News

In March of this year, the DCMS Committee announced an inquiry to consider links between sport and long-term brain injury, the implications for youth sport, funding for further scientific research, and the role of national governing bodies and major sporting organisations. Submissions were invited and further evidence and testimony was obtained through four oral evidence sessions. The final report, ‘Concussion in Sport’, was published today.

Commenting on the report, PJA Chief Executive Paul Struthers, who appeared before the Committee at one of those oral evidence sessions, said:

“We very much welcome the DCMS inquiry and the recommendations that have been published in their ‘Concussion in Sport’ report today.

“Their recommendations to establish a UK-wide minimum standard definition for concussion that all sports must use and adapt for their sport, a UK wide minimum standard protocol for concussion, a national framework for the reporting of sporting injuries and a single research fund that will co-ordinate and fund research are particularly important.

“We have been fortunate that racing has been ahead of the game in many ways, thanks to the work of the British Horseracing Authority and its predecessors, and especially racing’s former Chief Medical Adviser Dr Michael Turner and his successor Dr Jerry Hill.

“However it is vital that we continue to work closely with the BHA and Dr Hill to ensure racing’s protocols, support, education, advice and aftercare continue to be fit for purpose and serve to protect our members as much as possible. We also look forward to working with government, Professional Players Federation members and other stakeholders to ensure these recommendations are implemented.”