‘World class’ approach to jockeys’ concussion
RACING is to focus on education, regulation and research in a further update to how it manages head injuries after its concussion protocol underwent significant changes last year.
Dr Jerry Hill, chief medical adviser for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said British racing has been a pioneer on concussion management and is “determined” for it to remain that way.
“Racing is a high-risk sport for concussion and, quite simply, our approach to assessment, management and treatment must be no less than world class.”
The new initiatives were revealed on 12 July by the BHA along with the Racecourse Association, Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Professional Jockeys Association (PJA).
EDUCATION IS KEY
THE BHA has launched two education initiatives, aimed at raising awareness of the effects of concussion; how to recognise and manage head injuries; and the potential impact of continuing to compete with a concussion.
The first is a poster campaign, involving brain injury charity Headway and featuring top jockeys Richard Johnson, Lizzie Kelly and Martin Dwyer.
The other is to produce 1,000 pocket-sized head injury advice leaflets, which outline how to manage a safe return to race riding and contact details of support organisations.
IJF chief executive Lisa Hancock said that general awareness of the symptoms is “key” and the charity’s teams are “always available” for support.
The BHA has proposed to upgrade its trackside concussion assessment tool to the SCAT5 test, which was released in April.
It has also altered the way it carries out its “baseline” neurophysiological screening to make it more robust and more convenient for jockeys.
Under the old system this was done annually by a digital-only method. This will now happen every two years, using the more rigorous digital and pen and paper system.
“It is important that the screening for concussion is based on the latest advice,” said PJA chief executive Paul Struthers.
“While the changes to the baseline testing will make the test a little longer, it will save jockeys both time and expense when compared to the annual test.”