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CONCUSSION & PLAYER SAFETY

Player safety comes first at the Geelong West Giants.
 

This page outlines how we recognise, manage and support concussions and head injuries across the club, with clear processes, trusted medical partners and a focus on long-term wellbeing.

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When in doubt, we sit them out.

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OUR COMMITMENT

  • Player health always comes before performance

  • Decisions are guided by medical advice, not match-day pressure

  • We follow AFL and sports medicine best practice

  • Families are kept informed at every stage
     

This isn’t a box to tick. It’s a long-term commitment to player wellbeing.

WHAT IS CONCUSSION?

  • A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body

  • Symptoms can be immediate or delayed

  • Loss of consciousness is not required

  • Every concussion is treated seriously
     

If symptoms appear later, they still matter.

BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING

 

  • At Geelong West its compulsory for Under 16's and above to have a base line test done prior to the season launch.

  • Conducted pre-season

  • Provides a personalised reference point

  • Supports safe return-to-play decisions
     

Think of baseline testing as a safety anchor, quiet, reliable, and essential if the unexpected happens.

Bookings are managed directly by Barwon Sports Physiotherapy.

*Make sure to mention you’re from the Geelong West Giants when booking your appointment.

BARWON SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY

OUR MEDICAL PARTNER

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OUR PARTNERS IN PLAYER CARE
At the Geelong West Giants, player health is guided by expert clinical support, not guesswork. That’s why we proudly partner with Barwon Sports Physiotherapy, leaders in sports health and concussion management across our region.


Barwon Sports Physiotherapy conduct all baseline concussion testing for our Under 16, Under 18 and senior athletes, providing the club with a trusted medical foundation for informed, evidence-based decision making.
 

Their team supports the Giants by delivering:

  • Baseline concussion assessments

  • Education for players, parents and coaches

  • Ongoing updates aligned with the latest concussion research and AFL guidelines

  • Professional oversight and rehabilitation pathways following head injuries

  • Clear, medically guided return-to-play recommendations
     

This partnership ensures that every Giant has access to experienced physiotherapists who understand the demands of community sport and prioritise long-term wellbeing over short-term outcomes.
 

With Barwon Sports Physiotherapy supporting our players, families can feel confident that concussion care at the Giants is proactive, professional and always centred on player safety.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A HEAD
INJURY OCCURS?

If a player experiences a knock to the head or body that raises concern, their safety is our immediate priority.

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At the Geelong West Giants, we follow a clear and consistent process to ensure concussions are recognised early and managed appropriately.
 

If a suspected head injury occurs:

  • The player is removed from play immediately and will not return to the field that day.​

  • An initial assessment is conducted by qualified personnel, with symptoms monitored closely.

  • The player is referred for medical review, including assessment by our concussion care partners, where required.

  • Families are informed and supported throughout the process, with clear guidance provided on next steps.
     

A graduated return-to-play pathway is followed, based on medical clearance and individual recovery, not timelines or match schedules.
 

No player is ever rushed back to training or competition. Every recovery is treated individually, and long-term health always comes before performance.
 

If symptoms appear hours or days after a game or training session, they are taken just as seriously. Players and families are encouraged to report concerns early, even if they seem minor.
 

Because protecting our players today protects their well-being for years to come.

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INJURY SUPPORT CLINIC

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To support early intervention and player recovery, the Geelong West Giants are proud to offer access to a dedicated Injury Clinic throughout the season, delivered by our Major Sponsor, Barwon Sports Physiotherapy.
 

The Injury Clinic provides players with a free 10-minute assessment, offering timely expert guidance for:

  • general injuries and niggles

  • recovery concerns

  • concussion or head injury follow-up

This service helps players address issues early, reduce injury risk and gain confidence around next steps for treatment or rest.
 

Injury Clinic Details

  • When: Mondays at 5:30pm

  • Where: Barwon Sports Physiotherapy

  • Cost: Free for all Geelong West Giants players
     

When booking or attending, simply mention you are part of the Geelong West Giants.

Bookings & Enquiries

This clinic is available to all players, and families are encouraged to make use of the service whenever concerns arise.
No issue is too small to check.

INCIDENT REPORTING

Clear reporting helps ensure that all injuries and safety concerns are followed up appropriately and consistently across the club.

If a player experiences a head knock, injury, or any incident that raises concern during training or competition, an Incident Report should be completed as soon as practical.

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Incident reporting allows the club to:

  • document what occurred

  • ensure appropriate medical follow-up

  • support players and families with clear next steps

  • meet league and safety requirements
     

Reports must be filled in via the form below, which will be submitted to the club.

  • Fill in the Injury & Incident Report Form

  • If you are unsure whether an incident requires reporting, we encourage you to submit a report or speak with a coach or wellbeing officer. It is always better to raise a concern early.

GWG Incident Report Form


This form must be completed for any injury or incident involving players, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers, or spectators during training, matches, or club activities. This form may be completed by a parent/guardian if player/person involved is under 18 years of age

Submit the completed form within 24 hours of the incident.

Section 1 - Individual Involved

Birthday
Day
Month
Year
Gender
Male
Female
Non-Binary
Prefer not to say
Other
Role
Player
Coach
Umpire
Volunteer
Spectator
Other

Section 2 - Incident Details

Time
Time
HoursMinutes
Type of Activity
Match
Trainings
Warm Up/ Cool Down
Club Event
Other
Weather/ Playing Surface Conditions

Section 3 - Description of Incident

Were any rules breached or unsafe behaviours observed?
Yes
No
Unsure

Section 4 - Injury Details

Type of Injury [tick any that apply]
Pain Level [1-10]
Did Participation Stop Immediately?
Yes
No

Section 5 - Treatment Provided

First Responder
Treatment Given

Section 6 - Follow-up & Outcome

Return to Play [same day]
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Outcome
Continued after assessment
Unable to continue
More than one day absent
Review required before next game/training
Unknown
Further Medical Review Advised?
Yes
No

If a head knock or concussion is suspected: [please tick which apply]

Physiotherapist expected return to:

Playing:
Day
Month
Year
Training:
Day
Month
Year

Section 7 - Additional Notes

Section 8 - Insurance Claim Information

This section assists with club and league insurance processes.

Is an insurance claim likely to be lodged?
Yes
No
Unsure
Type of cover relevant
Football Victoria/ AFL Insurance
Netball Victoria Insurance
Private Health Insurance
Ambulance Cover
Other

Declaration

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