YES: Great work! It's important for appropriate school policies, like Concussion Management or Hot Weather Guidelines, to be easily accessible to the school community to ensure their safety and well-being. When policies are readily available, it helps prevent accidents and health issues, ensures compliance with safety standards, and empowers those involved with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

YES: Excellent! It’s important for schools to review sport safety policies annually to ensure they reflect current best practice and align with the latest evidence and governing body guidelines. Regular policy reviews help schools stay compliant with Education Department requirements, manage risk effectively, and respond to emerging health and safety issues such as heat, concussion, or infectious disease management. Keeping these policies easily accessible to staff, parents, and students supports transparency and shared responsibility for safety across the school community.

We recommend that schools cross-check their policies against SASMA’s current resources and those provided by the Department for Education to confirm they remain up to date. SASMA also provides links to reputable sporting organisations and guidelines, which can be added to your school’s website or policy hub to ensure everyone has access to the most recent information and a consistent, evidence-based approach to student safety.

SASMA Resources

It’s important for schools to review sport safety policies annually to ensure they reflect current best practice and align with the latest evidence and governing body guidelines. Regular policy reviews help schools stay compliant with Education Department requirements, manage risk effectively, and respond to emerging health and safety issues such as heat, concussion, or infectious disease management. Keeping these policies easily accessible to staff, parents, and students supports transparency and shared responsibility for safety across the school community.

We recommend that schools cross-check their policies against SASMA’s current resources and those provided by the Department for Education to confirm they remain up to date. SASMA also provides links to reputable sporting organisations and guidelines, which can be added to your school’s website or policy hub to ensure everyone has access to the most recent information and a consistent, evidence-based approach to student safety.

SASMA Resources

Great job! Having accredited first aiders, sports trainers, and medical team members is important for ensuring that injures/medical situations are handled effectively and professionally. Keeping track of their certifications and memberships implies that they possess up-to-date knowledge and skills to manage injuries/health issues appropriately, enhancing the safety and well-being of all participants.

Having accredited first aiders, sports trainers, and medical team members is important for ensuring that injures/medical situations are handled effectively and professionally. Keeping track of their certifications and memberships implies that they possess up-to-date knowledge and skills to manage injuries/health issues appropriately, enhancing the safety and well-being of all participants.

If you are unsure how to track the qualifications of your medical team – feel free to use SASMA’s support guide below. For medical, nursing & allied health professions check AHPRA registration HERE.

RESOURCES

Tracking First Aid Support Document

Brilliant! Having your first aid and medical team complete injury report forms provides an overview of student injuries and health. This assists to track injuries, ensures appropriate follow-up, and helps to identify common injury patterns that might need addressing. Plus, it’s helpful for staying organised and being ready to provide this information to the injured person for any insurance claims and making sure every injury is documented and managed.

It is important students and carers share medical conditions (eg, Asthmatic, Type 1 Diabetic, allergic directions etc) and major injuries (ACL knee injuries, concussions etc) and have their medications and action plans available at trainings and games.

Having your first aid and medical team complete injury report forms provides an overview of student injuries and health. This assists to track injuries, ensures appropriate follow-up, and helps to identify common injury patterns that might need addressing. Plus, it’s helpful for staying organised and being ready to provide this information to the injured person for any insurance claims and making sure every injury is documented and managed.

It is important students and carers share medical conditions (eg, Asthmatic, Type 1 Diabetic, allergic directions etc) and major injuries (ACL knee injuries, concussions etc) and have their medications and action plans available at trainings and games.

In South Australia, schools must follow the Incident Response Management System (IRMS), and the Department’s guidelines for OSHC critical incidents provide a clear example of how incident/injury reporting should flow. The linked site offers forms, notification timeframes, and a process that you could adapt or align your school’s injury-reporting protocols with.

RESOURCES

Reporting critical incidents, injuries and complaints

Medical and Injury Report sample forms

Awesome! Storing student medical and injury information securely is essential for protecting privacy, maintaining trust, and meeting legal obligations under Australian privacy and child protection laws. Schools handle sensitive health information that must only be accessed by authorised staff, such as First Aid Officers, nurses, or designated sports coordinators. This information should be stored in a locked cabinet or password-protected digital system in line with school or Department for Education policies.

