The Football Association of Ireland have announced significant updates to its player concussion protocol, reinforcing its commitment to player welfare across all levels of the game.

Following extensive consultation with medical professionals, player representatives and leading academics, a comprehensive six-stage process for managing concussion has been developed for both the professional and amateur game. 

These updated guidelines, meticulously reviewed and approved by the FAI’s Medical Committee and subsequently the FAI Board, align with the most recent International Consensus Statement on Concussion. The development process also included valuable input from FIFPRO and experienced medical staff from the League of Ireland.

FAI Medical Director, Dr Alan Byrne, emphasised that the new protocols are vital for enhancing the recognition of concussion symptoms and ensuring appropriate action is taken. To support the rollout of these new guidelines, Dr Byrne will host an informative webinar for amateur and professional football clubs across Ireland on Thursday, June 12th, at 6pm.

To sign-up for the webinar, click here: SIGN-UP

Speaking about the updated concussion protocol, Dr Byrne said: “Concussion is a traumatic brain injury, and it is absolutely essential that we all know how to recognise its signs and symptoms.

“We undertook a thorough review of our existing concussion guidelines, evaluating them against the latest International Consensus Statement on Concussion. This consensus is established every few years when world experts collaborate to compile a definitive document. We then adapt these global best practices to suit the specific needs of our sport.

“To achieve this, we formed a dedicated working group, comprising medical experts both from within and outside the FAI, to draft the updated protocol. Crucially, we then circulated this draft to key external stakeholders for their input.

This included the Head of Medicine at FIFPRO, leading academics in concussion research, League of Ireland doctors and physiotherapists, and importantly, a player who has experienced concussion firsthand. Following this comprehensive feedback process, the protocol was presented to the FAI Medical Committee for approval, and subsequently ratified by the FAI Board.

“Our objective now is to effectively disseminate this vital information, explain the new guidelines, answer any questions, and listen to the feedback from the very people these protocols are designed to protect – the players. Ultimately, this document is for every player, at every level of Irish football.

“The key message is clear: whether you are a coach, a parent, a player, a referee, or simply a spectator at a football match, it is imperative that you can recognise what concussion looks like and understand the importance of immediate and appropriate action.”