If a player suffers a major injury such as a fracture or dislocation, he/she will not be moving or rolling around.

Below is an outline of the procedure to effectively and quickly asses an injured player.

(S)ee the injury occur (know the mechanics of the injury – the how)

(A)sk the player were the pain/injury is located - do not touch/move player

(L)look at the site of the injury/pain; This may require taking sock down. Perform a lateral comparison with the other side of the body. Look for signs of inflammation (heat, swelling, pain, discoloration and loss of function.) Look for signs of deformity; if so, stop and call for an ambulance.

(T)ouch site of injury - Gently palpate the area feeling for symptoms or signs of palpable  - pain/tenderness, swelling, loss of skin sensation, altered skin sensation (known as pins and needles in UK) and compare with opposite limb.

(A)ctive movement - Perform general movements at the joint, looking for facial expression and over all range of motion. Grade 1 - will display with fairly good range of motion. Grade 2 - will be badly affected, note the direction/type of movement causing the pain. Grade 3 - Severe, player can perform very little or NO range of motion on there own.

With minor injuries, it is possible to move onto final stages of the assessment. Anything greater requires stopping further assessment and getting player further medical attention.

(P)assive movement - take the player through a range of motion on the area… further than the range already performed and with passive resistance.  Again, look for discomfort or weakness in the motion.

(S)trength test – perform additional range of motion assessment with greater resistance, again looking for discomfort.

Should the player pass above assessments, stand the player upright and prepare him/her for general weight bearing testing.

Perform weight bearing testing; un-aided standing, un-aided stationary jogging, jogging straight (look from the back for form, general balance, stopping and starting) and side to side running (stress on the ankle and knee ligaments.)