Victoria’s only regional all-female soccer club, is leading the nation in implementing concussion guidelines, ensuring players are protected while doing what they love.

Following launch of Sports Medicine Australia’s national concussion poster awareness campaign, Geelong Galaxy FC has used the poster in innovative ways to help players, coaches and parents agree on the best approach to potential concussions.

Georgina Hayden, a Geelong Galaxy parent, said: “We printed and laminated copies of the SMA awareness poster and placed them in every first aid kit. Parents have also been emailed, outlining the club’s approach to suspected concussion and steps to be taken.”

The club has seen a positive shift in how concussions are understood and managed by providing clear, easy-to-follow guidance, she said. Parents, players and coaches are more accepting of the 21-day return-to-play rule, recognising the serious risks of not allowing proper recovery.

As a parent-volunteer with the club and an emergency doctor, Georgina is aware of the dangers of concussion.

“Without clear guidance, it is hard for many parents and young players to understand what concussion is and the dangers of failing to treat concussion properly. With the poster, we find that parents and players are more aware and will follow the guidelines, all helping keep our young players safe,” she said.

Geelong Galaxy’s proactive approach highlights its commitment to players’ welfare – leading the way in concussion awareness and ensuring the next generation of female footballers can play with confidence and care.

More than 38,000 SMA Concussion Awareness posters were distributed to community sport clubs and schools across Australia, with thousands of more copies downloaded from the SMA website for printing.

How Geelong Galaxy uses the SMA concussion poster:

• Downloaded extra copies, laminated and placed in first aid kits
• Emailed poster to player group and parents
• Prominently placed poster in club rooms
• Use the poster’s language to ensure consistency of approach
• Use the “If in doubt, sit them out” guide in case of a head knock
• Use the poster to guide review, return to training and return to competition dates

As a parent volunteer, Georgina is now looking at rolling out the SMA poster with St Mary’s Sporting Club, a Geelong footy and netball Club. Georgina says: “There is a lot of work, so I have a home laminator to help do the job.”

Sports Medicine Australia CEO Jamie Crain said: “We are delighted that the poster has been embraced with such enthusiasm and innovation by Geelong Galaxy.This is exactly the kind of results we were seeking for the poster.

“The concussion poster is giving players, parents, coaches and teachers at Geelong Galaxy a shared understanding and the confidence to manage concussion safely.