Brain Injury Charity: It is puzzling that football has not yet introduced a temporary substitution rule for concussions

November 11: The football world is ignoring its own warning signs about the need for temporary concussion substitutions after a horrific incident where two players' heads violently collided during Bournemouth's game against Aston Villa.

Bournemouth's Adam Smith and Tyler Adams collided at high speed early in the game, but only one of them was substituted. Smith was substituted while Adams continued and played the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 defeat to Villa.

While permanent concussion substitutions are now a fixture in football, the International Football Association Board of Governors has resisted introducing the option of temporary substitutions, whereby players could leave the field and undergo a more thorough examination in the privacy of the dressing room. The idea is to allow a substitute player to temporarily replace a concussion victim until the injured player is deemed fully fit to return to the field.

Luke Griggs, chief executive of Headway UK, told the Daily Mail: "This incident, which occurred between two team-mates, reminds us how easily brain injuries can occur on the football field and we wish Adam Smith a speedy recovery from concussion."

"It is clear from the reaction of players and fans that they recognize this." The head collision was potentially serious. But while the cautious approach to subbing Adam was encouraging, many fans still questioned the decision to keep his teammate Adams on the field. "

"The incident once again highlighted the challenges faced by medical staff in conducting concussion assessments immediately, such as having to do so on the field. The intense pressure and scrutiny surrounding a diagnosis, especially given the evolving nature of traumatic brain injury, makes this task extremely difficult."

"The problem is exacerbated by the football community's inexplicable refusal to introduce temporary concussion substitutions to improve the situation."

"Temporary concussion substitutions are not only in the best interests of the players, but also in the best interests of medical staff. It provides players with more time in a better environment to assess potential brain injuries, and also reassures teammates and fans that the player's well-being is paramount."

The Premier League was one of the football organizations that had previously expressed disappointment that the International Football Association Council did not approve the trial of temporary concussion substitutions after the 2023 annual meeting. The Premier League stated at the time that the matter should be promoted as early as possible for the sake of player welfare.