Hockey SA to implement ‘very important’ AIS concussion protocols

One of SA’s major sporting bodies says new concussion protocols and guidelines need to be taken seriously across all codes as it backs changes ahead of the 2024 season.

One of SA’s major sporting bodies will implement the Australian Institute of Sport’s recommended concussion protocols and says the sporting community at large needs to take them seriously.

Hockey SA chief Geoff Riddle said the state’s clubs and players would follow the directive of Hockey Australia and medical professionals regarding recent AIS recommendations around concussion in community and youth sport.

The AIS has urged national sporting bodies to overhaul existing concussion protocols for community sport and include minimum 21-day rest periods to protect kids and grassroots players from brain damage.

Athletes would also need to show no symptoms for 14 days and clear a medical check to return to play, while those who sustain more than two concussions in a year may need to spend a season on the sidelines.

Hockey SA chief Geoff Riddle has backed new concussion protocols introduced by the AIS. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

The guidelines have been endorsed by various medical boards and major sporting bodies across the nation, including Hockey Australia.

“We’ll take the advice from the medical experts when it comes to this and again support what is best for the health and safety of our athletes,” Mr Riddle said.

“Anything that is going to improve the safety and health outcomes for our participants we will support and endorse. We want a consistent approach to the recognition and management of concussion across the sport in Australia.”

As the recommended changes are not mandatory, some major sporting bodies are yet to endorse them.

Hockey leagues around Australia will implement a new 21-day rest period for concussed players. Picture: Morgan Sette

Riddle said he believed the new protocols needed to be taken seriously.

“It’s very important for us to get on top of the issue of concussion. This is a big issue and a serious concern across all sports,” he said.

“It effects everybody and needs to be taken seriously.

“Whilst hockey here in SA doesn’t have the high number of cases some bigger sports have, we still have our own cause for concern as it’s growing and something we need to be on top of.

“Our clubs are very diligent and we have some great volunteers who, with our support, will ensure the correct protocols will be adhered to.”

University of South Australia exercise and sport science lecturer Dr. Hunter Bennett, who has conducted research into concussion and head injuries in sport, said the new protocols were “a positive step” for Australian sport.

“There’s evidence to suggest that kids especially tend to take a bit longer to recover than adults so it makes sense to implement a longer timeline - it’s definitely a positive step in the right direction,” Dr. Bennett said.

“By extending that period it means more players will come back fitter and healthier.

“The risk of being re-concussed or even just re-injured increases after you’ve been concussed once so it’s best to be cautious.”

Dr. Bennett also said believed every sport should introduce the new protocols moving forward.

“I think all sports implementing these measures would be ideal.

“It’s not just an issue in full-contact sports, there are risks in non-contact sports too - a sport like volleyball has much higher rates of concussion than some would expect so it’s best to err on the side of caution.”

Sporting bodies which have endorsed the proposed changes:

ACT Academy of Sport

Australian Olympic Committee

Athletics Australia

Australian Psychological Society

Aus Cycling

Badminton Australia

Baseball Australia

Combat Australia

Connectivity and Traumatic Brain Injury Australia

Disability Sports Australia

Golf Australia

Gymnastics Australia

Hockey Australia

NSW Institute of Sport

Northern Territory Sports Academy

Paddle Australia

Paralympics Australia

Queensland Academy of Sport

Rowing Australia

Skate Australia

Squash Australia

Surfing Australia

Swimming Australia

Tasmanian Institute of Sport

Touch Football Australia

Western Australia Institute of Sport