Cleobury Mortimer RFC takes its responsibilities for First Aid very seriously. Rugby is a contact sport which means that unfortunately, players will at some point in their playing career, receive an injury that may mean they miss some or all of a season. It is important that these players receive the appropriate first aid whilst on the pitch and are sign posted to the appropriate medical facilitator.

RFU Regulation 9.2 Player safety, clearly states that:

The safety of all players is of paramount importance and therefore all clubs must ensure that, wherever the game is played or training is conducted:

a) there is appropriate first aid cover and equipment provided, determined by an appropriate and properly conducted risk assessment;

b) there is access to a telephone to ensure emergency services can be called immediately; and

c) there is clear vehicular access for an ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

Failure to comply with this regulation could result in disciplinary action being taken against clubs.

This section of our website details the response of Cleobury Mortimer RFC to that responsibility.

All players must consider their own physical fitness before any training or match. As a club re arrange regular training sessions so that players can achieve the level of fitness required, whilst working together on team plays.

The RFU provides online resources at http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/game-support/medical-and-first-aid/ and advice helplines covering player safety, injury prevention and the welfare of players.

Clubs have a responsibility to complete a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision. and provide appropriate First Aid equipment so that they can respond to basic first aid situations with confidence.

Risk Assessment is a technique for identifying and controlling hazards associated with an organisation’s activities. The RFU advise that all rugby clubs should ensure that Risk Assessments are undertaken for all its activities. Undertaking risk assessments demonstrates commitment to volunteers and the duty of care owed to them. They are also an excellent way to identify and overcome health and safety problems. Risk Assessment involves identifying all hazards, assessing the risk and putting in place measures to control unacceptable risks. A hazard is defined as anything that has the potential to cause harm. Risk is the likelihood of it causing harm and the degree of harm it could cause, e.g. an electrical shock that could lead to a fatality. RFU guidance can be found at http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/legal-and-admin/risk-assessments/
In order to provide a safe environment in which the game can be enjoyed by all, clubs should encourage members, coaches and volunteers to attend a First Aid training course. The RFU does provide an Emergency First Aid Course that meets all the criteria for an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification and is specifically designed for rugby volunteers assisting at matches and training sessions, but a wide range of alternative courses are available. Guidance can be found at http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/game-support/medical-and-first-aid/first-aid-course-guidelines/
Advice on necessary First Aid equipment can be found at http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/game-support/medical-and-first-aid/first-aid-equipment/
Cleobury Mortimer RFC does try to ensure that sufficient First Aid cover is provided at every game played. However, we could always do with more help and would be prepared to pay for someone to attend a suitable course.