The Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors announced Monday that it will change its protocol pertaining to the handling of in-game concussions and student-athlete welfare.
The conference now will mandate that each game have a neutral athletic trainer stationed in the replay booth with his or her own monitor to be able to closely observe any on-field incidents and replays. Those trainers will have the ability to contact officials on the field and relay their recommendations for a player’s safety. This person will be a supplement to the athletic trainers and doctors already on the field.
The move comes months after Michigan was thrust into the national spotlight following the handling of a concussion sustained by quarterback Shane Morris. Not only did Morris remain in the game after he was concussed, he also re-entered the game after his backup, Devin Gardner, was forced to sit out a play after losing his helmet. The action of the training staff and the inaction by coach Brady Hoke drew criticism from across the country and ultimately resulted in the firing of athletic director Dave Brandon and Hoke’s subsequent termination (though there were many reasons for his firing).
With this announcement, the Big Ten said it would hand out disciplinary action for those programs that do not comply with the new rules.
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From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Big Ten institutes new concussion protocols, which include trainer in the review booth
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