Children and Rugby
24th February 2015
Everyone knows rugby can be a pretty brutal full-contact sport where players routinely pick up injuries of varying severity, but what about the risks to children who play the sport? A recent editorial in the BMJ written by Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon, Michael Carter warns of the dangers of full-contact rugby for children. In the article Dr Carter calls for changes in the way we think about children playing full-contact sport.
There has been a lot in media recently regarding the dangers of concussion-related injuries after Wales wing George North appeared to be knocked out twice during the 6 Nations match with England on February 6th. The incidents have led to many, including Barry O’Driscoll, former IRB medical advisor and former Newcastle player Dean Ryan calling for increased safety measures in the game to protect players. They both suggest that there needs to be a reform of practice regarding concussion protocol during matches. As O’Driscoll points out, currently players with suspected concussion receive a 5 minute assessment on the pitch before being deemed well enough to continue playing or not. He argues that any player with suspected concussion should not be allowed to play on (after all this is the case in an equally brutal sport; boxing). O’Driscoll also points out the potential conflict of interest brought about by using team medics in these situations. The medics will potentially be influenced by coaches who understandably want their players on the pitch for as long as possible. It is for this reason that O’Driscoll calls for the use of independent medical advisors.
This is a divisive issue, whilst safety is surely at the forefront of parents, schools and coaches minds alike there is still exists a culture, even at the lower end of the game that says you don’t dwell on injuries, you carry on playing and you refuse to back down. That being said, it is partly this mind-set that many feel makes the game so great. It teaches children discipline, teamwork, determination and camaraderie but it also encourages players not to admit when they’re injured, to play on and to push harder, potentially leading to injury. Some feel it is this attitude that further increases the risk of injury to children.
Some are calling for a change in how and when rugby in played in schools. Allyson Pollock’s eldest son suffered a spate of injuries playing rugby at school. In 2006 she went on to investigate the number of injuries caused by rugby in schools. She found that from the small sample she had gathered almost 70% had experienced a significant injury as a result of playing rugby. Children are very vulnerable to head injuries and concussion and a growing number have come away with life changing injuries. Many parents are increasingly conflicted between letting their child enjoy the sport and wanting to protect them from the risk of serious injury.
It could be argued that any sport carries a degree of risk but research has shown that rugby is potentially one of the most risky sports for children in terms of injuries. Some argue that the risks associated with the sport can be greatly reduced by weight-matching players on opposing teams, teaching players how to tackle properly and gradually introducing the more physical elements of the game to children as they get older. Mike Tindall has even recently called for protective equipment to be done away with in schools in order to allow for children to be taught ‘proper tackling technique’.
All in all, it seems that whilst rugby does carry a certain degree of risk it is here to stay and there are still so many who benefit greatly from playing the game from a young age. It remains up to the parents, schools and coaches to make the game as safe as can be and to educate themselves and their children as to the possible risks so they can make an informed decision.