New community sport concussion guidelines could have AFL implications, according to former player

Former footballer Shaun Smith says new concussion guidelines for junior sport could have ramifications for the AFL.

New Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) guidance says adults 19 and under will have to sit out of community matches for a minimum of 21 days if they suffer a concussion.

But Smith, who suffered concussion during his time in the AFL, says professional clubs could be put under more pressure not to diagnose concussion as a result of on-field implications.

Click PLAY to hear more from former footballer Shaun Smith on 3AW Mornings 

“You would have to say yes,” Smith told Tom Elliott when asked if AFL club doctors would be pressured not to diagnose concussion.

“Port Adelaide proved that last year – clearly two players were concussion and taken from the field and one returned within five minutes. It’s not a knee, elbow or shoulder. It’s your brain and it runs your whole body.”

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