GAA increase concussion services for inter-county players

Baseline concussion testing will be provided to Gaelic games players in all codes across Ireland, and these players will also be covered for concussion physician specialist treatment.

This is the key element of a new concussion testing and treatment service for inter-county GAA players launched today.

The rollout will be delivered using the ImPACT concussion testing model.

That is evidence-based, neurocognitive assessment software co-developed by UPMC concussion specialists.

ImPACT, which stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing, is an objective tool to support trained clinicians in making return-to-activity decisions following concussions.

The GAA, LGFA, GPA and The Camogie Association have all joined forces with UPMC to roll out programme to all inter-county stars.

The aim is to rapidly diagnose and treat concussions in players across the 32 counties.

The initiative will cover football, hurling and camogie and players will participate equally across all codes.

GAA president Larry McCarthy said: "A considerable effort has been made in the area of education and awareness among players and coaches in relation to concussion and it requires constant vigilance.

"This latest development between leading experts in UPMC and the Gaelic Games Associations is not only welcome but vital to ensure best practice is being followed.

"Although this is a programme that focuses initially on inter-county players our intention is to see the benefits of the programme made available to clubs and to every player at every level as soon as possible."