The link between on field success and injury is highlighted as Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) releases its inaugural PFA W-League Injury Report and signals its intention to act on the high incidence of serious knee injuries.

Aimed at ensuring the heath and safety of players PFA Chief Executive Adam Vivian today announced the findings of the 2013/14 W-League Injury Report.

With three of the bottom four placed clubs from last season also recording the highest number of games missed through injury, the findings of the report also reveled the high prevalence of knee of injuries in the competition, representing 26 per cent of total injuries suffered by players.

Recording a total of 42 injuries throughout the season, W-League players missed 154 games through injury, with over 50 per cent of the games missed a result of knee injuries.

“The PFA A-League Injury Report was integral in laying the foundations for the Minimum Medical Standards, which have played a major role in reducing the number of injuries suffered by A-League players,” Vivian said. “Our intention is that its W-League equivalent will be equally effective.

“The report raises a number of concerns specifically in relation to the high prevalence of serious knee injuries. Whilst it is difficult to make sound recommendations solely on the first report what is clearly evident is that the prevalence of knee injuries requires attention.

“Following extensive collaboration with FIFPro Chief Medical Officer Doctor Vincent Gouttebarge the PFA will pursue the establishment and introduction of a number of measures.  These will include:

  • The implementation of effective preventive measures into all training programs, especially for the prevention of ACL injuries;
  • Consistent and safe working conditions;
  • The inclusion of Minimum Medical Standards in a potential W-League Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); &
  • The introduction of pre-competition medicals.

“If the standard of the W-League is to continue to rise it is vital that the health and safety of W-League players is a priority of all stakeholders. The PFA is committed to working with the W-League Clubs and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to ensure players have access to a truly high performance work place.”