TFA Releases Updated Concussion Policy for Touch Football

Touch Football Australia (TFA) is proud to release an updated Concussion Policy for Touch Football, replacing the 2021 TFA Concussion Policy.

In February of this year, the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport were released alongside the Concussion Recognition Tool 6. As an Endorsing Organisation of the new Guidelines, TFA has worked with TFA Medical Coordinator Steve Cunningham and key stakeholders New South Wales Touch Football and Queensland Touch Football to align our sports approach to the management of concussion. The new Concussion Policy for Touch Football:

• Is consistent with best practice in world sport;
• Features information to educate and inform the community regarding the effects of concussion;
• Introduces a standardised management process for suspected concussions;
• Has a required minimum 21 day stand down period following a diagnosed concussion, inclusive of:
• 14 days symptom free before returning to competitive training; and
• A further seven (7) days before returning to competition.
• Recommends the implementation of a Concussion Officer at events; and
• Clarifies the reporting and documentation of concussion.

The policy has already been implemented at The Championships and both conferences of the NSW Junior State Cup. The new policy can be viewed here and is housed on TFA’s Sport Policy page.

TFA will work with all State and Territory partners to implement the Concussion Officer at events. For all enquiries, please contact James Sharp via james.sharp@touchfootball.com.au