In a significant development for sports science within the Australian Football League (AFL), a new association has been formed to unify and empower high-performance professionals. The AFL High Performance Association (AFLHPA) was officially launched, bringing together strength and conditioning experts, sports scientists, and fitness practitioners to provide a unified voice in the game.
The association is chaired by Darren Burgess, a world-renowned high-performance expert from Adelaide, and aims to join the ranks of the Players Association, Coaches Association, and Umpires Association as a crucial body within the AFL. Already, more than 120 members have joined the AFLHPA, highlighting its rapid growth and the demand for such a collective.
The Role and Influence of the AFLHPA
The AFLHPA has quickly established itself as an influential entity, providing key insights to both the AFL and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) on critical issues such as contact training, interchange rotations, and player welfare. The association also offers professional development workshops, enhancing the skills and knowledge of its members.
According to sources, the AFLHPA has been involved in discussions regarding turf management and data collection, demonstrating its broad scope and commitment to improving all aspects of the game. The association’s formation follows significant changes in high-performance roles across several clubs, including Carlton, Richmond, Sydney, and Geelong, where new heads of fitness were appointed last year.
Membership and Objectives
Membership in the AFLHPA is open to both full-time and part-time high-performance staff at AFL and AFLW teams, as well as second-tier clubs. This includes high-performance managers, strength and conditioning staff, rehabilitation experts, sports scientists, and data analysts. The association aims to position the AFL as a leader in athlete performance enhancement.
The AFLHPA is also working closely with the competition on scheduling decisions and the future direction of the game, particularly in terms of player preparation and safety. The group hopes to drive innovation through the sharing of information across the industry, with all 18 AFL clubs’ high-performance bosses as members.
Future Plans and Initiatives
Looking ahead, the AFLHPA is targeting the development of a framework for ‘top-up running’ protocols, which would benefit players needing additional training after games, particularly substitutes. The association also plans to advocate for more detailed player heat policies, addressing concerns about player safety in extreme weather conditions.
An end-of-year summit scheduled for November is part of the AFLHPA’s plans, along with monthly personal development sessions for its members. These initiatives aim to foster continuous learning and adaptation within the high-performance community.
Expert Opinions and Industry Impact
Experts in the field have welcomed the formation of the AFLHPA, seeing it as a pivotal step in advancing sports science within the league. “The establishment of a dedicated body for high-performance professionals is long overdue,” said a sports science expert. “It allows for a more structured approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by these professionals.”
The AFLHPA’s initiatives are expected to set new standards for player welfare and performance, potentially influencing other sports leagues globally.
The move represents an evolution in how the AFL approaches player health and game strategy, ensuring that the league remains at the forefront of sports science innovation.
As the AFLHPA continues to grow and influence the landscape of Australian football, its impact on the game will be closely watched by stakeholders and fans alike. The association’s efforts to enhance athlete performance and welfare underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation in sports.
