Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:52 AM AWST

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Tape ankle, thumb and fingers

Tape ankle, thumb and fingers

Unit of competency
National Code
SISSSPT304A
State Code
D5599
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/10/2014
Field of Education
069907 - First Aid
Original Release Date
14/10/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply taping techniques to the ankle, thumb and fingers to assist athletes in relation to ongoing injury prevention and post-injury support and management.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for taping.
  • 1.1. Consult with athletes to identify contraindications and precautions for taping according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.2. Refer the athlete to appropriate personnel in the medical support team or a health care professional as required.
  • 1.3. Explain aims and objectives of the taping to athletes.
  • 1.4. Explain pre-taping requirements to athletes.
  • 1.5. Select appropriate tape and associated products for taping of relevant area.
  • 1.6. Position the athlete for effective taping according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Apply taping techniques.
  • 2.1. Apply techniques for taping the ankle or ankles to prevent injury or provide post-injury support according to organisational policies and procedures and principles of biomechanics.
  • 2.2. Apply techniques for taping the thumb or thumbs to prevent injury or provide post-injury support according to organisational policies and procedures and principles of biomechanics.
  • 2.3. Apply techniques for taping the finger or fingers to prevent injury or provide post-injury support according to organisational policies and procedures and principles of biomechanics.
  • 2.4. Apply tape adherent where additional adherence is required.
  • 2.5. Apply a barrier if an athlete is allergic to adherent.
3. Remove tape.
  • 3.1. Remove tape using appropriate equipment and techniques.
  • 3.2. Apply tape remover sprays and or solutions as required.
4. Implement self-care.
  • 4.1. Apply ergonomic practices to taping according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.2. Adopt self-care protocols according to organisational policies and procedures.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Contraindications and precautions for taping may include:
pain
elevated body temperature
swelling and inflammation
circulatory dysfunction
infection
allergic reaction to taping materials
cuts or wounds.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
collecting health information from athletes
privacy
best practice sports trainer principles
code of ethics
code of conduct
sports trainer associations guidelines
occupational health and safety.
Athletes may include:
beginner through to high performance level competitors
athletes under 16 years of age who require parent or guardian consent prior to being included in a training program
female or male athletes
athletes with a disability or special needs.
Medical support team may include:
physiotherapist
chiropractor
osteopath.
Health care professionals may include:
medical practitioner
physiotherapist
chiropractor
osteopath
paramedic
massage therapist.
Aims and objectives may include:
prevention of injury
management of existing injuries
stabilisation of joints.
Pre-taping requirements may include:
clean, dry skin
shaving.
Appropriate tape may include:
tape size
tape adhesiveness
tape with minimal skin irritants
tape removability
rigid adhesive tape
elastic adhesive tape
covering tape.
Associated products may include:
vaseline and gauze pads
hypoallergenic material
cushioning foam
tape adherent
tape remover.
Techniques for taping the ankles may include:
anchor strips
2-3 stirrups
figure 6 or 8
heel lock
locking tape.
Basic principles of biomechanics may include:
centre of gravity
base of support
levers
fulcrum
major muscle actions.
Techniques for taping the thumb or thumbs may include:
figure 8.
Techniques for taping the finger or fingers may include:
buddy taping.
Barriers may include:
hypoallergenic material
underwrap.
Equipment may include:
blunt nose scissors
tape cutters.
Ergonomic practices may include:
body positioning
body weight
posture
hand positions
height of table.
Self-care protocols may include:
regular breaks.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
communicates with athletes using appropriate communication strategies to determine contraindications to taping
clearly conveys information about the purpose and process of taping and refers athlete to medical personnel as appropriate
selects and safely applies appropriate taping techniques to the ankle, thumb and fingers and removes tape effectively with minimum discomfort to the athlete
completes taping activities within organisational safety systems and implements self-care protocols.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure completion of multiple taping of ankles, thumbs and fingers to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
athletes participating in sport or physical activity
taping equipment and products.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of applying appropriate taping techniques for ankles, thumbs and fingers
observation of interaction with athletes, including eliciting information about contraindications
observation of dealing with contingencies such as unavailability of equipment
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of taping techniques
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISSSPT302A Provide initial management of sports injuries
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6896 SRSSPT007A Tape ankle, thumb and fingers Unit of competency
C9545 SRSSPT007B Tape ankle, thumb and fingers Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBE05 SISSSPT001 Implement sport injury prevention and management strategies Unit of competency