THE HISTORY OF SPORTS MEDICINE IN QUEENSLAND

The Beginning

The Australian Sports Medicine Federation was founded in Australia in 1963. The Queensland Branch began in 1970 when a small group of interested medical practitioners convened the inaugural meeting. From this very modest beginning and through the endeavors of a small minority of dedicated persons, the Queensland Branch has grown into the largest, most active and diverse group in Australia.

The late Dr Kevin Hobbs

Dr Kevin Hobbs was a founding member of the Queensland Branch and its President for 16 years. He was twice national President. It was at times a controversial career.

Dr Kevin Hobbs Sports Medicine Achievements

He was an early campaigner against the use of massage as treatment for injury. He advocated the use of ice rather than the hot towels and heat lamps, which were the conventional wisdom of the time. He was responsible in 1985 for the introduction of random drug testing in Queensland Rugby League – the first sport to introduce compulsory tests.

History of  SMA Volunteers – The Major Driving Force

Boasting a truly multi-disciplinary approach, the volunteer efforts of the expanding body of health care professionals soon resulted in Queensland becoming the major driving force in Australian Sports Medicine. Education of the lay community provided the major underlying philosophy and in 1975, a basic course in Sports Medicine was introduced to Queenslanders. This was followed in 1976 by a higher intermediate level course.

The lecture course syllabi were adopted by the National body of Australian Sports Medicine Federation and implemented on a National level. In 1983 the course names were changed to become the National Sports Trainers Scheme and successful candidates were accredited Nationally.

Members – The Spirit that Drives SMA

The initiatives of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation can be traced back to 1970. The drive and enthusiasm of its members has resulted in the development of a strong Statewide body with its headquarters in Brisbane. Sub branches were formed in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Fraser District, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Toowoomba to promote sports medicine in these areas. In 2003, the Sub Branches run by volunteers were closed and a North Qld Regional office in Townsville and a Central Qld Regional office in Rockhampton were established employing part time personnel.

Queensland is a sporting State. To ensure safer participation in general and to achieve higher standards for Queenslanders in State and National teams the proliferation of Sports Medicine information is essential.

Today

Today, the Queensland Branch of Sports Medicine Australia has over 1000 members throughout the State and is actively pursuing its mission statement “ to be recognised as the authority of the provision of Sports Medicine Education to Health Professionals and all active Queenslanders”.