Concussion

[jo172]

You can feel it in your bones that this is going to be a hot topic across all levels of footy this year, but this published today caught my eyes.

Surely not?

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-exploring-rule-to-make-community-footballers-wear-helmets-in-landmark-concussion-crackdown/news-story/b14d77a010970455e7423879cd479a78

AFL exploring rule to make community footballers wear helmets in landmark concussion crackdown
The AFL’s concussion crackdown could extend to community football with a landmark ruling being considered to make every player wear a helmet.

Mark Robinson

Community footballers might be required to wear helmets in the future in what would be a major play by the AFL to combat concussion.

At an AFLPA meeting about concussion with player managers and AFL medical staff on Wednesday, it was revealed the AFL was looking at trialling new headgear at community level this year.

If eventually adopted, all junior and senior players in metropolitan and country football leagues could be required to wear the AFL-endorsed headgear.

It would be a significant rule change because for 150 years players have played without helmets.

It’s also believed AFL players will be asked to wear mouthguards and encouraged to wear ’smart’’ mouth guards, which collects concussion-related data.

Players from several clubs have tested the smart mouth guards in the past two seasons.

[MW]

That would open the door for more legal action from AFL players, if the governing body identifies that helmets reduce concussion and do not enforce it at the highest level

[wenchbarwer]

Helmets do very little, to nil, in regards to concussion. Concussion occurs when the brain hits the inside of the skull.

If helmets prevented concussion, not a single NFL player would get knocked out.

Plus, the article was written by Robbo, fair chance he was blind drunk at the time...

[Jimmy_041]

As above

Watch this film

[Pag]

I reckon participation rates across the country would take a bit of a dive too. Some blokes would just refuse and give the game away.

[locky801]

I reckon participation rates across the country would take a bit of a dive too. Some blokes would just refuse and give the game away.

dont think that there is any doubt it in that whatsoever

[PatowalongaPirate]

Is being reported a 21-day concussion rule being brought in to all levels below AFL and AFLW.

[Yank Man]

I reckon participation rates across the country would take a bit of a dive too. Some blokes would just refuse and give the game away.

dont think that there is any doubt it in that whatsoever

Particularly at C grade and below levels and those playing for fun. Just another expense for them.

[amber_fluid]

Is being reported a 21-day concussion rule being brought in to all levels below AFL and AFLW.

Who the hell polices that?
Would need a club doctor at every ground.
Volunteers can’t make those decisions surely.

[heater31]

Is being reported a 21-day concussion rule being brought in to all levels below AFL and AFLW.

Who the hell polices that?
Would need a club doctor at every ground.
Volunteers can’t make those decisions surely.

You would need to see your GP and produce a medical certificate that all clear to play.

[locky801]

Is being reported a 21-day concussion rule being brought in to all levels below AFL and AFLW.

Who the hell polices that?
Would need a club doctor at every ground.
Volunteers can’t make those decisions surely.

You would need to see your GP and produce a medical certificate that all clear to play.

takes you about that long to get an appointment in anycase

[amber_fluid]

Is being reported a 21-day concussion rule being brought in to all levels below AFL and AFLW.

Who the hell polices that?
Would need a club doctor at every ground.
Volunteers can’t make those decisions surely.

You would need to see your GP and produce a medical certificate that all clear to play.

Yeah but who decides you need to see the GP?
If knocked out it’s clear cut but slight concussion who decides?

I think it’s a lot of responsibility on the clubs to police themselves.
Not sure what the alternative is though

[MW]

Impossible to enforce, will drive a lot of players to give up I feel if you need to get a dr cert. Who pays for the dr visit? The club?
I get why they are doing it, but can be done better.

[Footy Chick]

I call BS - especially at senior level - it's very well documented that helmets do zero to stop concussion.

That said, Many junior comps in Victoria have a compulsory helmet rule.

If you normalise it from juniors, it doesn't become an issue

Mouthguards do more than helmets to prevent the severity of concussion. True story.

21 day new rule for SANFL downwards

still 12 days for AFL, as they have the qualified staff available to monitor 24/7 if needed

[scottroo]

AFL doesn’t run footy in South Australia so it’ll be upto the SANFL to bring in a similar policy

[tigerpie]

Helmets may lessen cuts to head and that's about it.
Angus Brayshaw helmet didn't save him..... 10 times!

21 days is bloody ages at community level. Miss a whole finals series. Eek!

[wenchbarwer]

I call BS - especially at senior level - it's very well documented that helmets do zero to stop concussion.

That said, Many junior comps in Victoria have a compulsory helmet rule.

If you normalise it from juniors, it doesn't become an issue

Mouthguards do more than helmets to prevent the severity of concussion. True story.

21 day new rule for SANFL downwards

still 12 days for AFL, as they have the qualified staff available to monitor 24/7 if needed

Yep, agree 100%, know that from personal experience! if anything should be made mandatory, it should be mouthguards

[The Bedge]

Yep, agree 100%, know that from personal experience! if anything should be made mandatory, it should be mouthguards

I cant work out for the life of me why people don't wear a mouthguard anyway! Surely if there is one thing you don't want knocked out, it's your teeth.

[wenchbarwer]

Yep, agree 100%, know that from personal experience! if anything should be made mandatory, it should be mouthguards

I cant work out for the life of me why people don't wear a mouthguard anyway! Surely if there is one thing you don't want knocked out, it's your teeth.

I honestly have no idea, either. Given dentists charge like wounded bulls, and if you have extras cover on your insurance you can shop around and get one with little to no out of pocket expense, it's a no-brainer.

[whufc]

Yep, agree 100%, know that from personal experience! if anything should be made mandatory, it should be mouthguards

I cant work out for the life of me why people don't wear a mouthguard anyway! Surely if there is one thing you don't want knocked out, it's your teeth.

Never wore one in a game of either aussie rules or union. I tried them in training but could never get use to trying to breath with them........even when i had dentist fitted ones.

Always felt gassed or like i was going to 'gag' hahaha or some shit....felt like a sitting duck if i couldnt run well.