Player Safety & Injury Policy
Swindon RFC Policy regarding Player Safety and Injury care.
1.1 That in the first instances the coaches are responsible for the care of players and for the implementation and adherence to the Procedures for Safety and Emergency.
1.2 That each age group should have a trained representative in first aid specific to sports injuries. There will be times when age group specific first aiders are not available or have not been appointed and it is therefore the coaches’ responsibility to comply with point 2.4 before play begins. It is the coaches’ responsibility to advise the Club when a first aider has left or in any circumstances where an age group does not have a permanent qualified and checked first aider attached to their group.
1.3 That only those volunteers whose qualifications have been checked by the club should be allowed to treat injuries. It is the coaches’ responsibility to ensure that the Club is aware of ANY volunteer first aider and that the volunteer is checked before being allowed to treat injuries.
1.4 To publish a list of first aiders/qualified injury specialists, their age group attachments and their location. It should be noted that circumstances change and the coach is still responsible for ensuring that point 2.4 is complied with before play begins.
1.5 That if there is any doubt as to the safety of a player or the conditions, DO NOT PLAY.
1.6 That a list of recordable injuries be maintained and that coaches will be responsible for completing the Injury report form (see attached) in each instance where a recordable injury has occurred.
1.7 That a list of reportable injuries be maintained and that the completion complies with RFU recommendations for reportable injuries.
2.Before play begins the Team Coach will:
2.1 Ensure the conditions that they are being asked to play in are safe.
2.2 Carry out a visual assessment of the playing area and the surrounding area
2.3 Record any perceived and identified risks and take the necessary action taken to remove the risk.
2.4 Ensure that they have qualified and checked first aiders available throughout the period of play.
2.5 Ensure that they have a fully stocked first aid kit as laid down in the attached information sheet.
2.6 Ensure that they are aware of the emergency procedures and contacts.
2.7 Ensure that they are aware and have access to of the location of the Notifiable Persons.
2.8 Ensure all players remove all jewellery (including watches) and any items of clothing that may pose a risk of injury to the player or others.
2.9 That any protective clothing being worn complies with IRB/RFU recommendations.
2.10 That mouth guards are worn at all times, during contact sessions or where contact is possible.
2.11 That glass lenses in spectacles are NOT worn.
2.12 Enquire of players as to injuries that have occurred since last they played for the Club.
2.13 In the event that a player has sustained an injury elsewhere the coach will:
a) If it is a minor injury ask a qualified and checked first aider to review the injury and the circumstances of the injury, record the review and use common sense as to the fitness of the player.
b) If it is a “reportable” injury, or an injury that the coach believes would have been reportable under the Club’s guidelines, then treat as if the injury had occurred within the Club and use the reportable injury procedures before allowing the player to resume playing.
c) Particular attention should be paid to back, chest, neck, head and face injuries. Injuries to these areas should be fully investigated by a qualified and checked first aider before allowing the player to play.
d) If the player’s parent or guardian is available ensure that they are part of the discussion and elicit their knowledge/understanding of the circumstances of the injury and any medical advice sought/given.
2.10. If there is any doubt as to the fitness of the player, as to the nature of head, face, chest, neck, chest and back injuries. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO PLAY AND REFER THEM TO THEIR GP. Ensure that the parent/guardian is aware.
2.11. If a coach is not satisfied with the conditions or they cannot fulfill all of the above criteria DO NOT PLAY. If there is doubt call an officer of the club. If they are not available, DO NOT PLAY.
Incidents involving injury.
It is a mandatory RFU requirement that certain injuries/incidents are reported to the RFU promptly. To meet this requirement, reportable matters must be notified to the SIA at the Club within 24 hrs
Reportable matters are:
1. An individual who sustains an injury that requires or is suspected to require medical assistance beyond immediate first aid care.
2. An individual who sustains an injury which results in their being admitted to a hospital, including those who are admitted to Accident and emergency but who are subsequently released.
3. Emergency Procedure Guidelines for dealing with accidents & incidents
When dealing with an incident/accident in which a youth or senior player is injured:
3.1 Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation. Is there danger of further injuries? – If so, try to minimize the danger.
3.2 listen to what the injured person is saying.
3.3 Alert a first aider who should take appropriate action for minor injuries.
3.4 In the event of an injury requiring specialist treatment, call the emergency services FIRST and alert the Notifiable Persons. Keep the injured person warm and keep onlookers at bay.
3.5 DO NOT move someone with major injuries. Wait for specialists from the emergency services.
3.6 Deal with the rest of the squad and ensure that they are adequately supervised.
3.7 Get someone to complete an Injury Form to ensure relevant required information is obtained.
3.8 Contact the injured person’s parent/guardian.
3.9 If the injured person is taken to hospital, ensure that all his/her personal belongings are collected up and returned to the injured person or his/her parent/carer in due course.
3.10 If the injured person is taken to hospital they must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If is preferable that this will be their parent/guardian but another CRB checked adult should be nominated by the LC should the parent/guardian not be available.
3.11 Advise should be made to the Club Chairman of the incident at the earliest opportunity to ensure that follow up procedures are completed.
4.Serious Emergencies procedure:
In the event that the emergency services are required the following procedures MUST be followed:
4.1 Four (4) persons are immediately allocated as emergency marshals. 1 at main entrance to SRFC club and car park, 1 at the designated car park emergency vehicle access area ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicle, 1 pitch side to ensure clear way through spectators and a primary marshal at the pitchside where the incident has occurred.
4.2 The pitch side marshal should attempt to take down all details of the injured person and attempt to get contact details for the injured persons relatives (if not already present). Further, the pitch side marshal should record as much detail as possible of the injury and how it occurred and take the names of all witnesses to the incident. All timings of incident should be noted.
4.3 On no account should any contact be made to relatives unless they are present. Contact will on all occasions be made by the notifiable persons.
4.4 On the approach of emergency vehicles the marshals will guide the services to the injured person and will then take up station to ensure a swift and safe exit of the sports park.
4.5 A complete report should be completed of the incident including timings and this should be held by the club and a copy given to the representative of any other club if a non Swindon person was involved. This report should be completed by the primary appointed marshal (pitchside) and the noftifiable persons.
4.7 If it is deemed necessary, an appointed person should accompany the injured party to hospital and report accordingly to the notifiable persons.
5. What constitutes an incident/ accident?
There is no all-encompassing definition of what constitutes an injury/incident that necessitates the completion of an Injury Report Form – a common sense approach is needed. It is therefore suggested that a Form is always completed where the injured person has:
- Any injury which involves blood dispersal or acute skin laceration. (not a scratch or surface blood injury which can be dealt with via a band aid)
- Any injury whatsoever to the neck, nose, eyes and throat.
- Any limb injury which results in impaired movement (includes
hands and fingers)
- Any injury where the injured party complains of acute internal pain.
- Any injury or incident which leaves the injured party breathless or with respiratory difficulties (chest status)
- Any suspected or known bone fracture, tendon, muscle or ligament strain or severe swelling and bruising
- Any injury resulting in suspected concussion
- Any injury which results in the calling of the Emergency Services or requires the player to seek subsequent medical advice.
The above list is not exhaustive – if in doubt, n injury a Form should be completed.
6.After the incident/accident
6.1 The Lead Coach completes an Injury Report Form and ensures the Club Chairman within 24 hours.
6.2 The Injury report forms are located on the SRFC web-site.
6.3 The Lead Coach will ensure that arrangements have been made to replenish any first aid supplies used.
7.First Aid Bag requirement
It is the policy of Swindon Rugby Club that all age groups must have a fully stocked first aid bag available at all times that children are participating in rugby:
8.As a minimum any first aid bag should contain:
1 x First Aid Guidance Leaflet
2 x Sterile Dressing Assorted
1 x Sterile Eye Pad with Bandage
2 x Triangular Bandage
1 x Conforming Bandage 7.5cm x 4m
2 x Crepe Bandage 5cm x 4.5m
1 x Crepe Bandage 7.5cm x 4.5m
1 x Allsport EAB 7.5cm x 4.5m
1 x Microporous Dressing Tape
6 x Safety Pins
1 x Gauze Swabs, 8 ply (5)
1 x Resuscitation Face Shield
10 x Antiseptic Wipes
2 x 20ml Sterile Eyewash Pods
20 x Sterile Washproof Plasters
2 x Latex Gloves (Pair)
2 x Low Adherent Dressing Assorted
1 x Single Use Instant Cold Pack
2 x Self Seal Waste Bags
1 x Silver Foil Survival Blanket
1 x Scissors
1 x Small Spray Bottle
2 x Zinc Oxide Tape Assorted
1.1 That in the first instances the coaches are responsible for the care of players and for the implementation and adherence to the Procedures for Safety and Emergency.
