|
Colorado Youth Rugby takes lead on player safety
As part of an on going effort to protect the boys and girls who compete in high school rugby, Colorado Youth Rugby
has updated their concussion protocols, and have put into practice conventions that exceed those prescribed by the National Federation of State High School Associations and Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). Under the revised guidelines, CYR players who have sustained a concussion are restricted from competing in matches for twenty-one days following exhibiting any symptoms. In addition, players must obtain written clearance from a physician and remain asymptomatic during exertion training before returning to the pitch. “As the popularity of rugby continues to grow it is important for us [CYR] to emphasize the importance player safety while upholding the traditions of the game.” Executive Director of Colorado Youth Rugby J.R. Lapierre commented following CYR’s preseason coaches meeting on Saturday. At that meeting, CYR advised its coaches of the new protocols, and invited Dr. Don Gerber, neuropsychologist at Craig Hospital in Denver , to brief coaches and CYR staff on the symptoms and causes of concussions. Dr. Gerber, a former rugby player, is the team neuropsychologist for the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Avalanche, and the University of Denver Sport Medicine Department. According to Dr Gerber, the majority concussions occur from impacts to the side of the head while tackling or being tackled. He emphasized training in proper tackling techniques as a way to reduce the risk of injury. He also briefed coaches on how to recognize the signs of a concussion, and recommended calling 911 if there is any doubt. “The data varies from study to study, but on balance, rugby players suffer the same number or fewer concussions as their peers who play high school football.” Doctor Gerber said when asked to compare the instances of concussion between the two sports. In addition to CYR’s efforts, the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union (ERRFU) has directed its referees to stop games and have players suspected of sustaining a concussion evaluated by team trainers. ERRFU has also instituted guidance for dangerous tackles. The rules posted on the ERRFU website give referees clear courses of action. Possible scenarios: The player is lifted and then forced or “speared” into the ground. Red Card The lifted player is dropped to the ground from a height with no regard to the player’s safety. Red Card. For all other types of dangerous lifting tackles, it may be considered a penalty or yellow card is sufficient (http://errfu.org/template.php). Unlike a yellow card where the player is sent to the sin bin for ten minutes (similar to a penalty box in hockey), the referee issues a red card to a player who commits a flagrant foul. The player receiving a red card is ejected, and his team must play short handed for the remainder of the game. ERRFU and CYR are hopeful that such a sever consequence will help reduce the number of dangerous tackles and the injuries resulting from them.
Rugby Colorado Concussions: Coaches Protocol 1. Ensure all forms are filled out/signed by players/parents. 2. Anyone suspected of having sustained a concussion will be pulled from play and evaluated. 3. Enforce 3 week sit down . NO practice with team. 4. Signed Dr. release to return to practice at the end of 3 weeks. Even if Dr. says "okay" at less than 3 weeks, the player still must wait 3 weeks. 5. Upon return to practice, coach will watch for any obvious signs of problems: dizziness, staggering, vomiting, etc.
|
Coaches Corner 
