Concussion Technology: Raising the Bar for Player Welfare

Concussion Discussions and Concussion Tech Are Evolving

Concussion remains one of the most significant issues in modern sport. Governing bodies face ongoing scrutiny about whether enough is being done to protect players from long-term harm. The rise of new concussion technology may change the conversation, and the legal expectations.

The Role of Concussion Technology

Companies such as HITIQ and BrainEye have developed technology that tracks impacts and assesses brain function in real time. Wearable devices, smart mouthguards, and eye-tracking software are now being trialled across professional sport. The aim is simple: give players and clubs better data to manage head knocks and make informed return-to-play decisions.

Legal and Duty of Care Considerations

Once this technology is available, the legal question arises: does the standard of care owed by governing bodies and clubs increase? In negligence law, “reasonable steps” evolve with science and industry practice. If reliable concussion monitoring tools exist, failing to adopt them could expose organisations to liability.

Balancing Innovation and Risk

Adoption will not be without challenges. Questions remain about data reliability, privacy, and how technology integrates into match-day decision-making. However, the momentum is clear - concussion technology is no longer just experimental. It is rapidly becoming part of the toolkit for professional sport.

What It Means for the Future

This is not only a medical issue; it is a legal and governance issue. The more data available, the higher the expectation on decision-makers to act on it. Sports that embrace concussion technology may reduce risk for athletes and themselves. Those that ignore it risk falling behind both medically and legally.

Conclusion

Concussion technology is shifting the ground beneath player welfare, sport governance, and the law. For athletes, it promises safer careers. For clubs and governing bodies, it sets a new standard of care that cannot be ignored.

Matt Krog

Director