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doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2011.11.078

Abstracts / Journal of Science and

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onitoring trends on the field and informing the laws ofhe game process

. McKay ∗, S. McCurry

Australian Football League, Australia

Introduction: The game of Australian Football is in greathape at the elite and community level, with record matchttendances, TV audiences and participation levels in recentears. It has become a first choice option for many childrenecoming involved in sport for the first time. Ensuring theame is safe to play at all levels through the enforcement ofules and policies that protect players from injury has con-ributed towards this outcome. The Laws of the Game processas undergone several enhancements in recent years; somef these related to the personnel associated with the Lawsf the Game Committee and the appointment of a Gamenalysis Manager. There has also been the introduction ofrigorous consultation and stakeholder engagement strat-

gy covering a range of industry partners including clubs,oaches, players, state and community football bodies andpecialist groups such as Medical Officers, Physiotherapistsnd Fitness Staff. Another integral part of the Laws processs the extensive research that is fed into the process to assisthe Laws Committee in their deliberations on various topics.nnual projects such as the AFL Injury Report (in its 20th

onsecutive season in 2011), GPS player workload report,RAK Performance game trends analysis and other ad hoc

eports on areas of focus such as knee, hamstring and shouldernjuries provide an evidence base to assist decision making.FL fan research indicates that the attractiveness of the game

s one of the main drivers of match attendance, and as suchaking sure the game remains spectacular to watch is one

f the AFL’s strategic priorities. Rule changes introduced inecent years have been introduced to make the game moreontinuous in line with supporter expectations, to protectlayers from injury, and to enhance some of the traditionalspects of the game such as marking contests. Such changesnd the rationale behind their introduction will be discusseds part of this presentation including the background to theubstitute rule which was introduced at the beginning of the011 Season.

Conclusion: The Laws of the Game process is more thor-ugh and consultative than ever before in the past and is basedn the development of evidence-based research which is usedo assist decision making when considering whether to make

ny modifications to the rules of the game.

oi:10.1016/j.jsams.2011.11.077

ine in Sport 14S (2011) e1–e119 e37

6

verview of hamstring injury research funded by theFL Research Board: What has been done to date andhat are the future directions?

. Schache 1,∗, H. Seward 2, S. McCurry 2, R. Smith 2

University of Melbourne, AustraliaAFL Research Board, Australia

Introduction: Hamstring strain-type injuries continue toisplay the highest incidence and prevalence rates amongst allnjuries in the Australian Football League (AFL). Researchpecifically investigating hamstring strain-type injuries in theFL is therefore considered of great importance. The overallbjective of the AFL Research Board is this regard is to facil-tate an incremental and multi-factorial research program tobtain new knowledge that can be readily transferred intoractice.

Methods: The AFL Research Board achieves its objec-ive by seeking advice regarding specific projects or areasf research related to hamstring strain-type injuries that areated of highest priority by various professional parties in theFL community, such as the AFL Medical Officers Associ-

tion, the AFL Physiotherapists and the AFL Sports Sciencedvisory Group. An appropriate research group is then com-issioned and provided with funding to complete the desiredork.Results: Since its inception in 2000, the AFL Research

oard has funded a total of nine projects specifically address-ng factors related to hamstring-strain type injuries in theFL. A number of significant findings have been discovered,

ncluding (but not limited to) the identification of clinicalnd radiological prognostic indicators, the identification ofisk factors for recurrent injury, the role of muscle stiffnessn determining injury risk, as well as a detailed synopsisf current practice regarding the management of hamstringtrain-type injuries in the AFL. The majority of projects com-leted to date have been published in a variety of top-tierports medicine journals.

Conclusion: It is envisaged that the translation of newnowledge gained from projects funded by the AFL Researchoard to industry will lead to an improvement in managementnd prevention practices for hamstring strain-type injuries,ltimately manifesting in reduced incidence and prevalence