SANFL to ‘work closely’ with AFL regarding potential new concussion protocols

The SANFL says it will work with the AFL regarding the Australian Institute of Sport’s recommended concussion protocols as local leagues await directives ahead of season 2024.

Local SA footy competitions are yet to receive directives regarding concussion protocols as the SANFL and AFL continue to work through the best approach ahead of season 2024.

The Australian Institute of Sport made recommendations for Australian sporting bodies to overhaul existing guidelines earlier this week in order to protect kids and grassroots players from brain damage, including a 21-day rest period for athletes with concussion.

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.

The recommended overhaul is not compulsory and while many sports will implement the new protocols, other sports, including football, are yet to agree.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said the competition’s guidelines would align with the AFL and SANFL.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said his league’s concussion approach would align with the AFL and SANFL. Picture: Emma Brasier

“The Adelaide Footy League’s best practice is to fall into line with that of the AFL as the governing body for Australian Rules. We will stick to the suggested framework but as with any evolving risk, we will identify holes and act accordingly,” he said.

“The SANFL as the governing body in SA has been receptive to enquiries, consultative and responsible and is offering all information as they receive it.”

Kernahan believed the AdFL would be capable of administering and policing the new protocols if implemented, but said players needed to remain responsible.

“Our clubs are facilitated by volunteers and we take great pride in the fact that clubs have embraced the journey as we consider the shift in dynamics. But this is also a shared responsibility - it is easy to place the responsibility at the feet of league or club administrators but players must also be responsible for their own wellbeing as they know better than any volunteer or medico whether they are putting themselves at risk because they don’t want to miss a game of footy,” Kernahan said.

“Players should take comfort in knowing that missing a period of footy for what is a really short time in the grand scheme of their long-term health will be beneficial for them.”

River Murray FL players clash with the Hills FL during interleague last season. Country leagues are awaiting directives regarding concussion protocols for this coming season. Picture: Mark Liebich

River Murray FL chief Phil Gogel said the competition had not yet received directives regarding concussion protocol but that he would be meeting with the SANFL later this month.

“We are yet to receive any updates or directives regarding AIS concussion protocols from SANFL but all country presidents will be meeting with them this month and I would envisage any updates or info will be discussed,” he said.

“At this early stage I believe we will follow any guidelines that are set in place.”

SANFL said it would continue to work with the AFL and local competitions.

“We are committed to supporting all clubs and their volunteers with the management of concussion and will continue to work closely with the AFL, as well as community leagues and clubs,” a spokesman said.

“The health and safety of all players at all levels of the game is a key priority for both the AFL and SANFL.

“In South Australia, we adopt the AFL’s national concussion guidelines for community football.”

 An AFL spokesman said the league was in the process of reviewing its protocols.

“Each year we review our concussion guidelines for elite and community football and that process is ongoing.”