1.2 That each age group should have a trained representative in first aid specific to sports injuries. There will be times when age group specific first aiders are not available or have not been appointed and it is therefore the coaches’ responsibility to comply with point 2.4 before play begins. It is the coaches’ responsibility to advise the Club when a first aider has left or in any circumstances where an age group does not have a permanent qualified and checked first aider attached to their group.
1.3 That only those volunteers whose qualifications have been checked by the club should be allowed to treat injuries. It is the coaches’ responsibility to ensure that the Club is aware of ANY volunteer first aider and that the volunteer is checked before being allowed to treat injuries.
1.4 To publish a list of first aiders/qualified injury specialists, their age group attachments and their location. It should be noted that circumstances change and the coach is still responsible for ensuring that point 2.4 is complied with before play begins.
1.5 That if there is any doubt as to the safety of a player or the conditions, DO NOT PLAY.
1.6 That a list of recordable injuries be maintained and that coaches will be responsible for completing the Injury report form (see attached) in each instance where a recordable injury has occurred.
1.7 That a list of reportable injuries be maintained and that the completion complies with RFU recommendations for reportable injuries.
2.Before play begins the Team Coach will:
2.1 Ensure the conditions that they are being asked to play in are safe.
2.2 Carry out a visual assessment of the playing area and the surrounding area
2.3 Record any perceived and identified risks and take the necessary action taken to remove the risk.
2.4 Ensure that they have qualified and checked first aiders available throughout the period of play.
2.5 Ensure that they have a fully stocked first aid kit as laid down in the attached information sheet.
2.6 Ensure that they are aware of the emergency procedures and contacts.
2.7 Ensure that they are aware and have access to of the location of the Notifiable Persons.
2.8 Ensure all players remove all jewellery (including watches) and any items of clothing that may pose a risk of injury to the player or others.
2.9 That any protective clothing being worn complies with IRB/RFU recommendations.
2.10 That mouth guards are worn at all times, during contact sessions or where contact is possible.
2.11 That glass lenses in spectacles are NOT worn.
2.12 Enquire of players as to injuries that have occurred since last they played for the Club.
2.13 In the event that a player has sustained an injury elsewhere the coach will:
a) If it is a minor injury ask a qualified and checked first aider to review the injury and the circumstances of the injury, record the review and use common sense as to the fitness of the player.
b) If it is a “reportable” injury, or an injury that the coach believes would have been reportable under the Club’s guidelines, then treat as if the injury had occurred within the Club and use the reportable injury procedures before allowing the player to resume playing.
c) Particular attention should be paid to back, chest, neck, head and face injuries. Injuries to these areas should be fully investigated by a qualified and checked first aider before allowing the player to play.
d) If the player’s parent or guardian is available ensure that they are part of the discussion and elicit their knowledge/understanding of the circumstances of the injury and any medical advice sought/given.
2.10. If there is any doubt as to the fitness of the player, as to the nature of head, face, chest, neck, chest and back injuries. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO PLAY AND REFER THEM TO THEIR GP. Ensure that the parent/guardian is aware.
2.11. If a coach is not satisfied with the conditions or they cannot fulfill all of the above criteria DO NOT PLAY. If there is doubt call an officer of the club. If they are not available, DO NOT PLAY.
Incidents involving injury.
It is a mandatory RFU requirement that certain injuries/incidents are reported to the RFU promptly. To meet this requirement, reportable matters must be notified to the SIA at the Club within 24 hrs
Reportable matters are:
1. An individual who sustains an injury that requires or is suspected to require medical assistance beyond immediate first aid care.
2. An individual who sustains an injury which results in their being admitted to a hospital, including those who are admitted to Accident and emergency but who are subsequently released.
3. Emergency Procedure Guidelines for dealing with accidents & incidents
When dealing with an incident/accident in which a youth or senior player is injured:
3.1 Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation. Is there danger of further injuries? – If so, try to minimize the danger.
3.2 listen to what the injured person is saying.
3.3 Alert a first aider who should take appropriate action for minor injuries.
3.4 In the event of an injury requiring specialist treatment, call the emergency services FIRST and alert the Notifiable Persons. Keep the injured person warm and keep onlookers at bay.
