The Parramatta Eels have been fined $20,000, as the NRL moved to strengthen its rules preventing concussed and injured players to be allowed to return to the field.
In a statement, NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said the Eels would be fined $20,000 (with $10,000 suspended) for three incidents in which concussed players were inadequately treated, including one involving hooker Nathan Peats.
The Eels have brought their procedures in line with League guidelines since the incidents occurred, the NRL said.
In announcing the new rules to be implemented from this weekend, Mr. Greenberg said that the NRL was determined to ensure player welfare.
“Under the strengthened rules, if a player falls to the ground without taking protective action or loses consciousness they are not to return to the field,” Mr Greenberg said.
The rules will help doctors accurately determine what action should be taken when a player suffers a head injury. Players will not be allowed to return to the field if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
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Loss of consciousness
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Falling to the ground without taking protective action
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Seizure
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Memory impairment
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Balance disturbance (ataxia)
“There will be no need to undergo further assessments and tests – the player is to sit out the rest of the match,” Mr Greenberg said.
Despite the rules, players may still wish to return to the field, and this must be discouraged, Mr Greenberg told News Corp Australia.
“I said this last year and I will say it again now, it is not a badge of honour to take a head knock and then get up to take the next tackle. We must put players first. Sometimes we must always protect players from themselves,” Mr Greenberg said.
The new rules were developed by NRL Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paul Bloomfield.
