Can sporting clubs disclose information about a player's injury?

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Question: Can sporting clubs disclose information about a player's injury?

Answer: Yes, if the player understands this is likely to happen, and has given consent.

Careful handling of any individual's health information is an important privacy issue.

The practice of collecting information and reporting on the health of sports people can continue providing the requirements of the Act are met, particularly the requirement that the individual’s consent is obtained when their health information is collected. In most instances, this is often arranged most easily at the same time as players sign on for another season with their subscriptions and sort through other documentation that covers insurance and other issues.

Sporting clubs must take appropriate steps to ensure all players understand the disclosure practices of the club before disclosing information about their player's injuries.

For further information about consent, see the Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles, and the Guidelines on Privacy in the Private Health Sector.