Safety Information for Players

The following Safety Tips are provided by Deakin University to the Victorian Department of Sport and Recreation. This is an extract only. The full brochure (Adobe Acrobat format) can be downloaded from this site.

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General

# Players should apply sunscreen and reapply it during breaks in play on sunny days.

# All players should make sure that they are fully aware of the rules of the game, particularly as they relate to safety.

# All players, including children, should wear a mouthguard at all times during both training and competition. If possible,players should wear custom-made mouthguards.

# Players with a history of head injury should seek professional advice about the appropriateness of headgear.

# Players with a history of ankle injury should wear some form of external ankle support, e.g. taping.

# Thigh protectors may be useful for players who have suffered a recent cork thigh or those with a history of significant cork thighs.

Pre-season safety

# All competitive players should undertake appropriate pre-season conditioning. Advice about the content of the pre-season training program should be sought from a coach or fitness advisor.

# All players should develop football skills and good technique before playing in competitive games.

# Children and new participants should undergo a pre-participation medical screening examination with a qualified and experienced practitioner.

Pre-game safety

# All players should warm-up for about 20 minutes before a game.This should include stretching to increase flexibility and slow jogging which progresses to more intense running activities, with and without a football.

# Players should have a balanced,nutritional diet.

# Players should ensure that they are adequately hydrated (i.e. had enough water) before a game.

# Players should seek professional advice about the most appropriate boots to wear for their playing conditions.

AFL Community – Position Statement on Helmets & Mouthguards
The safety information above is consistent with the position statement published by the AFL Community regarding the role of helmets and mouthguards in Australian Football. The FJFC align with this position which is based on advice provided by the AFL Concussion Working Group and AFL Medical Officers' Association. Please click on the following link to access the position statement: http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=883

(Page last updated 10 March, 2014 )