A potential breakthrough has emerged in recognising dementia as an industrial disease in contact sports such as rugby, boxing, and football. The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), a government scientific advisory board, has announced plans to broaden their investigation to include various contact sports. This comes in response to mounting evidence and concerns about neurodegenerative diseases in former professional players.
The IIAC is examining the link between football and neurodegenerative diseases following the groundbreaking research by Dr Willie Stewart, a Glasgow neuropathologist. Dr Stewart’s research reveals that former footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases. Charities like the Jeff Astle Foundation, Head for Change, and the Professional Footballers’ Association are using this research to advocate for the formal recognition of dementia in football.
If dementia in football is officially recognized as an industrial disease, former footballers living with dementia would be eligible for a capped weekly benefit of up to £180. Currently, this benefit is provided to individuals who have become disabled due to work-related accidents or specific prescribed work-related diseases. The guidelines state that a disease must be at least twice as prevalent in a particular industry for it to be recognized.
While the IIAC is focusing on football, the inquiry may expand to include other contact sports like rugby union, rugby league, and boxing due to the alarming incidence of neurodegenerative diseases among former professionals in these sports. A research working group will consider the available evidence and make recommendations.
Meanwhile, Fifa’s medical director, Andy Massey, acknowledges the concerns surrounding brain disease in football. Although he believes heading has a role to play in these diseases, conducting scientific studies on this matter is challenging. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and informed decision-making, particularly when it comes to younger players who may not be capable of making fully informed choices. In response to concussions, Fifa has introduced “concussion spotters” in the stands to assist team medics in identifying possible on-field concussions, a practice already established in the NFL.
In light of the growing concerns, the Premier League, English Football League, and Football Association have formed a working group to propose heading restrictions during training starting next season. Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers’ Association, suggests exploring the establishment of an industry care fund to support former professional players and their families. Bevan also serves on the board of the Alzheimer Society’s Sport United Against Dementia campaign, which aims to provide guidance and support to families across various sports in areas such as care plans and accessing benefits.
Although some coaches may still adhere to outdated training practices regarding heading, Bevan believes that prioritizing the safety and well-being of players is paramount. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and maximizing available resources in order to provide adequate support and care.
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