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Originally Posted by Snaqwells
It's a good point. As I was writing the first post, though, I was thinking how truly unqualified we are to even think about concussions. Unconscious, that we can generally ascertain.
We aren't qualified, however, to determine whether a player has suffered a concussion. I don't think we should be given any authority at all on that issue, because authority generally comes with liability. It should fall on the coaches who have consistent contact with the kids as well as access to medical consultation.
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While I don't disagree with anything you've written, the other side of the argument would be that as adults and game officials we have a responsibility to look after the safety of the young players.
The concussion procedure which I previously mentioned on page 71 of the 2006-07 NFHS rules book contains:
ACTION PLAN
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
1. Remove athlete from play.
2. Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
3. Inform athlete's parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion.
4. Allow the athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional.
I have to wonder about the game official's role in upholding the words in red.