Storing student medical and injury information securely is essential for protecting privacy, maintaining trust, and meeting legal obligations under Australian privacy and child protection laws. Schools handle sensitive health information that must only be accessed by authorised staff, such as First Aid Officers, nurses, or designated sports coordinators. This information should be stored in a locked cabinet or password-protected digital system in line with school or Department for Education policies.

We recommend schools refer to the Australian Government’s Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for up-to-date guidance on privacy and data protection requirements, and to their Education Department or school system (e.g. Catholic Education SA or Independent Schools SA) for sector-specific procedures. Ensuring all staff understand and follow these standards supports compliance, protects students’ personal information, and promotes a culture of safety and accountability within the school.

RESOURCES

Safework SA: Record Keeping Information 

Exciting! Ensuring that the school’s insurance policy covers public liability, products liability, professional indemnity, and personal accident for medical staff is important for safeguarding everyone involved. It provides protection against potential legal and financial risks arising from their professional duties. Keeping accurate records of these insurance policies ensures that coverage is current and helps the club manage any potential claims or issues efficiently.

Carefully read the schools insurance policy detail, understand what you are covered for, and you can ask the insurer to clarify if a Sports Trainer/First Aider are covered. It is important to clarify and delininate with your insurer that your sports trainer and first aider duties are different to other traditional volunteer roles in your club, and you are seeking insurance cover for these duties. (Note: Registered Medical Professionals eg Doctors, physios, nurses will have their own professional indemnity cover to practice.)

Ensuring that the school’s insurance policy covers public liability, products liability, professional indemnity, and personal accident for medical staff is important for safeguarding everyone involved. It provides protection against potential legal and financial risks arising from their professional duties. Keeping accurate records of these insurance policies ensures that coverage is current and helps the club manage any potential claims or issues efficiently.

Carefully read the schools insurance policy detail, understand what you are covered for, and you can ask the insurer to clarify if a Sports Trainer/First Aider are covered. It is important to clarify and delininate with your insurer that your sports trainer and first aider duties are different to other traditional volunteer roles in your club, and you are seeking insurance cover for these duties. (Note: Registered Medical Professionals eg Doctors, physios, nurses will have their own professional indemnity cover to practice.)

RESOURCES 

Click here for more on Sports Trainer insurance.

YES: Fantastic! Completing venue risk assessments for all interschool sport fixtures and carnivals is essential to ensure the safety of students, staff, and volunteers. Risk assessments help identify potential hazards—such as uneven playing surfaces, extreme weather, equipment issues, or emergency access limitations—before an event begins. By proactively addressing these risks, schools can prevent accidents, reduce injury, and ensure a safe and well-managed sporting environment.

Completing venue risk assessments for all interschool sport fixtures and carnivals is essential to ensure the safety of students, staff, and volunteers. Risk assessments help identify potential hazards—such as uneven playing surfaces, extreme weather, equipment issues, or emergency access limitations—before an event begins. By proactively addressing these risks, schools can prevent accidents, reduce injury, and ensure a safe and well-managed sporting environment.

Schools can seek guidance from the Department for Education (SA), their school system (e.g., Catholic Education SA, Independent Schools SA), or the School Sport SA framework for templates and best-practice procedures. Using these resources ensures that assessments are thorough, consistent, and aligned with current safety standards. Sharing risk assessment outcomes with staff and volunteers also supports clear communication and helps everyone understand their responsibilities in maintaining a safe sporting environment.

School Sport Australia - Risk Assessment

YES: Great job! Collecting medical information and emergency contacts for all students prior to participation is a critical step in ensuring their safety during sport and physical activities. This information allows staff to respond appropriately in the event of an injury, illness, or medical emergency, and ensures that care is tailored to each student’s individual needs. Having accurate records also supports compliance with Department for Education policies and child protection requirements, and helps schools manage risk effectively across all sporting and co-curricular activities.

Collecting medical information and emergency contacts for all students prior to participation is a critical step in ensuring their safety during sport and physical activities. This information allows staff to respond appropriately in the event of an injury, illness, or medical emergency, and ensures that care is tailored to each student’s individual needs. Having accurate records also supports compliance with Department for Education policies and child protection requirements, and helps schools manage risk effectively across all sporting and co-curricular activities.

Schools can use standard forms provided by the Department for Education (SA), their school system (e.g., Catholic Education SA, Independent Schools SA), or interschool sport associations to collect and securely store this information. Ensuring that staff are aware of how to access and use these records responsibly promotes a safe and well-prepared environment for students, staff, and volunteers alike.

Excellent! As part of the registration process for sport and physical activities, it is important that students and their parents or guardians sign a participation consent form acknowledging the potential risks and responsibilities involved. This ensures that everyone is fully informed about the inherent risks of sporting activities and understands their role in maintaining safety. Having a signed consent form also helps the school demonstrate that students and families are aware of these risks, which can reduce misunderstandings and support appropriate responses if an injury occurs.

As part of the registration process for sport and physical activities, it is important that students and their parents or guardians sign a participation consent form acknowledging the potential risks and responsibilities involved. This ensures that everyone is fully informed about the inherent risks of sporting activities and understands their role in maintaining safety. Having a signed consent form also helps the school demonstrate that students and families are aware of these risks, which can reduce misunderstandings and support appropriate responses if an injury occurs.

Schools should check their insurance policy to understand what coverage applies to students, staff, and volunteers during sporting activities. Templates or guidance for consent and liability forms are often available through the Department for Education (SA), the school system (e.g., Catholic Education SA, Independent Schools SA), or interschool sporting associations. It is good practice to make these forms accessible to students and parents, so they can review them as needed, and to ensure they are included as part of the overall registration process.

Great! This ensures that in the event of an emergency, any coach, volunteer, or spectator can quickly contact the appropriate medical support person. Time is critical in responding to injuries or medical incidents.

RESOURCES

Suggestion for Club Medical Contacts Poster

Ideas/Suggestions for Medical Contact Information Document

Having easily accessible contact information ensures that in the event of an emergency, any coach, volunteer, or spectator can quickly contact the appropriate medical support person. Time is critical in responding to injuries or medical incidents.

RESOURCES

Suggestion for Club Medical Contacts Poster

Ideas/Suggestions for Medical Contact Information Document

Well done! Having a clear communication process between the school and community clubs regarding major injuries, such as concussions, is essential to support student safety and wellbeing. When students participate in both school and external sports, consistent communication ensures that all parties are aware of any medical restrictions, return-to-play requirements, or return-to-learn considerations. This helps prevent students from returning to activity prematurely, reduces the risk of further injury, and ensures that care plans are followed appropriately.

Having a clear communication process between the school and community clubs regarding major injuries, such as concussions, is essential to support student safety and wellbeing. When students participate in both school and external sports, consistent communication ensures that all parties are aware of any medical restrictions, return-to-play requirements, or return-to-learn considerations. This helps prevent students from returning to activity prematurely, reduces the risk of further injury, and ensures that care plans are followed appropriately.

Schools can establish these processes by coordinating with parents/guardians, community clubs, treating medical professionals, and relevant school staff (e.g., PE teachers, First Aid Officers, sports coordinators). Clear documentation, agreed-upon reporting procedures, and regular updates help maintain a safe and supportive environment for students across all sporting contexts. Resources and guidance may be available from School Sport SA, SASMA, or your school system to support best-practice communication protocols.

Fantastic! Having a designated staff member responsible for reporting on student injury trends, equipment needs, and sport safety helps ensure that the school maintains a proactive approach to managing risk and promoting student wellbeing. Regular reporting allows the school to identify patterns in injuries, address gaps in equipment or resources, and implement strategies to prevent future incidents. It also supports informed decision-making around staffing, training, and facility use, and ensures that safety remains a priority across all school sports and physical activities.

Having a designated staff member responsible for reporting on student injury trends, equipment needs, and sport safety helps ensure that the school maintains a proactive approach to managing risk and promoting student wellbeing. Regular reporting allows the school to identify patterns in injuries, address gaps in equipment or resources, and implement strategies to prevent future incidents. It also supports informed decision-making around staffing, training, and facility use, and ensures that safety remains a priority across all school sports and physical activities.

Schools can assign this role to a PE coordinator, sports administrator, or First Aid Officer, who can compile and share updates with leadership teams, coaches, and relevant staff. Guidance and templates for tracking injuries and safety measures may be available through Department for Education (SA), School Sport SA, or SASMA, helping schools establish a consistent and effective reporting process.

Great! Having a student welfare group or similar structure to support the best interests of students helps ensure that their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing is considered alongside participation in sport and physical activities. Such a group can provide guidance on injury management, mental health, workload balance, and safe participation, helping students feel supported and cared for. It also encourages collaboration between staff, parents, and students to make decisions that prioritise safety and wellbeing.

Having a student welfare group or similar structure to support the best interests of students helps ensure that their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing is considered alongside participation in sport and physical activities. Such a group can provide guidance on injury management, mental health, workload balance, and safe participation, helping students feel supported and cared for. It also encourages collaboration between staff, parents, and students to make decisions that prioritise safety and wellbeing.

Schools can leverage existing structures such as Wellbeing Teams, Pastoral Care Groups, or Sports Committees to fulfil this role. Guidance on best-practice approaches may be available through the Department for Education (SA), school systems, or SASMA, ensuring that student welfare initiatives are effective, consistent, and aligned with school policies.

RESOURCES

Player Welfare Group - Support Material

Great Job! Having a defibrillator available at all training and gameday venues is essential to ensure immediate response in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, which can be life-saving. Quick access to a defibrillator significantly increases the chances of survival and recovery for players or spectators experiencing a cardiac emergency. This proactive measure demonstrates a commitment to safety and can prevent tragic outcomes in sports environments.

It is vital that the battery date and pad dates of your defib are checked and replaced annually and be included in your club audit each year.

It is also important to think about all the venues players/teams/individuals are training and playing and have a defib available and accessible, eg; if they are not on the main oval/court and playing in a back area, what plan is in place.

Having a defibrillator available at all training and gameday venues is essential to ensure immediate response in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, which can be life-saving. Quick access to a defibrillator significantly increases the chances of survival and recovery for athletes or spectators experiencing a cardiac emergency. This proactive measure demonstrates a commitment to safety and can prevent tragic outcomes in sports environments.

More information on the importance of defibrilators can be found here.

You may be elligible for the AED Grants Program. For more information on how to apply, click here

Well done! Ensuring a dedicated role for regular stocktake checks of the First Aid Kit and bum bag is important for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of medical supplies. This role would involve checking inventory levels, restocking as needed, and verifying expiration dates before the season begins and at intervals during the season. Delegating this responsibility ensures that essential first aid supplies are always available and in good condition during training and games.

Ensuring a dedicated role for regular stocktake checks of the First Aid Kit and bum bag is important for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of medical supplies. This role would involve checking inventory levels, restocking as needed, and verifying expiration dates before the season begins and at intervals during the season. Delegating this responsibility ensures that essential first aid supplies are always available and in good condition during training and games.

RESOURCES

Medipro - First Aid Kit Supplies

Bumbag - Example Picture

First Aid Kit - Support Material

N-ICE! Having ice readily available at all venues is vital in sports for treating injuries such as sprains, bruises, and swelling immediately. Quick access to ice helps reduce pain, inflammation, and the risk of further injury, aiding in faster recovery. This simple but effective resource is essential for managing minor injuries and preventing them from worsening during games or training. 

If it is difficult to have ice available across all areas of your sport. ask teams or individuals to bring ice/cold bags with them.

Having ice readily available at all venues is vital in sports for treating injuries such as sprains, bruises, and swelling immediately. Quick access to ice helps reduce pain, inflammation, and the risk of further injury, aiding in faster recovery. This simple but effective resource is essential for managing minor injuries and preventing them from worsening during games or training.

If it is difficult to have ice available across all areas of your sport. ask teams or individuals to bring ice/cold bags with them.

Good One! Having a stretcher available at all venues is critical for safely transporting injured players off the field, especially in cases of serious injury where movement could exacerbate the condition. It ensures that players receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, reducing the risk of further harm. This preparedness reflects a commitment to player safety and effective emergency response.

Check your stretcher(s) annually to ensure they are in good working order.

Medipro - First Aid Supplies

Having a stretcher available at all venues is critical for safely transporting injured players off the field, especially in cases of serious injury where movement could exacerbate the condition. It ensures that athletes receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, reducing the risk of further harm. This preparedness reflects a commitment to player safety and effective emergency response.

Check your stretcher(s) annually to ensure they are in good working order.

Medipro - First Aid Supplies

Nice! Having running water and a sink at your venue is essential for maintaining hygiene, such as washing hands to reduce the spread of germs, cleaning wounds, and preparing first aid treatments. It ensures that basic sanitation needs are met, which is important for the health and safety of players, staff, and spectators. Access to clean water also supports overall venue maintenance and cleanliness.

