Premier League Requests Trial of Temporary Concussion Substitutes to Enhance Player Safety

The Premier League has written to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to request permission for a trial of temporary concussion substitutes. The league's chief football officer, Tony Scholes, has penned a letter outlining their proposal and expressing their readiness to implement the trial.

Proposed Protocol

The Premier League has prepared its own draft protocol for the trial, which aims to expedite the process if permission is granted. Under this protocol, players who suffer a suspected concussion would be required to leave the field for a 10-minute period to undergo a more thorough assessment.

If the player passes the assessment within this time frame, they would be allowed to return to the pitch. This approach mirrors the head injury assessment process used in rugby union.

Support for the Trial

The Premier League has highlighted the positive impact of the trial of permanent concussion substitutes and expressed their willingness to explore the temporary option. They argue that this trial would significantly benefit player welfare and the sport as a whole.

The Premier League's request is supported by scientific publications, including the latest consensus statement from the Concussion In Sport Group (CISG). Additionally, the league has collaborated with the World Leagues Forum, FIFPro, and the PFA, who have also sent letters expressing similar sentiments to IFAB.

Conclusion

The Premier League's request to stage a trial of temporary concussion substitutes demonstrates their commitment to player safety and their proactive approach to addressing head injuries in football. By implementing this trial, the league aims to further enhance player welfare and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve concussion protocols in the sport.