Richmond calls for blue card system in sport to be considered as part of National Concussion Strategy

A blue card system for Irish sporting organisations could be a means of ensuring our sports bodies are protecting players who suffer suspected concussion, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Neale Richmond is carrying out initial research into strategies used internationally to protect players and promote awareness about the dangers of concussion in sport.

This paper will be submitted to Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Senator Richmond is calling on the Department to engage with Sport Ireland, medics and other stakeholders on the need for a National Concussion Strategy.

“One aspect that I believe should be considered as part of an overall concussion strategy is whether a blue card system would work in Ireland,” he said.

“Used by New Zealand rugby, this system sees a blue card administered by the referee to a player who is suspected of having a concussion. The player is then taken out of play and training until the required period of recovery has been completed.

“I play rugby at a local level and every match we play is recorded alongside our ID number. Any yellow or red cards administered are recorded to ensure players are not fielded illegally.

“As the systems are already in place the introduction of a blue card would be easy.

“If a club is found to field a player before the recovery period has passed they could be penalised or disciplined in line with guidelines set by the national governing body of that sport.

“Individual sporting bodies are now taking the dangers of concussion very seriously and they have demonstrated that they understand the need to ensure it is recognised and properly responded to.

“However, I have called for a national strategy to ensure that we have a cohesive, evidence-led approach to the issue to ensure that all sports, at all levels, are doing all they can to protect our players and athletes,” he added.