Australian Institute of Sport concussion calls spark fears for country footy leagues stretched to limits

Local footy clubs say they could face oblivion if footy authorities react the wrong way to bombshell recommendations from Australia’s top sporting minds.

Country footy clubs already battling volunteer shortages would struggle to stay afloat if forced to find extra resources to implement new landmark concussion recommendations.

Several regional clubs across the state could be at risk of not meeting concussion guidelines recommended by the Australian Institute of Sport this week if the AFL and SANFL adopt them.

The AIS this week urged national sporting bodies to approve an overhaul of existing concussion protocols including a 21-day rest period to protect kids and grassroots players.

It also recommended concussion officers, who would be similar to fire wardens, be appointed for community and school sports.

That recommendation has sparked concerns from country footy leagues about how to fill the position, with many volunteers already juggling several roles at clubs.

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Riverland Football League president Henry Crawford said a requirement for extra resources would make country footy “harder than it already is”.

“That extra pressure on volunteers is a real concern,” Mr Crawford said.

“The reality it is, it just makes country football harder than it already is.

Riverland Football League president Henry Crawford, pictured as Waikerie Football Club president in 2019, said a requirement for extra resources would make country footy “harder than it already is”. Picture: Tom Huntley

Australian Institute of Sport chief medical officer Dr David Hughes said sporting bodies adopting the recommendations would be an “ongoing” process. Picture: Supplied

“There’s absolutely no doubt that country football is just getting harder and harder.”

“There’s never been a greater shortage of players and participation.

“I hope the AFL and the SANFL when they consider this are taking all of this into consideration and think about this very carefully.”

Although he supported prioritising players’ safety, Mr Crawford said clubs could also be at risk of not fielding a team if several players were serving a mandatory 21-day rest period.

Mr Crawford said he was concerned too much pressure would be placed on volunteers if they were required to fill the concussion officer roles.

“It’s a lot of pressure for a volunteer trainer to be making those sorts of calls,” he said.

River Murray Football League president Phil Gogel said volunteers were often doing more than one job to keep clubs afloat.

“Where do clubs go and get these people from?” Mr Gogel said.

“Some clubs are even struggling to keep training staff.

Landmark AIS concussion recommendations have sparked fears country footy could become harder if extra resources were required to implement the proposed overhaul. Picture: Grant Schwartzkopff

“We need to consider player welfare here and long term health but it also has to be practical and achievable or the consequences are that the game could come to a halt.

“Any ruling that’s brought in that requires extra volunteers or officials at game day or even at training … that’s easier said than done.”

Mr Gogel said the River Murray Football League would consider implementing harsher penalties for rough conduct or a high hit that caused a concussion including a blanket five-week ban.

“That could be one possibility as a deterrent,” he said.

The AIS said there was no deadline for when sporting bodies needed to adopt the recommendations.

“It’s going to be an ongoing process and will take a while,” AIS chief medical officer Dr David Hughes said.