Abstract:
Aim of the study
To investigate whether the Premier Soccer League Teams (PSL), in South Africa, have an
‘ideal’ medical team structure
Objectives of the study
Identification of medical professionals involved in the PSL and its leadership, the
qualifications and experience of the medical professionals in PSL teams and whether the
specialties of the medical professionals were clearly defined in order to avoid conflict within
the team. Determination of the protocol that was followed when a player was injured and
subsequent management and the influence on a player’s rehabilitation and return to activity.
Setting
The Premier Soccer League offices were contacted in order to conduct the research.
Design
The research design for this study was a descriptive survey.
Methodology
A purposeful sample of team managers and head coaches was chosen from 12 PSL teams. A
self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect the data. A questionnaire was faxed to each
participant and two follow-ups were made on the questionnaires that were not returned.
Results
The response rate was 54%. The composition of the medical teams comprised mainly of
physiotherapists (85%) followed by sports physicians (77%), massage therapists (62%),
dieticians (31%), sports psychologists (15%) and no podiatrist. Eight out of 13 participants
reported having a sports physician as the head of the medical team while 4 participants
reported the team leader to be a physiotherapist. Four out of 13 participants reported that their
medical professionals were not all qualified and experienced in sport. The specialties of the
medical professionals were clearly defined and each team had its own protocol for when a
player was injured. The medical team had a positive influence on the management of
injuries.
Conclusion
The PSL teams do not have an ‘ideal’ medical team structure.
Keywords
PSL, Medical team, structure, soccer
