Katie Sheasby looks at claiming compensation for sports related head injury, focusing on the prevalence of CTE in football players. For a free review of your sports related head injury claim and details of No Win, No Fee funding, please contact our free helpline by phone or email.
Football, one of the most beloved sports globally, is not without its controversies and health concerns. In recent years, there has been growing evidence pointing towards a causal link between heading in football and the development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This neurological condition, often associated with repetitive head trauma, has raised questions about player safety and prompted football organisations, including the Football Association (FA), to reevaluate guidelines and protocols.
CTE is characterised by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioural symptoms that can manifest years after the initial trauma.
Heading, a fundamental skill in football, involves players striking the ball with their heads. The impact of a single header may seem minimal, but the cumulative effect of repetitive heading over a player’s career raises concerns about potential brain injury. Studies have shown that the force generated during a header can lead to structural changes in the brain, contributing to the development of CTE.
The FA has taken steps to address the issue. It has incorporated guidelines and protocols aimed at minimising the risks associated with headers. These guidelines extend across all levels of the game, from youth to professional football, with the main principle being ‘if in doubt, sit them out’.
The FA’s key guidelines include:
- Limiting header training: the FA has recommended limitations on the number and intensity of heading drills during training sessions, especially for younger players whose brains are still developing.
- Concussion protocols: the FA has reinforced existing concussion protocols and introduce strict guidelines for the assessment and management of head injuries during matches.
- Education and awareness: emphasising education and awareness programmes for players, coaches and parents to recognise the sign of head injuries and the potential risks associated with repetitive headers.
- Ball design and regulation: collaborating with ball manufacturers to explore designs that minimise the impact force during headers, promoting player safety without compromising the essence of the game.
Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in severe and life changing injuries and has opened the door for potential compensation claims from affected players and their families. Individuals who have suffered long-term consequences, such as cognitive impairment and behavioural changes, may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Our lawyers specialise in head injury compensation claims and have a thorough understanding of the complexities of claiming compensation for sports related head injury. We can guide you through the legal process, working on a No Win, No fee basis, offering expert advice, gathering evidence and navigating the intricacies of compensation claim law.