Dear Honorary Secretary and club volunteers,
In light of confirmation in the UK that a number of former professional players will take action against World Rugby, the RFU and the WRU in relation to concussions, you and some of your coaches may get some queries from parents in relation to concussion in our game.
While you will no doubt be aware of the IRFU's commitment to concussion education and awareness, we must use this as an opportunity for further education on this matter. We should never shy-away from having a chat with a parent in relation to any concern they have.
The below points can help you or your coaches and volunteers in any contact with a parent, to reassure them, and further educate , in relation to the matter of concussion.
- There are risks associated with all sports and we were one of the first sports to take action to address concussion in the game. Supervised play and activity is still far safer than unsupervised activity, which is the main cause of injury to children. If any person is telling you that concussion is not an issue in any other contact sport they are not being completely honest.
- We have undertaken education and awareness programmes for many years now and can confidently say that there has never been more awareness in relation to concussion, which has improved the way it is spotted and treated at every level of the game.
- The IRFU are involved in research projects that look into the area of injury and concussion and this research guides our approach to injury prevention.
- The issues that are presenting in the media are related to former professional players in the UK and Wales, who played a very different game than the one that is played at domestic level.
- Parents can find more information on https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/medical/irfu-concussion-protocols/
We have undertaken education and awareness programmes for many years now and can confidently say that there has never been more awareness in relation to concussion, which has improved the way it is spotted and treated at every level of the game.
The IRFU are involved in research projects that look into the area of injury and concussion and this research guides our approach to injury prevention.
The issues that are presenting in the media are related to former professional players in the UK and Wales, who played a very different game than the one that is played at domestic level.
Parents can find more information on https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/medical/irfu-concussion-protocols/ Please share this with anyone in your club that may have contact with parents.
Many thanks & Merry Christmas to you all.
Stephen McNamara
IRFU Director of Communication
