NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 09/10

Transcription

1 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 09/10

2 letter to the minister 27 October The Hon. Michael Daley MP Minister for Finance Minister for Police Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000 Dear Minister In accordance with the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984, I have pleasure in submitting for your information and presentation to Parliament, the Annual Report of the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee for the financial year ended 30 June. Yours sincerely (signed) Lisa Hunt Chair NSW Sporting Injuries Committee

3 contents Year in review 2 About us 4 Chair s report 5 Our corporate governance 6 Our strategic performance 9 Our business 11 Snapshots at the awards 14 Our community 16 Our customers 17 Our insurance business 22 Financial statements 28 Appendices 52 Our administration 54 ANNUAL REPORT /10 1

4 YEAR IN REVIEW The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee has achieved significant outcomes in. The Committee improved the right to benefits for injured participants by lowering permanent disability thresholds with no increases in premium rates. Financial reserves were strengthened even with considerable benefits being paid during the year. Exciting and innovative safe sport practices and injury prevention initiatives were submitted under the Research and Injury Prevention Scheme and recognised at the NSW Sports Safety Awards. 14% decrease in 6% claims liabilities increase in sporting participants covered 0% no increases in premium rates for 10 years Membership participants from 2005 to Participants Years NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

5 mission To reduce the personal impact of injuries in sport through the support of appropriate preventative initiatives and to reduce the financial impact of injuries in sport through the provision of affordable, statute based serious injury insurance. ANNUAL REPORT /10 3

6 ABOUT US The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee is a non-profit, self-funded statutory organisation established in 1978 by the New South Wales Government to provide affordable sports injury insurance and to promote safe sport practices to the sporting community. The Committee delivers its legislative responsibilities under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Act 1978 through four different schemes: Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme provides affordable serious injuries insurance to NSW sporting organisations. Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme provides State Government funded serious injuries cover to all NSW school children. NSW Sports Safety Awards Scheme recognises and rewards outstanding achievement in research, the development of injury preventative measures and the promotion of safe sport practices. Research and Injury Prevention Scheme provides grants for research into sports injury preventative measures. The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee and its operations are unique to the state of New South Wales. MINISTER FOR FINANCE MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION (STAFF AND FUNDING) CHIEF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AUTHORITIES STAFF DIVISION WORKCOVER AUTHORITY NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE MOTOR ACCIDENT AUTHORITY LIFETIME CARE & SUPPORT AUTHORITY DUST DISEASES BOARD LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS CORPORATION SECRETARIAT 4 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

7 CHAIR S REPORT It is with pleasure that I present to you the 26th Annual Report of the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee covering the financial year ended 30 June. The Committee s legislative function is to improve the safety of the community when participating in sport through encouragement of safe sport practices and the provision of affordable insurance for serious sporting injuries. NSW Sports Safety Awards It was another great year for sports safety in NSW with many innovative projects celebrated at the 12th anniversary of the NSW Sports Safety Awards. The Committee encourages outstanding initiatives in sports safety and injury prevention and formally recognises the contribution of researchers, schools and sporting organisations at the Awards. The importance of safety in and around water was a central theme with the University of New South Wales winning in the Team Research category for its significant work in analysing and educating the community on the issues surrounding beach safety. Continuing the water safety theme, a collaboration between NSW Maritime, North Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service and NSW Sport & Recreation won for developing a swimming and boating code to safely share the water ways at Terrigal. Other state winners included Gymnastics NSW for compiling a comprehensive risk management program for their highly technical sport and the Injury Risk Management Research Centre for developing practical strategies for cycling infrastructure in consultation with advocacy groups. The Committee congratulates all award winners. Sports Injury Prevention Research The Committee is proud of its ongoing investment in sports injury prevention research. Two projects were completed in the financial year contributing to greater safety in both junior rugby league and public pools. A Comparison of the type and incidence of injury under the 5 vs 10 metre rule in Junior Rugby League by NSW Rugby League provided imperical data that less injuries occur when the play the ball defensive line is reduced to five metres. The project supported the rule change for all Under 13 and Under 14 rugby league competitions. The Royal Lifesaving NSW s Public Pool Injury Surveillance Program developed an on-line database in consultation with commercial aquatic facilities to collect and analyse the type of injuries that occur at public swimming pools. Future data analytics will support updates of the industry s Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations. Finances Aligned with the upturn in financial markets, the Committee has reversed its results to return a surplus of $306,000 for the - financial year. The Committee is non-profit and relies upon investment returns to supplement premium income. The surplus generated has increased reserves to a healthy $732,000. During the year, the Committee was pleased to amend its legislation to improve claimants access to legislated benefits by reducing the permanent disability threshold percentages for injured arms, legs and hearing. This was achieved without increasing premium rates to member sporting organisations. The Committee thanks Jon Blackwell (Chair), Dr John Orchard (long term Committee member), Murray McLachlan (Deputy Chair) and Rob Thomson (acting Chair) for their efforts in ensuring the Committee s ongoing success in reducing the incidence, severity and financial burden of sports injuries across New South Wales. In addition, I would like to thank the Committee for their contribution to the business strategy and direction. I also thank our staff for their commitment and drive to provide a service to our customers and all our stakeholders. (signed) Lisa Hunt Chair NSW Sporting Injuries Committee ANNUAL REPORT /10 5

8 OUR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee delivers its legislative responsibilities under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Act Statutory Functions The Sporting Injuries Insurance Act 1978 (the Act) confers on the Committee the following specific obligations and responsibilities: (a) the compilation and maintenance of such statistics with respect to the incidence of injuries resulting from sporting or athletic activities as the Committee considers would assist it in the performance of the functions given to it by or under the Act or any other Act (b) co-operation with organisations concerned in the regulation and conduct of sporting or athletic activities and the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department of Education and Training for the purpose of initiating, developing, encouraging and implementing such policies as are likely to eliminate or reduce the incidence of injuries resulting from sporting or athletic activities (c) when requested by the Minister to do so, the examination of and reporting to the Minister on the desirability of extending the Scheme provided by the Act (d) the performance of such other functions as are given to it by or under the Act or any other Act. Constitution The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee is a corporation constituted under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Act It consists of seven members, a Chairman and six other members on the nomination of the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Education & Training and the Minister for Sport & Recreation. Committee members are appointed by the Governor for a period of up to three years. The legislation Sporting Injuries Insurance Act 1978 declares that the Chief Executive Officer of the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales is the Chairman of the Committee. WorkCover NSW and the Committee are part of the Compensation Authorities Staff Division (CASD). The Chief Executive Officer of WorkCover NSW is also the Chief Executive of CASD. CASD was formed as part of the NSW Government s creation of Principal Agencies in July. The CASD group sits within the Treasury portfolio. Other agencies in the CASD group are: Dust Diseases Board Lifetime Care and Support Authority Long Service Payments Corporation Lisa Hunt In January, Lisa Hunt was appointed Chief Executive Officer, WorkCover NSW and Chief Executive, Compensation Authorities Staff Division, which oversees the offices of WorkCover NSW, Dust Diseases Board, Motor Accidents Authority, Lifetime Care and Support Authority, Long Service Payments Corporation and the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee. By virtue of being the Chief Executive Officer of WorkCover NSW, Lisa is also the Chair of the Committee under the Act. Lisa was previously a senior executive at Transurban Limited (an ASX listed international toll road owner, operator and developer) for seven years. Lisa has significant experience on private and public sector boards including Westlink Limited, Sydney Catchment Authority, Queensland Rail, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia and the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board and a number of infrastructure boards. Lisa commenced her career in law before working in government in a range of sectors including immigration, regulatory systems, transport and infrastructure development. Mary Hawkins As the Acting General Manager of the Workers Compensation Division of WorkCover NSW, Mary has the delegated role of Deputy Chair of the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee. Substantively, Mary Hawkins is Director of the Provider and Injury Management Services Group of WorkCover NSW. This group is responsible for designing the frameworks that enable service providers to effectively participate in the workers compensation system in NSW and to improve the services available to injured workers and their employers. Motor Accidents Authority The Committee ultimately reports to the Hon. Michael Daley MP, the Minister for Finance. 6 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

9 Darryl Clout Darryl Clout was appointed to the Committee in May Darryl has spent more than 20 years working in an advisory capacity to State Government Ministers mainly chief of staff, media advisor or senior advisor in various portfolios including transport, education, police and sport and recreation. Darryl was appointed to his current position of General Manager, NSW Sport and Recreation in 2005 and is responsible for the sport and recreation centres and various trusts as well as the grants programs the agency provides in areas of facility and program development. He is the departmental representative on a number of boards and committees including the State Sports Centre Trust and the NSW Sport and Recreation Advisory Council. Darryl has also been involved in community sport particularly softball for more than 20 years and was a Softball Australia Board Member between 1996 and and is currently Oceania Vice President of the International Softball Federation. Ron Muratore Dr Ron Muratore was appointed to the Committee in September. Ron operates a general practice where he has an interest in workplace rehabilitation, overuse injuries, paediatric sports medicine and exercise induced leg pain specialising in compartment syndrome. Ron is also a prominent sports physician, who has been involved in the sporting community for the past 30 years culminating in being appointed as the Medical Director for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup and as the Chief Medical Officer of the National Rugby League in. He has also lectured to community based sporting clubs, professional bodies and general practitioners on all aspects of sports injuries and injury prevention. Ron has been an active member of Sports Medicine Australia since 1980 where he has held several Committee positions; he is a member of the Australian Medical Association and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians. Peter Corcoran OAM Peter Corcoran OAM was initially appointed to the Committee in Peter has been involved in rugby league for over 30 years. He was the ARL National Coaching, Refereeing and Education Manager and now fulfils the role of consultant to rugby league national and state education committees. Peter s dedication to safety in sport is well known and documented. He is a long-time member of both Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He was Chairman of the ASC Australian Coaching Council for many years in the latter part of the 1990 s; a Board Member of the NSW Sports Federation throughout and long-standing Board Member of SpineSafe/YouthSafe Ltd. Peter is currently a Director of the Newcastle Knights Rugby League Football Club and a consultant to many sport and recreation academies sporting committees and disability sports. Grant Parker Grant Parker was appointed to the Committee in July Grant is the Executive Officer of the Secondary Sports Division at the NSW School Sports Unit. He has extensive experience in the administration of school sports at state and national levels through his role as Executive Officer of the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) Sports Association, a role he has held since Grant has been a member of a number of committees over the years, including the Public School Sports Council, The Talented Child in Sport Committee, the Centenary of School Sport Committee and the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Committee. In 1992 he co-ordinated the integration of the non-government school sporting associations into the NSW Combined High School program, which now forms the NSW All Schools Sporting Program. As well as his general knowledge of sport and how it is administered within the public school system, Grant is involved at a community level being an accredited rugby and water polo referee and is a keen participant in surfing and skiing. ANNUAL REPORT /10 7

10 Attendance Records / Meetings The Committee held seven meetings during the financial year. APPOINTMENT EXPIRES MEETINGS ATTENDED Eddie Price Dr Eddie Price was appointed to the Committee in October Eddie brings to the Committee considerable experience as he is a physician working in the field of workers compensation and rehabilitation. Eddie has a career interest in preventive medicine, working in health administrative advocacy with a particular interest in utilising health outcomes to promote a preventive focussed health care system. For the past 25 years Eddie has worked in private practice and as a consultant to corporations and the insurance industry in occupational health and health management, with an emphasis on preventive health care. Eddie served on the Board of WorkCover NSW for seven years and recently completed writing his third book on changing the health system, advocating for a renewed focus based on a measurable health related quality of life. MEMBER Lisa Hunt* Not applicable 0 Jon Blackwell Chair** Mary Hawkins Deputy Chair*** Murray McLachlan Deputy Chair*** Rob Thomson Deputy Chair*** Not applicable 1 Not applicable 1 Not applicable 3 Not applicable 2 Darryl Clout 7 May Peter Corcoran 23 June Dr Ron Muratore 15 September Dr John Orchard 12 October 1 Grant Parker 11 July 5 Dr Edward Price 15 September Amy Winters 13 August Amy Winters oam Amy Winters (OAM) was appointed to the Committee in September She works with the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) as the organisation s Marketing Services and Sponsorship Manager. Amy has previously worked with Paralympic athletes and their coaches to improve the profile, awareness and pathways for athletes with a disability. Prior to joining the APC, Amy developed her experience in strategic management and understanding the needs of sports people with a disability at the NSW Sports Council for the Disabled. In addition, Amy is an accomplished Paralympian regarded as one of Australia s best female track athletes. During her career, she claimed 13 medals, including eight gold medals, at various Paralympic Games and World Championships. * Ms Lisa Hunt is unable to attend Committee meetings delegating her responsibilities to the Deputy Chair. ** Mr Jon Blackwell resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of WorkCover NSW in October. *** The change in Deputy Chair personnel has occurred due to changes in the reporting structure of WorkCover NSW. 8 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

