Player safety is a serious aspect of rugby
View(s):The contribution by Science College to rugby in Sri Lanka has been immense in the past but has always been less publicised till the last two years. They came in and stamped their seal as worthy of being recognised among the top rugby schools.
The Science College Rugby Support Group surprised all as they revealed they had to allow their successful coach Mothilal Jayatilleke to leave them. While praising the effort of Mothilal they have no option at this stage. The Master in Charge of Rugby at Science College, A.P. Jayasooriya, confirmed that meeting the rugby budget of the school was a difficult issue.
It was not only the coach that needed to be looked after but also they have to maintain the ground as well as support the boys in all areas connected to the game. Looking after the medical welfare as well as providing nourishment is a must as most boys come from families with lower middle class income. The season will go on as Rohitha Rajapaksa has come forward to help with the training. This is where the governing body can come in with help as they could be in a better position to introduce a sponsor. Science will not be the end looser but National Rugby to whom this school has contributed immensely.
Speaking of players it was reported and announced in various forums about the need for greater care in sports administration in terms of player welfare. The Ministry of Sports, Its Medical Unit and the SLRFU is very much on the loop in promoting same. This column has come to understand that five of last year’s schools rugby players have undergone surgical attention under expert medical specialists. These players I understand have been the cream of high performers of last year. The instances of injury in sports are not limited to rugby but common to most sports. As pointed at by specialists in sports medicine the need for a sports health and safety system is a must.
The flight to be a winner has overtaken the need for safety and player welfare because of the must win syndrome. While making inquiries it was revealed that a few schools have taken on the task of medical checkups which is still in the embryo stage. Yet some interesting facts have surfaced after the checks. It has been found that around 70 % of sportsmen have medical related issues. Rugby being a contact sport the incidence is much higher. The good news is that these are not life threatening or crippling issues. It is that the players are either medically or physically not at a level to meet the demand of the sport. Continuous check and guidance is the need.
Most of the issues relate to the non attendance to injuries of the last season or not going through the rehabilitation or the rest required for recovery. Another issue is that players continue to be on the field despite injury due to pressure from coaches, peers, parents as well as schools and the old boys. Most problems are niggling injuries which continue as there has not been adequate rest or rehabilitation. It was also noted that players return to practise after viral infection including “Chickengunya” before the prescribed rest period is over. The continuing of players using pain killers as well as over dependence on supplements as a replacement for hard training is also a contributory factor. Another issue is the ground conditions for training. Holes dug for planting of posts or for erecting platforms when grounds re hired cause injuries as players injure their legs as they step into these holes. In cases of schools that have no grounds the uneven surface or pot holes in the limited play area they practise is also a problem. The least these schools can do is to cover those holes. Mow the grass and clear the pebble stones and close the holes. Most of the injuries are man created and can be handled to help with the game. What is needed is for the governing body and the ministries of Sports and Education to work towards educating the stakeholders. The ball has been set to roll by these parties and hopefully we could see better results in the future.
Talking of peer and parental pressure I was more than surprised when some blame this column for highlighting these issues. It was hard to believe when parents ask how do our children play and compete if they don’t take supplements. The effect of the bloated bodes are more important to win than having a healthy offspring. The attitude will change and is happening for the better as coaches who have been nurtured under strict codes of conduct spread the word of player’s welfare. To fathom thir is difficult at the start but the outcome will prove the need.
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus