Safety Policy
Players should apply sunscreen prior to commencement of play and reapply it during breaks in play on sunny days.
All players should make sure that they are fully aware of the rules of the game, particularly as they relate to safety.
All players must wear a mouthguard at all times during both training and competition. If possible, players should wear custom-made or professionally fitted mouthguards.
Players with a history of head injury should seek professional advice about the appropriateness of wearing headgear. The AFL does not recommend the wearing of helmets to prevent concussion. The wearing of helmets is an individual decision although the club and its officials will support any player that chooses to wear a helmet.
Players with a history of ankle injury should wear some form of external support (e.g. taping).
Thigh protectors may be useful for players who have suffered a recent corked thigh or those with a history of significant corked thighs.
Pre-season safety
Parents and guardians should satisfy themselves that the children for whom they are responsible are medically fit to participate, and sustain the rigours of Junior Football. Should parents/guardians have any doubts as to the medical fitness of their child they should consult a suitably qualified physician for guidance.
Pre-game safety
All players should warm-up for about 20 minutes before the commencement of each game. This should include stretching to increase flexibility and slow jogging which progresses to more intense running activities, with and without a football; Note: the Coach will provide an outline of the appropriate warm-up routine.
Players should have a balanced, nutritional diet.
Players should ensure that they are adequately hydrated (i.e. had enough water) before training and matches.
Concussion
The Club supports the AFL guidelines on concussion and its recommended management of players suffering concussion.
The AFL guidelines can be summarised as follows:
- Recognise a suspected concussion;
- Remove the player from the game immediately and not allowed to return to play;
- Refer the player for medical evaluation; and
- Ensure the player has received written medical clearance before allowing them to return to Club related training or matches.
- The earliest that a player may return to play is on the 12th day after the day on which the concussion was suffered.
The AFL has issued the following concussion recognition and management guidelines for parents: