Elements and Performance Criteria

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 individual, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Data may include:
incidence
severity
prevalence
cause
types of injuries.
Injuriesmay include:
primary or secondary
direct or indirect
acute or overuse
musculoskeletal.
Risk factors may include:
ground hardness
weather conditions
equipment
other athletes
training regime
risk taking behaviour
anatomical and anthropomorphic characteristic of athlete
genetic predisposition
fitness levels
previous injuries.
Preventative measuresmay include:
screening
physical conditioning
protective equipment
hydration and nutrition.
Medical or allied health personnelmay include:
sports physician
sports doctor
sports trainer
general practitioner
accredited sports dietician
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist.
Best practice guidelinesmay include:
sport-specific guidelines
relevant NSO and or association code of ethics or code of conduct or behaviour
Sports Medicine Australia policies.
Injury prevention training programsmay include:
musculoskeletal
neuromuscular
running exercises
balance and body control exercises
plyometrics
strengthening exercises
stretching exercises.
Common illnessesmay include:
upper respiratory infection
eating disorders
chronic fatigue
Epstein Barr Virus
ear infection
skin conditions
allergic reactions
gastrointestinal.

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 ability to:
research cause and prevalence of commonly occurring injuries and illnesses to develop prevention strategies for athletes
implement injury and illness prevention strategies and monitor and adjust the effect of interventions within the parameters of own accepted roles and responsibilities
ensure screening and treatment is in line with organisational policies and procedures including anti-doping
evaluate and reflects on own performance in implementing and evaluating prevention strategies
select and adopt communication strategies appropriate to the information needs of athletes to convey information clearly and accurately
make modification to athlete training and competition program to assist them to manage injury and illness
work with appropriate medical and allied health personnel to provide support and advice to athletes
develop a rapport with athletes and encourages them to clarify information and access support.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
liaison with relevant support personnel over a period of time to advise athletes on injury and illness prevention to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a high performance sport-specific training or competition setting or environment
organisation sports policies
elite athletes and support personnel
relevant senior personnel and medical and allied health professionals
sources of information about sports injury prevention strategies.
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 consultation with athletes to apply and review strategies to support them to maintain optimum health
observation of interaction with athletes and support personnel including discussions and implementation of strategies to minimise illness and manage injury
records of screening outcomes and modifications to athlete’s training and competition programs
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of common injuries and preventative methods
portfolio of research and presentations on sport-specific illnesses and injuries
portfolio containing evidence of injury and illness prevention and management strategies developed for specific athletes
third-party reports from support staff detailing examples of interactions and discussions with athletes such as the implementation of strategies to support athletes manage injury or illness.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISSSCO409 Work collaboratively with support personnel
sport-specific units of competency.