Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL) as a preferred provider of the AFL’s Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC) courses across Victoria and Australia.
The three-hour ERC course provides an important introduction for parents and volunteers looking to work in community level AFL. The course covers topics such as; emergency medical planning, concussion management, on-field communication and transporting an injured participant.
SMA CEO, Anthony Merrilees says the partnership between two leaders in the sporting industry will be a major boost for sport safety at every Australian football match across Victoria.
“The AFL’s ERC course equips people working in community level football, with the necessary knowledge, training and qualifications to handle serious injuries and other emergencies.”
While the accreditation is the standard across all levels of the AFL, the course is especially tailored for trainers working at junior football clubs.
“Unfortunately, not every local club can have an experienced sports trainer on hand for every game. However, the ERC course gives the skills and knowledge that are necessary for parents or volunteers to work as a coordinator at their local club and provide a safe environment for games to take place.”
AFL Academy Physiotherapist, Nick Ames says safer sport is a priority of the AFL and SMA.
“The Emergency Response Coordinator position is an extremely important role at all Australian Football events. This training structure will support associations, clubs, teams and volunteers to guarantee qualified coordinators are part of their organisation.”
In Victoria, SMA will deliver the ERC course through its partnership with regional sports assemblies throughout the state.
Sports Medicine Australia is a national multi-disciplinary member organisation that provides leadership in the area of sports medicine, and the healthy and safe participation of Australians in physical activity and sport. For more information, on our courses, click here.