What are NFL Concussion Protocols, Why Under Scrutiny?

The NFL’s Concussion Protocols are currently under increased scrutiny as a result of Tua Tagovailoa’s injury versus the Bengals.
On Thursday, the whole NFL community watched in horror as Tua Tagovailoa lay on the ground with his fingers flying around after being sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou.

After Tagovailoa was carried off the field, backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continued the game, but many felt it was risky of the Dolphins to use him and that he shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Four days previously, linebacker Matt Milano of the Buffalo Bills had a blunt contact with Tagovailoa. Despite his head slamming to the ground, the Dolphins reported that Tagovailoa had a back injury.

Nevertheless, Tagovailoa played against the Bengals, and the results were disastrous. What are the NFL concussion laws and how was Tagovailoa let to play again? The NFL Players Association has initiated an investigation into how the Dolphins handled the incident.

How A Concussion Is Defined By The NFL

A concussion caused by sport is described by the National Football League as “a traumatic brain injury created by biomechanical forces.”

According to the league, concussions can be brought on by direct blows to the head, face, neck, or any other part of the body that transmits force to the head.

Any loss of consciousness, convulsions, delayed movement, problems with motor or balance coordination, a vacant expression, holding the head, bewilderment, forgetfulness, or obvious facial injuries are all telltale indicators of a concussion.

NFL develops Concussion Protocols

The NFL Concussion Protocols is the first line of defence on game days, and the National Football League has established regulations to manage head injuries.

The policy attempts to diagnose and handle concussions in the NFL more rapidly.

Spotters are tasked with keeping an eye on the players on the field throughout each game. They signal a timeout if they observe a head collision. The athlete is led off the field to undergo testing and evaluation.

The NFL game officials, the player’s teammate, the team trainer, the coach, or the physician are among the individuals who can start the protocol in addition to the spotters.

The player will be taken to the medical tent, locker room, or hospital if there are indications of a concussion for further examination.

5-Step Procedure For Returning To Participation

The player must go through five steps after being sidelined before being allowed to return to the field.

Rest and minimizing activities that could exacerbate or exacerbate symptoms are the initial steps. The athlete might practice balance and flexibility. The patient might be allowed to move on to the next stage if he doesn’t show any symptoms of a concussion.

The beginning of a progressive aerobic exercise program is part of phase two. He needs to demonstrate that he can work out his heart without his symptoms getting worse.

The participant will engage in exercises that start to resemble football-specific activities in phase three. Also possible for him is supervised strength training.

The patient may take part in club-based, non-contact training drills during the fourth phase. They consist of running, catching, and throwing.

Participating in a complete football practice with full contact is the fifth and final phase. The player must then get the club doctor’s approval after properly practising.

After that, the Independent Neurological Consultant must evaluate him. He will be qualified to participate in the following game if cleared.

 

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