Revised Concussion Protocol Issued by National Football League

Clubs that do not follow National Football Leagues’ concussion protocol could face fines of up to $150,000 and the forfeiture of future draft selections.

To protect players from the dangers of repeated head injuries, the National Football League (NFL) is stepping up penalties on teams that fail to follow its concussion protocol.

The league and the NFL Players Association announced a new policy setting forth disciplinary action against a club should a member of its medical staff or other employee fail to follow the protocol -- which calls for players who might have suffered a concussion to be medically cleared before returning to the field.

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‘The National Football Leagues new policy sets forth disciplinary action against a club when a member of its medical staff or other employee fail to follow the Concussion Protocol.’

Clubs found in violation could face fines of up to $150,000 and the forfeiture of future draft selections.

The protocol came under scrutiny last season when the Rams were criticized for leaving quarterback Case Keenum in a game after a blow to the head left him obviously dazed.

The league and union said that under the new policy a representative of each would monitor the implementation of the protocol and investigate potential violations.

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The investigation will not reach medical conclusions but will only determine whether the protocol was followed.

Following the investigation, the NFL and NFLPA will review the findings to determine if a violation occurred and, if so, to recommend the proper disciplinary response.

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Source-AFP

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