All footballers who suffer a concussion in competitions other than the AFL and AFLW will be required to miss at least 21 days after the AFL introduced a mandatory minimum three-week return to play protocol.
AFL and AFLW players will continue with a minimum 12-day return to play protocol as they have access to better medical care and diagnosis of concussion.
Adelaide’s Mark Keane holds his head after being concussed by Port’s Sam Powell-Pepper.Credit: Getty Images
The landmark decision will apply for state football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent Leagues for boys and girls) and all community football competitions.
The AFL will also work with the WAFL and SANFL to encourage them to adopt the same protocols.
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