PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2012

2012 was a busy and productive year for SPNZ. I took over the role of President from Dr Tony Schneiders who had been at the helm of SPNZ for the previous 12 years and guided the group through a period of significant growth. Tony continues to serve on our Executive as well as the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy Executive Board.

Our membership numbers have remained consistently high over the last few years, and exceeded 800 during 2012. We now also have an increasing number of student members and we hope this will foster an ongoing interest and involvement in sports physiotherapy in New Zealand in the future.

The Executive committee continued to work hard, with executive meetings held 8 times during 2012 (via Skype) and one face-to-face meeting held in Wellington over a weekend. The SPNZ Education Committee also met in person to begin development of our educational courses. At this time we also met with several members of PNZ and made positive ground with respect to our administration, finances and marketing as well as establishing positive links with our parent body.

The SPNZ Executive were actively involved in several projects during 2012 including: Collaboration with Dr Lynley Anderson (University of Otago) in commencing

development on a Code of Ethics for Sports Physiotherapists with the support of PNZ. Liasing with ACC regarding their regulations for the provision of sports

physiotherapy services at sports events. Meeting with the Physiotherapy Board to discuss the issue of Sports Physiotherapy

recognition as an area of specialisation. Establishing the framework for structured sports physiotherapy education courses and

establishing an Education sub-committee to develop and deliver these courses. Re-development of the SPNZ website design, and the inclusion of a number of

resources for both members and the public including:- “Find-a-Physio” to locate sports physiotherapists with specific expertise- Resources for the public on injury advice and management, physical activity,

as well as information for parents, coaches and athletes. Coordination of Student Research Awards (AUT University and University of Otago)

for 4th Year Physiotherapy students, and the Asics Education Fund Award ($1000 offered twice per year)

Dr Gisela Sole and Jim Webb are stepping down from the SPNZ Executive committee after several years of service. Gisela served as Treasurer and Chair of the Education Committee, making valuable contributions in both the development and implementation of our financial policies and procedures, and in establishing the framework of educational objectives for the SPNZ education courses. Jim served as a loyal member of the executive, on the Symposium organising committee and also served on the Education committee. We sincerely thank Jim and Gisela for their contributions to the SPNZ Executive and wish them both well for the future.

I would also like to thank my fellow Executive Members for their support and assistance during 2012, in what was a busy and very productive year. The SPNZ Executive consists of a group of volunteers whose enthusiasm and dedication enables the group to continue to grow in both numbers, and in projects and activities. Additionally I would like to thank the sub-committee members involved in the Education Committee and in production of the SPNZ Bulletin for their time and effort, and all the staff at Physiotherapy New Zealand for their ongoing assistance and support.

Dr Angela CadoganSPNZ President