The AFL updated its concussion guidelines last week for its top-tier men's and women's competitions which means players are required to sit on the sidelines for 12 days following a head knock.
It doubled the previous forced break of six days which was required in 2020, and means players will miss a minimum of one game.
However, the protocol wasn't directed at leagues beyond the top level at the top level and while the NTFL will adopt it, the expanded VFL and other state league competitions haven't indicated either way whether they'll take it on.
AFL Goulburn Murray general manager Jamie Macri said community competitions weren't required to adopt the same protocol.
“We've been the most stringent in Australian sports in protecting players’ heads and I think we're the leaders in terms of Australia,” Macri said.
“All trainers are taught about concussions and we're pretty good on it, we've got stringent protocols.
“We're still continuing to explore the implications of concussion at a community level.”
Concussions have been thrust into the spotlight following the brain scan of former Richmond player and boxer Shane Tuck revealed he had high-level CTE when he died last year, despite not having a history of big head knocks during his football career.
He did suffer concussions while boxing.
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