AFLNT are following the implementation of the AFL’s updated 2021 AFL/AFLW Concussion Guidelines, which will see NTFL community players sidelined for at least 12 days if they suffer a concussion from Round 16 onwards.
The minimum 12 day return to play protocol is in addition to the previous requirement that any player must not be allowed to return without having a medical clearance.
Under the new protocol, all players suffering a concussion will miss at least 1 match (assuming standard fixturing) and sometimes they will miss more than one match depending on clinical symptoms.
Head of AFLNT Stuart Totham says following these Guidelines is an important step in ensuring the health and safety of Territory players.
“The adoption of these Guidelines in the thick of the 2020/21 NTFL season shows just how seriously the AFL are taking the issue of concussion.”
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said the League takes seriously the issue of concussion and the updated guidelines reflected the AFL’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of all present, past and future players.
“The updated concussion guidelines represent a significant step in the AFL’s existing record of ongoing improvements to its concussion management strategy that reflect medical research and other learnings over time.” Mr Dillon said.
“The updated guidelines are the most stringent concussion protocols in Australian sport and we are committed to continuing to take action to protect the safety of players at all levels of the game.
Mr Dillon said the AFL was in the final stages of interviewing for a Concussion Lead at the League and expected the successful candidate to be appointed in the coming weeks.
“We continue to listen and learn and take action and the new role will specifically focus on the work that we are doing as an industry – both at the elite and community level – to deal with the important topic of concussion.”
Under the Guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 12th day after the day on which the concussion was suffered (noting that in some instances a longer period of recovery and rehabilitation will be needed).
AFLNT will work with Territory community clubs to develop an implementation strategy to rollout from Round 16 of this season.
The Concussion Guidelines are reviewed on an annual basis and the current updated version has been prepared by the AFL’s Chief Medical Officer Peter Harcourt and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Makdissi.
