AFLMOA president Dr Hugh Seward said the guidelines had been introduced with an increased emphasis on safety.
"Concussion is frequently a difficult condition to manage, due to the complexity of brain dysfunction, the subtle clinical signs and the pressure of game circumstances," Dr Seward said.
The AFL's recent annual injury survey revealed a club can expect to receive six to seven concussion injuries per season.
Dr Seward said the new guidelines took a more conservative approach than what had been previously been the case.
"Like most injuries, a spectrum of concussion can be observed but when the diagnosis is obvious - loss of consciousness, confusion, memory disturbance etc - the player will not be returned to the field of play," Dr Seward said.
"When the diagnosis is uncertain, the player will either be assessed on the bench or in the rooms and this assessment will take up to 10 minutes. If a concussion is confirmed, the player will not be returned to play, but if there are no issues following his assessment, the player may return to play."
Dr Seward said players with temporary symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness or unsteadiness may be allowed to play with monitoring for signs of concussion.
The guidelines have emphasised that after a concussion, players will be managed in the following ways for the next week:
- A period of rest to allow recovery.
- Monitoring for recovery of symptoms and signs.
- The use of cognitive tests, including computerised testing to estimate recovery of brain function.
- Graduated return to activity with monitoring for recurrence of symptoms.
- A final medical clearance before resuming full contact training and/or playing.
