Rugby Safe & Player Welfare
RugbySafe & Player Welfare
Safer Rugby. Healthier Players. Stronger Clubs.
The safety, health and wellbeing of everyone involved in rugby is a priority for Staffordshire Rugby.
Rugby is a physical, contact sport, and managing the associated risks is an important responsibility shared by clubs, coaches, players, match officials, volunteers and parents.
Staffordshire Rugby supports the RFU’s RugbySafe programme, which helps clubs establish good practice in player welfare, injury prevention, medical provision and the management of injuries.
Our aim is simple: to help everyone enjoy rugby in an environment where safety and wellbeing come first.
What is RugbySafe?
RugbySafe is the RFU’s player welfare programme, providing clubs and those involved in the game with guidance, resources and education to help make rugby as safe as reasonably practicable.
It brings together important areas of player welfare, including:
Concussion recognition and management.
Injury prevention and safe participation.
First aid and medical provision.
Emergency action planning.
Safe coaching and appropriate training.
Mental health and wellbeing.
Club RugbySafe responsibilities and good practice.
Every club has a role in embedding RugbySafe principles into its everyday activities, from training sessions and matches to festivals and other rugby events.
RFU RugbySafe – Official Guidance
Concussion Awareness – Recognise and Remove
Concussion is a significant player welfare concern at every level of rugby.
Everyone involved in the game should understand how to recognise a suspected concussion and what action to take.
If concussion is suspected, the player must be immediately removed from play and must not return to the field that day.
The RFU’s HEADCASE programme provides guidance on recognising concussion, responding appropriately, recovery and returning safely to rugby.
Players should follow the applicable RFU return-to-play guidance and obtain appropriate healthcare advice. Return-to-play arrangements differ according to age and playing circumstances.
Coaches, referees, parents and players all have a responsibility to take concussion seriously.
Remember: If in doubt, sit them out.
For the latest concussion guidance and educational resources, visit the RFU Player Welfare website.
First Aid and Emergency Action Planning
Clubs should have appropriate first-aid arrangements in place for training, matches and rugby events.
This includes ensuring that:
Suitable first-aid provision is available for the activity taking place.
First-aid equipment is accessible and appropriately maintained.
Those providing first aid have suitable training for their responsibilities.
Emergency procedures are understood by coaches, volunteers and other relevant personnel.
Emergency services can access the ground or training venue when required.
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) helps clubs prepare for a serious injury or medical emergency.
Plans should identify how assistance will be summoned, who will take responsibility, the location of essential equipment and how emergency services will reach the injured person.
Clubs should review their arrangements regularly and ensure that those responsible for delivering rugby activities know what to do.
RFU RugbySafe – First Aid and Emergency Planning Resources
Injury Prevention and Safe Participation
Player welfare starts before anyone takes the field.
Good preparation, appropriate coaching, safe playing environments and sensible management of training and playing loads all contribute to reducing the risk of injury.
Clubs and coaches should consider:
Age-appropriate training and activities.
Safe and progressive development of contact skills.
Suitable playing surfaces, facilities and equipment.
Appropriate warm-ups and physical preparation.
The management of fatigue, injuries and recovery.
Ensuring players are fit and ready to participate.
Players should not feel pressured to train or play when injured or medically unfit.
Where an injury has occurred, a safe return to rugby should be based on the nature of the injury, appropriate medical advice and the relevant RFU guidance.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Player welfare extends beyond physical injuries.
Rugby can make a positive contribution to mental health through friendship, teamwork, physical activity and a sense of belonging. However, players, coaches, referees and volunteers can also experience stress, anxiety and other challenges affecting their wellbeing.
Staffordshire Rugby encourages clubs to create environments where people feel comfortable speaking openly, asking for support and looking out for one another.
Simple actions can make a difference:
Creating an inclusive, welcoming club environment.
Encouraging positive communication between players and coaches.
Recognising when someone may be struggling.
Taking concerns seriously and responding sensitively.
Helping individuals access appropriate professional support when needed.
Clubs are not expected to provide clinical mental health services, but they can play an important role in recognising concerns and helping people find support.
For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 999.
For urgent mental health support in England, NHS 111 can provide guidance. The Samaritans are also available on 116 123, free of charge, day or night.
Club RugbySafe Leads
A strong RugbySafe culture depends on people taking responsibility at club level.
Club RugbySafe Leads play an important part in promoting player welfare and helping their clubs understand and implement RFU guidance.
Their responsibilities may include:
Promoting awareness of RugbySafe and player welfare.
Supporting the club’s first-aid and emergency arrangements.
Encouraging relevant training and education.
Helping coaches and volunteers access RFU resources.
Supporting the review of player welfare procedures.
Working with club officials to identify areas for improvement.
RugbySafe is not solely the responsibility of one individual. It requires the support and involvement of the whole club.
Staffordshire Rugby encourages every affiliated club to identify an appropriate person to coordinate its RugbySafe arrangements and maintain links with county and RFU support.
Safeguarding and RugbySafe – Working Together
RugbySafe and Safeguarding are closely connected, but they have different areas of responsibility.
RugbySafe focuses primarily on physical safety, injury prevention, medical provision and health and wellbeing.
Safeguarding focuses on protecting children and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.
Both are essential to providing a safe and positive rugby environment.
For information on safeguarding responsibilities, reporting concerns and club safeguarding arrangements, please visit the Safeguarding section of the Staffordshire Rugby website.
RFU Player Welfare Resources
The RFU provides national guidance and educational resources to support clubs, coaches, players, parents and match officials.
These should be the principal reference points for current requirements and good practice.
The national RugbySafe programme, including guidance on safety, first aid, concussion and club welfare arrangements.
Wider player welfare information and resources to support safe participation in rugby.
Clubs should refer to the latest RFU guidance rather than relying on historical versions of policies or procedures.
RugbySafe in Staffordshire
Staffordshire Rugby is committed to supporting its affiliated clubs in developing and maintaining effective RugbySafe arrangements.
We encourage clubs to share good practice, identify where additional support may be required and ensure that player welfare remains part of everyday club decision-making.
For county-level RugbySafe enquiries, please contact the Staffordshire Rugby RugbySafe Lead through the county’s published contact arrangements.
Whether you are a player, coach, referee, volunteer, parent or club official, you have a part to play in making rugby safer.
Safe Players. Supported Volunteers. Stronger Rugby Communities.
Contacts
Rugby Safe Lead: Libby Donaghy