GFF representatives attended a FIFA workshop on the “Suspect and Protect” campaign, which focuses on concussion awareness and safety in football. The initiative aims to educate players and staff about recognizing symptoms and ensuring proper response protocols. FIFA’s emphasis on player safety and the distribution of educational resources is integral for implementing effective concussion management at all levels of the sport in Guyana.
Representatives from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) participated in a FIFA-led virtual workshop focused on the “Suspect and Protect” campaign, a global initiative designed to enhance awareness surrounding concussion risks in football. This campaign, carried out in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to educate players and coaching staff on recognizing concussion symptoms and implementing proper management strategies, emphasizing the significance of player safety across all levels of the game.
The workshop included key attendees from GFF such as physiotherapists Jana Edghill and Joshua Sargent, along with medical experts including Dr. Sarah Benjamin, Dr. Nico Alstrom, and Project Manager Orin Nelson. They engaged with critical training materials and discussions provided by FIFA, which underscore the immediate need for recognition and response to concussion incidents in sports settings.
FIFA has provided educational toolkits to its 211 member associations, including GFF, ensuring that concussion management practices are disseminated widely within football communities. The emphasis during the training was on the often-delayed appearance of concussion symptoms, which may take up to 72 hours to manifest, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proper protocols to facilitate a safe return to play for affected athletes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed, “By knowing the signs of concussion, by being aware of the risks, and by treating a concussion correctly, you can help to put player safety first.” This sentiment was echoed by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who remarked on the widespread public health implications of concussions, advocating for enhanced awareness initiatives like “Suspect and Protect” aimed at safeguarding footballers globally.
GFF is dedicated to integrating the insights and knowledge from this FIFA workshop into local football practices to prioritize concussion awareness and management. The commitment towards implementing these safety measures ensures that all levels of the sport in Guyana uphold the highest standards of player welfare and health.
The participation of GFF representatives in the FIFA Concussion Workshop underscores a vital commitment to enhancing player safety in football through the implementation of the “Suspect and Protect” campaign. Education regarding concussion symptoms and management is crucial for safeguarding athletes, reflecting a proactive approach in the sport. Overall, this initiative aims to provide a comprehensive framework for concussion awareness across all levels of the game in Guyana.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
