1. As defined by the CDC, a concussion is a type of Traumatic Brain Injury
caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the
brain normally functions. Concussions can also occur from a blow to
the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a
“ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow
to the head can be serious business.

2. Signs and Syptoms
 By an observer – appears dazed or stunned, is confused
about assignment or position, forgets instruction, is unsure
of the game score or opponent, moves clumsily, answers
questions slowly, loses consciousness even briefly, shows
mood behavior or personality changes, or the inability to
recall events prior to or after the impact.
 By the athlete – headache or pressure in the head, nausea
or vomiting, balance problems or dizziness, double or
blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, concentration or
memory problems, confusion, or quick mood changes.

3. Some Science behind the Impact
 http://youtu.be/fFkWTGKNLT8

4. In the NFL in 2010
 167 Total
 12 Players to IR
 Concussions per Team
 0 = Tampa Bay
 1 = San Diego
 2 = Houston, Buffalo
 3 = Miami, Jets, Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver
 4 = San Francisco, Kansas City, Giants
 5 = Tennessee, New England, Jacksonville, Green Bay
 6 = Indianapolis, Arizona, Washington, New Orleans
 7 = Dallas, Pittsburgh
 8 = Baltimore, Seattle, Minnesota, Detroit, Oakland, Philadelphia, Cleveland, St. Louis
 10 = Carolina
 Concussions by “general” Position
 QB = 11
 RB = 12
 TE = 15
 WR = 28
 OL = 15
 Offense = 81 (48.5%)
 DL = 17
 LB = 25
 DB = 44
 Defense = 86 (51.5%)

5. Where concussions come from.
 http://youtu.be/FSHqMrKL7GE
 http://youtu.be/XQfAXlDH4K4
 http://youtu.be/JRvBqwHJo8Q

6. Concussion Cases in the NFL
 One fraud and negligence lawsuit filed in Philadelphia
accuses the NFL of publishing nonscientific papers written
by biased members of its medical committee, while
denouncing valid research. The plaintiffs include former
Eagles Ron Solt, who suffers from substantial memory loss,
and Rich Miano who is asymptomatic but seeks medical
monitoring.
 At least eight similar lawsuits have been filed in New York,
New Jersey, Georgia and Florida. Two-time Super Bowl
champion Jim McMahon and more than 100 other players
have signed on, citing symptoms that range from
occasional memory problems to depression to degenerative
brain disease.

7. Play it safe
 With a game like football there is a level of danger and
violent impacts that cannot be avoided or the game
would lose its integrity. What we as the future of the
Sports Management world can do, however, is acquire
the knowledge to realize when one of these TBIs has
occurred and effectively treat them so the athletes can
recover properly and continue with their careers.

8. Don’t be a crash dummy.
 In addition to the health concerns, many ethical issues
are involved with concussions. Responsibility for and
solutions to these issues should be taken seriously by
all those involved with athletes at the professional,
collegiate, and youth level.

9. It is on our shoulders…Use your
head.
 As Sport Managers we need to make sure that the
education about concussions is out there for everyone
to know and utilize; all the way from parents to
coaches, and the players themselves. Consequences
need to exist for individuals that knowingly put players
back in the game who are exhibiting symptoms, or are
suspected to have suffered a concussion.