The GAA is to tackle the issue of concussion with the introduction of a new baseline testing system.
The pilot scheme will be adopted for the remainder of the 2021 inter-county championships, and all of the 2022 editions.
In conjunction with healthcare company UPMC, the scheme's goal is the rapid diagnosing and treatment of players with concussion.
The testing will be provided to all inter-county football, hurling and camogie players through their counties. Players will also see concussion physician costs covered by the scheme.
GAA president Larry McCarthy said, "Earlier this year the Association introduced the provision for a concussion substitute into Gaelic games.
"It was a move which illustrates our on-going commitment to keeping an awareness and education around concussion prominent for players and coaches.
"I welcome the announcement of this concussion baseline testing pilot programme and the benefits it can have for player welfare, and sincerely thank UPMC for their support for our games."
The scheme utilises the "the ImPACT® Concussion Testing model" which is described as "an exclusive, state-of-the-art, software-based neurocognitive assessment tool co-developed by UPMC concussion specialists.
"ImPACT®, which stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing, is an objective tool to support trained clinicians in making return-to-activity decisions following concussions."
Interim GPA CEO Ciaran Barr welcomed the pilot, saying, "Player welfare is a central pillar to the work of the GPA and the subject of concussion has seen significant steps made in our games in recent years.
"However, there is more to do, and we’re delighted to join with the GAA and UPMC for this pilot scheme and we look forward to seeing the data which can help inform future policy.
"It is also great to see this pilot being implemented across both male and female squads.”
Baseline Concussion Testing And Treatment Programme Launched by GAA, GPA and UPMC