11 our strategic performance OUTCOMES RESULTS OBJECTIVE Provide an equitable, affordable and selffunded serious injury insurance scheme for New South Wales sporting organisations Increase and broaden participation in the insurance scheme within the New South Wales sporting community Provide a Governmentfunded insurance scheme for students participating in organised school sporting activities and participants in approved programs of NSW Sport and Recreation Initiate, support and promote efforts to reduce the incidence of injuries resulting from sporting activities in New South Wales The Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme offers affordable serious injury cover to NSW sporting organisations subject to the Committee s approval. Premium rates have not increased since 2001 ensuring all NSW sporting organisations and their participants have access to affordable serious sporting injuries insurance. Claimants rights to benefits were improved with the lowering of the permanent disability threshold for serious arm, leg and hearing injuries. Seven serious injury claims were finalised under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme with benefits totalling $440,000 ( $364,000): the largest amount of benefits paid since The Committee remains in a strong financial position to meet future claims with reserves strengthened to $732,000 ( $426,000). Total participation within the Scheme increased to 178,000 participants ( 167,000). 160 member sporting organisations were covered at year end across 75 different sports ( 163). The Scheme s fault free insurance was promoted across the state using electronic media, direct mail-outs, advertising within sports specific journals, conference promotions and presentations. The Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme offers free serious injury cover to all New South Wales school children. Three claims totalling $92,000 ( $175,000) were paid under the Supplementary Scheme. The Supplementary Scheme was promoted to schools with the assistance of the School Sports Unit Department of Education & Training and The Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW. The Supplementary Scheme was advertised within school sport related websites and sports specific journals and by direct mail. The Committee coordinates two major injury prevention initiatives: The Research and Injury Prevention Scheme: Six innovative sports injury preventative research projects were approved for funding at a total cost of $99,000 (excluding GST). Two research projects were completed which will contribute to improved safety in junior rugby league and recreational pool use. The NSW Sports Safety Awards Scheme: The 12th anniversary of the NSW Sports Safety Awards was celebrated in highlighting the community s regard and involvement in developing and implementing safe sport practices. Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved The Committee was not presented with any economic factors, problems or issues in meeting its legislative operational responsibilities. No performance or strategy reviews have been conducted in the recent financial year. ANNUAL REPORT /10 9

12 Future Direction In the year ahead, the Committee will continue to build upon its established business of providing affordable and equitable insurance to sporting organisations and school children and preventing serious sporting injuries across New South Wales through sports injury prevention research grants and encouraging safe sport practices at the NSW Sports Safety Awards. The Committee aims to: increase participation in the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme by 5 per cent to ensure a greater number of New South Wales sportspeople are properly covered for serious sporting injuries continue to promote the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme across all schools to ensure school children are compensated for their serious sporting injuries increase the number of nominations for the NSW Sports Safety Awards by 10 per cent to encourage greater safe sports practices within New South Wales increase the number of research grant nominations involved with sporting organisations by 10 per cent to encourage the implementation of sports injury prevention research being funded. 10 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

13 our business The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee s function is to administer and control the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme, the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme, the Research and Injury Prevention Scheme and the NSW Sports Safety Awards. THE SPORTING INJURIES INSURANCE SCHEME The Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme was established under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Act 1978 to provide serious sporting injuries cover to sporting organisations. The major influences, which led to the creation of the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme in 1978, were: a significant rise in serious spinal accidents, specifically in rugby league and rugby union in the late 1970 s the potential for athletes to qualify as workers under workers compensation legislation in the event of injury and the financial implications of this on sporting clubs. Following a landmark judgement by the Workers Compensation Commission of NSW in February 1977, a committee of inquiry was established by the then NSW Government to explore a means of accommodating injured sportspersons including professionals. The creation of the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme was the culmination of that inquiry. The Sporting Injuries Insurance Act 1978 was enacted by the NSW Parliament in December The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee was constituted by the same Act as the operator of the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme. The Scheme covers registered participants of sporting organisations for injury while engaged in specified activities or events. The Scheme provides capital lump sum benefits for injuries that lead to a prescribed percentage of permanent loss of use or fatality. The benefits are paid from the Sporting Injuries Fund. THE SPORTING INJURIES FUND The Committee has established, administers and controls a fund called the Sporting Injuries Fund under section 11 of the Act. The Sporting Injuries Fund is used primarily for: paying benefits to registered participants costs of the District Court associated with the determination of benefits investment providing grants for research and injury prevention projects under the Research and Injury Prevention Scheme providing awards under the NSW Sports Safety Award Scheme meeting the administration costs of the Scheme. THE SUPPLEMENTARY SPORTING INJURIES BENEFITS SCHEME The Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme was established in October 1984 as a non-contributory Scheme funded by the NSW Government. It provides capital lump sum benefits for injuries that lead to a prescribed percentage of permanent loss of use or fatality to: children who are seriously injured while participating in organised school sport or athletic activities persons likewise injured while participating in certain programs of activity conducted or sanctioned by NSW Sport & Recreation. The benefits are paid from the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Fund. THE SUPPLEMENTARY SPORTING INJURIES FUND The Committee has established, administers and controls a fund called the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Fund under section 11A of the Act. The Supplementary Sporting Injuries Fund exists as a facility for: the payment of benefits to eligible applicants under the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefit Scheme meeting the administration costs of the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefit Scheme. NSW SPORTS SAFETY AWARDS The NSW Sports Safety Awards are a unique initiative of the NSW Government to encourage greater safe sport participation. No other state government recognises and rewards the incredible initiatives of sports medicine researchers, sporting organisations and schools to develop and promote safe sport practices. Friday 13th is supposed to be an unlucky day for most people. However for the winners of the NSW Sports Safety Awards it was the luckiest of days! On Friday 13th November, key representatives from sporting bodies and state government recognised the great initiatives of the winners who have made sport in New South Wales safer. There are three major award categories: 1. Outstanding education and promotion of safe sport practices 2. Outstanding implementation and adoption of safe sport practices 3. Outstanding achievement in applied research in sports medicine by a research team. ANNUAL REPORT /10 11

14 Education and Promotion In the first major award category, Gymnastics NSW narrowly won the gold award at state level for their Raising the Bar Member Protection and Harrassment Free Program. The program provided their 180 state wide associations and clubs comprehensively tailored risk management policies and procedures in behaviour management, complaints procedures, codes of conduct and member protection policies with the aim of having a trained Member Protection Officer in all clubs. Football NSW took home the silver award for their Working with Kids Seminar Series which was presented to all coaches and managers in the elite youth leagues while the Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) was successful in winning the bronze award for its simple but effective Handy Hints for Helpers posters. In the regional category, the combined efforts of NSW Maritime, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service and NSW Sport & Recreation rose to the top to earn the gold award for their innovative Terrigal Ocean Swimmers Code. The code was developed with community input to separate the Terrigal Haven water-way between ocean swimmers and boaters with new colourful buoys erected to indicate different routes for each. The regional silver award went to Hawkesbury River Rescue for their water and speed boat safety program while bronze went to the collaboration between the School of Human Movement Studies, Charles Sturt University and Western Regional Academy of Sport for the development of a Strength and Conditioning Internship Program. Safe Sport Practices The Injury Risk Management Centre (IRMRC) at the University of New South Wales was the state level gold winner in safe sport practices for bringing together representatives of cycling advocacy groups, road safety advocacy groups, health and transport and many other organisations to discuss current practice relating to key issues for cycling safely and to identify future directions. The result was the development of practical strategies for cycling infrastructure, cycle lanes and share road facilities. Football NSW won silver for its extensive goal post work to prevent deaths or injuries from falling portable goalposts. Following an audit conducted by Football NSW in October 2008, safety notice stickers and instructions were issued to all clubs. PCYC Football Club won bronze for encouraging safe participation in rugby league by their local Sudanese immigrants. In the school category Jasper Road Public School were awarded gold for the second year running for safe sport practices. This year the school won for its modified wheelchair basketball and football rules for students in wheelchairs or walkers. Silver was presented to Carlton Public School, first time entrants, for its Pogo Pulse Stick Program a very unique fitness safety program while Ulladulla School, another first time entrant, received bronze for its safety programs across the sports of fitness, swimming, cross country and athletics. Applied Research The University of New South Wales took out the gold award in the category Outstanding achievement in applied research in sports medicine by a research team for their comprehensive and effective Science of the Surf research project. Drowning is ranked fourth as the leading cause of death in Australia with lifesavers performing more than 9000 rescues and first aid on 26,000 people a year. The three year UNSW research project looked at the main issues for beach safety in order to develop, implement and evaluate an evidence based beach safety campaign to raise awareness of beach hazards and so reduce coastal drowning and injury. Based on survey results, a campaign was developed, Don t be sucked in by the Rip which involved media releases, quick rip quizzes, distributed materials and presentations. The silver award went to the University of Canberra for its Snowsport Safety Project: A focus on hydration and the bronze award to School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University for its initial review of Musculoskeletal Health of Apprentice Jockeys. The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee thanks its awards sponsor, Peter Wynn Score, for its wonderful support of the awards. Peter Wynn Score s continued involvement and support contributes to the ongoing success of the awards. The Committee would also like to thank the talented sports medicine researchers, sporting organisations and schools throughout the State for their enthusiasm and initiatives with which they have embraced these awards over its twelve year history. The Disabled Surfers Association was awarded bronze for their unique colour coding of vests for volunteers and participants to ensure event organisers know the state of play of surfers and volunteers at any one time as some severely disabled participants require 30 volunteers to safely surf. In the regional safe sport practices category, the Alexandria Rovers Junior Rugby League Football Club won gold for persevering with the local council to successfully have a safety barrier erected on an eight metre tall grand stand after identifying it as a potential fatal risk. Monaro Panthers Football Club instigated two St John first aid officers on duty at all home games to win silver while Blacktown 12 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

