Concussion Protocols Changed - NFL and NFLPA agree

October 31, 2022, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The link between repetitive concussions and brain damage and ultimately, CTE has now been well established in the sport of football. Following yet another issue on the field last munch involving a player allowed to play concussed the NFL and their players’ association the NFLPA have reached an agreement to modify the concussion protocols in the league.

This step is important given that the amateur leagues rely on the signals they get from the pros about how to prevent and handle injury.

The Tua Protocol

The Tua Rule has already resulted in the removal of several players from the game. The protocol now means that there are independent certified athletic trainers also watching the games and looking for players who demonstrate ataxia – gross motoe instability.

Why the Protocol was Changed

Tua Tagovailoa hit his back and head on the field in a game. There was ample evidence that he was showing signs of ataxia as he stumbled away from where he was laying on the ground. He sat out for a while but was then allowed to return to the game after halftime in a move that was roundly criticized.

The team initially claimed that Tua had reinjured his back, but close examination of the video footage along with the fact that he had poor to no recall of the event led to the review of the protocol.

“Tagovailoa later said he didn't remember anything following the hit: only brief memories of his ambulance ride to the hospital.

"After I got tackled, I don't remember much from there," Tagovailoa said. "Getting carted off, I don't remember that. But I do remember things that were going on when I was in the ambulance and then when I arrived at the hospital."

Results

One can hope that further obvious concussions will not be missed in the league. Next steps include concussion prevention and treatment.

If you have been injured in an accident and suffered a serious concussion please contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers today. At Deutschmann de Koning Law we are committed to your future.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.