Professional referees' knowledge of the FIFA Medical Concussion Protocol and their experiences with concussions during match-play
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional online self-administered survey aimed to investigate professional referees' experiences of concussion during match-play, and their knowledge of the then-current pre-2022 FIFA Medical Concussion Protocol. METHODS: A 25-question survey was emailed to 200 FIFA-accredited referees, with 83 completed responses being returned. RESULTS: 75% of referees correctly answered five basic questions pertaining to the Concussion Protocol, but only 52% perceived that their concussion knowledge was appropriate, with 28% of referees reported attending structured education on concussion. Interest in learning more about concussions was high, 95%. CONCLUSIONS: Concussion education tailored to future and current referees should be considered a priority.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
Sport Psychology and Performance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of science and medicine in sport
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 29
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 716–719
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN