Free booklet on 'How to become a Sport Safe Club' launched

26/5/98

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore today launched a free booklet showing sporting organisations how to ensure the safety of players, coaches, umpires and spectators.

The booklet, How to become a Sport Safe Club, was produced by the Western Australian branch of Sports Medicine Australia with the support of Healthway and the Australian Sports Commission.

Mr Moore said he was pleased and proud to learn that the ASC had adopted the publication for national distribution to sporting organisations.

The user-friendly booklet was another example of how the sport and recreation industry in Western Australia was playing a leading role in the development of sport Australia-wide.

Mr Moore said that while the State's sporting clubs generally showed a responsible attitude to the importance of safety, it was necessary for each association to make a formal commitment to sport planning and management.

"Clubs are now realising that they are responsible for providing safe environments for their sporting activities," he said.

"Not only does this reduce the risk of injury, it also helps to safeguard against adverse litigation."

The Minister said that the ASC had recognised that Australian families were becoming increasingly discerning in their demands for safe, quality environments in which to play sport.

"While sport and recreation represent one of Australia's fastest-growing industries, health promotion is one of the biggest growth industries in the public health area," he said.

"The 'Sport Safe' booklet underlines the major objective common to both industries.

"That is the well-being, safety and enhanced health and quality of life for all Australians, especially the young."

Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, (08) 93211444

Bob Figg, Ministry of Sport and Recreation, (08) 93879749