If a player during a VAFA match is suspected of having concussion, the player is not permitted to return to the field.

Any player diagnosed with concussion must adhere to the AFL Concussion Management Return-to-Play Flow Chart and successfully complete the 21-day minimum return-to-play (RTP) protocols before returning to play.

Concussion Reporting Form.

Clubs are required to notify VAFA following a fixtured round of matches if the club has had any suspected concussions or not.

The club must report the details of the suspected concussion following the match using this form.

Should a Club have no suspected concussions that round, then simply select the ‘all clear’ option at the top of the form.

This form is to be completed by midday each Wednesday following a fixtured round of matches.

The VAFA will list the player as unavailable due to concussion in the Competition Management Platform (PlayHQ).

Return-to-Play Form.

For a player with suspected concussion to be cleared to return to play (minimum 21-days after injury), the club must then inform the VAFA of a player’s successful completion of the RTP protocols with corresponding medical clearance from a registered medical practitioner, using the Club Concussion RTP Approval Form*.

*The only exception, which is uncommon, is if a registered medical practitioner grants early medical clearance based on ruling out concussion, with this early clearance also communicated using the Club Concussion RTP Approval Form

VAFA will not automatically release a player as per 2023.

*Medical information submitted by a VAFA participant as part of the VAFA Concussion Report will be for internal use only, and will not be shared with any third party without the prior consent of the individual.

You can use this one form for up to four separate player concussions, should you have more than four, please submit more forms as required, should you only have two for example, click SUBMIT after the 2nd reporting.