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Frequently Asked
Questions
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+ Is the 'Kick Off' program available to partners or spouses of players?
Absolutely. Anyone with either direct or indirect involvment or connection to the game & those involved (players, coaches, administrators, trainers, referees etc.) are encouraged to utilise the information & the service. Our service is also particularly relevant to past players; those who have retired or who have had injury curtail their careers.
+ When it says '24/7', does that mean I can contact at any hour of the day?
Yes. We have professionally trained staff available at ALL times. If you need to know more about how the information/help line operates, please read the appropriate section in the site.
+ Is the 'Kick Off' Program & Service totally private & confidential?
Yes. The basis for any successful program/service that deals with 'mental health' is the development of 'trust'; issues MUST be completely confidential. This is our guarantee to anyone who contacts us.
+ Why is 'Kick Off' so different from other programs?
'Kick Off' is unique in that it 'targets' a specific group (in this case, that of Rugby League). As such, the focus of all our interactions, counselling, literature and so on, is tailored to those involved in the sport. The characteristics of Rugby League and the problems that can arise need to be met on a more direct & personal level, if they are to be successful. 'Kick Off' is also structured to cater for those on the 'periphery'; spouses, parents, guardians, club volunteers etc. and aims to meet the needs of the game, from junior league to NRL. Every developmental stage of an individual's life is important and our pro-active approach means that 'no stone is left un-turned'. The number one priority is to address the cause, not the symptoms.
+ Is 'Kick Off' a 'non profit' organisation?
Yes. At present, we receive no funding or financial contribution at all. We hope that we will obtain the necessary funds, via sponsorship etc., to enable the full functioning of the service and the expansion we believe is necessary to adequately address the real issues of the game. Even in this perfect scenario, 'Kick Off' will always remain a 'non-profit' organisation.
+ Will I understand the educational material, or is it too complicated?
All our educational & informational material is 'flexible' with respect to its' comprehension & the depth at which someone wishes to go. We do not pre-judge anyone's capacity to understand and therefore do not assume anything prior to delivery of educational material. Our aim is to provide essential & basic material right through to more complex & comprehensive. It is your choice and determined on the individual's needs.
+ Is 'Kick Off' affiliated with any other organisations?
Not specifically, though we encourage all interested agencies & organisations with similar intention and focus to continue their good work and believe we can work together with them to achieve the goal of 'optimum mental health' for all. We are also only too willing to avail ourselves of specialist services offered by others and will refer individuals if required. We also strongly believe in the need for an absence of 'exclusivity' in relation to mental health care. ALL agencies & organisations should (and MUST) work together for the common good. Unfortunately, if this doesn't occur, then the only ones disadvantaged are those who are 'in need'.
+ Behaviour seems to be an issue lately; how does 'Kick Off' address this problem?
Behaviour is the visible outworking of that which originates in the mind. As such, there are a multitude of reasons why we might see some of the behaviours so well reported by the media. 'Kick Off' is focussed very heavily toward meeting the needs of the players and the game by addressing not only the behaviour, but also those psychological factors which have contributed to the manifested and aberrant behaviours exhibited. Once again, we aim to treat the cause, not merely the symptom.
+ I'm not that great with computers. Is this website easy to use?
We have gone to great lengths to ensure that even those with minimal or very basic internet experience are able to gain the necessary benefit from the site. By using videos, photos & the optional 'audio function', we hope to cater for all users of the site. The links are clear & straight forward and the information is relevant and concise. We sincerely hope that it will provide an essential tool for the user and a support for other sites, organisations & health entities dealing with these many very serious issues.
+ What do 'Kick Off' plan for the future?
We envisage the expansion & 'roll out' of the program to cover every aspect of the game. The only way for any program & service such as this to be effective is to address matters of concern now, and to provide the necessary pro-active & preventative measures to deal with those issues pertinent to the development of which we are currently confronted. Our program is set up to meet the needs of (1) the elite NRL level; (2) State Leagues; (3) Junior League and (4) other divisions throughout the various league playing areas. We have begun programs tailored for Secondary Schools and Indigenous community to better raise the awareness of 'Mental Health' and its' wide reaching ramifications.
+ Why focus on just Rugby League when Mental Health is a societal problem?
Mental health & more importantly 'ill-health' is indeed a societal problem. 'Kick Off' believes however that by implementing its' 'target group specific' approach, others may see the benefit in providing this type of specific focus to other 'targeted areas or illnesses'. In the long run, this approach is far more clinically effective and significantly more 'cost effective'. The other pertinent point to establishing such a program for Rugby League is the profile and media attention it generates. It provides the perfect opportunity for heightened mental health awareness & insight and more appropriate role modelling for the community at large.
+ Are there any fees or extra charges for your services?
Most of our services and the programs involved are free of charge. Any requested counselling, programs or educational sessions outside of those scheduled will unfortunately necessitate fees. Please contact us for these costs. Our monthly newsletter, assessments, access to website and our phone contact/information service are completely free.
+ Do I get to speak to, or can I request to speak to the same person each time?
One of the aims of the service and a unique feature is that of continuity. We will always strive to maintain consistency in our relationship with clients. The establishment of a rapport with a specific counsellor or clinician is vital and essential for ultimate success. There's nothing worse than having to recount issues to another when you already have done so. When contact is initially made, case managment is commenced with an identifiable individual within the organisation. If this person is not the one answering your call, you may request contact and this will be provided to you as soon as possible.
+ I'm from a rural region. How can 'Kick Off' help me?
At present 'Kick Off' has no outreach service for rural areas, though we hope in the future to have representatives in most of the league playing regions. For the moment, however, our phone counselling/contact service, along with interactive website and on-line assessments, literature such as our newsletter, brochures, fact sheets and text book will provide much of the information required. We can also arrange referral to the appropriate organisations dealing with the many issues of mental health, in or near rural areas.
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