Aspetar (sports medicine hospital)

Global Injury and Illness Surveillance Framework

The video outlines a Global Injury and Illness Surveillance Framework pioneered by ASPAR in 2012, initially covering all professional football clubs in Qatar’s Stars League through a partnership with SMP, Asprev, and QSF. The initiative later scaled to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and was deployed during major events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Key insights highlight the persistent gaps in standardizing injury data collection: unclear resource needs, ambiguous responsibilities, and inconsistent timing for recording and follow‑up. To resolve these, the framework provides a modular toolkit—covering data capture protocols, reporting templates, and organizational guidelines—designed to function across varying resource levels, from local clubs to multinational tournaments. The presenters note that all tools are freely available online, and a bespoke surveillance platform has been rolled out across the Qatar Stars League, allowing teams to log injuries, illnesses, and exposure in real time. The full methodology and supporting materials are documented in a peer‑reviewed article accessible to the public. By delivering a scalable, cost‑free solution, the framework promises more reliable injury analytics, enabling clubs, leagues, and governing bodies to implement evidence‑based health policies, reduce player downtime, and enhance overall sport safety worldwide.