Having running water and a sink at your venue is essential for maintaining hygiene, such as washing hands to reduce the spread of germs, cleaning wounds, and preparing first aid treatments. It ensures that basic sanitation needs are met, which is important for the health and safety of players, staff, and spectators. Access to clean water also supports overall venue maintenance and cleanliness.

Awesome! Having a treatment table is beneficial in sports as it provides a dedicated space for injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. It allows medical staff to address injuries more comfortably and effectively, ensuring athletes receive proper care. This equipment enhances the overall safety and well-being of players by facilitating immediate medical attention when needed.

Having a treatment table is beneficial in sports as it provides a dedicated space for injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. It allows medical staff to address injuries more comfortably and effectively, ensuring athletes receive proper care. This equipment enhances the overall safety and well-being of players by facilitating immediate medical attention when needed.

Resources

Medipro - Treatment Tables

Fantastic! Easily identifiable medical personnel ensure that injured players, officials, and spectators can receive prompt attention in an emergency. Clear visibility also allows coaches, umpires, and other staff to quickly locate medical support when needed. This helps streamline communication, reduces response times, and improves overall safety at games and training.

 Easily identifiable medical personnel ensure that injured players, officials, and spectators can receive prompt attention in an emergency. Clear visibility also allows coaches, umpires, and other staff to quickly locate medical support when needed. This helps streamline communication, reduces response times, and improves overall safety at games and training.

Practical Suggestions:

• Purchase a hi-vis vest or shirt and label it “Sports Trainer” or “Medical” (local workwear stores or online – under $20). Hi-Vis Sport Trainer Vest
• Use a reusable armband, badge, or iron-on patch over regular clothing.
• Place clear signage at the bench or medical area.
• Share or rotate hi-vis gear between teams if cost is a barrier.

Simple steps like these make it easy for players, coaches, and officials to find help quickly.

Excellent! Having a storage cupboard for backup First Aid stock helps ensure that medical supplies are always replenished and available when needed. It allows for organised storage of extra items, ensuring that replacements are easily accessible during emergencies or routine restocking. This preparedness helps maintain the continuity of medical care throughout the season.

Having a storage cupboard for backup First Aid stock helps ensure that medical supplies are always replenished and available when needed. It allows for organised storage of extra items, ensuring that replacements are easily accessible during emergencies or routine restocking. This preparedness helps maintain the continuity of medical care throughout the season.

Fantastic! Having items like crutches and wheelchairs available at training and gameday is important for providing immediate mobility support to injured players. These resources ensure that athletes with significant injuries can be safely and comfortably moved without putting additional strain on their injuries. It demonstrates a proactive approach to injury management and player welfare.

It is a good idea to have your club name and a phone number on these items and ensure the player returns them.

First Aid Supplies

Having items like crutches and wheelchairs available at training and gameday is important for providing immediate mobility support to injured players. These resources ensure that athletes with significant injuries can be safely and comfortably moved without putting additional strain on their injuries. It demonstrates a proactive approach to injury management and player welfare.

It is a good idea to have your club name and a phone number on these items and ensure the player returns them.

First Aid Supplies

Brilliant! Implementing injury management policies/guidelines within the school by the medical or first aid team ensures a standardised and professional approach to managing injuries. These policies guide the treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols, promoting player safety and minimizing the risk of re-injury. Clear guidelines help the team respond consistently and effectively, supporting long-term player health and wellbeing.

Implementing injury management policies/guidelines within the school by the medical or first aid team ensures a standardised and professional approach to management injuries. These policies guide the treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols, promoting player safety and minimizing the risk of re-injury. Clear guidelines help the team respond consistently and effectively, supporting long-term player health and wellbeing.

The Department of Education has resources for Injury Management you can implement at your school. If not, feel free to use SASMA’s resources below. Add the updated policies to your webpage and let your members know that they are available.

RESOURCES

Department of Education SA - Health Training Support

SASMA Injury Management Support Document

Fantastic! Having people trained in concussion management present at school events and sports is crucial for player safety. Trained individuals can recognise the signs and symptoms of concussion, ensure immediate and appropriate action is taken, promote referral pathways that are available and support adherence to return-to-play and learn protocols. This helps reduce the risk of further injury, ensures students are properly cared for, and promotes a culture of safety and responsibility within the school.

