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I have been refereeing basketball for 6 years. So far I have not witnessed any serious injury or illness on the court (or in the stands for that matter). No one in the gym knows that I am a physician except for my partner because it usually comes up in discussion before the game. I would certainly have absolutely no problem intervening in a serious situation. For routine matters I let the school staff deal with the issue (coach or trainer).
As far as me being the one to authorize a player to return to the game after appearing to be unconscious: NO WAY! I would have to be slightly off my rocker to get involved in a decision like that in that situation. I believe that the rule was meant to lead to a delay so that there would be almost no way for the unconscious player to get back in the game.
In addition, when I treat an athlete in any sport who lost consciousness, I always order a CAT scan and then, if its negative, send him home. The kid always wants a note to return to playing competitively. I always refuse and tell them they should not play again for at least 10 days. I also insist that the player be seen by a neurologist before they can return to compete.
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