15 NSW SPORTS SAFETY AWARD WINNERS CATEGORY GOLD AWARD SILVER AWARD BRONZE AWARD Outstanding education and promotion of safe sport practices state Gymnastics NSW Football NSW Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) Outstanding education and promotion of safe sport practices regional/club NSW Maritime, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service and NSW Sport and Recreation Hawkesbury River Rescue Inc. School of Human Movement Studies, Charles Sturt University and Western Region Academy of Sport Outstanding implementation and adoption of safe sport practices state NSW Injury Risk Management Research Centre Football NSW Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc. Outstanding implementation and adoption of safe sport practices regional/club Peter Wynn s Score Award Alexandria Rovers Junior Rugby League Football Club Monaro Panthers Football Club Inc Blacktown PCYC Junior Rugby League Club Outstanding implementation and adoption of safe sport practices school Outstanding achievement in applied research by a research team Jasper Road Public School Carlton Public School Ulladulla Public School University of NSW University of Canberra School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield ANNUAL REPORT /10 13

16 Snapshots at the Awards 14 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

17 THE RESEARCH AND INJURY PREVENTION SCHEME The New South Wales Government established the Research and Injury Prevention Scheme in 1991 to provide funding for research into prevention and reduction in the number of serious injuries in sport. Since the Scheme s inception, the Committee has provided grants totalling $1,793,145 (excluding GST) to further research sports injury prevention with over 70 research projects completed. Under the Scheme allocation, the Committee approved $130,000 (excluding GST) for the following new and exciting research projects: $5923 to Macquarie University to analyse the incidence and severity of injuries that occur among taekwondo athletes competing at NSW state championships in to identify potential risk factors with a view to improving injury prevention. $16,560 to the University of Canberra to study the effectiveness of wrist guard use for upper limb injury prevention in snowsports as it has been suggested that wrist guards alter the location of injury but not the number of injuries. $12,134 to Youthsafe to carry out a review of injury records and injury recording processes for Basketball NSW to develop evidence-based prevention strategies. $13,279 to the University of Wollongong to research whether or not a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury in females, compared to males, in team sports is related to differences in cutting movement patterns and neuromuscular control patterns. $36,454 to the University of NSW for a pilot study in applying a theory informed approach to the diffusion of safety initiatives in community level sport. This follows the development of the NSW Sports Safety Framework in earlier research. $14,923 to Southern Cross University to determine the level of knowledge and current safe practices in surfing through the use of an online survey. $30,000 to University of Ballarat as part of a National Health and Medical Research Centre link grant involving other leading sports injury prevention researchers and practitioners. The project will span four years researching the ongoing developments and directions for an approach to sports safety policy and practice at a national level by using Australian Football as a test example. Research Results Two important research projects were completed during the year: A comparison of the type and incidence of injury under the 5 vs 10 metre rule in Junior Rugby League There was a perception by football officials that reducing the 10 metre play-the-ball rule to a five metre rule would reduce the rate of injuries in junior rugby league. This was due to the reduced velocity of collisions whilst encouraging lateral movement of the ball away from the play-the-ball area, resulting in fewer players in the tackle. However, no formal research existed to support this premise. Funding was provided to observe two junior rugby league associations and test the theory. The results of the research did reveal a decrease in the severity of injury in the five metre game as well as a reduction in the momentum of velocity and impact. As a consequence of the research conducted, the Board of Australian Rugby League approved the permanent implementation of the five metre rule for all Under 13 and Under 14 competitions nationally from the commencement of the season. Public Pool Injury Surveillance program The aim of Royal Life Saving NSW (RLS NSW) project was to develop an online collection tool for use by commercial aquatic facilities to collect and analyse the type of injuries that occur at public swimming pools. Following extensive consultation, the on-line Public Pool Injury Report System was developed. The collection of incident data will allow reporting and statistical data to be reviewed leading to the continual improvement of industry standards and the development of specific guidelines for improvements in the industry s Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations. Copies of the above research reports and other reports across a wide spectrum of sports and injury prevention projects can be found on our website ANNUAL REPORT /10 15

