THE Australian Football League (AFL) has recently released research that states
that there is no definitive evidence that wearing a helmet reduces the incidence
of concussion when playing football.
The AFL also states that a junior
footballer who wears a helmet may alter his playing style, and consequently
actually receive an increase in head impacts.
In conclusion, the AFL states
that helmets are not recommended for concussion prevention.
In recent years
the Golden Rivers Football League (GRFL) and the Central Murray Football Netball
League (CMFNL) have introduced compulsory wearing of helmets for junior
footballers.
This has been introduced despite the objections of junior
players and their parents.
It is apparent that the GRFL and CMFNL are now
currently enforcing a practice that is contrary to the AFL recommendation, and
one that will increase the likelihood of head impact and injury in junior
football.
Despite several requests, the GRFL executive has never provided
any reasoning for this compulsion.
In addition, no explanation has ever been
provided for why the Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) and virtually
every affiliated league, all the metropolitan leagues, and all the school based
competitions, all allow boys to play without wearing a helmet; and why the GRFL
and CMFNL don’t.
It should be noted that only 5-10 per cent of boys in all
the other leagues wear helmets, with the other 90-95 per cent running around
happily and injury free.
Considering the AFL research and statements, and
also considering the desires of affected boys and their parents, it is essential
that the GRFL and CMFNL adopt the AFL recommendation as soon as possible.
The AFL statements can be viewed at ‘aflcommunityclub.com.au’.
