South West Sports Trainers Association unveil concussion forum

That is what the South West Sports Trainers Association (SWSTA) hopes to do with its new concussion forum, which will be taking place at the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery from 1pm on February 22.

The entrance fee is a gold coin donation which will go to the SWSTA.

The day will feature guest speakers such as AFL medical director and leading concussion specialist Peter Harcourt and retired south-west footballers Jason Misfud and Danny Chatfield.

Harcourt will be passing on his knowledge and messages from one of Australia's elite sporting organisations while Misfud and Chatfield will open up about their experiences with the injury during and after their decorated careers.

READ MORE:

Former Nirranda coach Shane Quick, club doctor Phillip Hall, boxing coach Rodney Ryan, Nick O'Sullivan, Chris Meade, Tina and Nathan Parsons are also special guests.

SWSTA vice-president Pauline Lourey-Templar said the main aim of the event was to provide education to people involved in football and sport about the seriousness of head injuries.

"It's a necessary evil in sport and unfortunately we can't eradicate it but we can learn how to better manage it," she said.

"We want to educate them so they can be aware of what to do as it could be crucial for one of their members.

"They (the guests) are going to talk about a number of topics and make sure that people are aware they can enjoy their sport but also about being mindful about what can happen with head knocks."

Lourey-Templar said the forum was not restricted to just football and sporting club representatives but that the public was also welcome to come and learn about the management of the injury.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.