New campaign launched after young player’s death

Education Minister John O’Dowd and Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín unveiled the leaflet and poster campaign. It follows the death in 2011 of Carrickfergus Grammar pupil Benjamin Robinson after he sustained a head injury while playing a school rugby match.

Material will be distributed to children, schools and sports clubs. Teachers and coaches will also receive a pocket Concussion Recognition Tool™ to help them identify indicators of the head injury.

Benjamin’s parents Karen and Peter have been to the fore in raising awareness of the dangers associated with concussion. The family has stated: “The tragic thing about Benjamin’s death is that it was preventable. During his rugby match, he clearly showed signs and symptoms of concussion and was assessed on three occasions but was permitted to carry on. We have learnt that with children we have to err on the side of caution and, ‘if in doubt, sit them out’.

“Education regarding concussion is paramount and the Northern Ireland Executive has been fully supportive of this aim. The common message now is that concussion can be fatal – ‘Recognise and Remove’.

“This new leaflet, along with the posters and pocket Concussion Recognition Tool™, will protect children from the short term and long-term dangers of concussion. This leaflet will save lives.”

The materials were developed by the Department of Education and Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, with input from the Chief Medical Officer and the Health and Safety Executive NI.