Rugby is a very physical game and, like other contact sports, players may receive injuries. We will not be able to avoid player injuries but we can all take precautions to ensure that the risk is reduced.
Careful coaching of tackling and scrummaging techniques goes a long way toward avoiding neck and back injuries, as does checking players’ personal equipment before matches and training sessions.
Procedure in the event that a player is injured or appears to be injured:
Play or training is to be immediately stopped and the player examined.
If a neck, back or head injury is suspected, do not move the player and be sure to remove his or her gumshield as a precaution against choking.
Immediately seek out the assistance of one of the club’s doctors or qualified first-aiders. A current list of these people is kept posted in the club office.
If it is immediately apparent that the injury is severe, professional medical assistance will be immediately sort. If the player is a minor then that player’s parents or legal guardian will be contact as quickly as possible. It is very important that parents and guardian's keep their contact details update on Pitchero and inform the team manager of changes.
In the event that a player is bleeding, and not suspected of having a neck or head injury as described above, they are to be immediately removed from the pitch to be treated by a parent, club doctor or qualified first-aider.
Any serious injury will be handled in line with RFU policy and recommendations, specifically where a concussion is suspected. Players, Parents, Coaches or Volunteers looking or the latest information can go to the RFU 'HeadCase' pages .
The club is always looking for more volunteers to train in First Aid, and organises regular courses in conjunction with the RFU. Anyone wishing to learn this valuable skill should contact David Brunsdon, LWRFC Child Welfare Officer.