Concussion: 21-day spell for head knock suffered in community sport

A Victorian MP is urging country football to embrace updated concussion protocols for community sport.

A regional Victorian federal MP has strongly endorsed tougher protocols for head knocks in country footy and other community sports.

Mallee MP Anne Webster has backed Australian Institute of Sport recommendations including a mandatory 21-day spell on the sidelines for someone who suffers a concussion.

Presently, AFL Victoria has a 12-day break for community level players before a return to play as part of guidelines updated in 2021.

“I am very concerned how these recommendations may impact the future of country sport, but business-as-usual is not an option for country footy and other sporting codes,” Dr Webster said.

“As federal representatives in Canberra, we need to provide national leadership on the evolution of our concussion-prone sporting codes, because participation in sport is so critical

for young and old alike.

“We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Mallee MP Anne Webster.

The AFL, Rugby Australia, Cricket Australia, Football Federation Australia, National Rugby League, Netball Australia and Tennis Australia are yet to endorse the changes.

“The health and safety of players at all levels of our game continues to remain our number one priority,” an AFL spokesman said.

“The AFL acknowledges the newly released position statement released by the Australian Institute of Sport.

“Each year we review our concussion guidelines for elite and community football and that process for 2024 is ongoing.”

Murray Football-Netball League general manager Dale Norman said, if adopted, the recommendations would have big implications for country football.

“It is going to put a lot more pressure on trainers and medical staff, who in most instances in country football-netball clubs, are volunteers,” he said.

“There will also be external pressure from coaches, who want their players on the ground.”

Community clubs will also need to appoint a concussion officer as part of the AIS recommendations with a player also needing to be “symptom-free” for 14 days before they can resume training.

More to come.