Concussions and Protecting Our Players

[PhilClinton]

At some point (and I know it’s already happening to an extent) these stories are going to start having more of an impact at grassroots and schoolboy level.

Regardless of scientific reports being published, the more professional players that call it quits, the more this game and other contact sports become too high a risk for a parent to knowingly have their child participate.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Players retiring from it will hurt more than the journals and occasional news story with a Dr.

Is there a protocol around multiple concussions in a given period of time? I understand RA have 12 days for Adults and 21 days for Children (U18) but I'm wondering what the protocol escalates to if a 16 year old returns after 21 days and has another within say a month of returning? Do they sit for 28 days or the rest of the season etc if that makes sense?

We are so keen to get guys back on the field but concussion seems to be an injury that occurs a lot easier after a few of them.

 

[PhilClinton]

Further to that Ghost - if I'm a parent, what assurances or guidelines are being given to me that my kid will be accurately assessed for a HIA?

The professional level of the game is much easier to police. They have the benefit of replays, multiple team medical staff and three fully trained referees who can spot this stuff.

A kid running around in the 15Ds is probably going to have a junior ref, some schoolmates as touchies and that's about it.

And I know the argument that these head injuries are likely more severe or more prevalent in the higher levels of the game. But I don't feel like that argument would pass the pub test for most parents.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Players retiring from it will hurt more than the journals and occasional news story with a Dr.

Is there a protocol around multiple concussions in a given period of time? I understand RA have 12 days for Adults and 21 days for Children (U18) but I'm wondering what the protocol escalates to if a 16 year old returns after 21 days and has another within say a month of returning? Do they sit for 28 days or the rest of the season etc if that makes sense?

We are so keen to get guys back on the field but concussion seems to be an injury that occurs a lot easier after a few of them.

It's kind of left up to the "appropriately trained health practitioner" (everyone is meant to see a one, but not necessarily a doctor), but RA do give some guidelines*

*guidelines don't appear to be followed in the case of 22 year old Queensland #10s

 

[Strewthcobber]

Further to that Ghost - if I'm a parent, what assurances or guidelines are being given to me that my kid will be accurately assessed for a HIA?

I understand what you mean here, and it's a good point about recognising head injuries, but also important that HIA (that is potential to come back on the field after a head knock) can only be done at pro level. No-one can allow someone to come back on to the field at 15D level

 

[PhilClinton]

I understand what you mean here, and it's a good point about recognising head injuries, but also important that HIA (that is potential to come back on the field after a head knock) can only be done at pro level. No-one can allow someone to come back on to the field at 15D level

Yep - sorry, I am using the term 'HIA' as an overall assessment of whether someone has copped a head injury and simply needs to be removed from the field.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

It's a decent start Strewth but also full of interpretive talk.

Very easily ignored/put in the too hard basket for busy families and kids who just want to go and play footy with their mates. Especially boys who have a general disregard for their bodies.