PFA 2015/16 W-League Injury Report: 'Minimum Medical Standards a must'

With a 132% increase in the number of games missed due to injury in the 2015/16 season, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is calling for an introduction of Minimum Medical Standards for the W-League.

The annual report saw that players had missed a cumulative 174 games in Season 8 due to injury with over 40% related to knee injuries.

Source; PFA 2015/16 W-League Injuries Report

The PFA Report is compiled from publicly available data during the regular season including FFA weekly W-League match previews, Official W-League Club match previews/reviews and official media releases.

“The growth of the W-League will be undermined if the competition’s clubs are regularly unable to call upon their most talented players."

The Newcastle Jets saw a decrease in the incidence of injuries and matches missed while Season 7 premiers Perth Glory saw a sharp incline in both areas.

Knee injuries remained the key concern and the biggest factor in matches missed with matches missed due to knee injuries (including ACLs) doubling in Season 8 to 71 in comparison to Season 7's 35 .

Source; PFA 2015/16 W-League Injuries Report

W-League Minimum Medical Standards

Following the findings of the report, PFA Player Relations Executive Kathryn Gill called for the immediate introduction of W-League Minimum Medical Standards for Season 9.

https://twitter.com/rajcic9/status/717529106158473217

“The introduction of the A-League Minimum Medical Standards in 2011 has proven effective at combating both the incidence of injury and the number of games missed a result of them,” said Gill.

“It is simply unacceptable that our elite female players have not been afforded the same level of protection."

https://twitter.com/amy_harrison7/status/717531687341547520

The PFA, after consultation with FIFPro Chief Medical Officer Doctor Vincent Gouttebarge, has called for the following standards to be in place for Season 9.

>> medical testing prior to the commencement of each season;

>> all clubs having certified specialist sports physicians;

>> detailed player medical records being kept by clubs;

>> the right for players to seek a second medical opinion;

>> registered physiotherapists available at each club prior to and after training and matches; and

>> all club trainers holding a Sport Trainer Level 2 from Sports Medicine Australia and / or a tertiary qualification in Sports Conditioning.

“It is critical for the continued growth of the women’s game that these measures are implemented ahead of next season.”

“The evidence from the A-League is clear that on-field performance is strongly related to the efficient management of injuries, and that clubs which do more to assist their players reap the benefit on the field.