illness and injury
The safety and welfare of players, coaches, referees and spectators is of paramount importance and Bournemouth Rugby Club wants to make sure that everyone responsible for pitch-side first aid cover at both rugby training and matches has the best possible training and qualifications.
All our age groups have appointed persons that are Nominated First Aiders (NFAs) and include Rugby First Aid Trained managers, coaches and parents. To supplement this, we also have a dedicated team of physiotherapists, paramedic and doctor – which goes way beyond that recommended by the RFU.
Concussion
All Coach’s and NFAs are expected to be familiar with recognising concussion and what to do in an emergency.
Concussion information can be found at RFU Concussion Headcase on the RFU website with resources for players, parents and coach’s. All players with suspected concussion should be managed according to these policies.
Serious Injuries
In the event of a serious injury or illness, of player or spectator, the first aider looking after that area will take control, supported by the coaching team, and ensure that an ambulance is called. A runner should be sent to the social club bar staff to ensure that the high vehicle gate is open to allow the ambulance to enter the site and a second runner to collect the AED in the event of cardiac arrest.
If other match’s are being played at the same time then other first aid/medical team should be sent for to provide assistance as required.
Any death within 6 hours of a game or injury that results in admission to hospital (not if seen and discharged from A&E) is reportable to the RFU, follow this link for further details. Incidents like this are rare and are likely to attract media attention and it is therefore important that the Director of Rugby and the Club CEO are made aware and will deal with any media enquires and ensure adequate support to those involved and their families.
Players should only be moved from the pitch if this can be done safely given the level of equipment and training of personnel present.
Casualties must be looked after whilst awaiting the ambulance service. A decision regarding the continuation or abandonment of the remainder of the game must be made. The over riding factor being whether the casualty can be looked after & any further injuries can be dealt with. Factors to consider include the number of first aiders, severity of illness or injury and whether the opposition first aider is happy to assist.
Players who are removed from the field of play but don’t require an ambulance should be given appropriate advice regarding attending A&E or their GP and advised to attend the physiotherapy hut for review prior to returning to training or match play. (Open Tuesday and Thursday during training).
Bournemouth rugby Injury Reporting
All incidents/injuries on the pitch that required first aid attention must be recorded. NFAs are responsible for completing the Injury Report Form which is kept in each age groups first aid kit bag. The club also provide and online Injury Report Form which can be completed on the pitch-side using smartphones.
RFU Reportable Injury
So that the RFU can take an active role aiding in the care and rehabilitation of catastrophically injured players, it is vital that the RFU is notified of all injuries that qualify in the reportable category set out below using the following Injury Report Form.
RFU Reportable Injury – Referee Reports
Following a reportable injury the referee should also complete Referee Injury Event Form. More information for referees following a reportable incident and details on how to complete the form can be found in the below forms: