The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Inc. (ACHPER) is pleased to support Sports Medicine Australia (SA Branch) in the promotion and distribution of its Smartplay resources for schools.  The kit, including posters and practical ideas about managing the prevention and treatment of sport injuries' is backed by comprehensive research conducted by Dr Karen Grimmer, University of South Australia.  The Smartplay website offers young sports enthusiasts the opportunity to explore safety and injury issues in a highly interesting and interactive way.

ACHPER recently entered an agreement with the Participation Division of the Australian Sports Commission to undertake the national coordination and establishment of the Active Australia Schools Network.  The Agreement follows consultation with State and Territory Department of Recreation, Sport and Education and is culmination to the trailing work carried out in ACT Schools.

The Active Australia Schools Program is considered to be a critical part of the whole Active Australia campaign that is being supported by government, health agencies and local governments.  The Program is about schools recognising the importance of physical activity in the community and committing to promoting it as a school/community issue.  Without doubt, safety will be an important emphasis in the development of any new ventures associated with this program.

A great deal of research is now available that demonstrates just how important the school environment is in influencing children to adopt positive, long term attitudes and behaviours towards physical activity.

Part of the equation is to be able to foster participation in facilities that are both safer and motivational for young people.  Unfortunately not all schools and local community play areas can be rated highly in this regard.

A recent claim in "The Australian" (8/8/98) indicated the sports injury bill in Australia has been markedly increasing each year, could be a turn off to many parents already concerned about the risk of injury to their children in sport.

ACHPER believes the risk associated with non involvement of children in recreational and organised forms of physical activity in their developing years, far outweighs any risk associated with involvement.

However there is never any room for complacency when promoting such messages to parents ACHPER, through the Active Australia Schools Network, will be advocating for and supporting teachers and volunteer junior coaches in their endeavours to provide safe and enjoyable social experiences for young people in physical education and sport.

         Written By Jeff Emmel, National Executive Director
                                                                    Summer 1998

ACHPER's Website: http://www.achper.org.au
                   Email: achper@camtech.net.au
                   Phone: 08 8340 3388
                    Fax:    08 8340 3399

IEA has offices in every state.  National freecall number 1800 SPORT 1 
           (1800  77678  1)
Email:info@ieasport.com.au

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