You may be aware of recent media coverage regarding the prevalence and management of concussion in contact sport at all levels. Much of this attention has been triggered by developments in the United States involving former NFL players and speculation about the longer term health effects of impacts to the head over a sporting career.
At the outset it is worth noting that the research, prevention and management of concussion has been a key focus for the AFL for several decades – it has not suddenly become a topic of interest for us because of passing media attention. We have been at the forefront of global sporting efforts to better understand the condition and its short, medium and long term impacts, and also to implement measures that seek to minimize any demonstrated or potential risks.
The AFL takes very seriously the welfare of our players, past and present.
We have adopted a four-pronged approach to addressing concussion:
- Laws and penalty changes to protect the head and neck of players
- Revised guidelines leading to more conservative management of concussion
- Education and awareness-raising amongst community level competitions + updated community management guidelines
- Building knowledge by working with acknowledged concussion experts and through long term research projects
Australian Football is a safe game to play and we intend to keep it that way.
The following material provides detailed background about the AFL’s methodical, proactive and medically-driven approach to concussion and its possible implications for people who play our game.
- Responsible approach to concussion in the AFL – information paper
- Attachment 1 – Management of Concussion in Australian Football (brochure outlining community level concussion management guidelines)
- Attachment 2 – Concussion Recognition & Management Guidelines for players
- Attachment 3 – Concussion Recognition & Management Guidelines for parents
- Attachment 4 – Sports Trainers in Community Australian Football Policy
Last Modified on 27/06/2012 09:13
