STA TACKLES FIRST AID FOR RUGBY
13.02.2006
The STA has just announced that it has joined forces with the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) to launch a new qualification for rugby coaches and volunteers.
The RFU First Aid Appointed Person Award is a Nationally accredited qualification which will become a unique model for rugby. It will be managed fully by the STA, and the first six-hour course is scheduled to start in March.
The STA is recognised as a specialist in the sport and leisure sectors, and has in the past also devised specific NaRS First Aid Appointed Person programmes for other National Governing Bodies of Sport; including ice skating, cricket, and golf. It was this experience of producing tailored courses for specific-sport related incidents which secured the partnership with the RFU.
Chief Executive of the STA, Roger Millward, said: “It is clearly a significant coup for the STA as an organisation, and further enhances our profile as a major first aid provider whilst strengthening our position in the leisure market. We have in fact already received enquiries from other National Sporting Bodies in relation to working with them to develop sports-specific first aid training.”
There are over 1400 RFU registered clubs in England, and all coaches and officials within the Community Rugby game will be offered the training. The STA therefore anticipate working with several thousand delegates; a task the RFU consider essential.
Dr Mike England, the RFU’s Community Rugby Medical Officer, said: “Everyone involved in rugby has a role to play in making the game enjoyable and above all as safe as possible. Those who hold a coaching position or have a volunteer role providing pitch-side care, also have a specific responsibility to provide a safe and competent level of care to any injured player.
“Rugby is a contact sport and in common with all contact sports, playing the game carries a risk of injury and while serious injuries are rare, you will need to be prepared to deal with the full range of incidents that could occur on the training ground or pitch.”
Clubs or individuals should contact their local Rugby Development Officer (RDO) or Constituent Body Welfare officers to request a course or visit www.community-rugby.com.
