Concussion campaigner to speak at Stirling event

The father of a teenager who died after suffering a concussion during a rugby match will address players, coaches and parents as part of a special workshop at the University of Stirling.

Peter Robinson, whose 14-year-old son Ben died following repeated concussions during a school rugby match, will discuss sport-related concussions during this week’s event.

The Concussion Management Workshop, on Thursday 13 September, will also hear from Stirling academics Dr Thomas Di Virgilio and Dr Dajo Sanders, who have led research in this area.

Dr Di Virgilio, whose work has analysed the impact of heading footballs, said: “We all know that issues surrounding sport concussion have become a hot topic, both in the media and for sporting organisations. However, people do not often see the mechanisms behind mild traumatic brain injury and how these types of injury should be managed.

“This workshop is for players of all ages and abilities, coaches, parents and members of the public with an interest in the topic. It aims to highlight why sport concussions are dangerous and outline the best approaches to support concussed athletes through their recovery.

“The event will conclude with a testimonial from Peter, who tragically witnessed first-hand what happens when concussions are underestimated.

“We are pleased to be joined by Peter, who has dedicated his life to increasing awareness of the dangers related to sport-related concussions.”

Mr Robinson, of Rosewell in Midlothian, has campaigned on the issue following the loss of his son in 2011. Ben was treated three times for blows to the head before passing away in hospital in 2011.

Peter Robinson will speak at the workshop.

Workshop

The workshop will consider an athlete concussion management protocol, which is to operate within the University, closely monitored by the Sports Development Service and scientists in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.

The protocol aims to promptly remove all suspected cases of concussion from the sporting arena and minimise risk to the athletes during a safe recovery period to normal life and sport.

The workshop – which is open to staff, students and members of the public – will run from 5pm to 7pm, in room CA4 of the Cottrell Building, on Thursday.