Jockey concussion management protocols study underway
Despite protective equipment, jockeys are vulnerable to concussion when they fall off a racehorse. A study by the Jockeys’ Guild and the University of Kentucky is focusing on concussion management among jockeys.
The Jockeys’ Guild and the University of Kentucky are collaborating on a three-year pilot study with the intention of developing a comprehensive concussion management protocol for jockeys that will begin this summer. Similar efforts are in play internationally via the British Horseracing Authority, the Irish Turf Club, and the FEI (international show jumping), and nationally through the NFL, NBA, MLS, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR.
According to a statement released by the University of Kentucky, Dr. Carl Mattacola, the director of the Graduate Athletic Training Program and a professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky, will oversee the study at all of Kentucky’s thoroughbred racetracks: Turfway Park, Keeneland Race Course, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs. It is scheduled to begin this summer.
Mattacola presented an outline of the study on June 28, 2016 to the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit coordinated and underwritten by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club and hosted by Keeneland Association.
Before riding in a meet, all jockeys at the Kentucky tracks will undergo a baseline concussion assessment. An assessment will be done annually unless there was a head injury in the interim. The baselines will be uploaded to the Jockey Health Information System for comparison and assessment after an injury. Jockeys will be required to undergo an assessment when there is a fall or they present symptoms or behaviors consistent with concussion.
The concussion evaluation described by Mattacola includes*:
- Symptom assessment
- Physical and neurological exam
- Cognitive assessment
- Balance exam
- Clinical/physical assessment for cervical spine trauma, skull fracture, and intracranial bleed
The SCAT3 assessment shall be utilized and the results shall be reported to the stewards:
- Any loss of consciousness?
- Balance or motor incoordination
- Disorientation or confusion (inability to respond appropriately to questions)
- Loss of memory
- Blank or vacant look
- Visible facial injury in combination with any of the above
Mattacola explained* that if a jockey has any indication or sign/symptom of concussion as per the SCAT3 assessment and general evaluation, the medical advisor shall make a recommendation to the stewards to require the jockey to sit out the next race for further evaluation. If a jockey is removed from all mounts for the remainder of the day, medical clearance must be given to the stewards prior to being allowed to return to ride. A complete protocol of exercises and tests to be passed in order to be cleared to ride is part of the study as well.
The intent is for these protocols to be in place at racetracks throughout the country so racing officials in differing jurisdictions will be aware of a jockey’s assessment and eligibility to ride under the protocols.