Having people trained in concussion management present at school events and sports is crucial for player safety. Trained individuals can recognise the signs and symptoms of concussion, ensure immediate and appropriate action is taken, promote referral pathways that are available and support adherence to return-to-play and learn protocols. This helps reduce the risk of further injury, ensures students are properly cared for, and promotes a culture of safety and responsibility within the school.

If your school does not currently have people trained in concussion management, there are resources available to help you get started. SASMA has links on our website to trusted resources, including the AIS – Concussion in Sport guidelines, which are recommended when your sport's governing body doesn’t have a specific policy.

We encourage you to book a face-to-face concussion education session directly with SASMA to upskill your team. For the greatest impact, consider a school-wide approach that includes teachers, sports coaches, medical staff, students, and parents. This collaborative approach helps ensure effective adoption of concussion management strategies and promotes a safer school environment.

Email admin@sasma.com.au to book a concussion education session.

RESOURCES

Find concussion resources here.

AIS - Concussion in Sport

Great! Having a Concussion Recognition Tool, such as CRT6 or a sport-specific assessment tool, available and used by school personnel is essential for accurately assessing suspected concussions. These tools provide a structured approach to identifying concussion symptoms and making informed decisions about player safety. Using a recognised assessment tool helps ensure that concussion management adheres to established guidelines and supports effective decision-making for player welfare.

TIP - it is useful to write the players name, how the injury occured and circle/tick other criterea listed (e.g. signs and symptoms), this can then be taken to their medical professional to assist with diagnoising concussion.

TIP - it is useful to have a laminated CRT6 form in all first aid kits to avoid weather damage.

Having a Concussion Recognition Tool, such as CRT6 or a sport-specific assessment tool, available and used by school personnel is essential for accurately assessing suspected concussions. These tools provide a structured approach to identifying concussion symptoms and making informed decisions about player safety. Using a recognised assessment tool helps ensure that concussion management adheres to established guidelines and supports effective decision-making for player welfare. 

 SASMA has links and documents for Concussion Recognition Tools you can implement at your school. Add them to your webpage and first aid kits. Let the  staff members know that they have been updated and are readily available!

RESOURCES

Download the CRT, and additional concussion resources, here.

TIP - it is useful to write the players name, how the injury occured and circle/tick other criterea listed (e.g. signs and symptoms), this can then be taken to their medical professional to assist with diagnoising concussion.

TIP - it is useful to have a laminated CRT6 form in all first aid kits to avoid weather damage.

Good job! Enforcing Return to Play guidelines set by the medical professional is crucial for ensuring that players recover fully and safely before resuming activities. Adhering to these guidelines helps prevent premature returns, which can lead to re-injury or prolonged recovery. This practice reflects a commitment to the player's long-term health and aligns with best practices in injury management. 

It is important to familiarise yourself with your sports concussion return to play policies.

Enforcing Return to Play guidelines set by the medical professional is crucial for ensuring that players recover fully and safely before resuming activities. Adhering to these guidelines helps prevent premature returns, which can lead to re-injury or prolonged recovery. This practice reflects a commitment to the player's long-term health and aligns with best practices in injury management.

Feel free to use SASMA’s resources below. Add them to your webpage and first aid kits. Let the members know that they have been updated and are readily available! 

RESOURCES

For more information on returning from concussion, click here.

It is important to familiarise yourself with your sports concussion return to play policies.

Awesome! Having a trained First Aider available at all junior games is essential for ensuring immediate medical attention in case of injuries or emergencies. This presence helps manage injuries promptly and provides reassurance to players, parents and coaches. It also supports a safe playing environment and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of young athletes.

REMINDER - First Aid Certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue, it is important to keep a record of this at your club.

Having a trained First Aider available at all junior games is essential for ensuring immediate medical attention in case of injuries or emergencies. This presence helps manage injuries promptly and provides reassurance to players, parents and coaches. It also supports a safe playing environment and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of young athletes.

RESOURCES

While SASMA is not affiliated with any specific First Aid training providers, there are many reputable organisations offering accredited courses both in-person and online. Clubs are encouraged to support their volunteers in gaining a First Aid qualification—whether by covering course costs, facilitating group training, or allowing flexible arrangements.

Common options for training include:

• St John Ambulance
• Red Cross
• Local TAFE or community colleges
• Private registered training organisations (RTOs)

Look for nationally recognised courses such as HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid, which is commonly required for community sport.

Empowering volunteers with First Aid training is a proactive step toward creating safer sport environments for all.

