The Sport Physio Group (SPG) is a special interest group of the SASP for physiotherapists interested in the prevention and treatment of sport injuries. We currently have around 600 members nationwide and are widely involved in sporting events such as the Duzi marathon, Comrades, Two Oceans, Argus and the 94.7 Momentum Cycle Challenge either as individuals or as part of the SASP and SPG.

The SPG is affiliated with the International Federation of Sport Physical Therapists as well as the South African Sport Medicine Association with representation on both executive committees.

The SPG provides a platform where likeminded physiotherapists can network and meaningful referrals can be made across the country as well as overseas for travelling athletes and teams. It also provides a central database for organisers of events to locate sport physiotherapists to attend events.

Our members are also eligible to do a course focusing specifically on the field of sport physiotherapy, SPT 1. Only SPG members are allowed to apply for this course. Applicant must be registered with the HPCSA as a qualified physiotherapist and have completed their community service year. Although this yearlong course is not recognized as a specialization by the HPCSA it is regarded as a Level 2 professional development course by the SASP. 

Vision and Mission of the SPG

• to be a forum for physiotherapists with a special interest in sport,
• to promote excellence of services, at sporting events and the public
• to represent the interest of sport physiotherapists on higher platforms, and
• to assist the portfolios of the SASP with special input regarding policy, ethics and others, in the related fields of physiotherapy.

• to support the SPG members nationally and internationally in achieving and maintaining high quality standards of healthcare delivery by encouraging and providing continuing education,
• to provide it’s the members of the SPG good value service resources and networking across the country and internationally,
• to promote a wider understanding of the role of the sport physiotherapist within the profession, other health professions, and the public at large.

What are the advantages of being a member

• Membership of the IFSPT
• Subscription to the International Journal of Sport Physiotherapy
• Eligibility to enroll for SPT 1
• Monthly newsletters
• Free classifieds on the website
• Free use of promotional material e.g. gazebo and banners
• Discount at SPG events e.g. evening lectures, courses and congresses
• Opportunity to be involved with sporting events
• Bursary available for research and post graduate study

SPT 1 course

The SPT 1 course is run annually, alternating between Cape Town and Johannesburg. The course is run as a modular system, roughly 6 weeks apart. It includes 2 exams (practical and theory) as well as pre course work for each module. It is recommended that you work in an environment where you can apply and practice the skills that you have learnt in the module, in order to prepare for the exams.

Due to high demand, especially in Johannesburg, an application/selection model is used. Applications opens in August and closes in September of the year prior to the course. A deposit must be paid after acceptance to secure your place.

The objectives of the course:

1. To improve the clinical reasoning and assessment skills of the candidate.
2. To provide the candidate with an advanced understanding of mechanisms of injuries commonly
3. sustained during sport
4. To improve the therapeutic skills in the management of sports injuries for the acute, chronic and
5. final phases of rehabilitation.

Social media

• Twitter: @SPGSASP
• Facebook: Sport Physio Group
• Website: www.sport-physio.co.za