The health and safety of players is the highest priority of the AFL and the AFLPA.

Like all contact sports, football carries a risk of injury, including concussion. Players are educated on head trauma, including its risks.

No player is permitted to play following concussion unless they have been medically assessed and cleared to play in accordance with the AFL’s concussion and return-to-play protocols.

All players are also protected by statutory obligations in relation to health and safety, as well as the obligations agreed through the CBA and Standard Playing Contract.

In cases of serious injuries, decisions about a player returning to play, or retire, are made by the player with their families, their club and qualified medical professionals.

The AFL and AFLPA are aware of a complex and unique case in which a Geelong player was cleared as fit to play following an assessment by an AFL Concussion Panel.

The player then signed a letter acknowledging the potential risk and sought to waive some potential future legal rights, which was not lodged with or approved by the AFL or the AFLPA.

Geelong has advised the AFL today that the waiver in the letter will be removed, noting that the player continues to acknowledge potential risks.

The AFL is satisfied that the letter was not used by Geelong to allow a medically unfit player to return to play.

The AFL and AFLPA will advise clubs that any proposed arrangements that impact on a player's legal rights and protections will be required to be notified to and approved by the AFL and the AFLPA.

The AFL and AFLPA are aligned that no arrangements will be approved that seek to solely place the risk on players.