NSWRL boosts rules around concussion
New substitute and 14-day stand-down among changes to protocols
WE generally don’t celebrate the achievements of cockroaches in this state but the New South Wales Rugby League deserves a pat on the back for their move to improve rules around concussion.
The NSWRL yesterday announced new concussion protocols for all competitions this season, which includes an 18th man who would serve as a concussion substitution and a mandatory stand-down period of 14 days.
NSWRL general manager – football Barrie-Jon Mather said it was simply to increase the level of care for players.
“We are just trying to increase the level of care and err on the side of caution when it comes to head knocks and concussions,” Mather said.
“All sports have taken their guidance from the same experts and the same studies and the NSWRL is doing what they can in the interests of player welfare and safety.”
The 18th man would only take part in a game if another player is ruled out due to concussion, and the injured player will only be considered for selection again if they received clearance from a specialised concussion doctor.
To the layman, it sounds like a lot of hoops to jump, but the more we learn about concussion and its long-term health effects, the greater the need to take all possible precautions to protect players.
No sport is immune to concussion and other head-related injuries, and you don’t have to look far into history to find the prime example.
Will Bugden was a damaging front-rower with a muchsought ability to break defensive lines and a fearlessness that made him one of the Intrust Super Cup’s most feared props.
But Bugden, who started his Intrust Super Cup career at Tweed Seagulls then spent the past few years at the Northern Pride, was forced into early retirement before the end of the season as a result of several concussions he suffered on the field.
His long-term health is more important than a game of footy, and he is but one example of the stand athletes, officials and administrators are taking against head knocks.
Australian cricketer Steve Smith was involved in one of the highest-profile incidents last year, when he was on the receiving end of a vicious bouncer from Jofra Archer.
Smith continued batting but later failed a concussion test and was ruled out for the rest of the second Test and the third Test (which opened the door for Marnus Labuschagne).
It will be interesting to see if the Queensland Rugby League and governing bodies of other sports move to adopt similar protocols.
The NSWRL’s action seems the right move, and if more players can be protected, the better our sports can thrive.