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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
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Alan Pearce

Contact sports can contribute to chronic brain trauma. It’s time to face to up to it and address the risks

AFL player on stretcher
‘The physicality, the fabric that makes these sports addictive to play and watch, could be damaging our brains.’ Photograph: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images

We are at the crossroads when it comes to addressing the issue of brain trauma in sport. Increasing numbers of athletes and their families are revealing their daily struggles resulting from a history of repetitive hits to their brains. Studies showing long-term impairments are also escalating concern in the community.

Consequently, our major sports have responded, implementing and refining concussion protocols, cracking down on head-high hits and resting players for 11 to 12 days. Sports are now resolute in their mission to show the public that this issue is sorted. Done and dusted. Nothing to see here now. Let the games continue.

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