Concussion Risks in Amateur Sports: New Study Shows Surprising Benefits

In recent years, concussion risks in sports, especially for amateur and youth players, have been at the forefront of health discussions. With measures like the FA’s ban on heading for under-12s and new rules in rugby aimed at reducing contact, many have questioned the safety of these sports. However, a new study offers a different perspective, suggesting that the concussion risks in amateur sports may not be as severe as previously thought, and the overall benefits of sport participation may far outweigh the dangers.

Key Findings: Concussions and Cognitive Health

According to The Guardian, a major study that analysed over 15,000 participants aged between 50 and 90, challenges long-held beliefs about concussion risks. Conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter, UNSW Sydney, Oxford University, and Harvard, the findings suggest that concussions in amateur sport are not linked to long-term cognitive decline. In fact, those who had experienced sports-related concussions (SRCs) displayed better cognitive performance than those who had never suffered a concussion. These results, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, could reshape how we view concussion risks in amateur sports.

The study found that individuals with sports-related concussions exhibited 4.5 percentile points better working memory and 7.9% better reasoning capacity than those who reported no concussions. This challenges the assumption that concussion risks automatically lead to cognitive decline and suggests that the overall benefits of playing amateur sports could be protective.

Balancing Risks and Benefits

While this research offers reassurance about the concussion risks in amateur sports, it’s important to note that the findings do not apply to professional athletes, where the risks are higher. Professional sports involve more frequent and severe concussions, raising concerns about long-term brain health, including conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). However, in community sports, where the level of contact and injury severity is lower, the benefits—both physical and mental—outweigh the concussion risks, as long as appropriate safety measures are in place.

John Fairclough of Progressive Rugby welcomed the study, stating that it supports the belief that amateur contact sports, when managed carefully, are relatively safe. He stressed the importance of education, risk mitigation, and concussion protocols to further reduce concussion risks in community games.

Caution for Youth Sports

Despite the positive findings about adults in amateur sports, experts remain cautious when it comes to children and concussion risks. Developing brains are more vulnerable to injury, and while this study provides encouraging news for adult participants, the debate around the safety of contact sports for children continues. Fairclough emphasised the need for further research to understand the impact of concussion risks on juveniles during key developmental stages.

Safety First: Education and Protocols

While the study’s findings are encouraging, experts like Luke Griggs, CEO of the brain injury charity Headway, advise caution. Griggs warned against assuming that participation in sport can eliminate the effects of concussions. He emphasised that concussion risks remain a serious issue and that the right balance of education, safety protocols, and monitoring is essential to minimise these risks.

With continued education and enforcement of safety measures, amateur sports can provide a safe and enriching environment. Concussion risks should not overshadow the mental, physical, and social benefits of sport, but should be addressed with the seriousness they deserve.

Minimising Risks, Maximising Benefits

This new research highlights the importance of understanding concussion risks in context. For amateur athletes, the risks appear to be outweighed by the long-term benefits of sport. As policies evolve to manage concussion risks—from the FA’s heading ban to improved concussion protocols—sports can become even safer.

Whereas concussion risks in professional sports remain a concern, at the amateur level, the benefits of participation far outweigh the dangers. By prioritising player safety through education, protective gear, and strict protocols, we can ensure that amateur sports remain a healthy, rewarding pursuit for players of all ages.