Long careers increase risk of brain damage, but is informed consent enough?
As debate rages over Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij's controversial concussion waiver, what is the answer for players being exposed to potential brain damage in contact sports?
The secret document signed by Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij has raised ethical concerns about the AFL's responsibility for player safety. Neurophysiologist Alan Pearce found that the longer athletes play contact sports, the greater their risk of brain injuries, not just from major concussions but from sub-concussive knocks.
Pearce argues that a voluntary assumption of risk should be included in contracts, similar to surgical consent forms, to make players aware of the potential long-term risks. The AFL has not made this information explicit in its contracts or collective bargaining agreements. Professor Pearce believes that players should be fully informed about the risks, including ACL injuries, chronic pain, and psychological stress.
The AFL has acknowledged some of these recommendations but has not implemented them yet. The issue of player safety in contact sports is becoming increasingly contentious, as players and former players seek to hold clubs and the AFL accountable for their actions.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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