I have been a trainer at PEGS since 2018, and head trainer since 2019. Being a head trainer, it has its challenges and difficulties, but at the end of the day it is equalling rewarding and worth it. Here are some of the key things I learnt in my time as head trainer:
Balancing risk and reward of returning to play
Learning how to balance player health and respecting their passionate desire to return to the field is a useful tool. Footy is a high intensity, contact sport, my role is to support players to be able to play as many games as possible. To do this, I learnt what, where and how to be flexible with my decision making. Sometimes not finishing a game/missing a round is better long term to prevent an injury requiring an extended period of time off. The hardest part can be convincing the player to see this.
Different rules for different injuries
Generally soft tissue injuries are something you can be a but less conservative. Depending on the severity, returning to play probably wouldn’t make a significant difference to games missed. Maybe a little bit more pain or time to settle down afterwards. Often a player will come off after a few minutes anyway due to pain or lack of power/strength, meaning "they made the decision." A much easier situation to deadl with. If an was significant, they wouldn’t be able to continue, thus ruling themselves out from play.
Conversly if there is an injury that impairs the stability of a joint or risks further signfiicant tissue damage, we will at time have to make the call to pull them from the game. Injuries such as medial ligament rupture will increase the chance of ACL injury if they return. This is a risk that is too high unless in "last quarter grand final" style decisions.
Head Injuries - Different Story
With head injuries, I must consider the long term wellbeing of a player's qualiy of life and health. We are dealing with part-time athletes that must be able to work, independently take care of themselves and their family. This isn’t an injury that I am open for discussion about returning. That’s a straight up no return to play. I quickly got a reputation for being very stubborn about this.
It's okay to not know it all
When I was studying at uni and/or didn't have clinical experience, it can be hard to have the confidence to know if your decision is right. However, due to the fast paced nature of game day, or not having as much time at training compared to a clinic environment, its helpful to remember you only have to do one thing well not everything. Everyone has to start somewhere and learns at different rates. With time and more practice, your skills and knowledge slowly grows. Making mistakes and being wrong is ok!! The important part is acknoeldging them, mistakes are a fantastic learning experience to reflect and improve from.
Lean on your networks
I found my ability to do my role effectively was largely influenced by my relationship with my fellow trainers, players, coaches and support staff. It helped me to plan, organise trainers, tailor communication and management to individual needs. Earning a high level of respect and having that supoprted by coaches and support staff meant that I was always the person people turned to and listened to my opinion This allowed me to lead.
Get involved in the club!
Lastly, don’t be hesitant to actually be involved with the club not just as the ‘trainer’ - not just someone that’s just there for when player needs to be taped, rubbed down or assessed. This helps you get ingrained in the culture of the club and allow others to see you as a well rounded human being who loves being part of it all! Being part of the culture, attending social events, meeting players family and loved ones make it feel less like work. Spending the last few years with personal health problems and complications, the footy club was always a place I could count on for support or a hug when I needed it.