Abstract
Background
Rugby Union is one of the most popular sports in Ireland. Participation in all sports carries risk, and there is an onus on governing bodies and those involved in sport to minimise this risk using injury prevention and management programmes.
Aims
The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of medical personnel, facilities and equipment in Rugby Union clubs in Ireland.
Methods
A nationwide cross sectional survey of affiliated clubs in Ireland was undertaken at the beginning of the 2011–2012. Clubs were surveyed on a range of variables including their medical personnel, facilities, equipment, policies and concussion.
Results
47.7 % of those surveyed responded. The majority reported involvement of appropriate medically qualified personnel, having a dedicated medical area/room, a first aid kit and defibrillator, and a demand for first aid courses.
Conclusions
This survey provided key information on the current medical status of clubs in Ireland to the governing body. Many clubs have adequate medical resources in place, however a large number do not have medical professionals working with them or own basic medical equipment. The results of this study have lead to the development and implementation of a rugby specific injury prevention and management programme for medical and non-medical personnel at all levels of the game in Ireland.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge the support of the IRFU and club officials in this study.
Ethical standard
The authors confirm that this study has been approved by the appropriate ethics committee.
Conflict of interest
Dr. G. Coughlan and Dr. C. McCarthy are employees of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The authors have full control of all primary data and they agree to allow the journal to review their data if requested.
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Coughlan, G.F., Fullen, B.M. & McCarthy, C. A national survey of clubs medical personnel, facilities and protocols in Irish Rugby Union. Ir J Med Sci 183, 39–45 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-013-0968-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-013-0968-0