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| Research Title: |
A survey of injury knowledge and technical needs of junior Rugby Union coaches in Townsville (North Queensland) |
| Type of Research: |
Publication Articles |
| Category: |
Preventative Techniques
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| Keywords: |
Coach
Injury Prevention
Rugby Union, Coaches, Knowledge, Training, ARU qualifications, RICE, First aid
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| Author(s): |
Anthony F Carter, Reinhold Muller |
| Author(s) Bio Box: |
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| Release Date: |
15 May 2008 |
| Research Summary/Text: |
Participating in rugby union is associated with an increased risk of injury. It is a major source of injury morbidity in Australia, the cost of which is disproportionately high compared to estimates of participation. Injury also has a negative impact on participation in the game. Coaches are uniquely positioned to teach safe playing skills, motivate injury prevention behaviours and initiate injury management for their players. A total of 35 junior rugby union coaches from Townsville in Australia completed a self-administered questionnaire which included data items relating to coaching experience and qualification as well as injury knowledge and technical needs.
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| Research Objectives: |
The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge of the mechanisms and management of rugby injury and the technical needs of coaches of the Townsville District Junior Rugby union.
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| Research Outcomes: |
Coaches in the sample had limited knowledge of injury mechanisms and management in rugby union.
Coaches’ knowledge of injury mechanisms increased with coaching experience and qualification. Two-thirds of the coaches were currently Australian Rugby Union accredited coaches and had coached for significantly more seasons than unqualified coaches. Increased technical needs were significantly associated with coaches without ARU qualifications.
Less than half of the coaches (40%) held a current first aid qualification. Coaches with first aid qualifications were significantly more likely to know RICE (rest, ice, compression & elevation) as the treatment for soft tissue injury than those without. No significant association was observed between ARU qualification and soft tissue injury management knowledge.
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| Research Implications: |
Coach education, specifically increasing knowledge of the correct techniques for high risk injury game situations and injury management, has potential as an injury prevention strategy for junior rugby union.
Specifically, procedures for the early management of minor injuries should be included in rugby union coaching courses at all levels.
Coaches with no experience or qualifications should be the focus of a structured introductory course detailing the necessary skills and techniques for safe play prior to commending coaching. Education of safe scrum engagement and collapse techniques should be a priority due to the potential for catastrophic injury in this phase of play.
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| Availability of Full Research Paper: |
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