Baseball sets protocols on concussions

NEW YORK, March 29 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball and its players' union unveiled a protocol for concussions, including standards for clearing injured players or umpires to return to play.

Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association officials said Tuesday the concussion rules include neurological testing during spring training to establish a baseline to check against possible concussions during the regular season.

The plan also sets up an evaluation process following an injury and a seven-day disabled list on which players with a concussion could be placed. It sets protocols to be completed before players and umpires could return to the field.

The measures go into effect Thursday -- baseball's opening day -- and cover both the major and minor leagues.

"I believe that Major League Baseball is taking a major step forward on a vital shared goal with the MLB Players Association," baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. "This policy, which reflects the collective expertise of many of the foremost authorities in the field, will benefit players, umpires and clubs alike, and I am proud of the spirit of cooperation that has led us to this result."