News

The SST stands in firm solidarity with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in condemning unacceptable misogynistic social media posts. Misogynist comments were made against a female therapist working for the medical team at Tamworth FC and against a female physio prepared to stand up against them and call it out. Misogyny has no place in our profession – or anywhere. This is sadly still a deep-seated issue that must be addressed, and we strive for equality, respect, and safety for everyone, both online and offline. We commend the CSP for calling out this behaviour and reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Together, we can challenge discrimination and work towards a better future. 🌟 To those affected by such comments: we stand with you, and we will continue to advocate for change. #EndMisogyny #InclusiveAllies #TheSST

Power Up To Play is a charity initiative set-up by medical professionals to improve young player welfare in grassroots sport through prevention of serious knee injuries. Their aim is to offer free training to coaches showing them how to use a simple, evidence-based warm-up that reduces serious knee injuries in high-risk sports. The SST endorses Power Up To Play and encourages members to find out more about their fantastic work. You may also want to donate or get involved directly.

Join Our Membership Experience Task Team! We’re looking for passionate members to join our Membership Experience Task Team and help enhance the support we provide to all SST Members. As part of the team, you’ll play a vital role in: 📚 Guiding new membership developments 🌟 Supporting CPD initiatives 🤝 Improving engagement and member advocacy Join the team and elevate the SST experience, one event at a time! The deadline for applications has now passed. Thank you showing an interest and do keep an eye out for future opportunities to support team SST!

We have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sports Therapists Association of Hong Kong! The agreement strengthens our shared commitment to advancing the field of sports therapy across borders. Together, we’re dedicated to promoting best practices, enhancing professional standards, and supporting the growth of sports therapy as a global profession. Dr Christopher Holland, Chair of The SST said: “Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Sports Therapists Association of Hong Kong reflects our shared commitment to advancing the standards of care, education, and professional development in sports therapy worldwide. We look ahead to a partnership that will benefit our members and the communities we serve.” John Siu, Founder and Chairperson of the Sports Therapists Association of Hong Kong: “I am proud to announce our recent Memorandum of Understanding with The Society of Sports Therapists. This agreement embodies our mutual dedication to elevating the standards and professional development of sports therapy on a global scale. By fostering international collaboration, we aim to enhance the quality of support available to athletes and active individuals, ensuring they receive the best care possible. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will bring and the positive impact it will have on our field.”

NHS 10 Year Plan – SST Members, it’s time to have your say  The Government’s consultation, the NHS 10 year plan, is aiming to build a health service fit for the future. You can have your say as to how Graduate Sports Therapists who are Members of The Society of Sports Therapists (MSST) can help play a major role in doing just that. The Government recognises that:                                                                                                                             Not enough is being done to prevent injury and illness, MSK conditions in particular    Patients are waiting too long for MSK rehabilitation, preventing a return to work and a major cost to the economy  Support for management of MSK long term conditions is limited   NHS workers are overstretched Costs are escalating                                                                                                                             Going forward, there is a need to shift from hospital care to delivering more high quality care in the community. As an MSST Graduate Sports Therapist:   You have a breadth of knowledge that not only meets patients’ needs, but also those of individuals who may be undertaking preventative and wellness programmes.    With your comprehensive sport and exercise science base, you have the knowledge, skills and ability to work either as a member of the rehabilitation team or autonomously.    Your musculoskeletal expertise and therapeutic skills, enables you to be integral to the healthcare management of patients throughout the complete recovery and rehabilitation pathway.   You also have a significant role to play in both injury and pain prevention, as well as in supporting in pre-surgical preparation and management. Organisations such as the MOD, Connect Health, Southern Health NHS Trust etc. are already utilising SST Members both in rehabilitation and through the full recovery pathway. But so could many more areas of the NHS, if full recognition were given by the Government to Graduate Sports Therapists.  The SST will be responding to the consultation as an organisation but we would also ask your help:  Submit an individual response as a Member of The SST emphasising your skills and abilities and where you feel you can help. If you have examples of successes where you have already played a part either within or outside of the NHS utilising your sports therapy skills, please let us know. Quotes from patients, stats on recovery improvement times, cost saving treatments, blogs, case studies, photos, social media links etc. If you are a Student Member please do complete the consultation; you are the future of sports therapy and your opinion matters. Do also contact us with your ideas or suggestions. If you are a stakeholder your voice counts too. Let the Government know about MSST Graduate Sports Therapists. Contact us via social media, SST Head Office – admin@thesst.org,  We only have a short window as the deadline for submission is 17.00 hrs 2nd December 2024 Visit change.nhs.uk to register your response 

Dear Members, We are excited to announce that we are conducting a survey to gain valuable insights into your research experiences. Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand and support your work more effectively. By participating in this survey, you will help us identify opportunities for collaboration in research, supervision, and examination. Our goal is to build a comprehensive understanding of our members’ needs and continue to enhance the support we provide for your research endeavours. We greatly appreciate your time and input. Together, we can strive towards fostering a more supportive and collaborative research community. Kind regards, The Research and Scholarship Task Team (RaSTT) On behalf of the Society of Sports Therapists Email: research@thesst.org Get Involved Here

Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce that The Society of Sports Therapists has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Football Medicine and Performance Association (FMPA)! This partnership is a significant step in helping to advance sports therapy and performance standards within football and beyond. By joining forces, we aim to enhance education, foster knowledge-sharing, and create a collaborative environment that empowers sports therapy professionals to make an even greater impact. The FMPA is the representative body for medicine and performance practitioners in professional league football whose mission is to support the practice of medicine, performance and allied professions associated within (professional) football. Their vision is to create an environment where all facets of player care and performance are delivered to the very highest standards. FMPA Chief Executive Officer Eamonn Salmon commented: “We are delighted to partner with The Society of Sports Therapists and look forward to developing a relationship that is certain to benefit both associations. Amongst our many services the FMPA are particularly adept in areas relative to legal matters, union representation and employment and regulatory law. I am sure a working relationship between the two associations will help to complete the support framework needed for our mutual members working in what is sometimes a harsh and unforgiving environment.”  Dr Christopher Holland, Chair of The SST said: ‘The Society of Sports Therapists has numerous Graduate Sports Therapists working throughout professional football, with many more aspiring to build careers in this field.  With the FMPA  leading the way in raising standards of support both in player care and in employment protection for therapists, there is a natural synergy between our two organisations. We look forward to developing this relationship to the benefit of both parties.’

The SST is delighted to announce that following their recent membership survey, 94% of its members have expressed strong support for statutory regulation. The SST is now taking steps to engage MPs in finalising the Health and Care Professions Council’s recommendations for the regulation of sports therapists. Statutory regulation promises to open new avenues for SST members, enhancing career progression in both the private and public sectors. It will also establish a legally protected title, fostering public trust and ensuring safety within the profession. With the new regulations, educational standards and continuing professional development (CPD) will be set by the regulator, and members will be required to register to practice legally, incurring an additional registration fee. The SST is urging MPs to address several current challenges faced by the profession, including the need for protection against unqualified practitioners and enhanced public safety and confidence. By aligning the profession with national needs, the SST aims to improve employment opportunities and professional development for its members. Here’s how to get involved: Members can download their free template below and send to MP’s via post. Members are also encouraged to contact MP’s via email with the subject heading “Advocacy for Statutory Regulation of Sports Therapists”. Not sure who your local MP is? Follow the link HERE to find out. We would like to thank our members for their continued support in the fight for statutory regulation and we look forward to hearing your responses. Letter to MP’s Template

In a significant move to enhance support for educators in the field, The SST has announced the launch of its new Associate Membership category. This initiative aims to provide a structured pathway for individuals leading SST Accredited Courses to engage more deeply with the community while accessing essential resources and professional development opportunities. Criteria To be able to apply for The SST Associate Membership you must meet the following criteria: You must teach on an SST Accredited Course You are in a position of Course Lead or Module Leader You can provide your current qualifications & declare any professional bodies you are currently a member of You are not eligible to apply for Full Membership of The SST Guidelines Please note the following guidelines for The SST Associate Membership: The membership is yearly (Oct to Oct) and has a yearly fee payable to The SST You can only refer to yourself as an Associate Member and NOT a full member of The SST and cannot use The SST logo The membership is applied for using an application form provided on request The membership does not include insurance Benefits of Membership Joining The SST as an Associate Member comes with a range of benefits designed to support professional growth: Professional Advice Educational Resources: An exclusive education area on the SST website will be available to members. Access to SST Extra: This includes resources like the British Journal of Sports Medicine, providing vital information for continued learning and development. The SST encourages all eligible educators to consider this new membership option as a way to enhance their professional practice and stay connected within the community. To apply, please visit our Associate Membership page or for more information, please contact Head Office direct.

UK based SST Members can now claim tax relief on their annual SST membership and insurance. The Society of Sports Therapists (The SST) has been approved by HMRC with effect from 6th April 2024, and we are now on their list of approved professional associations. An Important Note: Only Members who have taken out insurance with The SST can claim relief on the full amount paid. If you have taken out insurance elsewhere you are only eligible to claim tax relief on your SST membership fee. The amount of tax relief granted will of course depend on your level of SST insurance cover (if applicable) and your personal tax band. Employed Members As an SST Member, if you are in employment, you will require a Government Gateway User ID to claim this tax relief. This can be set up using your National Insurance Number and a payslip/P60/passport. See link here: Use a Government Gateway user ID – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) If you are fortunate enough to have your SST membership and insurance paid in full by your employer, you are NOT eligible to claim tax relief on either part of the fee. If it is just your insurance that is paid by your employer, you can claim tax relief on your membership fee. Self – Employed Members As a self- employed SST member, tax relief is claimed via your Self- Assessment tax return. HMRC The online guidance states ‘your organisation can tell you how much tax you’re allowed to claim back’. The SST can only confirm whether you are a Member and if you have paid an insurance fee with The SST. The information also says you can claim back tax relief for the current tax year and the 4 previous tax years. As the HMRC approval is dated 6th April 2024, Tax Relief is for payments made on or after this date in 2024 and no earlier. Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Professional fees and subscriptions – GOV.UK (listed under the letter T The Society of Sports Therapists).