CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Glen Iris Junior Football Club takes player safety seriously and supports the management of concussion in line with AFL and YJFL guidance.
Concussion and head injuries must always be treated with care. Any player with a suspected concussion should be removed from play, monitored, and referred for appropriate medical assessment.
GAME DAY PROCESS
Where a suspected head injury or concussion occurs:
- The player should be removed from play and assessed by the appropriate trainer, medic or medical professional.
- If a Colbrow Medic is present at the venue, they may liaise with the Team Manager or Trainer to obtain details of the incident.
- Injury details should be recorded and reported through the appropriate club and league process.
- Relevant reports may be forwarded to the player’s parent or carer, as well as the Team Manager and Trainer.
- Parents and players should seek professional medical advice to determine the appropriate recovery and return-to-play pathway.
- A player diagnosed with concussion must not return to training or playing until they have completed the required concussion process and obtained appropriate medical clearance.
- A concussed player must not return to competitive contact sport, including full contact training, before medical clearance has been provided.
RETURN TO PLAY
A player with concussion must follow the required graduated return-to-play process.
The earliest a player may return to play is on the 21st day after the concussion occurred, provided they have completed the required stages and received medical clearance.
RESOURCES
Club trainers should follow AFL concussion protocols and may use the HeadCheck App to assist with recognising and managing concussion.
Additional information is available through the AFL Community Concussion Guidelines and HeadCheck resources.
AFL COMMUNITY CONCUSSION GUIDELINES
The AFL Community Concussion Guidelines provide important information for players, parents, coaches, trainers and volunteers about recognising and managing concussion in community football.
GIJFC encourages all families and team officials to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and follow the recommended steps for assessment, recovery and return to play.
