Victorian Masters Sport Resource Kit - Australian Sports Commission

4. Participation Issues
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4.3 Creating a Healthy Sport
Environment
Creating a healthy sporting environment is an
important part of attracting and retaining
participants within a sport.
VicHealth advocates that the development of
a healthy sporting environment entails:
◗ Creating smoke-free environments,
◗ Promoting and actively providing sun
protection,
◗ Following safe drinking practices, and
◗ Promoting and actively providing healthy
catering practices.
Information on how to do this is available
from the VicHealth website
(www.vichealth.vic.gov.au) or from VicHealth
directly – a contact is provided in the back of
this booklet.
Photo: National Sport Information Centre
of the Australian Sports Commission
4.4 Injury Prevention Issues
Participation in sport is encouraged for a
number of reasons including the enhancement
of physical and mental health. However,
participation in sport activities also increases
exposure to the potential hazards and risks
associated with such activities. As more
people participate in Masters Sport it is
important to ensure the potential for injury
and accidents is minimised.
Participants should be made aware of general
guidelines for preventing injuries incurred
through sporting activity such as:
Pre-Participation Screening
People wishing to resume sporting activity or
take up a sport that may be new to them should
undergo a comprehensive medical screening
assessment from a medical practitioner,
particularly if they are over 40 years of age.
Gradual Reintroduction to Sporting
Activity
People of any age should take care when
resuming sporting activity in order to prevent
injuries. Gradually increasing activity levels
and frequency of participation should help to
avoid injuries such as muscle strains and joint
soreness.
Physical Preparation
Participants should develop and practice correct
warm up, cool down and stretching techniques
relevant to their sport. Correct hydration and
nutritional requirements should also be
followed, particularly in warmer weather.
Using Appropriate Equipment
Participants should have access to the
appropriate equipment and facilities to reduce
the risk of incurring injuries. The correct fitting
of equipment such as golf clubs and specialised
footwear should also be encouraged.
Access To Appropriate Coaching
All coaches involved in Masters Sport should
undergo some form of formal training and
accreditation, and be made aware of the issues
involved in Masters Sport that appear in this
booklet. Ensuring Masters Sport participants
have access to appropriate coaching is an
important means for overcoming the barriers
of participation in masters sport.
Injury Management
Injuries in sport do occur and participants in
Masters Sport should be made aware of
current practice in the management of injuries
and the use of first aid techniques.
Information on rehabilitation and recovering
from injuries should be available to people
participating in Masters Sport.