On April 24th, over 100 individuals, including researchers, athletes, clinicians, policymakers, teachers and industry partners gathered at Twickenham Stadium to discuss ways to reduce concussions in youth and community sports by 30% in the next six years. An ambitious targetUnder the leadership of academics from the Edinburgh-Bath International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University and the University of Calgary in Canada, and organised by the charity 'Love of The Game', the Network has set an ambitious target to reduce concussions in UK youth and community sports by 30% by 2030. This goal will be pursued through implementing new policies and training initiatives, and through equipment interventions.The second meetingAttendees at the meeting were treated to first-hand experiences shared by former and current athletes from various levels of sport, ranging from elite to community players. Speakers included former Ireland Rugby League international Bob Beswick, Bath student sport officer and rugby player Abbie Watkin, and Stuart Robinson, a Great Britain wheelchair rugby player.Throughout the event, clinicians and policymakers delved into the utilization of evidence in crafting policies and explored potential pathways for future concussion prevention efforts across a spectrum of sports, including rugby, ice hockey, basketball, para football, cricket, cycling and wheelchair rugby. The overarching aim is to foster the development of primary prevention strategies that can effectively reduce concussions in community and youth sports.As the Network has a specific emphasis on safeguarding young athletes a dedicated session addressed the importance of protecting youth participants. Insightful contributions were made by Kevin Morris, Assistant Headteacher at Beechen Cliff School in Bath, who praised the advancements made in knowledge and understanding over the past two decades, enabling coaches and educators to make informed decisions regarding training and athlete advice.Dr Stephanie Adams highlighted the implementation of SportScotland guidelines and the introduction of a new physical education teacher training curriculum in Scotland. She emphasised the crucial role of education in concussion prevention efforts, saying: “the ‘if in doubt sit them out’ guidelines are great, and we need to continue to work translating this in to action, this is key. Getting in early and educating the next generation of PE teachers can help provide a vital spring board in our concussion prevention efforts”.The conference concluded with Professor Carolyn Emery, internationally recognised injury epidemiologist and physiotherapist based at the University of Calgary, presenting concussion prevention education resources, stressing the significance of education in identifying and managing concussions.Dr Rod Hebden, CEO of Love of the Game, expressed his pride in supporting the Network: “Having brought the group together, we’re proud to be able to continue to support the Network, which is tackling such an important challenge. We’re dedicated to creating a future where everyone can enjoy all of the huge benefits which sports brings, without the fear of long-term impacts of concussion. This Network recognises that the best concussion is the one that never happens and has set clear targets for measuring and reducing the incidence of concussion across all sports in the UK, from grassroots to elite athletes. It’s a challenge we can only tackle if we work together, and this conference is an important step towards that”.‘Incredible insight’Dr Debbie Palmer, a sports injury prevention expert and Co-Director for the UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS) IOC Research Centre and co-lead for the UK Concussion Prevention Network at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the importance of broadening participation beyond academia.We wanted to get more voices in the room, other than just the academics. The focus on engaging key stakeholders from athletes, schools and governing bodies at this year’s conference provided the network with incredible insight into the real-world challenges and opportunities in the goal to reduce concussions in sport. Lessons from this conference will be incorporated into the Network’s future activities.Dr Debbie PalmerSenior Lecturer in Research MethodsRelated information:UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots SportIOCDr Debbie Palmer Publication date 07 May, 2024
