Summary
Who is responsible for an ACL injury prevention program - UK perspective
Abstract
ACL Prevention is an essential concept but implementation remains elusive. In UK there has been a progressive drive to develop an effective program, initiated by a small Charity group 'Power Up To Play'. Scaleability, cost effectiveness and acceptability have all been challenged
In March 2025 a UK working group was established to tackle the issues and answer the fundamental question of whose responsibility is it to implement a prevention program in the UK. The group consisted of a broad spectrum of interested stakeholders including government representatives, surgeons, physios, sports physicians, coaches, elite team managers, public health researchers and national governing body representatives.
The initial workshop concluded 5 main points and clear directions:
- Lack of ACL prevention is a problem, and in UK we are not doing enough about it, recognising that while other areas around the world are making progress we need to tackle this head on
- Key responsible parties are the Sport National Governing Bodies (NGB's) and this is a welfare issue, for players health and protection knowing that prevention programs exist
- Government agencies have a responsibility to make sure NGB’s carry out their role: ‘a stick and carrot philosophy’
- Coaching qualifications should include prevention and this should be mandatory, thereby raising awareness.
The Output agreed was that the British Orthopaedic Association directed by the BOA President would facilitate structured meetings to fully define the strategy of all the groups, and to develop a formal Mission, Vision, Plan concept for a Strategic Governance group. The direction would include in school and out of school, and work with multiple sports creating tailored programs that appeal to participants.
This paper reports on the multiple hurdles and proposed strategies to overcome the barriers, utilising the skill sets and experience from around the world, to achieve progress in the UK.