We’ve heard a lot about concussion this AFL season, with claims that too many knocks to the head can cause mental illness, calls for more research into the possible link between football concussions and long-term brain injury, the enforcement of mandatory headgear for junior players in some clubs, and calls for all AFL players to wear protective helmets.
The AFL responded to these concerns by releasing a position statement which recommends helmets not be used for the prevention of concussion. It also claims “younger players who wear a helmet may change their playing style, and receive more head impacts as a result”.
So has the AFL got its policy right?
Severe head injuries in Australian football and the rugby codes are not common, with just nine cases of severe traumatic brain injury reported in Victoria in the 31 years to 1999....