The AFL has found that Carlton was in breach of the league's concussion protocols following an incident involving Blues forward Harry McKay during Round 19.
After an investigation into the matter, the league found that both of Carlton's doctors were dealing with pre-existing ailments of other Blues players at the time of McKay's collision during the third term.
The AFL has decided to only reprimand Carlton for their process of the protocols during the time of he incident.
"Having considered Carlton's submissions in relation to the management of Harry McKay on Sunday afternoon, the AFL has determined that the club was in breach of the AFL Concussion Protocols but having considered the circumstances explained by Carlton, the AFL have issued Carlton an official reprimand only," a league statement regarding the incident read.
"At the time of the incident involving McKay, one Carlton doctor was in the rooms dealing with Blake Acres' injury and the other Carlton doctor was on the bench dealing with Sam Durdin's injury.
"Due to those other commitments, both of Carlton's doctors did not observe the incident involving McKay live and were delayed in reviewing the ARC Message and the vision.ย ย Please note that the ARC Medical Spotters did issue a mandatory off-field assessment (including SCAT6) notification to Carlton in relation to the 3rdย quarter incident involving McKay.
"Once the ARC Message was reviewed by Carlton's doctors, there was a further short delay (in the review of vision of the incident) before Carlton's doctors promptly instructed other staff to remove McKay from the field which was effected a short time later.
"Whilst the Club was in breach of protocols on account of the short delays in removing McKay from the field, the AFL acknowledges the Club's explanation predominantly on account of Carlton's doctors dealing with multiple pre-existing and concurrent injuries."
The AFL also sought answers from Adelaide and Brisbane for separate Round 19 incidents that involved Jordan Dawson and Harris Andrews respectively.
Adelaide have not been found to have breached concussion protocols and no further action will be taken.
Brisbane, however, is still under the AFL's investigation, with an update to be provided in due course.
The league has confirmed it has strengthened the process for concussive incidents as it looks to "assist with the priority care" of these matters.
From Round 20, each club's football general manager will receive, in real time, the mandatory off-field assessment (including SCAT6) notifications from the ARC Medical Spotters that the club doctors currently receive via the ARC medical tablet.
The AFL has stated it will review the current protocols at the end of the season.
โThere is no bigger priority than the health and safety of all players. We will continue to ensure our AFL and AFLW Concussion protocols are followed,โย AFL General Counsel Stephen Meadeย said.
โWe want to acknowledge the cooperation from all three clubs, and their shared view that player care is, at all times the priority.
โThe updated process of informing the club GM Football will assist with the priority management on concussion care when the doctors are potentially managing other players at the time.
โThe AFL will work with the respective medical experts at the end of the season on the continued updating of the AFL and AFLW concussion guidelines.
โIn the meantime, it is incredibly important that Clubs reiterate to their players that they must comply with Club Doctors, physiotherapists, trainers and runners who direct them to leave the field for assessment.โ