REMINDER - First Aid Certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue, it is important to keep a record of this at your school.

Brilliant! Having an accredited Level 1 Sports Trainer or a higher equivalent available at all senior games is crucial for providing expert sports injury management and first aid. These professionals are trained to assess, treat, and manage sports-related injuries effectively, ensuring that players receive high-quality care. Their presence helps to address injuries promptly and supports the overall safety and performance of players during games. 

IMPORTANT - Sports Trainers play a valuable role in schools. We encourage schools to support their current trainers and consider accrediting others within the school to support succession planning.

Having an accredited Level 1 Sports Trainer or a higher equivalent available at all senior games is crucial for providing expert sports injury management and first aid. These professionals are trained to assess, treat, and manage sports-related injuries effectively, ensuring that players receive high-quality care. Their presence helps to address injuries promptly and supports the overall safety and performance of players during games. 

RESOURCES

Read more about becoming a Sports Trainer here.

IMPORTANT - Sports Trainers play a valuable role in schools. We encourage schools to support their current trainers and consider accrediting others within the school to support succession planning.

Fantastic! Having a Concussion Management Officer is important for overseeing and implementing concussion protocols within the school, seperate to the medical team on gameday who manages the concussed player. This role is normally fulfilled by a sport coordinator, or someone in the schools medical team (ie school nurse). This ensures that concussion policies are followed, players are properly assessed and managed, and return-to-play guidelines are adhered to. The officer’s presence helps maintain a high standard of player safety and supports effective concussion management practices.

Having a Concussion Management Officer is important for overseeing and implementing concussion protocols within the school, seperate to the medical team on gameday who manages the concussed player. This role is normally fulfilled by a sport coordinator, or someone in the schools medical team (ie school nurse). This ensures that concussion policies are followed, players are properly assessed and managed, and return-to-play guidelines are adhered to. The officer’s presence helps maintain a high standard of player safety and supports effective concussion management practices.

The resources below provide a guide as to how this could be implemented at your club.

RESOURCES

• Concussion information for parents and teachers
• Watch this video from the AIS about the role of a Concussion Officer.

Great! Using a game day checklist prior to training and the commencement of play  is important for ensuring that all necessary preparations and safety measures are in place. This checklist typically covers equipment, medical supplies, emergency procedures, and personnel requirements, helping to prevent oversights and ensure smooth operation. It contributes to a well-organised and safe environment for players, volunteers and staff.

Completing a safety or venue checklist before any school sporting fixture or carnival is an essential step to ensure that the environment is safe for students, staff, officials and spectators. Such a checklist helps identify potential hazards — for example uneven playing surfaces, inadequate shade or shelter, emergency access issues or first‑aid equipment gaps — and ensures they are addressed prior to the event. This proactive approach not only supports the school’s duty of care, but also aligns with the minimum standards expected in education‑sport settings and helps avoid preventable incidents or injury.

Schools in SA can draw on resources such as the Department for Education (South Australia)’s “Sporting and Adventure Activities Standard” which emphasises risk management and the planning of sport events.


Employing a checklist ensures that event‑organisers clearly communicate roles, identify and mitigate hazards, and maintain records of what has been checked and what remains to be addressed.

Awesome! Having a trained First Aider with an upgraded SASMA Sideline Help certification available at all junior games is important for providing sport specific and up-to-date medical support. This certification ensures that the First Aider has sports specific knowledge and skills tailored to managing injuries and emergencies on the sidelines. It contributes to enhanced safety and effective injury management for young athletes during games. 

Having a trained First Aider with an upgraded SASMA Sideline Help certification available at all junior games is important for providing sport specific and up-to-date medical support. This certification ensures that the First Aider has sports specific knowledge and skills tailored to managing injuries and emergencies on the sidelines. It contributes to enhanced safety and effective injury management for young athletes during games. 

RESOURCES

Learn more about SASMA's Sideline Help Course here.

Great! Encouraging members to undertake annual education in injury prevention or management, such as courses in sports taping, concussion management, sideline help, sports trainer 1 or 2 courses, nutrition, mental health first aid, etc. is vital for maintaining high standards of safety and care.

Promoting these courses within the school helps ensure that players, coaches, parents, volunteers and staff stay updated on best practices and emerging techniques. This commitment to ongoing education supports effective injury management and enhances overall player safety. 

