Safety in Sport Program launched

New national guidelines to promote safety in sport along with a national sport injury prevention program have been launched.

Safety Guidelines for Children and Young People in Sport and Recreation and the National Smartplay program aim to help schools, teachers, coaches, parents and administrators to support safer sporting practices and reduce injury risks.

Studies have estimated that around one million Australians injure themselves while playing sport each year and that children aged five and 14 years have the highest rate of injuries requiring treatment and affecting performance or participation in activity.

Explaining the Federal Govenment-backed initiative, Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has stated "promote safe, positive sporting experiences that we know play such a key role in the health and well-being of young people.

"These Guidelines and the Smartplay program provide clear and practical advice to people involved in sport to introduce uniform safety practices based on good preparation, correct techniques, appropriate equipment, safe sporting areas, protective equipment and modifying rules for children within community sport.

"Many people in our community play a wonderful role in managing and organising junior sport and recreation. The new safety guidelines for children will empower all people associated with sport with the latest best-practice information to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young Australians participating in sport."

The Australian Government has provided more than $300,000 to Sports Medicine Australia to develop and implement Smartplay as a national program and to update the safety guidelines for children in sport. Over one million brochures and information sheets have been produced and will be sent to physical education teachers in every school in Australia, as well as sporting organisations, sports stores, pharmacies and health professionals. 40,000 copies of the Guidelines will be distributed to schools and sporting organisations.

Sports Medicine Australia's President, Michael Kenihan says the guidelines and National Smartplay program will also aid sports participants to correctly prepare their bodies to help achieve positive sporting results, stating "sport should be safe and enjoyable. It will never be risk free, but good planning and sport safety management can help prevent injuries.

"These initiatives provide sports participants with handy injury prevention reference tools which are easily accessible and best of all, free of charge.

"With up to 50% of all sporting injuries able to be prevented, educating participants and stakeholders on the sports safety practices that should be undertaken before, during and after sport will hopefully mean less injuries, safer environments, increased participation and greater sporting performance."

The Smartplay program was initially developed in South Australia and Victoria. The Victorian Smartplay program is funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development (Sport and Recreation Victoria) and VicHealth.

For more information go to www.smartplay.com.au