::: Safety and Risk Management EPRU ::: Borkowski Articles

Risk Management and Rugby Football
a series of articles by Dr. Dick Borkowski

The following "A Rugby Safety Checklist" is taken from Dr. Dick Borkowski's new book called"The School Sports Safety Handbook," published by LRP Publications.
To order, call: 1-800-341-7874 (ext. 275), fax: 215-784-9639.

The first part of the book is about general risk management procedures and the duty of care owed to participants. The second part is 33 specific sport checklists. Rugby is one. There is space at the end of each category for the school or club to add additional items to check that are unique to their program.

A Rugby Safety Checklist
by Dr. Dick Borkowski

Coach's Name:________________________________

Season: ___________________Year_______________

Date of Evaluation______________________

NOTE 1. - The general format is:

Item

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Action/Date

NOTE 2. - Use the other side of sheet for comments.

NOTE 3. - Space is made available on each checklist for specific program needs.

NOTE 4. - The lack of an item or procedure would fall in the "inappropriate" column and may be explained with a footnote.

NOTE 5. - The action column is for the date and type of action taken.

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1. General Comments/Major Concerns

Rugby is an established international game.
The major safety problem is the misconception that rugby is football without protective padding. A secondary image, that is fortunately being corrected, it that rugby is, irreverent, reckless and without safety considerations. Nothing is further from the truth, but public image, created primarily by some in the rugby community, becomes reality.
The major concerns are : Permitting inexperienced, unfit individuals to play. Because you played football does not mean you are prepared to play rugby.
A lack of qualified coaches. This is quickly changing because of the current coaching certification program run by USA Rugby. (http://www.usarugby.org)
Very poor field conditions for many fledgling programs.
The unskilled, unknowledgable and mis-informed player who plays outside the spirit of the game. Not only are they susceptible toinjury - they often cause injur y to others.
Slogans such as "Give Blood, Play Rugby."
The game is only a prelude to the "beer blast."
Any sign of a head injury means immediate removal from participation.
There are various suggestions regarding what to do, when one can return to play and what questions to ask the injured player. Don't let the player return. Seek medical help.
Cervical and spine related injuries must be lowered and hopefully eliminated
Because most rugby is volunteer operated, it does not mean you will be held to a lower standard of safety for those in your charge or the courts. In general, the older one is, the more he/she is expected to be responsible. Do not rely on this generality.
Safety, the lowering of injuries, via a planned risk management programmust become a priority in the world of United States Rugby.

2. Equipment

Rugby boots (shoes) Check length of cleats.
A jersey
Shorts
Socks
Scrum cap (if appropriate)
Mouth guards
Sweat suit (optional)
Rugby balls
Extra uniforms
Shin guards (optional and approved by referee).
Practice shoulder/torso pads (optional).
Scrum machine
Tackling bags, arm shields
Purchase from only reputable dealers
Purchase quality balls
All installations must be done by a competent person.
Follow manufacturer's guidelines
Soft padding, for previous injuries (approved by referee).

3. Facility

Check the field regularly.
Check for erosion and debris
Repair the field. Rugby teams often get less than ideal fields (i.e., pitches).
This is a major problem.
Establish buffer zones between the field and spectators.
Rope off the field. Ideally, play at a site with a fence.
Alternate practice sites on the field.
Goal post stability. Poorly constructed posts are a hazard.
Goal post padding. Poor or no padding is a major problem.
Flexible field flags.
Proper paint and lining.
Touch Flags

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4. Instructions

Read The Laws of the Game (rules) book. Learn The Laws of the Game.
Stay current with coaching techniques.
Teach fundamentals.
Teach the differences between football and rugby.
Teach rugby tackling. Avoid high tackle. Read and follow the tackle rule.
Lifting and slamming is illegal.
Teach "head behind" tackling. Avoid football, "stop em in their tracks" tackling!
Inexperienced players must be coached first and then tested.
NOTE: Playing before being properly trained is a major cause of injuries to both the untrained and those trained ruggers he/she is playing against.
Youth and inexperienced players must know the "Crouch-Touch-Pause- Engage" scrum technique. Plan your practices
Review and meeting.
Warm up.
General group fundamentals.
Practice the skill (s).
Review previous skills.
Practice unit skills.
Practice team skills.
Controlled scrimmage.
Full scrimmage.
Strive for equalization of competition.
Conditioning phase.
Cool Down.
Have at least two coaches. One for the forwards and one for the backs.
Teach in a progressive manner.
Repetition of fundamentals remains the key to coaching and safety.
Avoid mis-matching of players.
Teach the spirit of the game.

