Blindsided: Lachie Schultz, AFL Concussion Policy, and the Gap Between Rule and Reality
In Round 9 of the 2025 AFL season, Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz was knocked unconscious during a collision with Fremantle’s Brandon Walker. Schultz lay motionless on the turf, but play continued before the ball went out of bounds, and medical staff could attend to him.
Despite the clear severity of the incident, there was no immediate play stoppage. The event has reignited criticism of how the AFL handles suspected concussions in real time and exposed gaps in the league's systems for protecting players during the most critical moments after a head knock.
The AFL’s Response: Mixed Messages
Initially, the AFL claimed that umpires were unaware of Schultz's condition at the time of the incident [1]. But days later, media reports revealed that the umpires had in fact seen Schultz on the ground, contradicting the AFL’s public position [2][3].
Eventually, the AFL admitted a failure in its processes, acknowledging that communication between match officials and other game-day personnel broke down. The league promised a review of umpire protocols and communication methods [4][5].
What the Rules Say, or Rather, What They Don’t Say
The 2025 AFL Laws of the Game do not contain any specific rule that mandates play be stopped in the event of a suspected concussion.
While umpires are generally empowered to stop play for injuries, there is no provision that explicitly requires them to intervene when a player is unconscious or showing signs of head trauma. This leaves critical decisions up to individual interpretation, which can lead to dangerous delays in medical intervention.
This lack of a clear rule became a central concern in the Schultz incident. Despite visible evidence of a serious head injury, the game continued, and Schultz remained unattended for valuable seconds.
What’s Working and What Isn’t
The AFL has made progress on post-concussion protocols, such as [6]:
The 12-day mandatory rest period, introduced in 2021.
Independent medical clearance is required before a concussed player can return to play.
But these policies only take effect after a concussion is formally diagnosed. The Schultz case shows that the real vulnerability lies in the moments immediately after the hit, when a timely response is crucial, and when the current system provides no mandatory response.
Looking to Other Sports
Other professional leagues offer stronger models for managing concussions in real time:
The NFL uses independent spotters who can stop play if a head injury is suspected [7].
World Rugby requires immediate removal of any player displaying concussion symptoms, without waiting for play to stop naturally [8].
These systems are designed to eliminate ambiguity and reduce the risk that serious injuries are overlooked.
What Needs to Change
To protect players like Lachie Schultz in the future, the AFL should urgently consider:
Mandatory Play Stoppage for Suspected Concussion
If a player is unconscious, motionless, or impaired, the game should stop immediately, no judgment call required.Independent Concussion Spotters
Appoint medical professionals with real-time video access and the authority to pause the game for head injury assessments.Clear Written Protocols for In-Game Response
The AFL should develop and publish formal in-game concussion response protocols to guide umpires and officials.Transparent Post-Match Reviews
When processes fail, the AFL must clearly communicate what went wrong and how it will be fixed, building accountability and public trust.
Conclusion: Policy Without Enforcement Is Not Enough
The Schultz incident shows that good intentions and post-match medical rules aren’t enough. Without a framework to ensure immediate in-game action, players remain at risk.
As AFL matches become faster and more physical, the league must evolve beyond discretionary judgment and toward a system that ensures swift, standardised responses when the signs of concussion are unmistakable.
Because when it comes to brain health, every second counts, and there are no second chances.
References
Image: Getty Images, Paul Kane