Check out all of SASMA's Education Programs on our website. Contact us to book your next session for your club!

Encouraging staff members to undertake annual education in injury prevention or management, such as courses in sports taping, concussion management, sideline help, sports trainer 1 or 2 courses, nutrition, mental health first aid, etc. is vital for maintaining high standards of safety and care.

Promoting these courses within the school helps ensure that players, coaches, parents, volunteers and staff stay updated on best practices and emerging techniques. This commitment to ongoing education supports effective injury management and enhances overall player safety. 

RESOURCES

Check out all of SASMA's Education Programs on our website. Contact us to book your next session for your club!

Liaising with parents about a student’s return-to-learn and return-to-play after injury ensures that recovery is managed safely and consistently across school, home, and community sport settings. Open communication helps teachers, coaches, and families understand any learning adjustments, activity restrictions, or medical recommendations in place. This coordinated approach reduces the risk of re-injury, supports academic participation during recovery, and reassures parents that the school is prioritising the student’s health and wellbeing. Schools can access guidance on concussion and injury management through the South Australian Department for Education, Catholic Education SA, or SASMA to align with best-practice return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.

Good work! Keeping injury statistics is a great process to undertake for identifying patterns and trends that can inform prevention measures. Analysing this data helps the club and coaches understand common injuries, their causes, and other areas of consideration (eg. training load, equipment, playing surface, weather, etc).

This proactive approach allows for the implementation of targeted strategies to reduce injury risk and enhance overall safety.

Keeping injury statistics is a great process to undertake for identifying patterns and trends that can inform prevention measures. Analysing this data helps the club and coaches understand common injuries, their causes, and other areas of consideration (eg. training load, equipment, playing surface, weather, etc).

This proactive approach allows for the implementation of targeted strategies to reduce injury risk and enhance overall safety.

SASMA has developed a guide to help track injury statistics. Feel free to download the document below and start a conversation with your head trainer and coaches as to how you might implement this into your club.

RESOURCES

Keeping Injury Statistics - Support Material

Great! Offering annual education on injury management or prevention for members, coaches, trainers, or volunteers, either by covering course costs or hosting sessions at the club, is an excellent practice. It ensures that key personnel feel valued, are up to date with the latest techniques and knowledge, which enhances the overall safety and effectiveness of injury management. This commitment to education not only improves safety but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and professionalism within the organisation, contributing to a positive and proactive environment.

SASMA offers education courses throughout the year. Click Here to see our upcoming courses or email us at admin@sasma.com.au to book a course at your club.

Offering annual education on injury management or prevention for members, coaches, trainers, or volunteers, either by covering course costs or hosting sessions at the club, is an excellent practice. It ensures that key personnel are valued, are up to date with the latest techniques and knowledge, which enhances the overall safety and effectiveness of injury management. This commitment to education not only improves safety but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and professionalism within the organisation, contributing to a positive and proactive environment.

RESOURCE

SASMA offers education courses throughout the year. Click Here to see our upcoming courses or email us at admin@sasma.com.au to book a course at your club.

Fantastic! Having an accredited Level 2 Sports Trainer or a higher equivalent available at senior games is best practice for providing advanced sports injury management and medical support. This level of certification ensures that the trainer has extensive knowledge and skills in assessing, treating, and managing sports-related injuries. Their expertise helps provide a high level of player safety, supporting effective and efficient handling of injuries during games.

Click Here to see our upcoming courses.

Having an accredited Level 2 Sports Trainer or a higher equivalent available at senior games is best practice for providing advanced sports injury management and medical support. This level of certification ensures that the trainer has extensive knowledge and skills in assessing, treating, and managing sports-related injuries. Their expertise helps provide a high level of player safety, supporting effective and efficient handling of injuries during games.

RESOURCE

If you would like to upskill and support any of your current Level 1 Sports Trainers to a Level 2 Click Here to see our upcoming courses.

Partnering with local sports medicine providers helps schools ensure timely, professional support for student injuries and ongoing athlete health. These partnerships can include local physiotherapists, doctors, sports trainers, or allied health professionals who provide guidance on injury prevention, management, and return-to-play planning. Establishing trusted relationships also improves referral pathways and access to expertise when incidents occur. Schools that connect with recognised organisations such as SASMA, or local GP and physiotherapy clinics can strengthen their overall sport safety framework and ensure students receive the right care, at the right time.