SA Football Commission ratifies new 21-day concussion protocols for SANFL

SANFL players have thrown their support behind the league’s new 21-day concussion protocols after they were finally ratified by the SA Football Commission.

SANFL players have backed the league’s new 21-day concussion protocols after they were ratified by the SA Football Commission on Tuesday.

After weeks of debate, the commission adopted the new AFL guidelines for concussion management at all levels of football below the AFL and AFLW.

This will see a minimum 21-day return to play protocol – rather than the previous 12 – for the 2024 season implemented for the SANFL and SANFLW competitions, as well as all affiliated community football leagues.

South Adelaide co-captain Sam Skinner threw his support behind the new protocols, saying players had to think about life after football.

“I really like the fact that football leagues are thinking about concussion more, it’s definitely necessary,’’ said Skinner, a former Brisbane and Port Adelaide AFL player who has battled his own concussion issues.

“The fact that we don’t really know too much about concussion – and are still learning about it – I don’t mind the longer lay-off for blokes who do get hit in the head.

Glenelg’s Carl Nicholson receives support from teammate Michael Virgin after being concussed in 2020. Picture: Sarah Reed

“As a young fella when you’re playing football you probably think it’s the be-all and end-all but as I have got older I’ve realised there is a lot more to it and having a brain injury is definitely something that you have to think about a bit more.

“So I appreciate the longer lay-off for SANFL players and until we learn more about it that’s probably the way to go.’’

Woodville-West Torrens and SANFL State captain Joseph Sinor also backed the new concussion guidelines.

“You have to trust the medical experts in the (concussion) field,’’ he said.

“Concussion research is progressing pretty quickly, particularly in the AFL industry, and it’s having an effect right down to grassroots football.

“We have faith in the experts and what they say and as you get older, I’m nearly 30 now and have two little girls, you start to think about your future outside of footy.

“So I certainly see the need to protect the head at every opportunity so that you are sound when you come into the later stages of your life.’’

Eagle Jared Petrenko shows concern for West Adelaide’s Logan Hill after he was knocked out in a SANFL final at Adelaide Oval in 2015. Picture: Sarah Reed.

The SANFL’s decision falls in line with the Australian Institute of Sport’s recent concussion and brain health position statement regarding return to play protocols post-concussion.

The AFL has retained its 12-day concussion protocols because of the expert medical assistance its players receive.

“The wellbeing and safety of players is paramount and we will continue to take the advice from the AFL and medical scientific professionals to deal with the important topic of concussion,’’ SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler said.

“We are also 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.’’

The biggest concern raised by the eight stand-alone SANFL clubs was that, under the new guidelines, AFL-aligned clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide are advantaged.

AFL and AFLW-listed players competing in the SANFL and SANFLW competitions will follow the national competition’s return to play protocols, meaning they can return to play after 12 days.

North Adelaide’s Robbie Young is taken from Adelaide Oval for a concussion test during the 2020 SANFL grand final against Woodville West-Torrens. Picture: Sarah Reed

Tiger Carl Nicholson is helped from the field after copping a heavy knock against South Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

SANFL-listed players for the Crows and Port however will fall under the 21-day return to play protocol.

Chandler said that after consideration of the AFL guidelines, the commission acknowledged the AFL’s recommendations that AFL and AFLW players had the benefit of “Advance Care Settings” to closely monitor their recovery and progression through the minimum 12-day protocol before returning to play in the state league competition.

“The reality is that AFL-listed players can receive daily monitoring and advanced medical care at the professional elite level of football,” he said.

“However, for SANFL players the minimum 21-day return to play protocol provides a more extensive safeguard, requiring a longer minimum rest and recovery period.”

The new protocols will kick in immediately, starting with Thursday night’s SANFL season opener between Norwood and Sturt at The Parade.