Right: Helmets could soon be compulsory for AFL footballers on the field - but will they solve the problem of head injury, or exacerbate it?
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Background information
(Much of the following information is taken from the AFL's Guidelines for the Responsible Approach to Concussion. The full text of this document can be found at
http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/Coach_AFL/Injury_Management/ResponsibleApproachConcussionintheAFL.pdf)
Current regulations do not require helmets be worn by Australian Rules players and some leagues have guidelines which suggest scepticism about the value of helmets.
Regulations in the junior Australian Football leagues
Protective head gear (helmets)
There is no strong evidence to suggest protective head gear is necessary in junior football. In the event that protective head gear (a helmet) is required because of a disability or medical condition, a medical certificate should be provided that states the protective head gear will provide adequate protection. However, it is recommended all children participating in any form of the game should wear an appropriately fitted mouth guard.
Helmets for senior AFL players
The senior league does not require the wearing of helmets, though some players, usually those with pre-existent head injuries, wear helmets, usually on the advice of their doctors.
At the senior level, the AFL relies on regulations intended to change player movements to reduce the likelihood of head contact.
Some of the AFL regulations intended to reduce head injuries include:
New definition of charging (2000)
Emphasis on protecting player on ground from being contacted from front on (2003)
Bumping/making forceful contact from front on/bumping player with head over the ball (2007)
Stricter policing of dangerous tackles (2007)
High contact classification given to incidents where head hits the ground (2009)
Rough conduct [head-high bump] (2009, 2010 & 2011)
New guideline under rough conduct for dangerous tackles (2010)
Interchange substitute rule (2011)
Clarity on negligent and reckless dangerous tackles including sling tackles (2012)
Increased penalty for striking incidents behind play (2012)
In addition, the AFL was one of the first professional sports to introduce a rule which prohibits clubs from playing a medically unfit player, whereby the club doctor is the only club person with the authority to make that decision. Sanctions of up to $50,000 apply for each individual breach within this rule.
Revised concussion management guidelines were introduced at the beginning of the 201 Season which require a more conservative approach to the management of concussion and return to play decisions. Along with setting a positive example at AFL level, these guidelines have also had a significant positive impact at community level.
AFL Level concussion management guidelines:
Player diagnosed with concussion cannot take any further part in the game
Players with transient symptoms are assessed to determine if they are due to concussion (e.g. blurred vision, dizziness, unsteadiness)
If brain function is normal they may be allowed to continue playing, with ongoing monitoring for signs of concussion
Post-concussion management in week following injury through a period of rest to allow recovery; monitoring for recovery of symptoms and signs; use of cognitive tests to estimate recovery of brain function; graduated return to activity with monitoring for recurrence of symptoms; final medical clearance before resuming full contact training and/or playing.
All players to undergo computerised baseline tests during pre-season and following injury
The United States football league's helmet regulations
The NFL requires all players to wear helmets. As of 2010, the regulations were changes to prevent players using their helmets to assault other players. The reworded rules prohibit a player from launching himself off the ground and using his helmet to strike a player in a defenceless posture in the head or neck. The old rule only applied to receivers getting hit, but now it will apply to everyone.
Also in 2010, the NFL rules now require that when a player loses his helmet, the play is immediately whistled dead. Also, during field-goal and extra-point attempts, the defence cannot position any player on the line directly across from the snapper, who is considered to be in a defenceless position.
The league has implemented more stringent return-to-play guidelines for players who suffer concussions, and each team must consult with an independent neurologist whenever there is a head injury.