Beau Busch writes for the PFA

TOWNSVILLE: Tuesday 23 February, 2010

Nth Queensland Fury Centre Half Beau Busch will write a series of articles for the PFA on football issues from a players’ perspective. In the first of these articles, Beau focuses on the impact of long term injuries to professional footballers and the importance to players of the collectively bargained A-League injury insurance arrangement.

A fans’ favourite, Beau’s football career has taken him to Sydney FC and Newcastle before joining Nth Queensland in their debut season.

He has worked hard away from the game to develop skills that will support him transition into a non playing career earning a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Newcastle. He fulfils a range of journalistic and DJ roles in the Townsville community and will provide a unique insight into the football issues that influence players.

Read on to view his first PFA article.

The footballers’ nightmare
By BEAU BUSCH

Every season players across the A-League are faced with the devastating prospect of an extended period on sidelines due to injury.

Unable to contribute on the field players are also forced to undertake the long and often lonely road of rehabilitation away from the rest of their teammates.

Whilst missing out on the banter of training is hard, for some a long term injury can raise the prospect of never being able to return to the field.

This worst case scenario is always in the back of every players mind and the anxiety that comes along with the prospect of being unable to earn a living through their profession is thrust to the forefront when faced with a long term injury.

One of three season ending Anterior Cruiciate Ligament (ACL) injuries at the North Queensland Fury James Robinson is one such player who has been forced into an extended stint on the sidelines.

Tearing his ACL in the round 14 clash against the Newcastle Jets at Energy Australia Stadium Robinson will miss the remainder of the season.

After becoming an integral part of the Fury midfield the impact of the injury was more devastating due an injury interrupted 2008-2009 season with Perth Glory.
The 27 year old said the first few weeks following the injury were the hardest.

“It was a really difficult time but luckily I have a two year contract and that gives me a little more security and time to get back onto the field.”

Along with the security of a two year contract Robinson said the 104 week injury payments for players who are unable to return to the field due to a  career ending injury enables the few who are unable to make back to have a sense of financial security.

On top of the 104 week payments, players are entitled to between 1 and 10 years annual income in the event of a career ending injury, which is capped at $500,000 and is subject to the player’s age and other conditions.

Whilst he was sure he was would not need them and was positive he will return for the 2010-2011 season Robinson said the injury insurance was an essential part of collective bargaining agreement.

As well as ensuring the financial security of players Robinson said it was important to ensure players had the safest possible working condition , something the PFA has recognised with the introduction of a pitch rating system.

The system sees the visiting captain of each team rate the pitch overall and in terms of hardness, smoothness and pace.

Robinson said this was vital in ensuring that all pitches in A-League do not put players at increased risk of injury.

“The first thing that come into my head when I did my knee was the pitch, it was not satisfactory for a game of professional football.

“It is important that these things are brought up and the pitch rating system is a way of doing this.”

Whilst the state of some A-League pitches have come in for criticism Robinson said the medical care available at clubs was of a high standard.

“You can always get better but I think in Australia we are lucky to have some of the best people in the world available to us.”

It is these high calibre people that Robinson said was making his rehabilitation much easier.

“At the Fury we have one of the best sports scientist (Alan McCall) and best physios in Paul Parker who have both had a lot of experience in football and know what needs to be done.”

As well as being in a supportive environment Robinson said it was vital to set goals.

By setting small achievable goals Robinson said he was able to stay focused on his recovery and ensure he returns in the quickest possible time.

“I just have really been making sure I do all the little things to make sure I’m fine, I have a lot of self belief, I know I will be back as soon as possible.”