Sudden Cardiac Death among footballers - how long 'till the SFA takes a similar position? [Archive]

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'Chopper'

24 May 2007, 06:33 AM

Will the SFA do something similar? If so, when? Might it not be too late?

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2070

FAI out to increase awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death among footballers

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Date: Thursday, 24 May 2007 Section: Underage Football

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The Football Association of Ireland is mounting a nationwide campaign to increase the awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death among footballers.

The Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death recommended a systematic assessment of those involved in sport and encouraged all participants, aged 14 years or older, engaged in recreational activity to fill out a risk assessment questionnaire and seek advice from their family doctor where a positive response occurs.

The Association's Medical Committee is urging all players over the age of 14 years (as per the Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death) to complete a questionnaire that has been designed so that an initial risk assessment of Sudden Cardiac Death can be made. The simple questionnaire can be downloaded here [PDF 45KB] and is also available from club secretaries.

The FAI's Medical Director, Dr Alan Byrne, said it was extremely important that all players (14 years and older) complete the questionnaire.

"Every year we hear of players collapsing and dying on the pitch because of Sudden Cardiac Death. Taking a few minutes to complete this questionnaire could help to save lives in the future. The questions are simple to answer and designed to highlight where a risk may exist. If this self-assessment highlights a potential risk then players are advised to contact their family doctors for further examination, investigation and referral where indicated," said Dr Byrne.

'Chopper'

24 May 2007, 10:01 AM

To the question "Does the FA, at National or County level, propose to follow the Irish lead on Sudden Cardiac Death among footballers?" the Chief Executive of one of the English County FA's replied "My honest answer is I have no idea! I will forward to the FA for guidance."

So the SFA aren't alone in lagging behind on this topic!:mad:

'Chopper'

05 Jun 2007, 09:37 AM

Surprise, surprise! No response, whatsoever, from the SFA:( They'd be quick to comment if someone at risk were to take ill during a match though!!:mad:

nach0king

06 Jun 2007, 07:54 AM

In fairness, the SFA were in a period of readjustment and have only just employed a new chief exec. Maybe once he's settled in there'll be a reponse.

'Chopper'

14 Jun 2007, 04:19 AM

A semi-positive response from the SFA:

"Many thanks for your e-mail which has been passed to me. The SFA, through its relationship with the University of Glasgow has in fact undertaken cardiac screening for many years and this service continues vis the Sports Medicine Centre. Professor Stewart Hillis, who is the SFA's medical advisor is a leading expert in this area and works with the charitable groups who promote the benefits of screening. In fact Prof Hillis has petitioned the Scottish Parliament on this very subject.
The SFA Medical committee has discussed increasing the scope of screening in conjunction with UEFAs ongoing advice - it is likely that a formal plan will be agreed soon - watch this space.
Many thanks for your interest.
Best wishes
Dr John A. MacLean
Medical Director
The National Stadium Sports Medicine Centre
Hampden Park Glasgow G42 9ED"

'Chopper'

15 Jun 2007, 04:15 AM

But a distinctly negative response from their counterparts in London:

"There are no plans to introduce a questionnaire for 14+ year olds in our national game at the time of responding to you. Alan Hodson, Head of Medical & Exercise Science, The Football Association"

Well, at least the SFA are considering some action but we're still lagging behind the Irish and Italians, even if we're more proactive than England!;)

frasermc

15 Jun 2007, 05:33 PM

'Chopper'

18 Jun 2007, 03:34 AM

Can you imagine the furore if there were to be an incident involving a 15 year old player ................. heads would roll if the press found out that a simple method of identifying potentially at risk players wasn't implimented in the same way as they do in Ireland and Italy (to name but two).

'Chopper'

18 Jun 2007, 04:35 AM

frasermc

18 Jun 2007, 10:38 AM

Sign up NOW!

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Sudden-death/

signed up :) and more than happy too.

i sincerely hope anyone else who has any interest in the SPL signs it too for the little amount of time it takes

frasermc

20 Apr 2008, 03:34 PM

well Chopper doesn't post on BS anymore but i'm sure he's delighted, as we all should be, to finally see that any youngster participating in sport in scotland will be offered screening for 'Sudden Death Syndrome'.

sad to say that it looks to have taken the death of Phil O'Donnell to get this sorted once and for all.

EVERY youngster in Scotland taking part in sport will be offered screening for Sudden Death Syndrome, which killed tragic Motherwell footballer Phil O’Donnell.

The Government hopes the scheme will prevent dozens of similar deaths in the future.

The move was announced yesterday by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP’s spring conference in Edinburgh.

Everyone over 16 taking part in organised sport will be given the chance of being screened for cardiac abnormalities.

http://www.sundaypost.com/postindex.htm

Borussia

20 Apr 2008, 05:27 PM

That's good news!

'Chopper'

21 Apr 2008, 03:21 AM

Delighted!:) And about time too!

ps. I thought I was banned?!

frasermc

22 Apr 2008, 03:29 PM

Delighted!:) And about time too!

ps. I thought I was banned?!

i never saw your name next to any red cards.

welcome back anyway. :)