CLEARED TO RETURN TO PLAY
Passed all Maddocks questions, zero No-Go flags, postural sway within baseline tolerance (≤3 errors), and cervical spine clear.
| Protocol Criterion | Observed Patient Value | Standard Threshold | Triage Status |
|---|
Understanding NFL Sideline Concussion Protocol
When an NFL player undergoes high-energy deceleration or direct impact, the Booth ATC Spotter and sideline medical staff (comprising the Team Physician and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant / UNC) immediately initiate an assessment.
If any "No-Go" symptom (gross motor instability/ataxia, loss of consciousness, impact seizure, confusion) is observed on the field or broadcast video, the player is immediately ruled out for the remainder of the contest, regardless of how they feel.
The Medical Tent Evaluation Process
Inside the sideline pop-up medical tent, the UNC and Team Physician administer the SCAT6-derived protocol: checking Maddocks venue recall, delayed word lists, modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), and full cervical spine range of motion.
In the case of Jalen Hurts, the evaluation revealed no loss of consciousness or motor ataxia, perfect Maddocks scores, normal sway parameters matching pre-season baseline data, and clearance to return without delayed symptom onset.
Clinical Protocol Specifications & Methodology
The evaluation logic strictly mirrors the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee Guidelines: 1. Any positive No-Go flag triggers an instant disqualification and locks the 5-phase recovery pathway to Phase 1. 2. Maddocks score < 5 or Recall < 7 necessitates immediate transfer to the locker room for comprehensive computerized neurocognitive testing. 3. mBESS balance errors > 3 or symptom severity index > 5 prohibits same-day return. 4. Exported audit files provide full timestamped clinical parameters ready for club medical review.