Injury prevention key as community sport returns

Athletes at every level have been urged to take precautions to avoid injuries as sporting restrictions are eased across Australia.

Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, urged sports men and women of all ages not to do themselves more harm than good.

“It’s critical that people who begin to play sport or exercise more – at the grassroots right through to elite sports – understand that the return to sport after a long break can lead to injuries.”

It comes as work continues on the National Injury Prevention Strategy 2020-2030, aimed at creating a national focus on injury and prevention.

“This strategy is about creating a national focus on all injuries-not just sports injuries-and their prevention, which will help reduce the rate and impact of injuries among Australians of all ages,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It will have a specific focus on vulnerable groups including children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living in rural and remote locations around Australia, and socioeconomically disadvantaged people.”

The message will be reinforced this week as The Australian Physiotherapy Association partners with Australian Diamonds netballers and Opals and Sydney Kings basketballers in an awareness campaign focusing on sports injury prevention.

“Many people have been eager to get active or run out to represent their teams as social distancing restrictions are eased across States and Territories,” Minister Colbeck said.

“But it’s important to be cautious, take preventative measures to ensure you don’t do yourself more harm than good.

Additionally, The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has issued a Framework for Rebooting Sport which reminds us all that there is an increased risk of injury and how we can better manage the return to playing sport and physical activity.

“Get active but take it easy,” Minister Colbeck said. “Anyone returning to sport and exercise after a period of social isolation and not exercising on a regular basis risks injury.

“The best way to avoid it is to gradually return to activities and not overdo it at training.”

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