ECB Guidance : Concussion

The ECB has issued guidance on the recognition and management of concussion. Detailed guidance and the most current information is available on the ECB website at https://www.ecb.co.uk/concussion-in-cricket 

The following is an excerpt from these pages, and the factsheets for parents, players, coaches and umpires.

All concussion needs to be taken seriously and anyone suspected of a concussion/ head injury will require a formal medical assessment.

If there are any concerns, they should be removed from the field of play and cleared medically before they can return.

The player who is concussed is often not ‘knocked out’ but merely might seem slightly off-kilter, it can therefore be difficult to recognise a concussion. In these situations an umpire should seek medical advice/instruction. Similarly a coach should not expect a player to return to play unless he has been given the all-clear.

Once a concussion is diagnosed, the brain takes time to recover, just like any other injury. It needs rest and then it will take six days for a graded return. This means they will not play any subsequent part in the game.

The player will need to undergo a graded return to play.

1.  Umpires who are concerned should call the physio out on the field even if the player suggests they are ok

2.  If the player sustains a concussion or has a suspected concussion this can require 15 minutes to asses. Thus, if they are the last batsman, the innings will end