The Premier League has approved a trial of concussion substitutions which could be introduced in games very soon. If concussion is suspected, this will give clubs the power to make additional substitutions and contribute to better player well-being.
Once the final details regarding the implementation have been settled between FIFA and the international IFAB lawmakers, the trial can begin and each part of a match will be allowed to make a maximum of two concussion substitutions, regardless of the number of substitutions already made.
As it stands, players with a head injury or suspected concussion can force themselves to continue, exposing themselves to more serious injuries, if the only alternative is their team would be shorthanded. without them.
There is now a solution that will allow teams to at least immediately replace a player suspected of having suffered a concussion.
A Premier League statement explains: “Premier League shareholders officially agreed today to introduce the additional trial of permanent substitutes for concussions from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
“The trial will be confirmed when the implementation of the notification processes, including private medical information, has been resolved with IFAB and FIFA.
“With the well-being of the players being the top priority of the Premier League, the protocols will allow the use of a maximum of two concussion substitutes per team, with the opposing team being able to use the equivalent number.
“Additional concussion substitutions can be made regardless of how many substitutions a team has already made.
“The trial is the result of IFAB’s consultation with stakeholders and recommendations from their concussion expert panel to allow additional substitutions for players with an actual or suspected concussion.
As Premier League games arrive swiftly and swiftly in an increasingly crowded season, any measure to improve the safety, health and well-being of players cannot come soon enough.
For more than Jamie Spencer, follow it on Twitter and Facebook!
