AFL Faces Big Questions Over Concussion Insurance for Players

Australian rules football is facing a serious problem with how it protects players who suffer concussions. A report about Geelong footballer Jake Kolodjashnij revealed that he signed a letter giving up his legal rights so he could keep playing, even after doctors were unsure if it was safe. Now the AFL and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) are trying to figure out how to make sure nothing like this happens again.

Kolodjashnij signed an 'acknowledgement of risk' letter so he could continue his career after the AFL's Concussion Panel could not clearly say whether he was safe to play. This letter meant Geelong Football Club would not be legally responsible if he was hurt by another concussion. The AFL fined Geelong $140,000 for not following proper contract rules, but an independent investigator said the club did not do anything wrong by letting him sign the letter.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said that any future waiver — a document that removes a player's legal protections — would need approval from the Players Association. Because the AFLPA did not know about Kolodjashnij's letter, it was not properly approved, and that is why Geelong had to cancel it. Dillon made clear that without the Players Association's involvement, a waiver like this simply cannot go ahead.

James Gallagher, the CEO of the AFL Players Association, was very firm when he said these kinds of waivers will not be allowed in the future. He explained that any change to a player's work conditions — especially anything that affects their health and safety — must be approved by both the AFL and the AFLPA. He called this outcome a 'silver lining' from a very difficult situation.

The biggest problem right now is insurance. Earlier this year, Zurich Insurance decided it would no longer pay benefits to players who suffer serious brain injuries, including concussion and a condition called CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated head knocks, and Zurich used to pay out up to $1.1 million for these kinds of injuries.

The AFLPA wrote to other insurance companies asking them to step in and help, but none agreed to do so. Right now, players are only covered through the AFLPA's own Injury and Support Fund, which holds $54 million and is paid for by the players themselves. Under this fund, players can receive up to $500,000 for serious injuries like concussion, mental health services, and dental care.

Both the AFL and the AFLPA have agreed to carry out a review of the insurance situation. Gallagher said it is becoming clear that the AFL itself will need to do more to protect players, rather than relying on outside insurance companies. One part of this plan is expanding the Injury and Support Fund to make the safety net bigger and stronger for all players.

There is no quick solution to this problem, and the best hope is that a new agreement can be reached before the start of next season. Players competing in the finals this September currently have no outside insurance cover if they suffer a serious brain injury. The review will also look at how the AFL Concussion Panel works, with a goal of making it clearer whether a player is fit to play or not.

A court case next year could also force major changes to the AFL. Former Geelong player Max Rooke is leading a class action lawsuit, arguing that the AFL and his club left him with brain damage. The Players Association believes concussion is the single most important issue facing the game today, and the outcome of this case will shape the future of Australian rules football for years to come.