INJURIES
Injuries are a risk of and occur in any physical activitiy. To ensure and improve the safety of participation for all, we request all injuries be immediately reported to the coaching staff. Based on the nature and severity of the injury an appropriate plan can be designed and coordinated with our athletic trainer (and your healthcare provider) for the athlete's safe return-to-participation.
Injury Prevention/Management
Targeted Conditioning: Panther City Rugby has special mini-conditioning programs designed by its sports medicine consultants that target commonly injured areas. Athletes with prior/recurring injuries to the ankle, knee, shoulder or neck are strongly encouraged to consult with the club's Licensed Athlete Trainer or thier coach.
Taping / Bracing: Taping will be provided on a limited basis based on a number of factors. Athletes with joint instability or a recurring injuries will need to purchase a brace. See the club Licensed Athletic Trainer for recommendations on bracing that meets IRB/USA Rugby regulations.
Use of Protective Padding/Apparel: Soft padded undergarments as well as headgear are available to wear. These are for comfort only. Rugby headgear will not protect an athlete from concussion. They are primary intended to protect the ears against rubbing injuries, similiar to a wrestler's headgear. Other soft padding may be used in Rugby to protect an injured area if recommended by a medical professional.
Taping / Bracing: Taping will be provided on a limited basis based on a number of factors. Athletes with joint instability or a recurring injuries will need to purchase a brace. See the club Licensed Athletic Trainer for recommendations on bracing that meets IRB/USA Rugby regulations.
Use of Protective Padding/Apparel: Soft padded undergarments as well as headgear are available to wear. These are for comfort only. Rugby headgear will not protect an athlete from concussion. They are primary intended to protect the ears against rubbing injuries, similiar to a wrestler's headgear. Other soft padding may be used in Rugby to protect an injured area if recommended by a medical professional.
Head Injury/Concussion Protocol
Any athlete that sustains a head injury that, in the opinion of the onsite athletic trainer, coach, other official, or parent, will not be permitted to continue participation in physical activities (fitness, practice, or competition) without written medical clearance from a physician*.
Any athlete that sustains a head injury is not to be given "anti-inflammatory" medication (i.e. aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc.) or allowed to consume alcohol for the first 48 hours post injury. An athlete with symptoms of headache may be given Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed on the container.
No athlete should be permitted to drive or remain alone during the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. The absence of signs & symptoms of concussion does not preclude the development of a hemorrhage within the skull (i.e. subdural hematoma) that may not demonstrate signs & symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after the head trauma.
All athletes the sustain a head trauma should be suspected of neck/spine injury until cleared by a licensed healthcare professional (athletic trainer or physician).
Any athlete that sustains a head injury is not to be given "anti-inflammatory" medication (i.e. aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc.) or allowed to consume alcohol for the first 48 hours post injury. An athlete with symptoms of headache may be given Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed on the container.
No athlete should be permitted to drive or remain alone during the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. The absence of signs & symptoms of concussion does not preclude the development of a hemorrhage within the skull (i.e. subdural hematoma) that may not demonstrate signs & symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after the head trauma.
All athletes the sustain a head trauma should be suspected of neck/spine injury until cleared by a licensed healthcare professional (athletic trainer or physician).
Return-to-Participation after Injury
Under the Care of Club Athletic Trainer: The Licensed Athletic Trainer attained by the club shall make return-to-participation (RTP) decisions on injuries evaluated and/or managed by him/her.
Referred to / Under the Care of a Physician: Athletes that have been referred to a physician* for diagnosis and/or further care for an injury must bring a "physician's note" designating when it is acceptable for a limited or full return-to-partcipation. This applies to any athlete referred to a physician office, urgent care center or hospital.
* Physician means a person licensed as an allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical professional or designee
Under Care of Outside Healthcare Provider (AT, PT, DC, Other): Athletes under the care of an outside healthcare professional must provide a periodic report, at least bi-weekly, from their provider on the functional progress being made ("progress report"). This report must also include any limitations placed on their athletic participation.
Referred to / Under the Care of a Physician: Athletes that have been referred to a physician* for diagnosis and/or further care for an injury must bring a "physician's note" designating when it is acceptable for a limited or full return-to-partcipation. This applies to any athlete referred to a physician office, urgent care center or hospital.
* Physician means a person licensed as an allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical professional or designee
Under Care of Outside Healthcare Provider (AT, PT, DC, Other): Athletes under the care of an outside healthcare professional must provide a periodic report, at least bi-weekly, from their provider on the functional progress being made ("progress report"). This report must also include any limitations placed on their athletic participation.
Attendance at Practices / Competitions
Injured athletes are expected to attend all practices and competitions. Where appropriate, the athlete will be provided an alternate conditioning program to help maintain a base fitness level.
Injured athletes that do not attend practice may be dropped for the team without refund, expect when their absence is supported by a physician's note indicating bed-rest or similiar restrictions.
Injured athletes that do not attend practice may be dropped for the team without refund, expect when their absence is supported by a physician's note indicating bed-rest or similiar restrictions.