POLICIES (Club) - Concussion/Selection/Vilification

concussION POLICY

Following the introduction of the new concussion management guidelines for the 2013 AFL season, the AFL Medical Officers Association has produced guidelines for community football. The guidelines are for trainers, first-aid providers, coaches, umpires, club officials and parents and should be understood and followed by all parties for the benefit and welfare of the players. Knox Football Netball Club adheres to these guidelines.

The following policy applies to all players of Knox Football Netball Club; this includes (Football and Netball players):

Training / Game Day:

  • Any player who has suffered a concussion or is suspected of having a concussion must be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY.
  • All players with concussion or suspected concussion need an urgent medical assessment (with a registered medical doctor). This assessment can be provided by a medical doctor, local general practice or hospital emergency department.
  • Any sports trainer of Knox Football Club may deem a player has a suspected concussion and has the responsibility to remove the player from play IMMEDIATELY.
  • Trainers should not be swayed by the opinions of coaches, players, or others suggesting a premature return to play. Conversely, coaches must, in accordance with the AFL Coaches Code of Conduct, not put undue pressure on trainers or players to make such decisions.

Returning to Play:

  • Players must return to play in a graduated fashion, and the rehabilitation MUST BE supervised by a medical practitioner (GP or Specialist).
  • A player with suspected concussion must be withdrawn from playing or training until fully evaluated by a medical practitioner and cleared to play, with specified date of return to play.
  • A concussed player must not be allowed to return to play before having a medical clearance.


SELECTION POLICY

Philosophy:

Development and improvement is the pathway to sustainable success. Success in itself does not reflect development or improvement and as such does not promote the sustainable prosperity of the Club.

Aims:

  • To have the best and most suitable 22 players within the club represent the club at senior level each time we play
  • To promote development of all players regardless of age

Selection Guidelines:

  • The Match Committee will select the best teams possible for both the senior and reserves squads.
  • The U19 coach, in consultation with the Head Coach, will select the U19 squad.
  • Second and third year U19 players will be expected to be available for senior selection and are encouraged to challenge themselves at this level.
  • 'Doubling up' will be avoided. As such Reserves are encouraged to utilize the EFL ruling on playing 16 per side rather than U19's
  • No bottom age U19 may 'Double up'
  • Bottom age U19's may be selected in the senior side

Players that choose to disqualify or opt out of this process may rule themselves ineligible for selection at any level.


Vilification and Discrimination POLICY

The AFL and EFL's Vilification and Discrimination Policy prohibits language and behaviour that vilifies on the basis of:

- Race
- Religion
- Gender
- Colour
- Sexual preference, orientation or identity, or
- Special ability or disability

The EFL has provided training for club vilification officers and a copy of a DVD to run at clubs.

Policy reviews

These policies will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant to club operations and reflect both community expectations and legal requirements.