During a fixture in the Sunderland and District Mill View Social Club Over 40s league between Darlington SRM V Billingham the Station vets on Sunday 25^th August referee James Gilbey helped a player that potentially saved his life.

James explains “During the game there was a coming together of two players via an accidental clash of heads. I stopped the game, allowed treatment to both players, and although no visible injuries I spoke to both players and explained that there was no rush, and that the priority was them and treatment. 

Both players left the field of play and returned when appropriate. I gave them both verbal reassurances on return and asked them to talk to me if they were struggling or noticed any effects … I also said to that I would keep an eye on them both. 

The game resumed and approximately 10 mins later I noticed the Billingham station player was jogging with his hand to his head, given the previous incident I brought the game to an immediate stop and went to the player. 

I carried out a visual check to which I noticed the players pupils were not quite right as in they looked enlarged and verbally checked by asking the player several questions… do you know where you are? What day is it? Where’s the pain? To which the player replied but somewhat muffled and confused 

I made a dynamic risk assessment and told the management team of Billingham my concerns and that I felt he was suffering from concussion, he was not to play any further part and needed to be monitored closely as his situation was that the player was in distress - I suggested a visit to the hospital to further assess”

This proved to the be the right thing to suggest as Ian Peckett (Billingham secretary) confirmed “During the match one of our players (Billingham) took a heavy fall after a challenge and play stopped , James made sure all parties were ok to continue on with the game.  The continued for a little while then James immediately stopped the game during play as he could see our player was clearly struggling and called for assistance and the player left the field.

It turned out that our player sustained a bleed to the brain and had to have surgery this morning with James actions and attention to players welfare he has potentially saved our players life to which we truly grateful.

James should be commended for professionalism and is a credit to the FA.”

What James did was exceptional and not only helped he player but was recognised by the club and we here at Durham FA can only thank James for his professionalism and awareness in this situation.