Inhectious Diseases Policy

Transmission

People can be exposed to infection through participation in sport in a variety of ways:
  • Through blood to blood contact via broken skin and open wounds. (HIV and Hepatitis C)
  • Through contact between a person’s broken skin, mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes with another person’s infected body fluid such as blood and saliva. (Hepatitis B and Menginococcal disease)
  • Through exposure of the skin to another person’s infected skin or body fluids. This may be via direct body contact or indirectly through the use of shared equipment, clothing and other surfaces that remain moist for a period of time. (Fungal skin infections such as tinea, viral infections such as warts, or parasites, such as scabies)
  • Through ingestion of contaminated food and drink. (Hepatitis A and Gastroenteritis)
  • By breathing in airborne droplets of saliva or sputum when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or spits (Common cold and flu).
Reducing The Risk Of Infection

The risk of being infected with a blood-borne virus or other serious infection through participation in sport is very low, however infection is possible. The following guidelines will further reduce the risk of infection:

1. BEFORE THE GAME:
  • It is important that all playing surfaces in any physical contact sport should be as well maintained as possible.
  • All pre-existing wounds must be covered.
  • First-aid equipment required includes: gloves, disinfectant, bleach (diluted with water, 1:10), antiseptic, bags and
  • Bins for contaminated items, bandages and dressings.
2. DURING THE GAME:
  • A player who is bleeding or has blood on their clothing must leave the playing arena and seek medical attention.
  • The bleeding must be stopped, the wound dressed and any blood on the player’s body cleaned off before returning to the game.
  • Play must cease until any blood is cleaned. Any clothing affected must be removed.
  • Use gloves when handling blood or anything with blood on it.
  • Don’t share clothing, razors, towels, face washers, nail clippers, drink bottles, mouth guards, medication inhalers or any other personal equipment, which may have blood, saliva or other body fluids present.
3. AFTER THE GAME:
  • Blood soaked clothes should be washed in cold water first, then followed by hot water and detergent.
  • Players should observe good personal hygiene in the changing rooms.
  • Changing rooms should be cleaned properly.
  • Seek immediate medical advice, with your own doctor, local community health service or hospital if you are concerned that you may have become infected.
Confidentiality

Whilst divulging health status is not required under law, there may be circumstances when a player might consider telling a coach or other team/club official about a medical condition. Players are legally entitled to have this information remain confidential and it is not appropriate to disclose the health status of any player without their consent.

Where To Go For Further Information:

Sports Medicine Australia 02 6251 6944 www.ausport.gov.au Australian National Council on AIDS, Hepatitis C & Related Diseases 1800 022 863 www.ancahrd.org Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria 03 9281 7111 www.eoc.vic.gov.au

Timing

Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club undertakes to implement the actions outlined in this policy, beginning on 1/2/2010.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually. This will ensure that the policy remains current and practical.