OVW Introduces New Safety Protocols Following Referee Incident

Following an incident which resulted in a referee being moved out of the way while they were convulsing during a pro wrestling match, Ohio Valley Wrestling have announced they have introduced new safety protocols.

Among the new protocols, talent and staff will receive seizure first aid training, and concussion safety and CTE prevention training. There will also be additional medical staff at ringside at larger OVW events on a case-by-case basis, and the ringside timekeeper will have their own headset to communicate backstage and improve response time should the referee be injured.

New safety protocols were introduced after referee Dallas Edwards began convulsing following a springboard forearm ref-bump spot on March 12. There was a complete lack of urgency over Edwards' condition, however, and wrestler Tony Evans even moved Edwards out of the way so the match could continue before the official finally received medical attention.

Edwards was diagnosed with a concussion and subdural hematoma and he is now back at home recovering from the incident. Tony Evans explained following the show that he didn't understand the severity of the situation, and he has already made peace with Edwards.

OVW announced the following safety protocols:

Detecting Early Signs of Seizure Training

In partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana, OVW will host an April Seizure First Aid Certification Program for talent and staff. This training covers how to recognize different types of seizures, understand their impact, and respond with safe, appropriate first aid. Participants receive a two year certification.

Concussion Safety & CTE Prevention

In partnership with Chris Nowinski, PhD, Co Founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, OVW will host an April Concussion Safety & CTE Prevention Training for talent and staff. This training will be added to the OVW Academy beginner syllabus moving forward.

Additional Medical Staff at Ringside

Through our partnership with Norton Healthcare, OVW will deploy additional trained medical staff at larger events on a case by case basis. Norton Healthcare will also provide CPR training for talent, staff, and contractors.

In Ring & Back Office Communications

In addition to referees and ring announcers being equipped with IFB (in-ear monitoring devices) and our ringside camera crew having production headsets for faster communication with the backstage team, our ringside timekeeper will now have a headset for fast, direct communication with the Director. This allows for immediate decisions to stop a match and check on the talent.