3.5 DO NOT move someone with major injuries. Wait for specialists from the emergency services.
3.6 Deal with the rest of the squad and ensure that they are adequately supervised.
3.7 Get someone to complete an Injury Form to ensure relevant required information is obtained.
3.8 Contact the injured person’s parent/guardian.
3.9 If the injured person is taken to hospital, ensure that all his/her personal belongings are collected up and returned to the injured person or his/her parent/carer in due course.
3.10 If the injured person is taken to hospital they must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If is preferable that this will be their parent/guardian but another CRB checked adult should be nominated by the LC should the parent/guardian not be available.
3.11 Advise should be made to the Club Chairman of the incident at the earliest opportunity to ensure that follow up procedures are completed.
4.Serious Emergencies procedure:
In the event that the emergency services are required the following procedures MUST be followed:
4.1 Four (4) persons are immediately allocated as emergency marshals. 1 at main entrance to SRFC club and car park, 1 at the designated car park emergency vehicle access area ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicle, 1 pitch side to ensure clear way through spectators and a primary marshal at the pitchside where the incident has occurred.
4.2 The pitch side marshal should attempt to take down all details of the injured person and attempt to get contact details for the injured persons relatives (if not already present). Further, the pitch side marshal should record as much detail as possible of the injury and how it occurred and take the names of all witnesses to the incident. All timings of incident should be noted.
4.3 On no account should any contact be made to relatives unless they are present. Contact will on all occasions be made by the notifiable persons.
4.4 On the approach of emergency vehicles the marshals will guide the services to the injured person and will then take up station to ensure a swift and safe exit of the sports park.
4.5 A complete report should be completed of the incident including timings and this should be held by the club and a copy given to the representative of any other club if a non Swindon person was involved. This report should be completed by the primary appointed marshal (pitchside) and the noftifiable persons.
4.7 If it is deemed necessary, an appointed person should accompany the injured party to hospital and report accordingly to the notifiable persons.
5. What constitutes an incident/ accident?
There is no all-encompassing definition of what constitutes an injury/incident that necessitates the completion of an Injury Report Form – a common sense approach is needed. It is therefore suggested that a Form is always completed where the injured person has:
- Any injury which involves blood dispersal or acute skin laceration. (not a scratch or surface blood injury which can be dealt with via a band aid)
- Any injury whatsoever to the neck, nose, eyes and throat.
- Any limb injury which results in impaired movement (includes
hands and fingers)
- Any injury where the injured party complains of acute internal pain.
- Any injury or incident which leaves the injured party breathless or with respiratory difficulties (chest status)
- Any suspected or known bone fracture, tendon, muscle or ligament strain or severe swelling and bruising
- Any injury resulting in suspected concussion
- Any injury which results in the calling of the Emergency Services or requires the player to seek subsequent medical advice.
The above list is not exhaustive – if in doubt, n injury a Form should be completed.
6.After the incident/accident
6.1 The Lead Coach completes an Injury Report Form and ensures the Club Chairman within 24 hours.
6.2 The Injury report forms are located on the SRFC web-site.
6.3 The Lead Coach will ensure that arrangements have been made to replenish any first aid supplies used.
7.First Aid Bag requirement
It is the policy of Swindon Rugby Club that all age groups must have a fully stocked first aid bag available at all times that children are participating in rugby:
8.As a minimum any first aid bag should contain:
1 x First Aid Guidance Leaflet
2 x Sterile Dressing Assorted
1 x Sterile Eye Pad with Bandage
2 x Triangular Bandage
1 x Conforming Bandage 7.5cm x 4m
2 x Crepe Bandage 5cm x 4.5m
1 x Crepe Bandage 7.5cm x 4.5m
1 x Allsport EAB 7.5cm x 4.5m
1 x Microporous Dressing Tape
6 x Safety Pins
1 x Gauze Swabs, 8 ply (5)
1 x Resuscitation Face Shield
10 x Antiseptic Wipes
2 x 20ml Sterile Eyewash Pods
20 x Sterile Washproof Plasters
2 x Latex Gloves (Pair)
2 x Low Adherent Dressing Assorted
1 x Single Use Instant Cold Pack
2 x Self Seal Waste Bags
1 x Silver Foil Survival Blanket
1 x Scissors
1 x Small Spray Bottle
2 x Zinc Oxide Tape Assorted
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