MAKING YOUR SPORT SAFER No matter what sporting level you and your athletes are competing in, injury is always a problem. While you can never have a risk free game, you can make the sport safer. A 1990 injury survey estimated that over one million sporting injuries were sustained each year. The most important point to come out of the survey is that all athletes are at risk of injury, no matter how young or fit they are. The good news is that when injuries are managed immediately and appropriately, the athlete has a much better chance of recovering, both physically and mentally. For minor injuries, immediate management may mean the athlete can continue to compete throughout the event. Sports Medicine Australia suggests a minimum level of coverage at all sporting events. For youth (under 16) competition, a Sports First Aider should be on hand. For other competitions a Level 1 Sports Trainer is a must. To make sure the appropriately qualified personnel are available, Sports Medicine Australia provides community education courses in Sports First Aid and Sports Training. The Sports First Aid course teaches prevention of injury techniques, injury recognition, immediate management of injuries, and referral of injured athletes. The Level 1 Sports Trainer course is one of three levels offered to those people who will have an ongoing role with a team. Completion of the Sports First Aid course is needed to gain entry to these courses. |
Ultimately, all teams should have a qualified sports trainer as part of the team. What that person's role will be depends on the level of competition, the sport and the needs of the club. The Sports Trainer courses are designed to build on the Sports First Aiders knowledge. They will learn more about specific sports injuries as well as taping. Whether you're a parent, an athlete or coach, its important to think about making your sport safer. Becoming involved in Sports Medicine Australia's Safer Sport Program will help improve your sport. With local seminars, refresher courses and information products part of the program, you will always have the most up-to-date information on how to make Australian sport safer sport. For more information contact your State Office of Sports
Medicine Australia, or the National Office on (06) 251 6944 IEA
has offices in every state. National freecall number 1800 SPORT
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