Preseason awareness
Reducing the Risk of Concussions in AFL: Key Strategies Coaches and Players Can Control
Introduction
Concussions are one of the most prevalent and concerning injuries in Australian Football (AFL), with significant long-term health implications. While much attention has been given to protective equipment, rule changes, and ongoing research, there are key strategies within the control of coaches and players that can help reduce the risk of concussion. These strategies include tackle technique, neck strengthening, and close-quarter skills and contact preparation. In this blog, we’ll explore these factors in detail, along with a brief overview of protective equipment and rule changes in AFL.
Protective Equipment: Does It Really Reduce the Risk of Concussion?
Headgear
While the use of soft-shell headgear in AFL has gained attention, current research suggests it does not significantly reduce the risk of concussion or other brain injuries. Headgear might provide protection in cases of specific injuries, such as face or skull fractures, but it is not considered effective in preventing concussions in Australian Football.
The AFL is working with research and commercial partners to develop headgear that meets higher standards. However, based on existing evidence, there is no strong recommendation for helmets to be used for concussion prevention in the sport.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are highly recommended in AFL, primarily to protect against dental injuries and facial fractures. While their primary role is injury prevention in the teeth and face, there is some evidence suggesting that mouthguards may also play a role in preventing concussions. Custom-fitted, laminated mouthguards are considered the best option for concussion prevention, offering optimal comfort and protection. Although over-the-counter “boil and bite” mouthguards may provide some protection, their effectiveness varies based on fit and thickness. Overall, mouthguards should be worn during all matches and contact training sessions to help minimize injuries to the face, teeth, and potentially the brain.
Rule Changes: Impact on Concussion Risk
The AFL has implemented over 30 rule changes since 2005 aimed at reducing the risk of concussion and head trauma. These changes are designed to deter dangerous conduct, encourage safer play, and enforce stricter penalties for head-high contact and reckless tackles. For example, players are penalized more heavily for high tackles, and dangerous actions such as bumps to the head are strictly penalized.
In addition to adult rules, modifications have been made to junior football to protect younger players. Based on research and best practices, these changes help to introduce contact gradually and provide a safer environment for children to develop their skills. This progressive approach reduces the risk of concussions in younger players while still allowing them to experience the full benefits of the sport as they mature physically and emotionally.
Tackle Technique: Education and Training
One of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of concussion in AFL is improving tackling technique. Concussions often occur when players make head-first tackles or when their heads collide with other players.
The AFL, in collaboration with LaTrobe University, has developed a specific education program for both AFL and AFLW players. This program incorporates active warm-ups and practical drills designed to reduce head impacts and the risk of concussion. The program has shown promising results in a pilot study, demonstrating a reduction in both the frequency and severity of head impacts among participants. By focusing on proper technique and training, coaches can help players avoid risky situations where concussions are more likely to occur.
Key elements of proper tackling technique include:
- Keeping the head out of tackles: Players should avoid leading with their heads, which can result in direct impact and increased concussion risk.
- Focus on body position: Tackling should target the body rather than the head, ensuring that the head is kept safely away from the impact zone.
- Practical drills: Coaches should incorporate tackling drills that emphasize safety, teaching players to use their body and arms for a safe and effective tackle.
These techniques, combined with a comprehensive education program, can significantly reduce the incidence of concussions in AFL.
Neck Strengthening: A Critical Factor in Concussion Prevention
A recent study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) suggests that strengthening the neck muscles could play a significant role in reducing the risk of concussion in contact sports like AFL.
The study highlights the connection between neck strength and the ability to absorb impact forces during a collision. Players with stronger necks may be better equipped to withstand the forces of head impacts, reducing the likelihood of concussions. The neck muscles, particularly those that control head and cervical spine movements, help stabilize the head during contact, minimizing the chances of it whiplashing or snapping back too quickly during a hit.
Incorporating neck strengthening exercises into training routines can provide players with a greater level of protection against concussion. These exercises can include movements that focus on cervical spine mobility, flexibility, and strength, as well as exercises designed to increase overall neck strength, such as isometric holds, resistance bands, and weighted exercises. By enhancing neck strength, players may better prevent head injuries and reduce the severity of impacts when they occur.
Close-Quarter Skills/Contact Preparation: Preparing for the Physical Demands of AFL
Close-quarter skills and contact preparation are essential elements of concussion prevention in AFL. Players often find themselves in tight spaces where quick decision-making, precise footwork, and safe body positioning are key to avoiding collisions that lead to concussions.
Coaches can prepare players for these high-risk situations by:
- Simulating close-contact scenarios in training: Creating drills that replicate real-game situations where players need to navigate tight spaces while maintaining control.
- Fostering awareness: Teaching players to anticipate and react to potential collisions to avoid high-risk situations. Players should be encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, make split-second decisions, and avoid reckless or unnecessary contact.
- Emphasizing body positioning: When engaging in close-contact play, it’s essential that players use proper body positioning to avoid head-first impacts and reduce the chances of head trauma.
Close-quarter skills and contact preparation can help reduce the number of unnecessary collisions in AFL, allowing players to be more effective and safer in physical confrontations.
Conclusion: Player and Coach Responsibility in Concussion Prevention
Reducing the risk of concussion in AFL is a multi-faceted effort that requires the combined efforts of players, coaches, medical staff, and the governing bodies of the sport. While protective equipment and rule changes are important, coaches and players have significant control over the key factors that can reduce concussion risk—such as tackle technique, neck strengthening, and close-quarter skills preparation.
By focusing on safe and effective training methods, implementing proper technique, and improving physical conditioning, AFL coaches and players can make significant strides in minimizing the risks of concussion. This proactive approach will help ensure a safer and healthier environment for players, both during their careers and in the years that follow.
Physiotherapist
