ACC winter sport injuries: $357m bill and how to avoid getting hurt

Playing rugby union is the main cause of ACC injuries from winter sports in Northland.

ACC data shows rugby union accounted for the largest share of winter sport injury claims in Northland last year.

The sport made up 1877 of the 4702 winter sport injury claims, costing ACC $6.2 million of the total $12.7m paid out.

The other claims were for football (1137, costing $2.2m), netball (715 - $1.8m), basketball (497 - $534,000) and rugby league (476 - $2m)).

ACC paid $357m nationwide for 162,263 winter sport injuries. Most were sprains and strains to knees, ankles and shoulders.

Winter sport kicks off this month with ACC’s awareness campaign, Have a Hmmm, which encourages people to think about risk and prepare properly for the season.

ACC data shows the peak time for winter sport injuries is in May and relate mostly to netball, basketball, rugby union and rugby league. Claims for football players peak in April.

Last year, there were 5854 concussion-related injury claims across rugby union (3256), football (1258), rugby league (609), basketball (457) and netball (274).

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said everyone has a role in recognising and managing concussion.

“We know that early removal and early access to care reduces recovery time.”

For other injuries, he said a common trend was people go too hard, too soon and end up injured.

“It’s really important to take a step back and think about how you can best prepare yourself for the upcoming season.

“Smart things to focus on include increasing your fitness, refining your skills, and improving your physical condition,” Whitaker said.