NASCAR Expands Concussion Protocol
New features include consistent screening tool, additional neurological support
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2017) – NASCAR today
announced updates to its concussion protocol for competitors, adding a
consistent screening tool for all venues and increasing available
neurological support for race event weekends through its new partnership
with AMR.
"NASCAR has worked very closely with the
industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best
practices in this rapidly developing area of sports medicine," said Jim
Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "We will
continue to utilize relationships we’ve had for years with leaders in
the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates."
NASCAR’s protocol now includes:
- As part of the new rule
regarding damaged vehicles, a driver whose car sustains damage from an
accident or contact of any kind and goes behind the pit wall or to the
garage is required to visit the Infield Care Center to be evaluated.
- The medical portion of
NASCAR’s Event Standards now require that Infield Care Center physicians
incorporate the SCAT-3 diagnostic tool in screening for head injuries.
- AMR will provide on-site
neurological consultative support at select NASCAR events during the
2017 season and will work directly with NASCAR in the continued
development of concussion protocol.
The new protocol goes into effect immediately for all NASCAR national series. 