HAZARD

CONTROL MEASURES IN PLACE

RISK FACTOR

FURTHER CONTROL MEASURES

Poor Quality Coaching

Regular training of coaches

1st team players assist in coaching in the youth sector

Low

Training during the week

Hazard: Injuries can occur through slip, trip, fall, collision with fellow players. 

Injuries are mainly of a minor nature.

All training sessions take place under the guidance of a coach and trainer.

If no First Aid back-up is available contact the nearest medical facility:

Mediclinic on 024446655

Correct footwear advised

Medium

Any goals which need to be moved to allow a practice to take place should be moved by at least 2 persons.

Scrum Machine

Injuries can occur through faults with the scrum machine itself or through poor training techniques.

Hazard: Minor to Major Injuries.

Ensure the correct technique is taught by coaches.

Ensure the scrum machine is in good working order before each use.

Ensure that an annual service takes place.

Medium

Pitches  

Injuries happen as a result of the state of the playing surface e.g. from foreign bodies on the pitch such as glass or from slipping on a wet surface. 

Hazard: Minor Injuries (e.g. bruising) to Major Injuries (e.g. broken bones from falls etc)

Ensure all players wear the appropriate footwear for the condition of the pitch.

Liaise with the groundsman with reference to pitch conditions ahead of the game.

Pre-match inspection of the pitch by the Groundsman and Referee to decide whether the pitch is fit for play, clearing any unexpected hazards e.g. glass.

Ultimately the decision on whether the game goes ahead rests with the Referee for the game. 

Medium

Coaches should refuse to allow players to play with the incorrect footwear.

Coaches should refuse to allow players to play in the event of head injury and in the event of concussion, medical advice from a Specialist in Concussion should be followed.

The club advises players to undertake Baseline Cognitive Testing.

Goal Posts

Players collide with the goal posts during the course of the game.

Hazard: Collision leading to

potential head and upper limb Injury.

Corner Posts. Players collide with corner posts.

Groundsman is to ensure that padding is in place around each post as per guidelines.

Groundsman must ensure that the padding around all uprights is secured correctly and in good order.

Corner posts should be flexible to allow impact when players are diving for a try in the corner.

Low

Boots and Studs

Injuries can be sustained from studs which are not checked.

Hazard: Sharp edges which can lead to a greater chance of cuts.

Ensure that studs and boots meet IRB criteria and standards.

Before each game all players boots and studs are checked by the referee.

Low

As players are ultimately responsible for their own boots they will regularly check their own kit to ensure it is safe to use during training sessions.

As games are played at regular intervals during term then any boot issues regarding safe studs will be raised.

Running and passing.

Hazard: Injuries from falling over or collision with other players.

Coaches to ensure that enough space is used for practices and clear instructions are given by coaches.

Low

None.

Tackling.

Hazard: Injuries vary from bruising to injuries to the face, shoulders, upper body limbs, knees and ankles.

Coaches are to ensure that players are taught the correct technique.

Players are encouraged to wear shoulder pads and protective padding where tackling takes place (matches and training).

The wearing of mouth guards is not compulsory. OURFC do provide mouth guards for players who request them.

The players are to go through a full warm-up prior to the start of the game.

Practices should not take place when players are over fatigued.

Medium

Encourage correct and regular coaching at schools and club.

If players are carrying an injury – it is the Physiotherapist, Doctor, Coach and Players who make the decision regarding ‘how  fit’ the player is and whether he is able to play or not.

Rucking and Mauling.

Hazard: There is the danger of players being stamped on leading to cuts and bruising.

Coaches are to ensure that players are taught the correct technique.

Ensure that the officials comply with the Rules of the Game.

Ensure the boots and studs are checked and IRB regulation studs are used.

Medium

Scrums

Hazard: Damage to players shoulders, neck, back and ears.

Coaches are to ensure that players are taught the correct technique.

Ensure that the Officials enforce the Rules of the Game re: collapsing of the scrum.

Ensure that there is a thorough knowledge of the game with regard to binding in the front row and the wheeling of the scrum.

Medium

Ensure that there are regular strength improvement sessions especially for props and locks.

Line-Outs

Hazard: Injury to players lifting others or falling from a height.

Coaches are to ensure that players are taught the correct technique.

Ensure that the players need to understand the need to lower those jumping to the floor.

Ensure that the defending side keep to the regulations regarding the regard to challenging for the ball.   

Medium

Thorough warm-up before lifting.

Work on lifting technique and strength as part of the conditioning programme.

Strapping of thighs to allow better grip.

Hazard: Choking

Players should not be chewing gum when playing or training.

Physiotherapist is aware of treatment.  Call 999 if Emergency Services required.

Low

Players required to turn player onto their side (recovery position) if a player is thought to be choking. Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) manoeuvre if needed.

Hazard: Muscle Strains/Bruising/Cuts

Cuts: This is an occasional but inevitable consequence of a physical contact sport.

Those dealing with cuts should wear disposable gloves provided in all first aid kits.

Muscular Strains/Bruising: the principle of R.I.C.E, should be applied.

Advice on rehabilitation will be referred to a Physiotherapist. 

Medium

Cuts should be immediately cleaned and dressed before continuing with practice/matches.

Referees in games will ask player to leave the pitch for cuts to be cleaned up. Substitutes permitted.

Players must warm-up correctly and all injuries should be dealt with correctly by professionals e.g. Physiotherapists. 

Hazard: Dislocated and broken bones

Dislocations and breaks: This is an occasional but inevitable consequence of a physical contact sport.

Such accidents should be reported immediately to the Physiotherapist/ First Aiders and they should oversee the injury.

Medium

Hazard: Injury to head, neck or spine.

This could arise in a game situation and is identified separately because of its potential for more permanent disablement.

Officials should be clear about the way to treat possible spinal injuries.

The player should not be moved unless an appropriately trained individual is present and the Emergency Services contacted on 999.

Medium

Dehydration

Large quantities of fluid can be lost from the body during strenuous exercise, particularly in hot weather. It is important to ensure adequate fluid intake before, during and after training and games.

Low

In anticipation of strenuous training sessions, particularly in summer, members are encouraged to bring water bottles and the coaches will allow for regular breaks to enable them to take on fluids.

Injury to players during a match.

The protocol for fixtures is to provide the following medical cover as outlined.

Hazard: Lack of trained First Aid staff who can offer assistance to players with injuries.

Home Fixtures:

A Physiotherapist / first-aider is in attendance at all Home Fixtures;

Away Matches:

Physiotherapist or first-aider will be in attendance;

Pre-season Tour:

Physio will be in attendance.

Medium

Road Accidents in hired minibuses, coaches when travelling to matches & competitions.

This also applies to accidents in a private car(s).

Manager to complete the trip transportation information and routes before each event. 

For any mini-bus coaches which are hired Drivers must have local license and insurance.

Low