SENIOR competition chairperson of AFL South Coast and board member Katy Daniel said the implementation of the new position was part of the code’s duty of care.
“The AFL NSW/ACT board and all entities involved in community football, whether it be a governing body or local footy club, have a duty of care to their participants and also to ensure that the football environment is the safest environment possible,” she said.
“Incidents unfortunately do happen in football matches and it is important that there are trained people at the grounds to respond to all of these cases and that quick and skilful action by a trained person can be the difference between life and death.
“The AFL Sports Trainers in Community Australian Football Policy sets minimum standards for medical personnel on a match – these standards are up to 12 years of age a nationally accredited first aid certificate holder be present; and 12 years and over must have an Emergency Response Co-ordinator in addition to first aid qualifications.
“AFL NSW/ACT and the AFL South Coast board believes that any parents whose son or daughter plays Australian Football would take comfort in the fact there was a trained first aider or emergency co-ordinator there to respond to a serious incident.
“While the governing body understands the cost may seem onerous we believe it is a worthwhile investment that may prove the difference in someone’s wellbeing.”
She said local leagues had also been encouraged to provide further rebates to help cover the costs of the courses.
