A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking that can cause symptoms like headache, confusion, dizziness and fatigue. While there is no cure, rest is important to allow the brain to recover. Certain positions in football like linebackers and defensive ends may be more at risk of concussions. Rule changes have aimed to reduce concussions, like targeting rules in 2009, and reported concussions in college football decreased 15% from 2013 to 2015. Continued focus on practice regimens, equipment and rule changes can help further reduce concussion risk while maintaining the integrity of the sport.

1. FOOTBALL
CONCUSSION
Alex Ballou, Jason Scott, John Hopson, Patia Lewis,
Kaela Dickerman

2. Approach
• What is a concussion?
• Football Lingo
• Concussions based on different variables
• Recommendations
• Conclusion

3. What is a concussion?
■ A brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body
– Very common (more than 3 millionUS cases per year)
– Usually self-diagnosable, lab tests or imaging not required
– Symptoms may include headache, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss,
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, and excessive fatigue.
– There's no specific cure for concussion. Rest and restricting activities allow the brain
to recover.This means one should temporarily reduce sports, video games,TV, or too
much socializing. Medications for headache pain or anti-nausea medications can be
used for symptoms.
https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/concussion.pdf

4. Football Lingo
■ CB – Corner Back (2)
■ LB – Line Backer (3)
■ DE – Defensive End (2)
■ DT – DefensiveTackle (2)
■ SY – Safety (2)
■ WR –Wide Receiver (2)
■ OT – OffensiveTackle (2)
■ OG – Offensive Guard (2)
■ C – Center
■ TE –Tight End
■ QB – Quarter Back
■ FB – Full Back
■ RB – Running Back
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football_positions#Special_teams

5. Are players more likely to suffer from
concussions depending on position?

6. Are players more likely to suffer from
concussions depending on the side they
play?

7. Are players more likely to suffer from
concussions depending on their team?

8. Do some practice regimens lead more
readily to concussions?

9. Do certain types of fields correlate to
notably more concussions?

10. Is there any evidence that some injuries
diagnosed as concussions were not
concussions?

11. What about other sports?
Rankings:
1.Wrestling
2.Hockey
3.Football
4.Soccer
5.Basketball
6.Lacrosse

13. Mitigating Concussions
■ 2009 NCAA begins to institutes new concussion rules
– Targeting – initiating contact with crown of helmet
– Contact to head or neck of defenseless player
■ 2012 conferences begin focus on prevention
■ 2013 192 reported concussions
■ 2015 166 reported concussion
– 15% reduction
http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/medical-conditions/concussion-sports

14. Conclusion
■ Football is a contact sport
■ Injuries can't be completely regulated out
■ Mitigation is key
– Practice, field, equipment
– Current rules
■ Balance safety with integrity of the game and preparedness
■ Equipment is most important factor going forward

15. Any questions?