About the RCCSF
Chiropractors have been involved in the treatment of sports people and sports-related injuries from the very beginning of the profession. As a discipline that deals with functional disorders of the joints it is eminently suited to being included as part of the medical back-up team of any sport.
Until recently chiropractors tended to work on their own, making contacts and working with individuals or sporting bodies on their own initiative without reference to any one else in the profession. It was seen that this was not the way that would give the most benefit to those who are involved in sport at whatever level. The British Chiropractic Sports Council (BCSC) was founded by enthusiasts who gave willingly of their time and effort. In 2014, the BCSC was incorporated into the RCC’s existing Sport Faculty to form the RCCSF.
International recognition
The RCCSF now functions as the national chiropractic sports council for the UK and is the official national member of the Fédèration Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport (FICS) which is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the International Olympic Committee. FICS negotiates with the IOC concerning the inclusion of chiropractors in the base medical facilities for future Olympic Games. The US, Canada and New Zealand have included chiropractors in their teams for many years and many top athletes can attest to their skills. Chiropractors worked in the Polyclinic at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and the London 2012 Olympics in the polyclinics at the three Olympic villages.
Prevent injury & optimise performance
Treatment in the field
The RCCSF is aware that the care of athletes in the clinical setting, away from competition, is different from their management at an event. Some chiropractors do not want, or have not got the time, to attend meetings or events so wish only to work in their own clinics or in specialist sports injury facilities. The RCCSF is an organisation of practically-minded chiropractors who have an interest in working “in the field.”
Qualifications
A post-graduate certificate programme known as the ICSC (International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic) is offered by the FICS Education Board. Possession of this is necessary for accreditation at international sports events where FICS organises chiropractic support for the medical teams, e.g. the World Games. The importance of further education cannot be emphasised enough and the RCCSF is in the process of launching an education programme to supplement the ICSC and enable progression to full membership of the RCCSF – i.e. MRCC (Sport)
Experience
Our membership includes chiropractors with experience in many different sports who have competed and worked at all levels. Experience and knowledge are growing rapidly as the benefits of having a chiropractor on the team are beginning to be recognised by more and more sports people and organisations.
