New PlayHQ Concussion Management Functionality

We’re pleased to announce the release of new PlayHQ functionality designed to assist in the management of concussion. This feature supports the AFL’s Strategic Plan for Sport-Related Concussion and reinforces our commitment to player health and safety. More information around the AFL’s policy and details can be found – https://play.afl/concussion

Key Features:

• Player Ineligibility & Clearance: Enables suspected concussions to be recorded, making players ineligible for selection until they complete the return-to-play process.
• Automated Notifications:
  • Sent to PlayHQ profile owners (player or parent/guardian) outlining the required steps to return to play.
  • Sent to club admins (with notifications enabled) and team managers when an incident is logged and throughout the recovery process.
• Return-to-Play Declarations:
  • After 21+ Days: Players must declare completion of the graded loading program and confirm medical clearance. No action is required from the club.
  • Before 21 Days: Players must declare a doctor has confirmed no concussion occurred. Clubs must also confirm they’ve sighted the medical clearance before the player becomes eligible.
• Reporting Dashboard: Provides de-identified insights, including:
  • Number of concussion incidents
  • Return status (open, pending, closed, needs review)
  • Average return-to-play timeframe
  • Basic demographics (age, gender)

Privacy: Once a player’s return-to-play date has passed, the concussion incident will only be visible to the profile owner and no longer to leagues or clubs.

Why This Matters:

• For players: Automatic notifications direct them to the Play AFL Concussion Hub for practical, step-by-step guidance.
• For clubs/leagues: Puts responsibility on players to manage their return, while improving oversight and reducing manual admin.

Video Tutorials

• Enter Suspected Concussion, Team Manager – https://play.afl/video/playhq-concussion-enter-suspected-concussion-team-manager
• Enter Suspected Concussion, Club Admin – https://play.afl/video/playhq-concussion-enter-suspected-concussion-club-admin
• Submitting Clearance – Return to Play – https://play.afl/video/playhq-concussion-submitting-clearance-return-play
• Review Clearance to Return to Play – https://play.afl/video/playhq-concussion-review-clearance-return-play

Additional Resources:

    Play AFL Concussion – https://play.afl/concussion

    Concussion Managment Module – https://play.afl/concussion/resources/concussion-injury-management-module#article-0

    Learn more by checking out the Play HQ user guides (here) and support videos (here).

For any queries, please contact the Stakeholder Services Team on 1800 PLAYAFL or at clubhelp@afl.com.au.