Head Injuries on the field of play as a referee

During play

  • Once the Referee is aware of a head injury the game must come to a complete STOP, regardless of the location of the ball, but take note of where the ball was at the time.
  • If the game continues then it will be a drop ball to the team who was in control at the time.
  • It is important for all match officials to remember as referees we are not trained to give first aid or advice so the Trainer/First aider must be instructed on the pitch – we are there to keep players back from the situation. if you as the referee are medically trained personnel remember on the day you are the referee.
    A key point to remember. – before kick-off obtain the club(s) first aiders’ names.

Action:

  • If the player can be removed they must leave the field when safe to do so. ( they are not to stay on the pitch)
  • If the player is in need of emergency services then they must remain where they are the referee must signal for the first aider to enter the field of play, the referee will also decide at this point if the game is abandoned. When possible to do so, obtain the player’s name for your report to the league and times such as when the game was stopped.
  • Regarding any injuries that have caused the player to bleed they must leave the field of play – note! with the Referees permission otherwise this could lead to a caution, also it’s also good to remember that the Trainer/first aider must be invited on the pitch otherwise entering the field of play without the Referees permission is also an offense.

Reporting:

Any situation requiring a game to be abandoned the referee should submit a report to the league

Training:

There are plenty of places that offer first aid training including the FA, and probably your place of work. We suggest referees, players, in fact everyone volunteers if training is on offer as it will be valuable to you, your family and the community. https://thebootroom.thefa.com

Symptoms of concussion taken from Google:

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness or double or blurry vision
  • Bothered by light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
  • Confusion, or concentration or memory problems
  • Just not feeling right

You may not be medical, but if you remember this, and no one else does, you could save someone’s life. Make sure the club gets the player checked out and remind them that they shouldn’t let anyone suspected head injury drive home

25-Aug-2022: Mark Paris-Haines