Concussion Policy
The Glen Waverley Rovers Juniors Football Club is committed to best practice in the management of concussion in sport, where the critical element is the welfare of the player, both in the short and long term. Following the introduction of the new concussion management guidelines for the 2013 AFL season, the AFL Medical Officers Association has produced guidelines for community football. The guidelines are for trainers, first-aid providers, coaches, umpires, club officials and parents and should be understood and followed by all parties for the benefit and welfare of the players.
The following policy applies to all players, officials, parents and guardians of Glen Waverley Rovers Junior Football Club;
Training / Game Day:
- Any player who has suffered a concussion or is suspected of having a concussion must be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED from the ground.
- The team’s trainer may deem a player has a suspected concussion and has the responsibility to remove the player from play immediately.
- All players with concussion or suspected concussion need an urgent medical assessment (with a registered medical doctor). This assessment can be provided by a medical doctor, local general practice or hospital emergency department.
- Trainers should not be swayed by the opinions of coaches, players, or others suggesting a premature return to play. Coaches must, in accordance with the AFL Coaches Code of Conduct, not put undue pressure on trainers or players to make such decisions.
Returning to Training and Play:
- Players must return to training and play in a graduated fashion, and the rehabilitation must be supervised by a medical practitioner.
- A player with concussion or suspected concussion must be withdrawn from playing and training until fully evaluated by a medical practitioner and cleared to play. All medical clearances must be provided on official letterhead of the Medical Centre, with a specified date of return to training and play. This clearance certificate is to be provided to the Glen Waverley Rovers Junior Football Club for clearance to train and play.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the AFL 2103 The Management of Concussion in Australian Football document.
Policy review
Authorised by: Adrian Goldsmith
Position: President
Date: June 2015