Skip to main content

Safely handling medications for young and at-risk athletes

Sporting organisations have a duty of care to support young athletes and adults-at-risk to take medication safely while travelling

News and Media

Published

As teams start planning for a busy year of competition, keeping athletes safe and healthy while travelling should be a top priority. A critical part of that responsibility is correctly administering medication.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has developed step-by-step guidance, checklists and templates to make implementing this process easy and make sure everyone knows their role.


 

Our latest news, resources, podcasts, courses and webinars:

 

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES

 

SIA’s Director of Safeguarding, Lisa Purves, said sporting organisations have a duty of care to focus on athlete safety when a child, young person or adult-at-risk travels with them.

“Travel can disrupt routines, and mistakes with medication can have serious consequences – that’s why Sport Integrity Australia developed resources to help ensure medications are handled the right way, every time,” Ms Purves said.

“When teams travel the focus must be athlete safety. We wanted to make medication management simple and give confidence to coaches and team managers.”

The information is designed for community clubs, associations and state-level organisations, where medical personnel may not be appointed.

We’re encouraging all sports clubs, associations, volunteers and carers to utilise the online guide and resources to help ensure the safety and well-being of athletes

– Lisa Purves, SIA Director of Safeguarding

Tips for administering medication

Sports must:

  • have written consent from parents or carers
  • handle medications with care
  • maintain privacy for the athlete
  • have 2 authorised adults administering medications
  • follow the ‘7 rights’ checklist.

For more information and to download the free resources visit our Administering medications page.