Concussion Recognition & Management Guidelines for Parents and Carers
Michael Thomas
In-line with the recent announcement of the AFL’s updated 2024 Concussion Protocols, AFL Barwon has announced updated Football & Netball Concussion Protocols.
The most significant announcement detailed within the 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols was:
All Australian rules football competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions outside AFL/AFLW), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol. This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent League for boys and girls) and all community football competitions; and
Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program.
In-line with this announcement, AFL Barwon has adopted:
The 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Australian rules football competitions at all ages; and
Has also adopted this policy for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Netball competitions at all ages.
This adoption extends to practice matches, interleague and other games of any kind, of Australian Rules Football and Netball, in all forms.
Concussion is a mild brain injury, caused by trauma which results in the temporary dysfunction of the brain. When it occurs, a child may experience symptoms such as memory loss and difficulty processing information.
Trauma causing any concussion can be obvious or may be very subtle and hardly noticed.
Some possible signs of concussion:
Loss of consciousness
Seizure/convulsions
Amnesia
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Balance problems
Confusion
Fatigue
It is important to realise that a player does not need to be knocked unconscious to suffer a concussion.
Even if you think your child is not just themself, don’t rule out concussion!
If you observe any of these symptoms or signs in your child, see a GP as soon as possible.
If you observe a deterioration in these symptoms or signs go to an accident and emergency department at your nearest hospital.
Progression and Management
Concussion is a temporary brain dysfunction and will resolve with time. This may vary from and hours to several days. Occasionally, with severe injury the brain may recover more slowly.
The best treatment is initial rest from physical activity and school, with a gradual increase in activities.
The Surf Coast Suns FNC encourage anyone dealing with a suspected concussion to download https://www.headcheck.com.au/
This site provides valuable information. It also enables a person to record the symptoms ensuring appropriate management is followed.
Following a concussion, it is expected a player will make a full recovery. However, there is a significant risk of permanent brain damage if a player was to sustain a second concussion before recovering from the first.
Any player who suffers a concussion or is suspected of having a concussion must be cleared by a medical doctor before returning to full training or a game.