| Sports Trainers are the product of SMA’s
Safer Sport Program. The Safer Sport Program (SSP) was developed
by SMA with the philosophy of providing a safe environment for
all Australians who engage in sport and to maximise participation
in physical activity. The SSP aims to achieve this by providing
courses for all people involved or interested in sport with a
distinct emphasis on gaining practical skills, such as sports
injury prevention, immediate injury management and crisis management
techniques, that can be used in a sporting environment.
Sports Trainers graduating from the SSP are for the most part
volunteers. The actual training comes from SMA’s professional
members and provides practical skills and knowledge that enables
the Sports Trainer to help to reduce the incidence and limit
the severity of sports injuries to participants.
The Sports Trainer provides a crucial link between the coach,
player and health professional. The Sports Trainer’s
prime responsibility is to make sport safer. This is achieved
by:
•
Implementing appropriate injury prevention protocols
•
Preparing players for competition
•
Providing the appropriate immediate management of injuries
•
Providing immediate crisis management of severe injuries
•
Informed referral of injuries to a more qualified health professional
for further advice and management
•
Working in conjunction with health professionals (e.g. physiotherapist
or GP) to ensure a safe return to play for injured players
•
Educating players and coaching staff in relation to return
to play principles.
SMA’s experience is that without the appropriate immediate
care provided by accredited Sports Trainers, players/athletes
at the community level run the risk of suffering from an otherwise
preventable injury.
Click here to watch the 'Team behind the Teams' Community Service Announcement video.
NB You require Quicktime to view this movie. Click here to download this free Apple program. |
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