Solution+Research


 * __Solution Research__**

__Better Method for Diagnosis__

"Sidney Crosby's Concussion Issue Huge Headache For NHL." //Sporting Jules//. Web. 09 Nov. 2011. .
 * Detecting a first concussion is very important
 * In Crosby's case, the first concussion went without diagnosis
 * One concussion on top of another, like Crosby's can ;lead to serious brain damage, and a much longer recovery.
 * When Crosby suffered the second, he missed nearly a year of play, as opposed to what could have been a couple weeks, had the first been detected.
 * This is why better methods for diagnosis are important.

"Test-Retest Reliability of Computerized Concussion Assessment Programs." Web. 09 Nov. 2011. .
 * Athletes can take baseline concussion tests to help detect a possible concussion
 * These tests are taken before the start of a season, and then after a possible concussion, and the scores are compared.
 * These tests, can however, fail to diagnose a concussion.
 * Even a concussed athlete can manage to score normally on the test.
 * The false negative rate is quite high with these type of tests.

"Peyton Manning Admits to Tanking Baseline Concussion Tests." //ProFootballTalk//. Web. 09 Nov. 2011. .
 * NFL players have intentionally scored poorly on their baseline concussion tests, so that even when they suffer a concussion, they can still play.
 * While this isn't the problem, it shows that the tests aren't fool proof.
 * An athlete could accidentally score worse than usual when he takes the baseline test, and the same result would occur.
 * New technology needs to be created to eliminate false negatives.
 * Sometimes, judgement can be even more accurate than a test - just don't play, even if you're not sure if you've had a concussion.
 * The way things stand, the problem will only get worse if better diagnosis techniques aren't implemented.

__Stricter Rules__

Podell, Ira. "Bettman Pleased with Concussion Rules | NHL | Hockey | Sports | National Post." //National Post | Canadian News, Financial News and Opinion//. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. .
 * New rules in the NHL make any hit to the head illegal.
 * This kind of hit can be suspendable, but usually just results in a power play.
 * In youth sports leagues, similar rules are emerging.
 * Another new NHL rule states that a player must be evaluated by a doctor after a hit to the head before returning to play.
 * It used to be that a quick exam by a trainer on the bench is all that was required.

"Professional and Youth Leagues Change Concussion Policies - Sports Concussions." //Sports Concussion - Protecting Youth Athletes from Concussions... - SportsConcussions.org | Concussion Testing Made Simple//. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. .
 * In youth football, recent rules have been adopted about when a player can return after a concussion.
 * The policy states that any player who is suspected of having sustained a concussion must have "written medical authorization" to return.
 * In youth hockey, any body contact below the waist or above the shoulders is illegal.
 * This rule was implemented because a low hit which causes an athlete to flip over can be just as dangerous as a hit to the head.
 * The punishment for an illegal hit may be up to a month of suspension.
 * Coaches and teams are giving great efforts to make players follow these guidelines.

"New Boarding and Illegal Checks to the Head Rules Explained." //The Hot List//. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. .
 * There is no such thing as a legal hit to the head.
 * Punishment for boarding (hitting a player from behind into the boards) penalties are also being increased.
 * The goal isn't to punish players who hit illegally, it's to keep them from doing it altogether.
 * The punishments need to be drastic, so that a player won't even consider an illegal hit.
 * Rules will continue to be created until illegal hits are eliminated for the most part.
 * Some head injury may still occur, but the majority of head injuries are a cause of illegal hits.

"NFHS | Ice Hockey Rules Revisions Focus on Concussion Prevention and Flow of Game." //NFHS | National Federation of State High School Associations//. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. .
 * High school hockey leagues have been cracking down on possible concussion-causing plays.
 * The referee has that ability to eject a player after a dirty hit.
 * The goal of all these rule changes isn't to make the game less physical, but rather less dangerous.
 * Some leagues have entirely eliminated checking.
 * Player safety is more important than the physical aspect of the game.