ACC Sportsmart

ACC have a programme available to all sports which assists in maintaining safe sports. This ensures that players compete in an environment that provides opportunity for success and long term health. The resources below are available for downlaod and use within the club. Download the entire 10 point plan here - or read below and choose more details guides.

Screening

Playing sport means preparing well before the sporting season starts. Before pre-season training, every player should be screened to check their health, lifestyle and physical condition. Injuries from the previous season should be assessed to ensure full fitness for return to play. If a player is injured during the season, they should be re-screened to assess whether they are fit to return to play. View brochure.


WARM-UP, cool-down AND stretch

Warming up before playing sport prepares the mind, heart, muscles and joints for the upcoming event. It improves performance, helps players get mentally prepared and is a great step towards injury prevention. Cooling down is equally important. It helps the body to recover and gradually return to its normal temperature. This is also a good time to work on flexibility. View brochure.




PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Being conditioned for sport means greater enjoyment, more participation and better performance. What’s more, it reduces the risk of injury – so players can play to their maximum potential. View brochure.




TECHNIQUE

Good technique is essential for players to fully participate in and enjoy their sport – safely. Poor technique can expose players to the risk of acute injury e.g. rugby tackling with the head in front of the ball carrier’s leg rather than behind it. View brochure.




FAIR PLAY

People play to participate and enjoy the game – two considerations that are often more important than winning. Bending the rules and foul play are unsporting and ruin the enjoyment for all involved. Coaches, players, referees and supporters all have a role in upholding the principles of fair play. View brochure.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Protective equipment is there to protect players against injury and should be used wherever possible. Protective equipment includes personal equipment such as mouthguards and headgear, as well as equipment such as padding around goal posts. View brochure.




Hydration and nutrition

Hydration (drinking adequate fluid) and nutrition (the foods you eat) are critical parts of the sporting experience. Hydration replaces fluid lost during sweating and maintains sports performance, while nutrition provides an essential fuel supply for exercise, promotes a nutritional environment that allows players to recover more efficiently between training sessions. View brochure.



Injury REPORTING

Injury reporting is all about gathering information on injuries so that we can learn about why and how they happen – and find ways to prevent them happening again. By monitoring injuries and continuing to gather information, sport policies and practices can even be changed to improve the game for all involved. View brochure.



Environment

The sports environment includes not only the weather, but also the facilities, surfaces and equipment that are being played on and with, as well as the “safety culture” in the sports club or organisation. View brochure.





Injury management

Injury management involves identifying, treating and recovering from an injury. It’s important that injured players don’t suffer unnecessary additional pain and discomfort – and delay recovery from their injury. View brochure.