A fantastic article by Sam Lane that should be of interest to all past players.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/players-pay-a-lifelong-price-study-20130710-2pqhv.html
While 60 per cent of the almost 600 ex-players surveyed required ongoing treatment for their old football injuries, the study showed that only 6 per cent have had their medical costs covered by their old football club or the AFLPA.
The compelling data, published only in abridged form by the university, prefaces an imminent launch by the AFLPA of a new injury treatment and hardship fund. The AFLPA has confirmed to Fairfax Media that the new scheme will kick off with a $250,000 contribution from the AFL’s current player collective, after which retired footballers will apply for injury treatment funding that will require approval from an AFLPA-appointed panel.
Football’s body blows
- 76 per cent of past players experienced serious injuries in elite football.
- Of those who reported serious injuries, 64 per cent are still aff ected in daily life by their previous VFL/AFL ailments.
- Of those who reported serious injuries, 60 per cent require on-going treatment for old football injuries.
- 6 per cent have treatment costs covered by their old VFL/AFL club or the AFL Players Association.
- 73 per cent experienced concussion during their elite career.
- A ‘‘high incidence’’ of multiple concussions experienced by those who reporting a serious injury.
Source: University of Western Australia study research commissioned by the AFL Players Association and surveyed 592 retired VFL/AFL players (average age 51.1 years, average playing career 7.7 years).
If you are eligible we strongly recommend you become a member of the AFLPA Alumni for a small one off fee that could save thousands in medical costs.
For more information check out our AFL page – http://spiritofcarlton.com.au/blog/aflpa/