Preventing injuries in amateur sport should become a priority in a similar way to how Australia has focused on preventing car crashes and workplace injuries, according to Edith Cowan University sports injury expert Professor Caroline Finch.
Professor Finch, who is ECU’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, will make the call at a free lecture Bumps, strains and breaks: preventing injuries in recreational Aussie Rules at the University’s Joondalup Campus on Friday, 20 April.
“Injuries suffered playing amateur sport costs the Australian economy more than $1.5 billion a year,” she said.
“While there is, rightly, a strong focus on preventing injuries on the roads and in our workplaces, a serious injury suffered on the footy field can be just as devastating for the individual and their family.”
Elite vs amateur
“While it may not seem like the case given the massive media attention injuries to star players attracts, professional AFL clubs are actually quite good at preventing injuries and making sure their players are prepared for the rigours of professional footy,” she said.
“Whereas at the amateur level the players don’t have nearly the level of support from coaches, nutritionists, strength and conditioning staff physiotherapists and the like. This actually means that it is even more important that amateur players and teams do everything they can to prepare themselves to play.”
Footy first
Professor Finch joined ECU in March this year from Federation University Australia in Victoria.
She developed the Footy First program in conjunction with the AFL and it has been shown to be effective at reducing the rates of injuries for clubs that took part.
“The Footy First program is a progressive exercise training program that has been developed specifically to reduce the risk of common leg injuries in community football – groin, hamstring, knee and ankle,” she said.
“When we trialled the program in a district of amateur football in Victoria, the rate of injuries dropped by 22 per cent over the course of a year.
“This shows us that by providing amateur athletes with the tools they need to prepare properly for games we can significantly reduce the number of injuries they suffer.”
