Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority awaiting approval of concussion protocol rules
A jockey who is thrown from a horse or falls while riding will need to be examined by a medical specialist for possible concussion symptoms prior to being allowed to return to riding under a protocol released on Thursday by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
The requirement of a medical examination is one of a number of steps in the protocol to protect jockeys from damage resulting from a possible concussion. The protocol has been forwarded to all racetracks under HISA’s jurisdiction for potential implementation, and it will be mandatory for all tracks if the Federal Trade Commission approves the rules related to the protocol, HISA said. The rules were submitted a month ago.
The protocol is similar to those already in place in all major U.S. sports, according to HISA. It was developed “in consultation with leading experts” in the field and “includes clear step-by-step instructions for racetrack medical personnel to follow when evaluating and monitoring riders for potential injuries,” HISA said.
“In a sport like racing where athletes are at high risk for concussion, it’s crucial for every racetrack to have an established concussion protocol in place to respond to head injuries,” said Dr. Peter Hester, the National Medical Director of HISA.
Under the protocol, if a medical examination does not turn up any symptoms of a concussion, the medical director is required to report to the stewards that the jockey is cleared to ride. Regardless of the initial diagnosis, the jockey “must meet with the medical team the next race day for follow-up evaluation,” the protocol states.
If a concussion is suspected, the medical team must inform the stewards that the jockey will be unable to ride for 45 minutes while the rider remains under observation. If no symptoms are apparent after that 45-minute period, the jockey can be cleared to ride.
If there are symptoms of a concussion, then the rider will be prohibited from riding for the remainder of the day and, if necessary, sent to a local hospital for treatment. The jockey will not be able to return to riding until cleared by a “qualified medical provider,” the protocol states.
The new protocol also includes a requirement that racetrack medical personnel use a system called HEADCHECK for reporting and monitoring concussions. HEADCHECK is a national platform in use by medical professionals who are involved in executing and monitoring concussion protocols in a variety of sports.
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