Thoughts on this release.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

Response to Ohio's strict new rule on concussions.

Responsibility for recognizing concussions | OHSAA Football Officials

NFHS 3-5-10 has addressed this problem for many years, and covers concussions as well as any other "apparently injured player" situation. Game officials are NOT usually trained medical personnel, but we all should be responsible adults who recognize that the safety and health of participants in games we officiate is a primary focus.

Referring the player to the sideline for appropriate professional evaluation is a prudent protocol. Normally the player being sent back in to participate, after evaluation, is determined to be fit to play, and that conclusion is made by the appropriate sideline personnel, who it is reasonable to understand is also a, "responsible adults who recognize that the safety and health of participants in games we officiate is a primary focus".

However, in rare circumstances when the field officials remain uncomfortable with the player returning because of his behavior or actions, and there is concern that the player may still be, "an apparently injured player" they should simply reapply the instructions of NFHS 3-5-10 and refer the player back to the sideline for re-evaluation.