The Hidden Costs of Contact Sports: Who Should Bear the Risk?

The recent controversy surrounding Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij’s “Voluntary Assumption of Risk” document has sparked a long-overdue conversation about the consequences of playing contact sports at an elite level. This debate is not limited to professional athletes, but also raises broader questions about the implications of participating in high-collision activities.

Research by neurophysiologist Alan Pearce suggests that prolonged engagement in contact sports can lead to a spectrum of brain damage, ranging from micro-trauma to more severe and debilitating conditions. These findings are alarming and not exclusive to professional athletes; even casual participants can suffer lasting effects on their cognitive and physical well-being.

The question is whether informed consent is enough to protect players from the risks associated with contact sports. Signing a contract may absolve clubs and governing bodies of some responsibility, but it does not provide a foolproof solution. Kolodjashnij’s document was primarily a matter of CYA rather than genuine concern for player welfare.

Professional athletes are aware of the potential dangers when they take up contracts, but often lack the necessary information to make informed decisions about their own safety. The AFL and other governing bodies must acknowledge this gap in education and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.

One possible solution is introducing a consent form for players similar to those used in medical procedures. This would require clubs and governing bodies to disclose known risks associated with contact sports, allowing players to make informed choices about their participation. While not a panacea, such a system could provide some semblance of transparency and accountability.

The AFL has been slow to respond to mounting evidence about the dangers of concussion in collision sports. Despite recommendations from experts like Professor Pearce and the Victorian State Coroner, John Cain, changes have been sluggish at best. The implementation of smart mouthguards and limits on contact training are welcome steps, but more must be done to prioritize player safety.

The AFL’s reluctance to act has led to a culture of neglect, where players are forced to sign contracts that put their health at risk without adequate compensation or support. As the class action against the AFL and Geelong club progresses, it will be interesting to see how this issue plays out in court. Will the plaintiffs succeed in proving negligence on behalf of the governing bodies? One thing is certain: the consequences of inaction will only continue to mount as more players suffer long-term damage.

Ultimately, it’s not about absolving clubs and governing bodies of responsibility; it’s about acknowledging the risks associated with contact sports and taking proactive steps to mitigate them. The onus falls on those who benefit most from these activities – namely, the sports themselves and their patrons – to ensure that player safety is paramount.

The AFL and other governing bodies must confront the harsh reality: participating in high-collision sports comes with a price tag that goes far beyond financial rewards. As long as they fail to acknowledge this responsibility, the culture of neglect will persist, leaving players to bear the brunt of their decisions. The clock is ticking; it’s time for change.