Importance of Managing Injury & Risk

Injuries are the leading cause of death, illness and disability in Australia. In 1998, injuries resulted in 7,946 deaths and over 403,000 admissions to hospital, resulting in significant health system costs to the Australian community. Sports injuries have been identified as the leading cause of injury and thus, developing prevention strategies and minimising risks associated with sport has been at the cornerstone of national and state sports framework in recent times.  

The Australian Standard defines risk management as “the culture, processes and structures that are directed towards the effective management of potential opportunities and adverse effects.” The key objective of a sports risk management program is to protect the assets and resources of the sporting organization and its members by reducing risk and potential for loss. Essentially, risk management is important because it protects member safety, protects clubs from legal liability, and provides a systematic, well informed method of decision making, thereby implementing best practice for organizations and providing a safe environment.

Results of recent research conducted by the University of Ballarat in conjunction with Sports Medicine Australia's Smartplay (2006), revealed that safety policies and practices were not considered a major concern for many Victorian SSA’s. Of the 39% of SSA’s response to a Risk Management survey, only 31% have a safety plan implemented, indicating that over half, do not. There is a common belief that injuries are part and parcel of the sport and game, indicating a highly reactive attitude towards sports injury.

However, over 50% of sport injuries occurring are preventable. Furthermore, this belief impacts on participation rates, with more than one quarter of parents of active children aged 5-12 years discouraging or preventing their children from participating in sport because of fear of injury and safety concerns.

Whilst it is not possible to create a completely risk free environment, the aim of this website is to build on current guidelines and practices and provide community and state associations a sport specific, simple approach to injury risk management. Risk Management standards should be encouraged by adminsitrators to remain relevant, specific, applicable and current in order for standards to be continually applied at club level.