Pre-participation
Before playing Rugby, there is a series of checks which should be undertaken to ensure a player is Rugby Ready.
A Rugby Ready player will:
- have the physical attributes and have attained the necessary level of fitness for their level of play
- have sufficient technical skill and ability for the grade at which they are playing
- have been fully rehabilitated from any previous injuries and will not be predisposed to serious injury
- be familiar with the Laws of the Game and what constitutes foul play
- have been assessed for readiness through player profiling
Player profiling is an established method of assessing players’ readiness to play Rugby. A good profile will help coaches ascertain if a player is Rugby Ready. Profiling should take place before pre-season training starts and when new players join the squad. It should then be repeated at intervals throughout the season.
The profile should ask for information on the following areas:
- personal contact and next of kin details
- medical history (including details of any medication taken)
- cardiac questionnaire
- lifestyle and fitness information
- history of injury
- previous exposure to Rugby
Special attention should be given to:
- age grade (U19 and below) players, e.g. physique, skill, fitness, etc
- all new players
- players with pre-existing injuries
- any player with a history of concussion
- front row players with a history of, or any previous, neck injury
- older players who may have degenerative conditions
As well as coach-led profiling, a physical assessment by a doctor, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach or sports trainer could be undertaken. This assessment could test for:
- functional ability
- speed
- balance
- flexibility
- aerobic endurance
- anaerobic endurance
- physical abnormalities, e.g., biomechanical
Strength and conditioning coaches should only conduct assessments that they are competent in administering, in line with their Union’s protocols.
An example of a player profile form is available for download at: https://passport.world.rugby/injury-prevention-and-risk-management/rugby-ready/downloads/