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Your Return to Training Tool-Kit

Oct 6, 2020

NB: All Our Efforts Should Be Based Around Adherence To Local Health And Infection Control Measures.

1. MEDICAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER (“Medic”)

A team must have someone assigned to oversee the processes of infection control daily. This Includes ensuring persons attending training sessions are registered and screened (tempreture and symptom check), regular disinfection is done and to facilitate temporary isolation of an Athlete pending advice on evacuation by the District Health Management Team (DHMT) – Make sure you have the number to call for help in your local area.

A safety health/infection control compliance training to be done to support regions.

2. PCMA (Pre competition medical assessment)

Medical check of all your athletes prior to resumption of high intensity training. Review our initial post for guidance: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3387858861260024&id=614318785280726

Resource limited regions are encouraged to liase with local clinics/hospitals for medical examinations.

3. BASIC MEDICAL ESSENTIALS

Refill your medical bags/first aid kits. Expect a number of injuries. Amongst others essentials for a medical bag make sure you have an ICE bag nearby during training sessions.

4. GRADUAL LOADING

Following a long layoff, start slow and gradually build up focusing on principles of training Frequency Intensity Time and Type. This is meant to lessen occurance of severe injuries which can be career ending. Avoid 11v11 sessions from atleast the first 4 weeks of training.

INJURIES

The expectation is there will be a couple of injuries in the early phases of returning to activity. Common injuries to look out for: knee and ankle srains, major muscle strains (quads, hamstrings, gastrocnemius/calf) and groin injuries amongst others

1. Ensure you get an anatomical diagnosis for the injury and active rehabilitation for your players. This when done correctly will lessen future re-injuries (injury on same site) and delayed healing of the injured area.
2. Rest and give the athlete time to recover from minor injuries.
3. Add an injury prevention program to your weekly training routines (FIFA 11+, Nordicks, Reverse Nordicks, Alfredson heel drop, copenhagen adducor strength test), for better results conduct them atleast twice a week

PSYCHOLOGY

Do a basic check and screen for common mental problems in athletes. In particular during this time screen for depression and refer accordingly. Review our link on depression in sports below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3452149894830920&id=614318785280726

NUTRITION

Food and exercise complement each other. Ensure you are fueled to train and eat well to recover. Eat the right type of food (more proteins, moderate carbohydrates, minimal fat content, add fruits and vegetables for micronutrients). See a local Dietician for individualized expert advice.

CONTINOUS HEALTH EDUCATION

Daily health and covid-19 5 minute talks are encouraged. Make it entertaining for your athletes for passive consolidation of the information regarding infection control e.g. You may give a different player the task to teach others daily. Ensure you do the same via your regular team communication channels (e.g. WhatsApp etc)

These will form a cornerstone in ensuring you safely return to activity. While awaiting regional trainings, the BFA medical committee is available to offer advice around the process to teams on request to ensure safety and health of our key stakeholders is well taken care of.

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News

Setlhoko Appointed as FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert

FIFA has announced the appointment of Ms. Tsholofelo Setlhoko as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, joining a global network of qualified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. This prestigious appointment recognizes Ms. Setlhoko’s exceptional contributions to the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football across Botswana and beyond.

Launched in 2020, the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes have been instrumental in strengthening women’s football through targeted support for Member Associations. With the recent relaunch of the programme in December 2024, FIFA aims to expand its impact across all 211 Member Associations, offering tailored assistance that reflects the unique contexts and needs of each nation.

In her role as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, Ms. Setlhoko will leverage her vast experience in football administration, strategic planning, and grassroots development to support Member Associations in implementing sustainable growth strategies. Her leadership within the Botswana Football Association (BFA), particularly in spearheading initiatives for women’s football, has set a benchmark for development and community engagement.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert. This is not only a personal achievement but a victory for women’s football in Botswana. I look forward to sharing best practices and supporting the growth of women’s football in other Member Associations,” said Ms. Setlhoko.

The President of the Botswana Football Association, Mr. Tariq Babitseng, also expressed his pride in Ms. Setlhoko’s achievement, stating, “Tsholofelo’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her expertise and passion for women’s football are unmatched, and we are confident that she will make a substantial impact globally.”

Ms. Setlhoko’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the representation of African women in global football development. As she embarks on this journey, she remains committed to championing women’s football and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and administrators.