Concussions are a present risk in football, a sport with high physical demands. This article will address how to prevent concussions, detect them in time, and apply the appropriate medical protocols to ensure player safety. Knowing the best practices is essential for coaches, players, and sports health professionals, contributing to a safer environment on the field.
FSI Training · @fsitraining_
October 21, 2025
5 minutes
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Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves within the skull due to a blow or violent shaking. In football, this type of injury is common due to the physical nature of the sport, where players are exposed to collisions, falls, and contact with other players.
Although some concussions may be mild, it is essential to recognize their symptoms quickly and follow the appropriate protocols to avoid serious long-term complications.
In football, concussions often occur due to falls, collisions between players, or impacts with the ball, especially when using the head to strike it. Head-to-head collisions with other players or the ground are the main causes, which is why the high intensity of aerial duels increases the risk of this injury.
Symptoms of a concussion can include dizziness, memory loss, headache, nausea, or confusion. On the field, it is essential to conduct a quick assessment to identify these signs. If a player shows any suspicious symptoms, they should be removed from the game and evaluated by a medical professional for an appropriate and safe diagnosis.
The implementation of international medical protocols is key to ensuring player safety. These protocols provide clear guidelines for managing concussions, ensuring that football players receive proper care and preventing them from returning to the game too soon.
The SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) is the most widely used protocol worldwide for the immediate evaluation of concussions in football and other contact sports. This medical tool allows for a quick assessment of the player’s cognitive and physical state after sustaining a head impact or a hard fall.
Through memory, balance, coordination, and symptom tests, professionals can determine if there is a sports-related brain injury and decide whether the player should be removed from the match.
The application of the SCAT5 helps prevent diagnostic errors and ensures that no player returns to the field without a complete medical evaluation, following international safety standards.
FIFA has an official protocol for managing concussions in football, aimed at protecting the neurological health of players. This procedure stipulates that, in the event of any head trauma or brief loss of consciousness, the player must be immediately examined by a specialized doctor.
The protocol includes a mandatory observation period and a progressive process for reintegration into training and competition, known as Return to Play (RTP).
Additionally, FIFA promotes awareness campaigns to ensure that clubs, referees, and coaching staff identify the signs of sports-related brain injuries and act according to the recommended medical protocols.
In this way, the player’s safety is always prioritized over the sporting result.
The IFAB (International Football Association Board) protocol introduced a pioneering measure in football regulations: permanent substitutions for concussion.
This rule allows a player who has suffered a potential head injury or concussion to be replaced without counting against the team’s usual substitution limit.
Its goal is to ensure the affected player receives medical attention without competitive pressure, preventing them from returning to the field under unsafe conditions.
Thanks to this protocol, clubs can respond more efficiently to a mild head injury, strengthening the culture of prevention and safety in football.
Rule 3 of the Laws of the Game outlines the official procedure for concussion substitutions. According to this rule, any player showing signs of a brain injury or loss of consciousness must leave the field to receive immediate medical evaluation.
The substitute enters permanently, and the opposing team is entitled to an additional substitution to maintain competitive balance. This approach aims to eliminate the old practice of continuing to play after a blow, promoting the safety and neurological well-being of football players.
The proper application of this rule not only protects athletes but also sends a clear message: the player’s health takes priority over the outcome of the match.
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The concussion substitution in football allows a player who has suffered a head injury or concussion symptoms to be replaced without counting as a regular substitution. This rule was implemented to ensure that footballers receive the necessary medical attention without competitive pressure, always prioritizing the player’s safety.
A sports medicine course provides specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries. Students learn about the physiological needs of athletes, recovery protocols, and how to handle emergencies in the sports field, all with a practical approach and case-based learning to apply in disciplines such as football, basketball, or athletics.
Sports medicine is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries related to physical activity and sports. Additionally, professionals in this field work on improving athletes’ physical performance, advising on nutrition, rehabilitation, and physical conditions to prevent injuries, thus ensuring a quick and safe recovery.
Sports medicine is a medical specialty focused on the health care of athletes. It is responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity, as well as improving sports performance. Additionally, sports doctors provide advice on nutrition, recovery, and physical conditioning, helping athletes maintain their best physical state and recover quickly after an injury.
To become a sports doctor, it is necessary to complete a medical degree followed by a specialization in Sports Medicine. During this training, aspiring doctors study topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology, prevention and treatment of sports injuries, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Additionally, it is essential to gain practical experience in treating athletes and understanding the specific needs of each sport to provide comprehensive and personalized care.
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