Netball Australia has strengthened its stance against concussion across all levels of the game

Just hours before the first centre pass of the Super Netball season, Netball Australia has amended its concussion protocols across all levels of the sport to further protect its players.

Netball Australia will introduce an independent doctor and mandatory minimum assessment periods for players as it tightens its Super Netball concussion protocols at all levels of the game to further protect players.

The organisation already has a mandatory minimum 12-day return to play protocol for Super Netball and Diamonds players but has added anther layer of protection ahead of the opening centre pass of season eight on Saturday.

Community guidelines have also been overhauled, to adopt a minimum 21-day return to play protocol for all competition at all ages.

At the Super Netball level, where there were three concussions last season including one to former West Coast Fever player Sasha Glasgow in the preliminary final, an independent match-day doctor will be present at all Super Netball matches to support the identification of suspected concussions.

The independent doctor is in addition to the home team’s doctor, who was already on duty at all matches.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 30: Kira Austin of Australia accidentally hits Maddy Proud of Australia with her elbow during game two of the International Test series between the Australia Diamonds and the England Roses at Qudos Bank Arena on October 30, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images for Netball Australia)

The less concussions seen the better. Picture: Getty Images

Tablets with match footage will also be accessible by all doctors for video review of head impacts, with players to be sidelined for at least 10 minutes for the doctor to be able to complete a full clinical concussion assessment, including a SCAT6 test.

The independent doctor is responsible for assessing any head impact for the away team, while at derby matches, both the home and away team doctors will be on duty.

NA’s new community guidelines align with the recent Australian Institute of Sport concussion and brain health position statement.

This will effect all levels of the game. Picture: Getty Images

While the community guidelines standard could seem tough for athletes like pathway players compared to their Super Netball counterparts, NA chief medical officer Dr Laura Lallenec said they reflected differences in the level of medical resources generally available at the elite level of the game that were not often comparable at other levels of the sport.

“Netball Australia’s concussion protocols have been developed to protect all players at all levels of the sport,” Lallenec said.

“Our protocols are consistent with the impact and collision codes and are developed in line with up to date medical and scientific advice.

“Our priority is ensuring concussion is managed according to best practice and to reduce the risks of concussion in netball.”

NA will also undertake a joint research project with Sunshine Coast University into how concussions are occurring in the sport, undertaking video analysis of Super Netball incidents since 2018.

Originally published as Netball Australia has strengthened its stance against concussion across all levels of the game