18 our community Sponsorship of NSW Sports Federation The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee is proud to continue its support of the NSW Sports Federation and promote safe play by sponsoring the Coach of the Year award. The Coach of the Year is awarded at the NSW Sports Awards: a glittering event held annually in front of 500 people representing state sporting organisations and government departments. In this prestigious award was awarded to Songliang Xiong, the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Gymnastics Coach. The NSWIS Men s Artistic Gymnastics Program aims to support the daily training needs of elite gymnasts to prepare them for the rigours of international competition. Xiong has led this program since 1998, coaching the international gymnast Prashanth Sellathurai to place third on the pommel horse at the World Championships and second at the Moscow World Cup. Xiong also coaches junior international gymnasts and mentors junior coaches. Songliang was delighted to win the award given the quality of the other nominees who included Gavin Godfrey (dragon boats), Denis Knowles (track and field), Matthew Mott (cricket) and Grant Stoelwinder (swimming). The NSW Sports Federation represents New South Wales sporting organisations as the Voice of New South Wales Sport and provides advocacy, education, recognition and support of the sports industry in the state. Supporting Women in Sport For a sixth consecutive year, the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee was a proud sponsor of Womensport and Recreation NSW (WRNSW). WRNSW represents more than a million women and schoolgirl athletes involved in sport across the state. The Committee s sponsorship contributes towards WRNSW s achievement of its important mission to To facilitate full and safe participation, access and equity for females through sport and active recreation. WRNSW undertakes a number of major inspirational activities throughout the year including Breakfast with the Stars where schoolgirls are able to share breakfast and discuss sporting careers with their sporting heroines and the Breakfast Club Series where sporting administrators are able to develop and be inspired at informative seminars while networking with their peers. deputy chair Murray McLachlan with coach of the year Songliang Xiong 16 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

19 our customers Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme members The Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme provides affordable, fault free personal injury insurance to sporting organisations within New South Wales. Sporting organisations become members by applying to the Committee for cover. Participation in the Scheme increased in to 178,000 members ( 167,000) across 75 different sports. The increase is due to two large amateur football (soccer) associations joining the Scheme in addition to eleven other smaller sporting organisations. These organisations recognise the advantages of being covered by the Committee s fault free insurance where benefits are paid regardless of pre-existing conditions. Overall, rugby league remains the largest participant sport in the Scheme with a total of 92,000 participants or 52 per cent of total membership. Football was the second largest participant sport with 54,000 members (30 per cent), an increase of 5 per cent of participants covered. The Committee will continue to promote the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme to ensure that all sports people in NSW have access to fault free player accident insurance cover. Distribution of Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme Membership Section 5A Insurance Exemption Organisations During the financial year /, there were three member sporting organisations NSW Basketball, NSW Cricket and NSW Rugby Union who successfully applied for Section 5A insurance exemptions for their approved private insurance policies. The insurance exemption is approved on an annual basis when it is determined by the Committee that the private insurance policies of the sporting organisations have benefits equal to or better than the benefits provided under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme. The insurance exemption levies charged by the Committee are exclusively applied to fund sports injury prevention initiatives. A total of 141,000 ( 145,000) participants were covered under the approved private policies permitted by the Section 5A insurance exemption. Participation in Private Schemes with Section 5A Insurance Exemptions Organisation Adult Juniors Total NSW Basketball 19,000 28,000 47,000 NSW Cricket 36,000 44,000 80,000 3% Fishing 30% Football 3% Track and Field 2% Shooting 10% Other 52% Rugby League NSW Rugby Union 14, ,000 Total 69,000 72, ,000 Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme Participants The Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme provides free serious injury cover to all public, catholic and independent school children in New South Wales. Schools do not have to elect to join the Supplementary Scheme as all school children are automatically covered. The same capital benefits provided under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme are provided to all school children under the Supplementary Scheme. The Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme also provides cover for participants of some Communities, NSW Sport & Recreation programs. ANNUAL REPORT /10 17

20 SCHEDULE OF SPORTING INJURIES insurance SCHEME MEMBERSHIP / SPORTS PARTICIPANTS YEAR ENDED 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 YEAR ENDED 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL Sport Aquarobics Archery Australian Football Badminton Baseball Basketball Bias Bowling Bmx Boardriding/Surfboard Riding Bodyboarding Boxing (Amateur) Cage Fighting Callisthenics Canoeing Clay Shooting Cricket Croquet Cycling Dragon Boat Racing Tentpegging/Equestrian Fishing Football (Soccer) ,400 30,778 45,178 11,094 22,916 34,010 Fun Exercises Futsal Future Stars Golf Gymkhana Hockey Ice Hockey Ice Skating Indoor Bowls Judo Ju Jitsu Karate Karting Kung Fu Lawn Bowls Lifeball Line Dancing NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

