The National Football League in the US is banning using smelling salts during games, saying the products aren’t proven to be protected and in addition could mask signs of a concussion.
Sniffing the ammonia product is assumed to offer players a short-term mental boost.
While the Canadian Football League isn’t making the identical decision straight away — in the midst of the season, it’s on their minds.
“The Medical Committee will review the literature and seek the advice of with league physicians within the off-season during Medical Meetings in Edmonton next January before determining a plan of action,” the CFL said in a memo to Global News.
In Edmonton, Elks defensive lineman Jake Ceresna said he began using smelling salts in college and now he, together with many others Elks players, take a whiff from a team bottle before kickoff.
It just looks like you form of get up, for those who’re a bit drained or if the moment is big and also you’re a bit anxious, it wakes you up and gets you able to go,” Ceresna said on Wednesday.
He hopes players may have a say in whatever direction the CFL goes in.
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Ceresna said while smelling salts are a part of his pregame ritual, it wouldn’t be the tip of the world in the event that they were banned — he says it’s just something players would should get used to.
“We’re at all times concerned with player safety and their health, so if there’s research that shows that they’ve negative effects and so they can mask concussions, then possibly it’s time we take a look at it within the off-season.”
“Obviously it’s something where we’ve got to have a look at the science and see what’s best.”
The NFL sent a memo to groups on Tuesday explaining the choice to ban smelling salts and some other ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime on the sideline or locker rooms.
“In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to corporations that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), in addition to to consumers concerning the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the shortage of evidence supporting the protection or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,” in response to the memo obtained by The Associated Press.
“The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs even have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. Because of this, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee really useful prohibiting using AIs for any purpose during play within the NFL.”
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle first disclosed the ban during an interview with NFL Network on Tuesday, adding that he hoped the league would relent and “determine a middle ground.”
That won’t occur, in response to the memo, which explicitly prohibits any club personnel from providing or supplying products resembling ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any type of “smelling salts.”
Smelling salts and other similar products have been a staple on NFL sidelines for years with many players believing they will provide a sudden jolt of energy or alertness.
— With files from Karen Bartko and Sarah Ryan, Global News
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