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A preliminary audit of medical and aid provision in English Rugby union clubs: compliance with Regulation 9

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Governing bodies are largely responsible for the monitoring and management of risks associated with a safe playing environment, yet adherence to regulations is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the current status of medical personnel, facilities, and equipment in Rugby Union clubs at regional level in England.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 242 registered clubs was undertaken, where clubs were surveyed online on their current medical personnel, facilities, and equipment provision, according to regulation 9 of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Results

Overall, 91 (45. 04%) surveys were returned from the successfully contacted recipients. Of the completed responses, only 23.61% (n = 17) were found to be compliant with regulations. Furthermore, 30.56% (n = 22) of clubs were unsure if their medical personnel had required qualifications; thus, compliance could not be determined. There was a significant correlation (p = −0.029, r = 0.295) between club level and numbers of practitioners. There was no significant correlation indicated between the number of practitioners/number of teams and number of practitioners/number of players. There were significant correlations found between club level and equipment score (p = 0.003, r = −0.410), club level and automated external defibrillator (AED) access (p = 0.002, r = −0.352) and practitioner level and AED access (p = 0.0001, r = 0.404). Follow-up, thematic analysis highlighted widespread club concern around funding/cost, awareness, availability of practitioners and AED training.

Conclusion

The proportion of clubs not adhering overall compliance with Regulation 9 of the RFU is concerning for player welfare, and an overhaul, nationally, is required.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge and thank all of the club representatives whom honestly and diligently took part in this audit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sport, Exercise and Well-Being Research Arena, Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, UK

    Kirsten Wing & Hollie J. Bailey

  2. Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Dance and Gymnastics, University School of Physical Education in Poznań, Poznań, Poland

    Piotr Gronek

  3. Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland

    Robert Podstawski

  4. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK

    Cain C. T. Clark

  5. Engineering Behaviour Analytics in Sports and Exercise (E-BASE) Research Group, Swansea University, Wales, SA1 8EN, UK

    Cain C. T. Clark

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  1. Kirsten Wing
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  5. Cain C. T. Clark
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Contributions

KW and HJB conceived the study; KW carried out the audit; KW and CCTC performed the statistical analyses; KW, HJB and CCTC participated in study design and KW, HJB, PG, RP and CC participated in writing and critically appraising the manuscript. All the authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agree with the order of presentation of the authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cain C. T. Clark.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Wing, K., Bailey, H.J., Gronek, P. et al. A preliminary audit of medical and aid provision in English Rugby union clubs: compliance with Regulation 9. Ir J Med Sci 188, 1093–1101 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-018-1913-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-018-1913-z

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