AFL Coaching Manual - Western Bulldogs Football Club

the coach
chapter 8 – prevention & management of injuries
SOFT TISSUE
INJURY
MANAGEMENT
A large majority of
injuries in football
are soft tissue injuries.
The first 48 hours are vital in the
effective management of any soft
tissue injury. Injuries managed
effectively during this period will
reduce the time spent on
the sidelines.
The immediate management
should follow the RICER regime.
This regime should be used for all
ligament sprains, muscle strains
and muscle bruises (corks, etc) in
fact in any bumps or bruises that
occur in football.
AVOID HARM
Remember, with injuries of
this kind, you should avoid
the HARM factors
H Heat
A Alcohol
R Running
increases bleeding.
increases swelling.
or exercising too
soon can make the
injury worse.
M Massage in the first 48-72
hours increases
swelling and
bleeding.
R
I
C
E
R
How
RICER with no HARM
REST
Place the player in a
comfortable position,
preferably lying down.
The injured part should be
immobilised and supported.
ICE
The conventional
methods are:
pp
Crushed ice in a wet
towelplastic bag.
pp
Immersion in icy water.
pp
Commercial cold packs
pp
wrapped in wet towel.
pp
Cold water from the tap is
better than nothing.
Apply for 20 minutes
every two hours for the
first 48 hours.
CAUTION
pp
Do not apply ice directly to
skin as ice burns can occur.
pp
Do not apply ice to people who
are sensitive to cold or who
have circulatory problems.
pp
Children have a lower
tolerance to ice.
Compression
pp
Apply a firm wide elastic
bandage over a large area
covering the injured part,
as well as above and
below the injured part.
ELEVATION
Raise injured area above
the level of the heart at
all possible times.
REFERRAL
Refer to a suitable qualified
professional such as a doctor
or physiotherapist for diagnosis
and ongoing care.
Why
Activity will promote bleeding
by increasing blood flow.
Ice Reduces:
pp
Swelling.
pp
Pain.
pp
Muscle spasm.
pp
Secondary damage to
the injured area.
Compression: Reduces bleeding
and swelling. Provides support
for the injured part.
Elevation: Reduces bleeding
and swelling.
Early referral for a definitive
diagnosis to ascertain the exact
nature of the injury and to gain
expert advice on the rehabilitation
program required.
MAINTAINING INJURY RECORDS
Coaches should ensure all facts concerning an injury are properly recorded. The form used on this page from the AFCA
Coaches’ Diary has been designed in conjunction with Dr Terry Nolan from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne
and can be used to detail all aspects of injuries to your players.
INJURY REPORT SHEET
MATCH OR TRAINING: ............................................................................................................................................................................ DATE: .....................................................................................
ID NUMBER (Give each form a unique identifying number): ................................................................................................................................................................................
Ground condition at time of injury: Very Hard .......................................................................................... Firm ................................................ Soft .............................................
Weather condition at time of injury : Fine ........................................ Light Rain ........................................ Heavy Rain .......................................
ACTIVITY OF PLAYER JUST Before INJURY EVENT
(e.g. going up for a mark, diving tackle)
WHAT WENT WRONG THAT LED TO THE INJURY?
(e.g. slipped on muddy ground while turning)
WHAT ACTUALLY CAUSED THE INJURY?
(e.g. pushed in back, fell on to outstretched arm)
NATURE OF INJURY
(e.g. sprain, fracture, bruise)
WAS ANY PROTECTIVE GEAR BEING WORN?
(e.g. strapping to knee, ankle, mouthguard)
REFERRED TO:
TREATMENT RECEIVED (describe)
BODY PART AFFECTED
(e.g. right knee)
WAS THE INJURY
New injury:
Re-injury:
Date of previous injury:
FURTHER COMMENTS
Name of person filling out form:...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Title: ...................................................................... Signature: ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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