MOUTHGUARD AND HELMET POLICY

REDUCTION OF CONCUSSION AND HEAD TRAUMA

Glen Iris Junior Football Club’s approach to concussion and head trauma is guided by AFL concussion guidelines and the Club’s commitment to player safety.

Reducing the risk of concussion and head trauma requires a broad approach, including education, protective equipment, safe training practices, clear policies, rules and rule enforcement.

The Club encourages all players, parents, carers, coaches and officials to familiarise themselves with current AFL concussion resources and follow all required steps for injury management, recovery and return to play.

The Management of Sports Related Concussion in Australian Football March 2024

PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR

There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend soft-shell helmets or headgear for the prevention of concussion or brain injury in Australian Rules Football.

However, helmets or protective headgear may have a role in protecting players returning from specific injuries, such as facial or skull fractures, where recommended by a medical professional.

GIJFC supports the discretion of players, parents and carers in choosing whether a player wears protective headgear, provided it is suitable for football and does not create additional risk to the player or others.

MOUTHGUARDS

Mouthguards play an important role in helping prevent injuries to the teeth, mouth and face. For this reason, they are strongly recommended at all levels of football and should be worn during matches and contact training sessions.

Custom-fitted laminated mouthguards generally provide the best protection, comfort and fit. Over-the-counter “boil and bite” mouthguards provide better protection than no mouthguard, although their effectiveness may vary depending on fit, thickness, comfort and quality.

GIJFC policy is that mouthguards are mandatory for both training and matches.

Players who do not have a mouthguard at training may be limited in the activities they can take part in, as determined by the coaching staff.

Players who do not have a mouthguard at matches will not be permitted to play.

AFL CONCUSSION GUIDELINES

For further information, please refer to the AFL’s current concussion guidelines:

VIEW AFL COMMUNITY CONCUSSION GUIDELINES