Terms of Reference

Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports at all levels, for all genders and age groups, with particular reference to:

a. the guidelines and practices contact sports associations and clubs follow in cases of player concussions and repeated head trauma, including practices undermining recovery periods and potential risk disclosure;

b. the long-term impacts of concussions and repeated head trauma, including but not limited to mental, physical, social and professional impacts;

c. the long and short-term support available to players affected by concussion and repeated head trauma;

d. the liability of contact sports associations and clubs for long-term impacts of player concussions and repeated head trauma;

e. the role of sports associations and clubs in the debate around concussion and repeated head trauma, including in financing research;

f. the lack of a consistent definition of what constitutes ‘concussion’;

g. the prevalence, monitoring and reporting of concussion and long-term impacts of concussion and repeated head trauma, including in First Nations communities;

h. workers, or other, compensation mechanisms for players affected by long-term impacts of concussions and repeated head trauma;

i. alternative approaches to concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sport, and awareness raising about its risks;

j. international experiences in modifying sports for children; and

k. any other related matters.


Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3515
community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au