Concussion Waivers and Club Culture: The Geelong Fine Falls into a Larger Pattern

The $140,000 fine levied against the Geelong Football Club is more than just a slap on the wrist for failing to lodge a concussion waiver in Jake Kolodjashnij’s contract. It’s a symptom of a deeper issue within Australian Rules football culture – one that prioritizes winning at all costs over player safety.

The AFL investigation, led by James Peters KC, found Geelong’s failure to lodge the document was an “oversight” rather than a deliberate attempt to conceal it. However, this distinction masks a more insidious problem: clubs’ willingness to bend rules and skirt responsibility in pursuit of success.

The concussion waiver itself is revealing. It acknowledges Kolodjashnij takes on risk by continuing to play after an “amber” finding from the league’s concussion panel. This implies that even with adequate safeguards, playing on can still be hazardous – yet clubs continue to push players back into action. The agreement between Geelong and Kolodjashnij was crafted in consultation with club doctors, insurance experts, and his family, but without input from the AFL Players’ Association.

This omission is telling. It suggests that clubs prioritize their own interests over those of players, even when it comes to serious matters like concussion protocols. The AFL’s decision to add a suspended fine to the $100,000 sanction may seem like a straightforward application of rules, but it also nods to the larger cultural issue at play.

Geelong was already facing a $77,500 fine for third-party agreements and associates between 2019-2024. The addition of this latest fine sends a clear message: clubs will be held accountable for their actions – or inactions. However, the root cause remains unaddressed.

The AFL’s commitment to player safety is admirable, but it needs to be reflected across all levels of the sport. Until clubs prioritize players’ well-being above winning, we’ll continue to see incidents like this – and fines will only scratch the surface.

Kolodjashnij’s case is particularly poignant because he expressed disappointment that his private medical information was made public, emphasizing the importance of keeping confidential medical records just that: confidential. His statement highlights the human cost of concussion protocols gone wrong – not just for players like Kolodjashnij but also for their families and loved ones.

The AFL has taken steps to address player safety, including introducing concussion panels and stricter guidelines. However, these efforts are undermined when clubs disregard rules or prioritize winning over player welfare. The AFL must take a firmer stance on enforcing its own protocols – and hold clubs accountable for their actions.

Geelong’s fine is just one instance in a larger pattern of clubs prioritizing success over safety. This isn’t limited to Australian Rules football; other sports have faced similar criticisms. The NFL has been embroiled in controversy over its handling of concussions and player safety, while the English Premier League has seen high-profile cases of players being pushed back into action despite injury or concussion concerns.

The fine will undoubtedly sting Geelong financially, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the long-term consequences of neglecting player safety. Kolodjashnij’s future at the club remains uncertain, and his case serves as a stark reminder that clubs must prioritize their players’ well-being above all else. As for the AFL, this fine is an opportunity to re-examine its concussion protocols and ensure they’re being enforced consistently across all clubs – no longer can the league afford to turn a blind eye to clubs that disregard player safety in pursuit of victory.