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A New Zealand head injury expert has praised the OFC Pro League for adopting new concussion protocols and believes it shows player health being prioritised.
The league, halfway through its first season, includes two NZ teams including Auckland FC.
It has become the first competition in the world toimplement a new football-specific on-pitch concussion assessment protocol from Fifa.
Doctors and physiotherapists have had a time-limited period to assess a player with a suspected concussion, but now have a uniform evaluation to be completed within this window.
Professor Patria Hume, AUT professor of human performance and a sports injury biomechanics expert, has applauded the OFC Pro League in pioneering this protocol.
“It recognises that head injuries are time‑critical medical events and that early identification and removal from play can significantly reduce the risk of further harm," Hume said.
The professor said it was encouraging that match officials were empowered to act immediately.
The new protocol closely mirrors World Rugby’s head injury assessment framework, which she claims has normalised the idea concussions should be assessed properly without stigma.
The OFC Pro League has implemented a new football-specific on-pitch concussion assessment protocol. Photo / OFC Media via Phototek
“Football adopting a similar evidence‑based model is a strong signal that player health is being prioritised over short‑term performance."
The protocol’s implementation in the OFC Pro League has also been about taking feedback from match officials, to understand how it can fit in to the tempo of a game.
Dr Andrew Massey, Fifa’s medical director, said decision making regarding potential head injuries during a match is critical.
Massey also said the understanding and awareness of concussions has improved “massively” in recent years.
“I think more the awareness of concussions, the awareness of how we deal with concussions and how we rehabilitate people, how we first of all take care of them, look after their brain health and navigate through the whole rehabilitation and return to play process.
Auckland FC with fans after Auckland FC vs South Island United in the first round of the OFC Pro League at Eden Park.
Photo: Joshua Devenie / Photosport
“But as I say, this is the first step of actually working on the pitch to try and rule out a concussion in the first place.”
Hume said initiatives like this can help to protect players today and heavily influence younger generations.
“This is absolutely something other sports can learn from,” Hume said.
“When governing bodies take a proactive, science‑led approach to concussion management, it creates safer sporting environments and drives meaningful cultural change.”
