jump ball

[Adam]

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.

[Nevadaref]

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.

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.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

I have to wonder about the game official's role in upholding the words in red.[/COLOR]

Well, since it's lot located in Rule 2 (and not even anywhere in 1 through 10 (inclusive)), I'd have to say that we, unfortunately, don't have much justification in doing so.

That said, if you say the kid was unconscious, no one can challenge that judgement.

[Nevadaref]

Mr. Lawyer for the plaintiff: Mr. Dexter, are you saying that you noticed a problem with little Joey and that you suspected that he might be suffering from a concussion, but that you allowed him to continue to play anyway? Shouldn't you have had him removed from the game?

Originally Posted by Mark Dexter

Well, since it's not located in Rule 2 (and not even anywhere in 1 through 10 (inclusive)), I'd have to say that we, unfortunately, don't have much justification in doing so.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Mr. Lawyer for the plaintiff: Mr. Dexter, are you saying that you noticed a problem with little Joey and that you suspected that he might be suffering from a concussion, but that you allowed him to continue to play anyway? Shouldn't you have had him removed from the game?

Well, Mr. Lawyerman, can you show me where in the list of official's duties it states that this was the officials' responsibility?

[Nevadaref]

Given that concussions were a POE last season, but that nothing appears in the rules this year, as the two of you have noted, I have previously stated that I am seeking clarification from my state office on that matter.

I'll let you know what I learn.

[Ref in PA]

If I suspect a player to be injured (a concussion in this case), I will blow my whistle and stop play. I will beckon the coach and send him off. I will convey my suspicions to the coach, explaining why I think there is something wrong with the player (erratic behavior, stumbling, etc.). If the coach wants to sub the kid back in there is not much I can do about it.

"Mr. Lawyer, I did send the kid off and conveyed to the HC my suspicions, but the coach made the decision the kid was ok and sent him back in."