The NRL has reportedly ramped up concussion protocols during training and is considering limiting contract in a bid to reduce risks of brain injuries in the game.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports all clubs must now film every contact training session held throughout the season and that footage will be used to determine any potential concussion risks.
Additionally, there will be more medical staff and concussion spotters on hand and each club must log with the NRL how much time players spend doing physical contact each week, as well as the length of team training sessions.
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According to the Herald, the data submitted will be used to help the Australian Rugby League Commission determine whether a limit on contract training needs to be put in place.
The Commission will reportedly make a call later this year on whether that contact training limit — similar to the NFL’s — needs to be implemented.
Under the NFL’s protocols, players can only have padded practice a total of 14 times during the regular seasons and then a maximum of once per week during the play-offs.
The NRL’s new protocols come just days after the Australian Institute of Sport launched fresh guidelines that require those participating in community or youth sport to sit out for 21 days after a concussion, while children aged 19 and under must be symptom free for 14 days before returning to contract training.
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“The processes we’ve put in place are intended to replicate, as much as possible, our game day procedures in the training environment,” NRL head of football Graham Annesley said via the Herald.
“All clubs are required to comply and provide information that helps the NRL consider future policy based on data and best practice.
“Like all other major contact sports around the world, we have a responsibility to stay at the cutting edge of player safety and welfare.”
The game has already taken steps to decrease the risk of brain injury by introducing a mandatory 11-day stand-down rule for players that have suffered a concussion either in a game or at training.
