Sports trainers and first aid providers play a key role in player preparation and safety at all levels. It is important that sports trainers and first aid providers are trained in the first aid needs relevant to Australian Football at the level at which they are involved.

A sports trainer or first aid provider should have a clear understanding of the role and importance of emergency and injury management in Australian Football and injury prevention.  They must understand the AFL Community Concussion Guidelines.  

Unless otherwise notified by the AFL, each Controlling Body and Club must ensure that at each Match or training session at least one Sports Trainer or First Aid Provider with Appropriate Minimum Qualifications for the relevant level of Australian Football is in attendance as outlined below:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the AFL strongly recommends that each Club has a defibrillator available at each Match or training session.

The requirements of each Medical Officer role are outlined below:

AFL First Aider means a person who has:

• obtained a nationally accredited first aid and CPR qualification which is current and up-to-date and includes assessed competencies HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID009 (Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation); and
• has completed the AFL First Aid and Concussion Management online module within the previous 24 months.  
• Note: HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) remains valid for 3 years after completion. HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation remains valid for 1 year (and must be renewed annually).

Level 1 Sports Trainer means a person who has:

• completed a Controlling Body-approved Level 1 Sports Trainer Course which is current and up to date; and
• has completed the AFL First Aid and Concussion Management online module within the previous 24 months.
• Note: HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation are both prerequisites for a Level 1 Sports Trainer Course. HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) remains valid for 3 years after completion. HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation remains valid for 1 year (and must be renewed annually).

Level 2 Sports Trainer means a person who has: 

• completed a Controlling Body-approved Level 2 Sports Trainer Course which is current and up to date; and
• has completed the AFL First Aid and Concussion Management online module within the previous 24 months. 
• Note: HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation are both prerequisites for a Level 2 Sports Trainer Course. HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) remains valid for 3 years after completion. HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation remains valid for 1 year (and must be renewed annually).

Qualified Medical Professional (QMP) means a person who:

• is a qualified and AHPRA registered medical practitioner, paramedic, physiotherapist, or nurse with appropriate first aid competencies (including or equivalent to HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID009 (Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)); and
• has completed the AFL First Aid and Concussion Management online module within the previous 24 months.

A Sports Trainer or First Aid Provider must also hold a current working with children check (or equivalent) or otherwise meet the working with children requirements in their State or Territory.

To register as a Sports Trainer or First Aid Provider, a person must complete registration on PlayHQ: 

1.    Find your club’s registration form via The Play AFL club finder; or a link provided by your club to the club’s specific registration form.
2.    Click on the register button.
3.    Choose to register as a ‘Medical Officer’.
4.    Complete the registration form.

If you are Sports Trainer or First Aid Provider who is appointed by a League (rather than a Club), you may register via your League’s specific registration form.
 

To compliment the standard First Aid and CPR certifications, an AFL First Aid and Concussion Management online module has been developed to educate on areas not covered in standard First Aid and CPR courses.  

The module outlines the role of the Sports Trainer or First Aider in setting expectations and establishing culture, concussion management and basic sports first aid including transporting injured players and is a requirement for anyone registered as a 'Medical Officer' on PlayHQ. 

The module can be accessed by creating an account on the AFL Learn platform (LMS) here.