SOFT-SHELL PADDED HEADGEAR IN JUNIOR AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL: WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE?

There is emerging concern regarding the adverse, and long term effects of sports related concussion among young Australian football players. A question frequently posed is whether children should wear padded headgear as protection against concussion. The results of this research showed no evidence that current commercially available headgear protects against concussion. Many players however, hold inaccurate beliefs about the protective capabilities of headgear, and some clubs mandate its use. The evidence from this research will be used to inform future headgear policy, and provide education on headgear and concussion management in junior Australian football.