Chair's Message

Up until and including the mid 1980’s, anyone running on to the field of play to treat an injury was referred to as the ‘trainer’ or even the ‘bucket and sponge man’, especially in football. However, since the late 1980’s that person is now referred to as the ‘physio’. The reason for this was, as more qualified Physiotherapists were being employed by professional football clubs, they objected to the title ‘trainer’ being used and pushed vociferously, to be referred to correctly. This title has subsequently been shortened to ‘physio’. Whilst at that time, this was a positive step for the physiotherapy profession, it has become an increasing problem for other professions who have become integral to sport and on the field injury management, including Sports Therapists. The word ‘Physio’ has now become a generic title that is commonly used to describe anyone who applies any form of injury management both on the field of play and in a clinical setting. It’s a familiar word frequently used and for the media it’s an easy option. Unfortunately, it is also a word that the public is familiar with and thereby lays the problem. ‘Physio’ is a derivative of one of the protected titles under the Health Professions Act of 1991 and it should only be used by those who are registered as Physiotherapists. Therefore, to refer to oneself as the team physio is technically breaking the law, if the individual is not registered as a Physiotherapist. I know that Members will be aware of this. However, the problem is that no matter how many times Members will say, ‘I’m not a Physio I’m a Sports Therapist’ they still get referred to under the generic title in interviews, articles, discussions and during TV and Radio commentaries. This has to stop. But how is this to be achieved? I more than anyone, know that this is a problem that many Members experience on a regular basis and it is one that the Society has on many occasions endeavoured to get changed, however to no avail. So, for it to eventually be changed, the Society needs to become more vociferous and assertive, as polite lobbying has not worked. One other way for this to happen is for all Members, especially when being interviewed, to continually stress that they are Sports Therapists and demand to be referred to as that, and not by a registered occupational title, that could cause them problems. After all, remember not all ball point pens are biros, not all vacuum cleaners are hoovers and not all therapists are ‘physios’! Professor Graham N. Smith    

Welcome to a Summer of sport. Who would have thought that we would actually be saying that at a time when the Covid -19 pandemic is still prevalent? However, the reality is that sport in its many guises and countries is actually here and taking place, with and without spectators. It seems as if everything is as it should be, but we know that is not the case. It also raises many discussions on whether it is right that events such as the Tokyo Olympics, EURO 2020, Wimbledon, the Tour de France, the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, Test Cricket and Formula One, to name but a few, should have gone ahead. We also know that there are many heated discussions as to whether crowds should be allowed and if face masks should be worn by spectators, even though many are attending outdoor events but are clearly not physically distanced, when sitting close together in the stand. All we can hope for is that, whatever sport it is and wherever it takes place, it does not add to an increase in the spread of the Pandemic and its variants. Sport, undoubtedly, has positive psychological benefits, whether competing or watching, which is good. However, major sporting events and sport in general, should not become responsible for increasing the risks to communities where these events are held or to where competitors and spectators return to. And there lies the dilemma. If we do not start to hold these events, when and wherever possible, and utilise all of the knowledge and protocols that we have to protect athletes, spectators and staff, when will we? If we delay and wait another year, will we still be faced with the same dilemmas we have now? Thankfully, those are not decisions that I have to make. However, they are decisions that need to be made but only on the provision that risks are minimised, protocols followed and everyone concerned considers the implications both positive and negative. So, let’s sit back, watch, listen, support and enjoy but remember, Covid-19 is still here and protecting yourself, your family and those around you has to be more important. Professor Graham N. Smith