The issue of concussions incurred through sport, and its long-term effects, is increasingly on the mind of school administrators. Concussions can’t be eliminated but what policies can be implemented to manage head injuries once they occur?

Recently, we wrote about the management of head injuries in schools, and the challenge for schools in treating students with head injuries. Although this article primarily focuses on developments made by football administrators, it’s important to remember that all contact sports can cause concussion.

The recent appointment by the NRL of an independent doctor for the State of Origin series follows the introduction of new concussion guidelines and emphasises the increased importance sports administrators are placing on player welfare after head injuries occur.

The NRL, like other sporting organisations, is not always acknowledged for setting good standards of societal behaviour, but in the area of player welfare they are taking a position on concussion management which should be imitated by other sporting administrators and schools playing contact sport.

The need for improvement on how schools manage head injuries incurred through sport is a global  issue and the New York Times has reported on how St Michael’s College School in Toronto, Canada, has partnered with a local clinic to deliver a formal and clinically directed rehabilitation program.

The program consists of a harmonised approach to managing the recovery of the students. The school benefits from the latest research and practices of the clinic, which continues to research its methods.

In many ways, the management of head injuries is a new challenge for schools. Greater awareness of the long-term implications of sports injuries places a greater burden on schools to ensure that they are meeting their duty of care.  The sad occurrence of wrongful death cases in the US against the NFL in relation to deaths of ex-players suffering the side-effects of brain damage, which can be linked to repeated concussions, is possibly an indication of what is to come in Australia.

From a governance perspective, the challenge for schools is in ensuring that the practices, policies and procedures that are in place are documented, maintained and most importantly effectively implemented. For example does your school require coaches and medical staff to report suspected concussion injuries so as to ensure the appropriate long term treatment and care of students?

How well does your school manage head injuries?