LOL, it's an epidemic this week.

Don't Tread on Me
 

There is actually a case play dealing with a scenario where the ref sends the player off for concussion like symptoms and then a few minutes later said player reports at the table to enter game. The interp says we should let him in, assuming he has been properly cleared by team medical personnel as it is ultimately there responsibility to do so. (The previous statements paraphrase the material mentioned and are not intended to illicit pages of off topic banter about the "letter of the law" nor is it commentary on individual states application there of. They are simply provided for informational purposes.)

Does this case predate the recent change to the concussion rule?

Guidelines are not rules
 

The interp is from this current years casebook under 2.8.5 and basically says that if a player who was removed by an official for symptoms of concussion later reports to the scorers table to reenter that we should allow him in. It is the coach's/team's responsibility to obtain medical clearance and we shall assume they have done so without the need to verify it. Of course, all of this is moot if your state has stricter rules.

The rules (2-8-5 & 3-3-8) say we have the authority to remove the player until cleared but say nothing about how the player should be cleared. No authority to refuse the player entry is mentioned. Appendix B does go into great detail about concussion orocedures but these are guidelines, not rules, and seem to me to be directed more at coaches/schools than us.

By the way, in Texas, the UIL mandates that schools follow guidelines that are identical to these.

In the game where I had a player removed, there was no trainer on site. So I informed game management of my ruling, and had the coach tried to re-insert his player into the game, I would have had the book annotated that the HC was responsible for medical clearance.

Sounds reasonable even if not required. Any coach who tried that would be foolish since not only would he be risking further damage to his player, he could also face huge liabilities, probably void any professional insurance he has to cover himself if he gets sued, and has just violated school policies in most school districts as well as violated the law in states like Texas.

A trainer or other medical staff (EMT, Dr.) is required at every upper level game in TX and a lot of schools are using the new pre & post baseline testing that is done now. Not to bad for a state once known for all day practices in 110° weather with no water breaks. Oh, and "don't forget to take your salt pills, boys!"

I would consider it even before the falling back down. If I had a clear look at the elbow to the chin and the way Hibbert dropped to the floor, that would be enough for me. Of course in my state, the NFHS rules apply so the player could be cleared by a trainer and return. No downside to being extra cautious. Inform the coach and if the player returns, assume that they have been evaluated and cleared.

To be fair Hibbert falls down all the time, often for no reason. It's his modus operandi.

Sorry, my question wasn't clear. I was wondering if this was a case that is held over from previous seasons.