What happens if an athlete is injured during a match or practice?
Injuries do occur in rugby, just as they occur in any contact sport. Athletes are responsible for reporting minor injuries to their parents. However, injuries that are suspected to be more serious in nature (i.e. fractures, larger cuts, concussions, and serious sprains) are reported immediately to the player’s parent or guardian by the coach. A cell phone is present at all practices and matches in the event of an emergency. Certified trainers are present at some matches, and tournaments, but not at all events. Appropriate action will of course be taken in the event that an injury requires emergency attention, and a parent cannot be located. At the beginning of the season, all parents are required to fill out a form, so as to provide emergency contact information. Parents are also requested to sign a Medical Authorization form in the event that emergency treatment is needed and a parent cannot be located on an immediate basis to authorize such treatment.
