Yorkshire RFU

Request for responses from Toni Birch, Chair of Club Development

Dear ALL (Sent to the Club Chair, Secretary and RugbySafe Lead)

RUGBYSAFE AND REGULATION 9

I am undertaking a review of clubs in our county regarding RugbySafe and Regulation 9 and would like some information from you please.

I have attached a link to the Rugby Safe section of the RFU website for your information and listed below a reminder of the main aspects of Reg 9. Being-Rugbysafe-2022-23.pdf (keepyourbootson.co.uk)

REGULATION 9

All clubs and those involved in arranging any rugby activity:

• must complete an annual risk assessment and ensure there is an appropriate level of immediate care and/or first aid cover, and equipment provided for that rugby activity as determined by such risk assessment. Clubs and those involved in arranging any rugby activity shall provide a copy of any risk assessment to the RFU immediately upon request – this should be recorded on GMS once completed on the Organisation Profile Tab – RugbySafe and Player Welfare Tab.
• must have access to a telephone to ensure that the emergency services can be contacted immediately when needed and ensure there is clear vehicular access for an ambulance or other emergency vehicle;

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• in respect of contact rugby activity, must comply with the RugbySafe First Aid and Immediate Care Provision Standards as follows unless Regulation 9.3(d) or 9.3(e) apply: i. In age grade contact rugby from the start of the 2022-23 season; and ii. In adult contact rugby from the start of 2023-24 season

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• Clubs and those involved in arranging any rugby activity must provide a level of immediate care and/or first aid cover that reflects a recent risk assessment carried out for that club or event. This may be greater than or less the RugbySafe First Aid / Immediate Care Provision Standards but must consider whether these standards are applicable and can only deviate from them if the risk assessment gives good reason to do so;

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• In the event that the level of immediate care and/or first aid cover expected to be available is temporarily unavailable, clubs and those involved in arranging any rugby activity must assess the risk and may only undertake that activity if they are satisfied that the level of immediate care and/or first aid cover is appropriate for the rugby activity undertaken on that temporary basis

What I am looking for is a response to the following questions to support your compliance with the regulation. Please reply by Friday 18th November.

1. Over the last few weeks I have been made aware that a number of clubs are in need of first aid training courses to ensure you have the correct amount of support pitch side. Please could you let me know your requirements as soon as possible, I can then plan and arrange training in the local area to meet your needs?
2. Please confirm that the details for your RugbySafe lead has been inputted into GMS. All communication will be send to this address in the future from Yorkshire RFU and is used by the RFU to promote information from the EMCs regarding concussion.
3. Please confirm that you have completed the risk assessment and recorded this on GMS.
4. Please could you let me know if your club has a defibrillator?

RUGBYSAFE – Headcase & Concussion Protocol

Having recently dealt with a number of cases and with all the publicity regarding head injuries, I just want to remind you that we need to ensure that we following the correct protocol when it comes to a suspected head injury/concussion. The welfare of the player is paramount.

Please could you ensure all your coaches, team managers, referees, parents and player are all aware of Headcase and the protocol that should be followed when a suspected head injury occurs.

Remember there is NO Head Injury Assessment (HIA) process in the community game. This includes all age grade and adult games and competitions.

Any suspected head injury must result in the player having 14 days of relative rest before starting the Graduated Return To Play (GRTP) protocol, this means that it should be a minimum of 19 days for adults and 23 days for young people before they are returning to the field of play.

If you want anymore guidance or are unfamiliar with the GRTP, please refer to the Headcase modules that are available online and only take approx. 30 minutes to complete using this link 07. HEADCASE (keepyourbootson.co.uk).

I am happy to help answer any further questions you may have.

I have also recently provided a reminder to the referee societies, so we are all working in the best interest of player welfare.

Thank you for your support in this matter and I look forward to receiving your replies by the 18th.