NOTE: The ultimate safety device in rugby is the coach. If you don't have a qualified coach - do not play the game! If the coach is not supported by an organized school or club - do not play the game!

5. Supervision

Coaches must be present at all times.
Coaches must be in control.
Coaches should be trained.
Utilize additional people to help supervise practices, such as injured players and parents.
Use only trained referees.
Always place self in position to see as many players as possible.
Generally, you place your back to the side line.
Learn to anticipate.
The better you know the game, the more you will be able to anticipate problems.
Work to avoid the collapsed scrum.
The hooker is the most injured player.
Use a whistle

6. Conditioning

Have an out of season conditioning program.
Have pre-season conditioning.
Props and hookers especially need to develop muscles in the neck and shoulder area.
All players should develop this area.
Have a weight training program.
Require a warm up.
Require warm up runs.
Utilize isometric exercises for strength development.
Require a cool down period.
Water is critical. Drink prior to activity to stay ahead of dehydration.
Limit game time for inexperienced players.

NOTE: "Catastrophic injuries resulting from technical deficiencies are exacerbated by American's greater physical strength, a product of this country's emphasis on weight training for athletes. Further, American rugby players background in gridiron football tackling renders them prone to catastrophic injury in rugby, where no protective armor is worn." (quote found, author unknown).

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7. Warnings

Use informed consent forms. See (Example Warning Form)
Have parental meeting for youth level.
Continually remind players of potentially dangerous play.
Keep the head out of rugby.
Do not use the head as a point of contact.
Shoulders must always be higher than hips in the scrum.
Teach players to yell or shout if in jeopardy, (such as during a collapsed scrum or maul).
Remind players of their responsibility for their own and their opponent's safety.
Remind all to play be the true spirit of the game.

8. Post care

Skilled emergency care person.
Person with CPR training.
Have a first aid kit. (see first aid list).
Emergency cards.
Contact parent immediately.
Contact parent the next day and regularly thereafter.
Have an emergency plan.
Have an emergency phone.
Have directions for emergency vehicle entrance.
Use return-to-play form signed by doctor.
Protect injured players from further harm.
Have medical personal available.
Know procedures for bleeding. See (Communicable Disease Procedures)

9. Records

Have informed consent forms.
Use medical examinations.
Have attendance records.
Have training rules.
Maintain purchase record.
Inventory.
Reconditioning/ repair records.
Communications, such as contracts and league information.
Insurance records/CIPP documentation.
Eligibility records. (if required).
Keep practice plans.
Have a coaching manual.
A rule (Laws) book.

NOTE: You don't have to "re-invent the wheel," each year - just check your records.

10. Game considerations

Have a crowd control plan.
Rope off field. Use flexible fence barriers.
Avoid sharp metal spikes to support ropes that are close to the field.
Create a buffer zone between side lines and crowd and/or hazard.
Get faculty or club support.
Review with park, recreation or school administration.
Alcohol restriction policy.
Avoid using the field as a "dressing room." It only demeans the game.
Review with maintenance department or park department.
Preparation of field by team personnel.
Ask official to check facility and equipment.
Check with official prior to game.
Require substitutes to be physically prepared and warmed up prior to entering the game.
Transportation plans.
Have directions to site.
Know the nearest medical care center.
Evaluate security.
Plan the game day schedule . (Meals, arrival, taping, warm up, etc.).
Check on parking.
Check on post condition of players.
Check this checklist.

11. Additional Considerations

See Example Warning Form (Waiver and Release of Liability)
This duty is generally lacking at the club level.
A new body/vest-like pad for practicing rucks and mauls is presently being considered to lessen the potential of injury. Rugby practice shoulder pads are also available.
Belong to the U.S.A. Rugby Football Union. (1-719-637-1022) http://www.usarugby.org
Attend clinics.
In general high school teams should play other high school teams, college play college, etc.
There are many less contact variations of the game, such as touch rugby and uncontested scrum rugby. These are excellent forms to use in the early stage of programs.

12. Program Specific Considerations

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