|
|
| |
Rugby Union - preventing injury
| |
| |
Rugby union is a popular football code for all ages and is played by juniors right through to adults. It is a contact sport that requires strength, speed and ball-handling and kicking skills. A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle.
Common injuries
In men’s rugby, parts of the body commonly injured include the:
- Lower limbs
- Upper limbs
- Head and face.
Schoolboy rugby and women’s rugby have a higher incidence of injury to the head and face, including concussion, than other levels of rugby union.
Preventing injury
To prevent injury, you should:
- Be prepared
- Use good technique and practices
- Wear the right protective gear
- Check the environment
- Know yourself and the sport.
Be prepared
Suggestions include:
- Do some physical pre-season preparation during the off-season, and get advice on a conditioning program from either a coach or fitness advisor.
- Develop your individual and team skills, with guidance from your coach, before playing in competitive situations.
- Consider having a pre-participation medical screening, with a qualified and experienced practitioner (such as a sports physician or a general practitioner with sports medicine interest). This is highly recommended for children, new players and those older than 35.
- Warm up, stretch and cool down. A standard warm-up (15–30 minutes) should consist of aerobic activity, stretching and skills practice.
- Follow a regular stretching program to increase and maintain your flexibility.
Use good technique and practices
Suggestions include:
- Use the correct techniques for stretching. Get advice from a coach or trainer.
- Introduce tackling progressively if you are a new player and make sure you receive regular skills training.
- Try to remain on your feet at the breakdown. Regular training of correct team play for the breakdown is important, as this is how you prevent foul play.
- Follow the correct techniques for de-powering the scrum at all times.
- Regular re-accreditation and education should be undertaken by coaches to ensure their knowledge is up to date.
- Make sure umpires are accredited and that team members stick to the rules to reduce the risk of injury.
Wear the right protective gear
Suggestions include:
- Seek professional advice on footwear.
- Consider preventive ankle taping or bracing to reduce injury risks.
- Wear a mouthguard at all times during games and practices.
- Check mouthguards regularly and replace them if they are damaged or broken. Replacement should be more frequent for growing children.
- Consult a sports medicine practitioner about the value of using protective equipment if you have a previous severe injury.
Check the environment
Suggestions include:
- Check and maintain the playing surface to remove hazards.
- Provide adequate run-off area around the ground.
- Check that posts are padded and secured firmly to the ground with no part posing a tripping risk.
Know yourself and the sport
Suggestions include:
- Choose activities that are suited to your fitness level.
- Follow the rules and play fairly.
- Know and use the right techniques.
Other safety tips
Remember to:
- Drink water before, during and after play.
- Make sure qualified first aid personnel, first aid kits, icepacks and a stretcher are available at all times.
- Check that there is telephone access, to contact emergency services.
Respond promptly to injuries
If you or someone else is injured:
- Seek prompt attention from qualified first aid personnel.
- Make sure you are fully rehabilitated before returning to play.
- Wear a support aid like an ankle brace for at least three months after serious ankle injury.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Always call triple zero for an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
- Physiotherapist
- Smartplay Tel. (03) 9674 8777
- ‘Go for your life’ Infoline Tel. 1300 739 899
Things to remember
- Rugby union is a contact sport that requires strength, speed and ball-handling and kicking skills.
- A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle.
- Using the right techniques and equipment for the sport can help prevent injury.
You might also be interested in:
Exercise - injury prevention. Exercise safety. Knee injuries. Mouthguards. Neck and shoulder pain. Physical activity - choosing the one for you. Physical activity - it's important. Physical activity - men. Physical activity - staying motivated. Physical activity - women. Physical activity tips (1) - think active. Physical activity tips (6) - be safe. Resistance training - advanced. Resistance training - beginners. Rugby - health benefits. Shin splints. Sports injuries. Sprains and strains.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
|  |
|
| |
This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Smartplay
|
|
Copyight © 1999/2010 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
|
•
|
This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
|
|
|
Last updated: September 2009
Linking to the Better Health Channel
It's easy to link to this page |
Close
If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:
<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Rugby_Union_preventing_injury?OpenDocument">Rugby Union - preventing injury - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Rugby union is a very physical game that requires strength, speed and ball-handling and kicking skills. A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle. Schoolboy rugby and women's rugby have a higher incidence of injury to the head and face, including concussion, than other levels of rugby union. ..
The link should appear like this:
Rugby Union - preventing injury - Better Health ChannelRugby union is a very physical game that requires strength, speed and ball-handling and kicking skills. A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle. Schoolboy rugby and women's rugby have a higher incidence of injury to the head and face, including concussion, than other levels of rugby union. ..
© State of Victoria. All rights reserved
The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
|
|
|
| |
Site map | Terms and conditions | Privacy | Download help | Accreditation
|
| |
|