a reply-like booth to see hits to the head who can buzz this trainer and ask for players to be evaluated.

Joined: 01/22/2010

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