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Submission by Bruce Warhurst on 05 November 2008.
1. Ensure Australia's continued elite sporting success
No response
2. Better place sport and physical activity as a key component of the Government's preventative health approach
Being concerned with injury prevention I have been increasingly concerned about the increasing incidence of lower body injuries, viz., foot and ankle injuries (pronated and supinated), knotted calves, groin soreness (pectineus) and suggestions for prevention have been met with some resistance from players and coaches. There are many coaches at all levels from juniors to seniors whose lack of training results in verbal abuse to effect a win. Mention ""Periodisation,"" for example and the coaches do not understand. All coaches in all sports should be required to have recognised accredition. Similarly, Sports Trainers should have minimal recognised qualifications. The problem centres on the lack of publicity of existing support organisations such as SMA and the Sports Commission and the various PCYCs. Should excellent publicity be given, at local levels, throughout the states and particularly in country areas, there should be no problem in having sporting personnel trained which in turn will attract participants from all areas and this will have a flow through effect into all ages and all societal groups. In something as essential as hydration during activity many personnel do not understand the principles; players are frequently under- hydrated believing that the squirt and swallow process is sufficient.
3. Strengthen pathways from junior sport to grassroots community sport right through to elite and professional sport
The core of the issue begins with effective administration. In many sporting clubs correct meeting procedure is ignored; I have heard on one occasion that ""this is the way We run our meetings."" Minutes are frequently badly kept and the problem seems to be that in many cases club presidents think that their role is to make ALL decisions. Unfortunately volunteers are given little recognition and in many cases are expected to turn up. The DOFT offers guidelines for meeting procedure. These are mostly ignored or administrators are unaware that they exist.
4. Maintain Australia's cutting edge approach to sports science, research and technology
The study of sports psychology (for goal-setting, motivation, record-keeping of training progression) should be included. SMA addresses many of the above issues at its conferences which despite my 1000km drive for an annual conference allows participants to become aware of current thinking. Anti-doping, including smoking and alcohol abuse is also to be considered. Group dynamics in country towns especially, lose many with talent to substance abuse encouraged by some who imagine that they are assisting. It should also be recognised that doping is not only used as a performance-enhancement, but also as 'recreational' through ""stacking"" and ""pyramiding.""
5. Identify opportunities to increase and diversify the funding base for sport through corporate sponsorship, media and any recommended reforms, such as enhancing the effectiveness of the Australian Sports Foundation
No response
Page last updated: 05 November, 2008