21 Sport OFFICIALS TOTAL COVER YEAR ENDED 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 YEAR ENDED ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 Aquarobics Archery Australian Football Badminton Baseball Basketball Bias Bowling Bmx Boardriding/Surfboard Riding Bodyboarding Boxing (Amateur) Cage Fighting Callisthenics Canoeing Clay Shooting Cricket Croquet Cycling Dragon Boat Racing Tentpegging/Equestrian Fishing Football (Soccer) ,610 42,006 Fun Exercises Futsal Future Stars Golf Gymkhana Hockey Ice Hockey Ice Skating Indoor Bowls Judo Ju Jitsu Karate Karting Kung Fu Lawn Bowls Lifeball Line Dancing ANNUAL REPORT /10 19

22 SPORTS PARTICIPANTS YEAR ENDED 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 YEAR ENDED 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL Sport Mini Harness Racing Mini Motor Cycling Motor Cycling Netball Petanque Polo Pony Riding Rockclimbing Rowing Rugby League ,945 63,213 80,158 16,831 65,179 82,010 Rugby Union Sailing Self Defence Shooting Softball Spearfishing Sports Officials & Umpires Squash Surf Life Saving Surfing Swimming Table Tennis Tae Kwon Do Tai Chi Tenpin Bowling Tennis Touch Football Track & Field Trail Riding Trampolining Triathlon Volleyball Walk Ball Walking Water Polo Water Skiing Wrestling Yachting Yoga TOTALS , , ,172 47,878 99, , NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE

23 Sport OFFICIALS TOTAL COVER YEAR ENDED 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 YEAR ENDED ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL ADULTS NON ADULTS TOTAL 30/06/10 YEAR ENDED 30/06/09 Mini Harness Racing Mini Motor Cycling Motor Cycling Netball Petanque Polo Pony Riding Rockclimbing Rowing Rugby League 10, , ,148 92,234 92,158 Rugby Union Sailing Self Defence Shooting Softball Spearfishing Sports Officials & Umpires Squash Surf Life Saving Surfing Swimming Table Tennis Tae Kwon Do Tai Chi Tenpin Bowling Tennis Touch Football Track & Field Trail Riding Trampolining Triathlon Volleyball Walk Ball Walking Water Polo Water Skiing Wrestling Yachting Yoga TOTALS 17, ,775 15, , , ,443 ANNUAL REPORT /10 21

24 our insurance business Injury caseload Participation in sport carries a risk of injury. Fortunately the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme (covers sporting organisations) and the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme (covers all school children) pays benefits for serious injuries that result in permanent impairment or death during authorised sporting activities. All serious injuries are notified to the Committee by sporting organisations or schools. The extent of the injury is monitored throughout rehabilitation. The time taken to finalise a claim depends upon the type and severity of the permanent injury as all treatment must be completed and the injury stabilised prior to a claim being finalised and assessed by an independent medical panel. Medical panels are typically held two to three times a year depending on when claims are ready to be assessed. All claims are processed in accordance with the Sporting Injuries Insurance Act Under the Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme a total of seven claims were finalised and paid during the year with another two claim files closed as the injuries were deemed not compensable under the Act. There was an outstanding case load of seven claims at year end which is slightly below the number of the previous year. Under the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme, three claims were finalised and paid during the year with two claim files closed as the injuries were sufficiently healed not to be compensable. This resulted in one case remaining outstanding at year end, again a result below last year s end result. The decrease in outstanding case numbers across both schemes can be attributed to two reasons. The Committee was able to finalise a large number of claims and pay benefits to seriously injured participants. More importantly, sporting organisations and schools are being proactive and employing strategies to prevent serious injury and death thus reducing the number of new cases notified to the Committee during the financial year. As at 30 June, the Committee was considering under both Schemes a total of eight outstanding claims representing death, arm injuries, leg injuries and quadriplegia. Reconciliation of the Caseload for the year ended 30 June Sporting Injuries Insurance Scheme Outstanding Scheme caseload as at 1 July 8 Number of sports involved in the outstanding Scheme caseload New Scheme cases notified during the year 8 Number of sports involved in these cases 4 Scheme cases closed during the year (including cases paid) Outstanding Scheme caseload as at 30 June 7 Number of sports involved in the outstanding Scheme caseload Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme Outstanding Supplementary Scheme caseload as at 1 July Number of sports involved in outstanding Supplementary Scheme caseload New Supplementary Scheme cases notified during the year Number of sports involved in these cases 3 Supplementary Scheme cases closed during the year (including cases paid) Outstanding Supplementary Scheme caseload as at 30 June Number of sports involved in the outstanding Supplementary Scheme caseload 1 22 NSW SPORTING INJURIES COMMITTEE