THE West Australian football community will recognise some of the game’s most valuable assets following the start of National Volunteer Week today (Monday, May 14).

The week also marks the opening of nominations for The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award, with the West Australian Football Commission conducting a variety of events and functions over the nomination period (May 14 to July 13) to recognise volunteers and encourage nominations.

At the end of the season, a Volunteer Award will be presented in each of WA’s 17 Football Districts and Regions. The winners will be invited with a guest to the 2012 Sandover Medal count, where each will be acknowledged for their efforts among some of WA Football’s finest contributors.

Are you working with a sporting team in 2012 and looking want to gain the skills and knowledge to manage common sporting injuries? Based around a sporting environment, SMA's Sports First Aid course will give participants the skills and knowledge required to manage common sporting injuries and illnesses.  Great for coaches, parents, athletes, managers or club officials, in fact anyone who requires a First Aid qualification and have an interest in keeping sport safe!

All participants receive a Statement of Attainment in: Apply First Aid HLTFA301B (which incorporates HLTCPR201A - Perform CPR) plus a 3 Year SMA National First Aid Accreditation.

The Healthy Club Program is funded by Healthway and managed by Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch).

The Healthy Club Program aims to encourage sporting clubs to develop, promote and implement policies that ensure a healthy and safe environment for all, increase participation in physical activity and improve administration and sport delivery through increased education and training opportunities.

For your registration fee of $55 (including GST) you will get access to expert speakers from around the state, the country and the world. Their informative and interactive presentations will provide you with everything you need to know about managing your community sport and recreation club. Plus you’ll receive welcome tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Would you know what to do in a medical emergency? Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch) will be running a Sports First Aid Course on Saturday 22nd October 2011 and Level 1 Sports Trainer Course on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th October . These courses provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to manage common sporting injuries and illnesses.

Participants completing the First Aid course receive a Statement of Attainment in HLTFA301B Apply First AId (which incorporates HLTCPR 201A - Perform CPR & HLTFA201A- Provide Basic Emergency Life Support).