The AFL will introduce a new ARC Mandatory Permanent Removal Process for 2026, across both the AFL and AFLW competitions.
Announced ahead of the first game of the Toyota AFL Premiership season, the new process is designed as an additional safeguard for players and club doctors during a match. The process will now allow the independent doctor in the ARC to determine and communicate the mandatory permanent removal of a player from the ground when certain signs of concussion are evident.
The ARC independent doctor (also known as the ARC medical spotter) can already mandate the temporary removal of a player for a Detailed Off-Field HIA (including SCAT6) if potential signs of concussion are present upon review of video evidence.
If the ARC independent doctor has mandated the temporary removal of a player, the club doctor will complete a Detailed Off-Field HIA (including SCAT6). If the club doctor clears the player to return to play, before the player returns to the field, the club doctor must notify the ARC independent doctor and await a response.
In response, the ARC independent doctor will advise either:
- "Club Doctor's Call" which indicates the player may return to play; or
- "Mandatory Permanent Removal" which indicates the player must not return to play and enters concussion protocols
AFL Executive General Manager of Football Operations Laura Kane said the updates reflect the league’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of all players.
"The health and safety of our players is our top priority, and this additional safeguard for players and club doctors reinforces that commitment," Kane said.
"Concussion continues to be an extremely complex and evolving subject, and we have continued to update our guidelines to ensure they reflect the latest medical and scientific advice."
Clubs were briefed on the new process during the pre-season and it will be implemented from the first Opening Round match between the Sydney Swans and Carlton.
