Concussion in sport — the facts

Sir — The article headlined ‘Concussion from rugby could kill a youngster’ (Sunday Independent, January 29) discussed second impact syndrome and its dangers.

The IRFU were not contacted in relation to this article and did not have the opportunity to discuss our on-going education and awareness initiatives, which include mandatory concussion education for coaches involved in junior and senior schools cup competitions.

These initiatives have ensured that awareness of the issue of concussion has never been higher in our sport.

Articles, or statements made by any organisation involved in head injury education, which isolate the concussion issue to one sport, intentionally or otherwise, are sensationalist, misleading and dangerous and could create a false sense that concussion is not a serious issue for other sports.

Concussion occurs in all contact sports, in school yards and back gardens and anywhere a person might knock their head — and everyone must take concussion and double impact syndrome seriously.

Serious injury is rare in sport, and whilst it is important that potential risks are highlighted, articles such as this, which offer no context, run the risk of pushing parents and children away from sport, with the unintended consequence of exposing children to far more prevalent health issues, such as obesity. Physical inactivity is recognised as a significant cause of illness and death worldwide — sport and active lifestyles are solutions to these threats, and should be encouraged.

Parents and children playing any sport should be educated on concussion awareness, and can find further information at www. irishrugby.ie/concussion.

Stephen McNamara, Director of Communications,

Irish Rugby Football Union