IT'S becoming more prevalent that head contact is becoming more concerning in Australian football codes and that several head impacts resulting in assessments will require players to miss more consecutive games. I find it a conflict of interest that the media promotes huge boxing matches, which is basically condoning head contact, which is not canvassed as an individual health safety issue.
Rugby league is a contact sport, but so is gridiron, so in comparison how is HIA implemented in their games, or is it being reduced / minimised by the introduction of impact reduction helmets? Will this be the future of NRL and AFL? I firmly believe that introduction of headgear is the way to go, but surely a head guard of suitable impact absorption material should be made compulsory and trialled prior to implementing helmets worn in American football. Protection of players comes first and foremost. The visual viewing, pomp and circumstance comes second.
