Can Qatar World Cup Spotters Prevent Concussions in Football?

When the FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off in Qatar this November, watchers might notice more bodies than usual near the field. This year’s games will deploy concussion spotters for the first time — experts trained to spot the signs of brain injury or concussion in football. These experts are slated to be standing by on the sidelines in case of any collision that could lead to a head injury. This has some wondering if concussion spotters are needed at every level of football for increased safety.

What Concussion Spotters Do

Concussion spotters are to stand by until two footballers collide on the field. That’s when they will rush in to do a quick assessment and determine whether players need to take the bench for a more thorough assessment by doctors. The spotters are trained to watch for signs of brain injury or concussion in football. As doctors assess potentially injured players, they will also use game replays to analyze any collisions.

This marks the first time in the history of the World Cup that concussion spotters, also known as concussion specialists, will be utilized in every match.

Why Having Concussion Spotters Helps

Concussions in football are rare when compared to other similar contact sports, such as rugby. Many people are unaware that the risk still exists. World Cup organizers are hoping that the presence of concussion spotters at this year’s games will raise awareness of the risk of head injuries in the sport.

Another reason why concussion spotters will help is fairly obvious: They will reduce more serious injuries on the field. Suppose two players collide and one suffers an undiagnosed head injury. If that player continues playing, it could lead to more serious complications and health risks. Spotters will help players to know when a potential concussion or brain injury has occurred, so further injuries can be prevented.

Should Concussion Spotters Expand to Other Levels of Sport?

It’s a big deal that the World Cup in 2022 will be using concussion spotters. The entire world will be watching the games, and if the concussion specialists make a difference in preventing injuries, people will notice. This increased awareness could potentially spur all levels of football — semi-pro, amateur and youth — to adopt concussion spotters as well.

A successful program at the World Cup — backed up with scientific proof — will serve as a model for amateur leagues below it. Young footballers are actually more susceptible to brain injuries during on-field collisions, so the adoption of concussion specialists in youth leagues could make a positive difference.

Concussion spotters will be able to pull players aside and give them a thorough examination for head injury before allowing them back on the pitch. If the spotter suspects an injury that falls within the concussion protocols, that player will stay out of the rest of the game to undergo a more thorough exam from a doctor. The spotters will be there to notice things that are commonly overlooked when two players collide. And that would be a good thing at all levels of the sport.