FASANOC
National Federations should seriously consider investing in an in-house medical person and Strength and Conditioning Coach or Trainer to minimize medical needs and requirements during Pre-Games buildup says FASANOC’s Medical Commission Chair, Doctor Jone Nasome.
National Federations should seriously consider investing in an in-house medical person and Strength and Conditioning Coach or Trainer to minimize medical needs and requirements during Pre-Games buildup says Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC’s) Medical Commission Chair, Doctor Jone Nasome.
"Especially those that are team based, contact and semi contact sports should consider the importance of having their own in-house medical person and trainer or Strength or Conditioning Coach as part of their support team," he said.
"This will of course depend on their funding."
Dr Nasome said following the example of sports that have invested in their own medical personnel including doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians and psychologists, athlete performances had exceeded expectations.
"Proof of this approach can be seen in sports like Football, Rugby and Weightlifting, all of which have done well in competitions because their athletes are exposed to trained medical personnel.
Dr Nasome reminded coaches and trainers to be mindful of their rehabilitation sessions with athletes and to consult with physiotherapists, dieticians and psychologists when needed.
"This investment now will make it easier for our medical personnel to track and assist with injuries or any other medical issues during Games time," he said.
"In the past we noticed that NF's would only engage our services a few months or weeks before participating in the Pacific Games.
"We currently have just over eight months to go which is a long time and most of the NF's will surely be holding regular competitions."
Dr Nasome said the risk of injuries could be high especially with athletes trying to push themselves to make the team to the 2023 Pacific Games.
Dr Nasome encouraged athletes and coaches to seek medical advice early to avoid prolonged injury that could result in athletes being dropped from Team Fiji to the 2023 Pacific Games.
Team Fiji will be conducting the first of its medical checks for all athletes, coaches and section managers in the extended squad in April, 2023.
Dr Nasome said should NF's require the services of the Medical Team to get in touch with the Team Fiji Administrator who will than inform them of how to organize assistance.
A medical team including doctors and physiotherapists will be in Nadi at a venue yet to be determined while those near and around Suva will have their first medical checkup at Verve Physio along Rewa St.
FASANOC's Medical Commission identifies medical and paramedical personnel holding Honorary positions with Sports Associations, organises and conducts courses in Sports Medicine and Sports Sciences in Fiji.
The Commission organises medical and paramedical support for international sports competitions conducted in Fiji (when invited), is available and assists members and intending members of FASANOC’s Team Fiji with problems of a sports medicine nature.
It also provides medical screening services to National Teams going to Regional and International Games under the control of FASANOC and to those National Federations that request it, advises FASANOC on the selection of Medical Teams accompanying National Teams under the control of FASANOC, and seeks skilled medical personnel in the areas of sports medicine.
Team Fiji will be served by two doctors and eight physiotherapists at 2023 Pacific Games.
