Coaches also considered a lack of understanding regarding the nature of an injury and a strong desire to win as major reasons for non-reporting of injuries.
Players and coaches (50-60%) reported they had observed parents, coaches and other players putting pressure on players to continue playing when injured and this was more common with relatively older players.
Lead author, AUT's head of sport and exercise science Dr Chris Whatman, says the study reflects similar trends overseas and is in keeping with a 2011 New Zealand study of all community football in all age groups that reported that 61% of players continued to play when injured.
"Of most concern is the long term consequences of injury which can negatively impact on long term engagement in sport and quality of life due to the increased risk of chronic conditions. A major risk factor for an injury in sport is a previous injury so primary prevention in youth sport is crucial,'' he said.
Dr Whatman said appropriate coach and player attitudes to injury were important to facilitating the development of safe responses to injury and there needed to be a change in behaviour.