Regulation 9 – Pitch-side Emergency First Aid

Following on from the implementation of the pitch-side emergency first aid and immediate care standards in the age grade game in the 2022-23 season, these standards will now be introduced across the adult community game from the start of the 2023/24 season, along with the requirement to complete a first aid specific risk assessment as set out in RFU Regulation 9 (Player Safety)(opens in a new tab).

The emergency first aid and immediate care provision guidelines for the adult game have been in place for several years now, however the transition of these from guidelines to minimum standards is part of the ongoing commitment to improving player welfare across the game.

Whilst the guidelines will become minimum standards, there are no change to the current provision levels as set out in the Community Rugby: Pitch-side First Aid and Immediate Care Provision for Training and Matches document(opens in a new tab), where the minimum standard for a large majority of adult teams in the community game will continue to be one emergency first aider (EFA) per game, with one EFA per team recommended as best practice.

The minimum qualification for an EFA involved in rugby is a Level 3 first aid qualification or equivalent, we recommend the rugby specific Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union (EFARU) course(opens in a new tab), however other Level 3 First Aid and equivalent qualifications are accepted and recognised for EFAs covering rugby activity.

We will be collaborating with clubs through the CB and Club RugbySafe Lead networks to support clubs in being able to meet these standards, appreciating that there will be a transition period especially during the 2023-24 season whilst clubs identify and train EFAs.

For more information on the EFARU course and pitch-side emergency first aid and immediate care provision standards visit the RugbySafe Community Rugby First Aid Provision & Information Toolkit.