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Professional referees' knowledge of the FIFA Medical Concussion Protocol and their experiences with concussions during match-play

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional online self-administered survey aimed to investigate professional referees' experiences of concussion during match-play, and their knowledge of the then-current pre-2022 FIFA Medical Concussion Protocol. METHODS: A 25-question survey was emailed to 200 FIFA-accredited referees, with 83 completed responses being returned. RESULTS: 75% of referees correctly answered five basic questions pertaining to the Concussion Protocol, but only 52% perceived that their concussion knowledge was appropriate, with 28% of referees reported attending structured education on concussion. Interest in learning more about concussions was high, 95%. CONCLUSIONS: Concussion education tailored to future and current referees should be considered a priority.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.01.002
Authors: Craig Rosenbloom, Andrew Massey, Katrine Okholm Kryger, Andreas Serner, Kerry Peek, Sean Carmody
Institutions: Queen Mary University of London, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Manchester Metropolitan University, St Mary's University Twickenham London, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, University of Amsterdam
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,720
OpenAlex ID: W7119641291
FWCI: 8.943
Cites: 4
Cited by: 2
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