Medical, Health & Insurance
Medical Team:
Pre-Game Strapping:
Pre-Game Nutrition:
Injury Management:
Post-Game Nutrition:
Concussion:
Drugs & Keeping Rugby Clean:
Rugby Australia Insurance Information:
Rugby Australia has setup the RUA Sports Injury and Liability Insurance Plan. To obtain coverage under the plan any players, coaches & officials must be registered with the RUA. Registered participants are automatically covered under the plan from March 1, for a period of 12 months. Participation in the plan is compulsory for all teams competing in competitions managed by the RUA and/or member unions, and an Insurance Levy is payable by all clubs annually based on number of teams.
Whilst the plan provides basic levels of cover for players and others participating in Rugby, it is not all encompassing (this is necessary to keep the cost of insurance affordable for players) and does not seek to replace the need for private health and other insurances.
RUA encourages all players and officials to take out their own private health insurance, life insurance and ‘Top Up’ coverage over and above the coverage provided under this plan. Gow-Gates can assist in regard to ‘Top Up’ insurance and other insurance requirements.
The RUA Rugby Insurance Plan website is provided so that players/parents & club administrators throughout Australia have immediate access to information on the policy benefits, procedures and resources of the insurance plan, including:
- Strength and Conditioning & Rehab - Zac Litherland and Justin Noonan - Inspire Health Services
- Norths Medical Coordinator - Rachael Wilson (Level 2 Sports Medic, Ballymore Ladies)
- Team Medics & Strappers - Level 1 and 2 sports medics (many currently studying Physiotherapy)
- Home Game Doctor - Dr Tom Crookes (Leading emergency Doctor)
- Recommended Physio - Patrick Cruice - All Care Physiotherapy (Norths player discount available)
- Recommended Week Day Doctor - Dr Stacey Compton - (Significant discounts available)
Pre-Game Strapping:
- The club provides a sports trainer or physio to strap players if required before each game.
- Players are contribute a gold coin to receive standard pre-game strapping (if required) of one major joints, and one minor joint per game.
- Players regularly exceeding standard strapping requirements will need to supply their own additional tape.
Pre-Game Nutrition:
- Arrive at the game hydrated.
- Continue to sip small amounts of fluid – especially if it’s hot
- If for any reason your weight is significantly lower than usual (nerves, gastro etc) then you need extra fluid (sports drink and water) to prepare for the game.
- Ensure you drink about 300-500ml during warm-up and stretching
Injury Management:
- Any player with an injury should seek initial assessment from one of the club trainers or either during or after the game.
- You must inform your coaches of any injuries after your game and before Tuesday training the follow week.
- 1st Grade, 2nd Grade & Colts 1 players have access to FREE Tuesday night injury assessment at the Club by All Care Physiotherapy (6pm - 7pm, no booking or cost). You will then be recommended a treatment plan.
- Injury treatment costs (physio, doctors, scans and surgeon) are the players responsibility.
- Norths highly recommend players have private health insurance to assist with any unexpected injury treatment costs.
- If you have a major injury which requires more than $200 in treatment cost and/or impacts your ability to work is would be worthwhile claiming your expenses from your RU Insurance cover. See RU Insurance Information below and contact Rachel Wilson or Shane Horton for assistance.
Post-Game Nutrition:
- Commence fluid intake (non alcoholic) as soon as you leave the field – for optimum recovery avoid drinking alcohol for at least 2 hours.
- Drink a minimum of 1-2 litres asap of a water and sports drink mix (sports drinks contain electrolytes that help you re-hydrate more effectively)
- If you are perspire heavily – you may even require additional electrolytes found in products such as Gastrolyte and Hydralyte (from a pharmacy).
- Eat something – fruit, muffin, sandwich, burger, Sustagen, etc.
- Try to eat a more substantial meal within 2 hours of playing.
- If watch other games – keep a drink bottle handy with you and stay out of the sun.
- If injured - do not drink at all as it will impact your recovery.
Concussion:
- Norths follow the IRB & RU guidelines for concussion management (see link for full guidelines)
- Day of injury - RECOGNISE, REMOVE & REFER.
- If concussed - REST, RECOVER & RETURN.
- Players 18 years and under cannot return to contact training for at least 18 days after all symptoms and signs have disappeared. (Including players 18 years and under playing senior rugby)
- Adult players, 19 years and over cannot return to contact training for at least 11 days after all symptoms and signs have disappeared.
- If concussed the player must have a medical certificate from a medical doctor to start contact training. (Ideally the same medical doctor who consulted the player after the initial injury will review the player and decide on their fitness to return to contact training).
- Alternatively this certificate may be provided by a medical doctor with experience in assessment and management of sports concussion and knowledge of the RU concussion guidance. (It is not ideal to seek medical clearance from inexperienced medical doctors who do not know the medical history of the player)
- This certificate must be given to the Club Medical Coordinator (Rachael Wilson) and/or you coach.
Drugs & Keeping Rugby Clean:
- RU have a campaign running to #keeprugbyclean.
- There will be ASADA random drug testing of Premier Grade players.
- Players have a responsibility as current custodians of the game to keep rugby clean.
- The use of Ilicit drugs & performance enhancing drugs is prohibited by the IRB, RA, QRU and Norths Rugby.
- Be careful with your supplements, especially any imported directly from overseas, they often contain prohibited substances.
- Check the ASAD supplements website for information.
- Check your therapeutic medication using Global DRO website .
- It is a players responsibility to know what they have in their system.
- If tested and you are found to have prohibited substance in your system then penalties will be applied. (ie long term bans from rugby).
- Every 1st Grade players must complete the Player Integrity Level 1 accreditation:
- To complete open Rugby Xplorer
- Click on your profile
- Scroll down to the bottom
- Check your your active, inactive and lapsed accredit ions
- Complete the Player Integrity Level 1 accreditation
Rugby Australia Insurance Information:
Rugby Australia has setup the RUA Sports Injury and Liability Insurance Plan. To obtain coverage under the plan any players, coaches & officials must be registered with the RUA. Registered participants are automatically covered under the plan from March 1, for a period of 12 months. Participation in the plan is compulsory for all teams competing in competitions managed by the RUA and/or member unions, and an Insurance Levy is payable by all clubs annually based on number of teams.
Whilst the plan provides basic levels of cover for players and others participating in Rugby, it is not all encompassing (this is necessary to keep the cost of insurance affordable for players) and does not seek to replace the need for private health and other insurances.
RUA encourages all players and officials to take out their own private health insurance, life insurance and ‘Top Up’ coverage over and above the coverage provided under this plan. Gow-Gates can assist in regard to ‘Top Up’ insurance and other insurance requirements.
The RUA Rugby Insurance Plan website is provided so that players/parents & club administrators throughout Australia have immediate access to information on the policy benefits, procedures and resources of the insurance plan, including:
- Policy Details,
- What is Covered?
- Claims Information/Claim Forms,
- Rugby Risk Management,
- Certificates of Currency,
- Frequently Asked Questions, and
- Important Documents.
