Fitness & Nutrition Articles

Hydration
The article discusses the complete spectrum of heat related problems from simple exercise induced elevated temperature, through to the most serious, heat stroke as relevant to Rugby.  It discusses predisposing factors, treatment and most importantly, prevention for this condition.

"Fitness Suggestions for Rugby"
"Nutrition Tips and Suggestions"
by Dr. Kevin Tipton, U of Texas

AORFA's articles on medical & safety topics:
Cervical Spine Injuries, Concussions, Fluid & Dehydration, Cuts & Abrasions, Thigh Contusions, Knee Injuries: The Menisci, Shoulder Injuries, Hand Injuries: Fractures, Hand Injuries: Dislocation & Ligament & Tendon Injuries.

www.usarugby.org/resources/medical/MRSA_Pos_Statement.pdf
The USARFU Medical Committee has come up with a position paper on staph infections.

Preparation to Play Rugby

How does one properly prepare themselves physically to play rugby? There are right ways and wrong ones. The right way will do more than just ready the player to safely withstand the rigors of 80 minutes of on-field action, but minimize the chance of injury and if injured, reducing recovery time. One of the foremost rugby playing nations is New Zealand and they have an excellent program for players for preventing rugby injuries and physical conditioning:

They call it RugbySmart at: www.rugbysmart.co.nz.
I strongly urge you to look into RugbySmart and get your players ready to play so they can reach their full potential physically and minimize injuries while playing. A follow up to this program is found at: www.nzrugbynet.co.nz/NZRFU/Resource+Library/RugbySmart.htm

Other Safety Articles

Australian Rugby Union's SmartPlay program has valuable info at: www.smartplay.com.au/national/Pub/xpStart.asp

Injury Prevention information found at Martin Slagt's Rugby Coaching Archive at:Martin's Rugby Coaching
www.rugbycoach.com/injuries/injury.htm

Training for Rugby booklet at:
www.pponline.co.uk/prewp/pp-homerugby.html

South Africa Rugby Union's SharkSmart program at: www.sharksmart.co.za/10ptplan.htm

The Need for a Certified Athletic Trainer
Enhancing Safety in Youth Rugby (pdf)