This year marks the 27th season of the partnership between Country Football WA and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (Insurance Commission) to promote the important Belt Up road safety message. The Belt Up Round, taking place from 16 – 18 May 2025, will be celebrated across all competing senior leagues, with a strong emphasis on raising awareness about the importance of wearing seatbelts.

For over 12,500 country football players, this round holds deep personal significance. Many know someone affected by a road crash, and to honour those injured or killed, players will observe a minute’s silence at each of their league-level games.

The Insurance Commission provides motor injury insurance to the Western Australian community, covering over 2 million drivers and 3.3 million registered vehicles. The Belt Up message is important to the Insurance Commission, as not wearing a seatbelt can greatly increase the severity of injuries in a crash. Less severe injuries mean lower claims costs and more affordable insurance premiums for motorists.

“The Belt Up campaign is an important initiative to encourage the use of seatbelts, every time you get into a car, to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities resulting from crashes. Each year, around 100 people are killed or seriously injured in crashes as a result of not wearing seatbelts.,” said Craig Bailey, A/General Manager of Governance and Stakeholder Relations at the Insurance Commission. “Regional WA is overrepresented in crash statistics, and our partnership with Country Football helps push this important message to country footy players, who travel greater distances on our roads. We’d much rather see you on the field than end up as a statistic. Play it safe and belt up!”

The Belt Up Round serves as a platform for teaching athletes about the importance of wearing a seatbelt every time they get into a vehicle. This message reinforces the role that sport plays in instilling a sense of responsibility and community, as safety is not just an individual concern but a collective one.

“We want to emphasise that crashes can happen in the blink of an eye,” said Brent Hedley, Executive Manager of Country Football WA. “By making seatbelt use a habit, we’re taking control of our safety and the safety of those around us. Each action, such as buckling up, helps everyone make it home safely.”

The Insurance Commission has been a proud partner of Country Football WA for 27 years, delivering over 7,000 Belt Up branded footballs to the Country Football WA community. This ensures the Belt Up message reaches as many people as possible, reinforcing the critical role of seatbelt use in saving lives.

Each year, around 100 people are killed or seriously injured in crashes on WA roads while not wearing a seatbelt. This number represents more than just statistics; it’s about loved ones, teammates, and communities waiting for individuals to come home safely. By simply putting on a seatbelt every time you get into a vehicle, you’re taking a small action that can make all the difference.

As part of this year’s campaign, footballs and player uniforms will carry the Belt Up logo, and clubs will continue to integrate the Belt Up message into their community events and activities. With the continued partnership of the Insurance Commission, Country Football WA is proud to be part of this life-saving initiative.

Let’s all make a difference and help save lives. Belt up – every time, every trip.

For more information, visit the Country Football WA website or contact the office at countryfootballwa@wafc.com.au.