UK introduces new concussion guidelines

Competitors in Britain will temporarily lose their race license if diagnosed with concussion, as part of new safety framework devised by the British motosports governing body the Motor Sports Association.

It was revealed last year that the MSA was evaluating a concussion directive, with the Motor Sports Council, Safety Advisory Panel and Medical Advisory Panel working closely with specialists from the Rugby Football Union to assess the need for new rules governing treatment of the injury.

It has now issued a new set of guidelines that restrict competition and activity for any drivers showing symptoms of concussion, including confusion, amnesia, headache and dizziness, after an accident.

The new rules state that any competitor diagnosed with concussion must not compete further in the meeting/event and that his/her license be suspended and retained by the Clerk of the Course before being returned to the MSA's Medical Department.

From there, competitors will have to obtain formal medical clearance from their GP before their license will be returned and they can compete again. The typical period of recovery is stated as between two to three weeks. If a driver suffers a repeat concussion within three months, they will need specialist referral to regain their license.

An MSA statement said: "Concussive injury can be serious, especially if repeated within a short period or in the younger age group. For this reason the MSA has introduced this policy restricting activity following this type of injury."

The MSA has made the framework mandatory for this season onwards, but professional championships may take extra steps to protect drivers suffering from concussion at their own discretion.

Originally on Autosport.com