From Research to Regulation: The evolution of the Head Injury Protocol and Heading research in the Premier League

Nov 18

● 11:30

- 01:00 PM

Date

Nov 11, 2026

Time

11:30

- 01:00 PM

Location

Victoria Suite

Audience

All Attendees

About this Session

This presentation explores the Premier League’s evidence-informed approach to regulating head injury management and heading guidelines in professional football. It outlines the evolution of the Head Injury Protocol, highlighting the scientific research, clinical expertise, and stakeholder collaboration that have informed its development. The session will examine how emerging evidence has shaped policy, influenced player welfare initiatives, and guided decision-making around head injury management and heading exposure.

By connecting research with regulation, the presentation demonstrates the League’s commitment to protecting player health while ensuring that policies remain proportionate, practical, and responsive to the latest scientific understanding.

Speakers

Mr Dominic Townsend

BSc(Hons) MBBS MRCS PhD

Mr Dominic Townsend previously worked with the First Team Sport Science Department at Chelsea FC whilst studying Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University. He then went on to study Medicine in London. Dominic is now a Neurosurgery Registrar in Southampton, having taken time out of his surgical training to complete a PhD funded by the Premier League on sport-related concussion and repetitive head impacts in football. He continues to work for the Premier League as Brain Health Advisor.

Previously, Mr Townsend played National League Rugby Union and competed for Great Britain Age-Group Triathlon at the European and World Championships.