Injury screening practices and risk perceptions in intercounty Gaelic Games in Ireland: A cross-sectional survey of players, coaches, and medical staff

The aim of this study was to investigate current injury screening practices and injury risk perceptions among medical staff, coaches, and players in elite Gaelic Games. A cross-sectional online survey of elite Gaelic Games stakeholders was used, that included sections on participants’ demographics, and injury risk perceptions; medical staff also completed an individual injury risk assessment section. Medical staff (n=19), coaches (n=22), and players (n=244) were recruited using a multipronged sampling approach. Over half (53%, n=10) of medical staff implemented individualised injury risk assessments; all used maximal strength tests. Most participants (77%, n=218) believed it was possible to identify through screening players at a higher risk of sustaining a musculoskeletal injury, although both the value and limitations of injury screening tests were highlighted. Stakeholders identified previous injury, sleep, and wellness scores as important intrinsic risk factors. Training load, fixture congestion, and internal communication were identified as extrinsic risk factors. This study highlights the absence of standardised injury screening protocols across elite Gaelic Games, with current approaches implemented inconsistently, and little agreement on the most effective strategies to identify high-risk players. These findings highlight the need for a more coordinated and collaborative injury risk management approach that considers the views and experiences of player, coaches, and medical staff, within the unique context and demands of amateur elite Gaelic Games.