Play Smart. Go the Distance!  ACC Sportsmart warm up enhances performance and keeps athletes injury free!

From competitive athletes to weekend warriors, ACC SportSmart is there to help everyone get the most out of their game and stay injury free.

Developed by an expert panel of academics, clinicians, sports administrators and subject matter experts, ACC SportSmart is an injury prevention framework. It’s based on nine key principles to help you perform well and enjoy an active lifestyle.

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Preventing Injuries

Preventing injuries is a key part of player safety and encouraging enjoyment of the sport.

The following are some tips for preventing injuries during practices and games:

• Plan a proper warm up before all practices as well as games.
• Check all players have water to keep hydrated during the session or game.
• Ensure everyone has the protective equipment they need (eg mouth guards, shin pads).
• Check for players with previous injuries.
• Make sure any fitness drills and skills training are appropriate for the players’ age and stage so they’re not being asked to do things that could cause an injury.
• Make sure players cool down and stretch afterwards to avoid cramp and muscle injuries.

Consider what needs to be in place if a player gets injured:

• Have a first aid kit on hand and check it’s fully stocked.
• Have the contact details for players’ parents.
• Check if any parents have first aid certificates and are available to attend practices and/ or games.
• Make sure you have this injury treatment and referral guide on hand. You can find a copy in your first aid kit.

​​​​​​​What to do if a player gets injured:

• Check the player can safely be removed from the game. If you are concerned they have a major injury, call for medical assistance or an ambulance.
• Move them to sideline and do a quick assessment of the injury.
• Follow the injury treatment and referral guideline in your first aid kit for information on:
  • immediate treatment – what to do straight away
  • where to refer the person to – for further advice or treatment.