Scotland has become the "first country in the world to introduce standard guidelines for dealing with concussion in sport," according to the BBC. The guidelines were launched at Hampden Park in Glasgow by Peter
Robinson, "whose son died after a double concussion in a school rugby
match." The guidelines are "meant for people involved in sport at all levels." The guidelines have been drawn up by the Scottish government's chief
medical officer, leading medics and representatives from sportscotland and several of the country's sporting bodies. The guidance is "not sport-specific, but is intended for the general
public and grassroots participants across all sports, particularly where
medics may not be in attendance." Clear advice is given to "ensure that concussion can be recognised
quickly and managed effectively from the initial injury to a phased
return" to play using World Rugby's latest guidelines, with the
"overriding message that all concussions are serious and if in doubt, sit
them out." NHS
Greater Glasgow & Clyde consultant neuropathologist Dr. Willie Stewart said, "It is a significant achievement to
establish a single, shared set of guidelines for sports concussion
management across all Scottish grassroots and amateur sports" (BBC, 5/19).
