A major responsibility of coaches is their duty of care towards their players and the players’ safety. One critical area of the game where this duty is highlighted is when players receive a knock to the head and suffer a concussive injury (a disturbance of brain function). It is important that concussion is managed correctly and that players do not return to play or training until they are fully recovered. Following a detailed research project into this area, the AFL Research Board and the AFL Medical Officers Association have produced a position statement and policy covering the management of concussion in Australian football at all levels. The attached brochure, designed for community football clubs, can be downloaded. Copies of these will be distributed to all clubs in the near future.

As the finals approach and the stakes rise, it is more important than ever that clubs, trainers and coaches are vigilant in this area. It is critical that the basic principles of return to play decisions are followed to ensure that a concussed player is fully recovered before being allowed to do so. In general, a player with suspected concussion must be withdrawn from playing or training until fully evaluated by a medical practitioner and cleared to play. The safest course of action is that players not be allowed to return to play in a game or training session on the day of injury.

Generally decisions in this area in community football will be made by the head trainer, unless the club has a medical doctor in attendance. Trainers should not be swayed by the opinions of players, coaching staff or others suggesting a premature return to play. Conversely, coaches must not, in accordance with the AFL Coaches Code of Conduct, put undue pressure on trainers or players to make such decisions.