Australian Football League concussion guidelines: what do community players think?
Peta E WhiteAlex DonaldsonS John SullivanJoshua NewtonCaroline F Finch AoPublished in: BMJ open sport & exercise medicine (2016)
Players generally understand that the AFL concussion guidelines protect their long-term welfare. However, their desire to play at all costs and help their team win is a common barrier to reporting concussion and adhering to guidelines. Leagues should take a lead role by mandating and enforcing the use of the guidelines and educating coaches, game day medical providers and players. The return-to-play component of the guidelines is complex and needs further consideration in the context of community sport.