Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has renewed its call for the introduction of W-League Minimum Medical Standards following the release of its 2014 PFA W-League Injury Report.
Aimed at ensuring the health and safety of W-League players, PFA Chief Executive Adam Vivian announced the findings of the report today.
Recording a total of 29 injuries throughout the season, W-League players missed 75 games due to injury, with 21 per cent of injuries being knee injuries.
Despite a drop in both the number of injuries and games missed due to injury, compared to the previous season, the report once again highlighted the link between on-field performance and injury.
“As illustrated in last season’s inaugural PFA W-League Injury Report, there is a strong correlation between on-field success and injury, with the table-topping Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory both ranking in the top three for the least amount of injuries and games missed due to injury,” said Vivian.
“Whilst the findings of the report are welcomed, the incidence of knee injuries remains a serious concern, as does the rise in concussion.
“Following extensive collaboration with FIFPro Chief Medical Officer Doctor Vincent Gouttebarge, the W-League Minimum Medical Standards must include the following:
>> medical testing, prior to the commencement of each season;
>> all clubs having certified specialist sports physician;
>> detailed player medical records being kept by clubs;
>> the right for players to seek to a second medical opinion;
>> registered physiotherapist available at each club prior to and after training and matches; and
>> all club trainers holding a Sport Trainer Level 2 from Sports Medicine Australia and or a tertiary qualification in Sports Conditioning.
“These measures were implemented in the A-League in 2011 and have proven to be effective in reducing the incidence of injury and games missed. It follows that they would be equally effective if adopted in the W-League.”
Click here for a copy of the full report.
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Beau Busch | Media and Communications Manager
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