UKABIF to take part in Parliament's Inquiry into Sport-related brain injury

MPs comprising the Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport have invited a number of witnesses to provide evidence for the links between sport and brain injury. 

UKABIF trustee, Dr Michael Grey will join representatives from two other charities who campaign on the issues surrounding brain injury and sport in a meeting on 9th March 2021.

The inquiry will consider scientific evidence for links between head trauma and dementia and how risks could be mitigated.

The Committee will also take evidence on the implications for youth sport, funding for further scientific research, and the role of national governing bodies and major sporting organisations in ensuring member clubs receive up to date medical advice and promote good practice.

In a second session of the inquiry, of which details are yet to be confirmed, MPs will hear from individual players and governing bodies.

The inquiry will not consider material involved in on-going legal proceedings, however it will consider potential implications of successful legal action and what impact that could have on sport in the longer term.

DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP said: “This inquiry will consider scientific evidence to link sport with the incidence of long-term brain injury. We will look particularly at what role national governing bodies should be taking and their responsibilities to understand risks involved for players and what actions might be taken to mitigate them.

“We’re seeing a number of cases involving brain injury in sport likely to reach the doors of our law courts and we will also look at the implications for sport in the longer term of any successful legal claim.”

Dr Michael Grey said, 'We are really pleased to be involved in this inquiry. UKABIF has been raising issues surrounding brain injury in sport for a number of years and devoted a section of the APPG Report: Neurorehabilitation and Acquired Brain Injury: A Time for Change to this subject setting out some clear recommendations. We will be able to ensure that our evidence-based recommendations are heard at the highest level."

More information about the inquiry will be available after the meeting.