CHAIRMAN of the AFL Goldfields Trainers Association Jim Everard believes footballers should consider giving the game away in the circumstances of repeat concussions.
Everard, who is with Redan in the Ballarat Football League, said players had to be “open and honest” with club trainers and doctors about their medical history.
“A person with even two to three concussions, as a trainer I would be expecting that person had obtained a full medical clearance before being able to play football again,” he said.
“My comfort level as a trainer, to know I’ve exercised my duty of care, I’d be advising the person to seek medical opinion (after a concussion).”
Everard said he regularly impressed upon coaches that the relationship between them and club medical staff was “really important”.
He stressed that the role of any trainer is first aid and said the football community had really embraced the importance of properly managing players with suspected concussion.
