Concussion policies by league
Concussion policies and statistics for major pro sports leagues:
NFL
Stat: There were 190 concussions reported in 320 preseason and regular season games last season, down 12.5% from 2010, according to the league.
When did current policy take effect: 2009 season.
What was the first year baseline testing was used: 2008 season.
What is the first step after an injury: Evaluation by team medical staff.
Who decides when an athlete returns during an event: Team medical staff.
Who decides when an athlete who has been sidelined can return for future events: Team medical staff and independent consultant; both must sign off.
MLB
Stat: 13 players were placed on the seven-day concussion DL in 2012, up from 11 in 2011, the first season of the concussion DL.
When did current policy take effect: 2011.
What was the first year baseline testing was used: December 2007.
What is the first step after an injury: Certified Athletic Trainer evaluates player on the field using National Association Guidelines for the management of sports concussions.
Who decides when an athlete returns during an event: Team medical staff.
Who decides when an athlete who has been sidelined can return for future events: Team's head physician and medical director at commissioner's office.
NBA
When did current policy take effect: 2011.
What was the first year baseline testing was used: 2011.
What is the first step after an injury: Team medical personnel evaluates player in a quiet location.
Who decides when an athlete returns during an event: Team medical staff.
Who decides when an athlete who has been sidelined can return for future events: Player must complete a series of steps and must consult with the league's neurologist.
NHL
Stat: There were 128 concussions in 2011-'12, down 9% from the year before.
When did current policy take effect: 2011.
What was the first year baseline testing was used: 1997.
What is the first step after an injury: Team medical personnel evaluates player in a quiet area.
Who decides when an athlete returns during an event: Team doctor.
Who decides when an athlete who has been sidelined can return for future events: Team doctor. The player must be symptom-free at rest and exertion and must return to his baseline numbers.
NASCAR
Stat: Nine drivers from its three national series have suffered concussions in the last five years, according to NASCAR.
When did current policy take effect: 2003.
What was the first year baseline testing was used: 2003.
What is the first step after an injury: Driver taken via ambulance to infield care center for neurological exam.
Who decides when an athlete returns during an event: NASCAR decides if a driver returns to the race, based on the infield care center doctor's evaluation.
Who decides when an athlete who has been sidelined can return for future events: NASCAR, based on neurosurgeon's approval via note presented by driver.
MLS
Stat: The league won't release its concussion statistics. But MLS spokesman Will Kuhns says the league has seen increases in the number of reported concussions in each of the past two seasons. He points to increased awareness and adherence to protocol and league expansion.
When did current policy take effect: 2011.
What was the first year baseline testing was used: 2007.
What is the first step after an injury: Evaluation by team medical staff
Who decides when an athlete returns during an event: Team doctor.Who decides when an athlete who has been sidelined can return for future events: Team physician has ultimate authority to decide when a player returns to play. A neuropsychologist conducts post-concussion evaluation.