The RFU have now released the new Headcase e-learning module for 23/24. I’ve sent the link to the Rugby Safe Leads around the County.
Rugby Emergency First Aid Training
Course Booking Information in the link PDF
Any Queries please contact RugbySafe Lead Reggie Gough
Reggie Gough appointed new CRFU RugbySafe Lead
CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter made the following statement following Reggie’s appointment. “The CRFU are excited to appoint Reggie Gough to the position of Rugby Safe lead, taking over from Bob Hubble.
The county would like to thank Bob for all his hard work, especially taking the lead on delivering First Aid courses all over the county, when the RFU could not supply.
Reggie’s resume is detailed below and as you can see brings a wealth of experience to the post.
REGGIE GOUGH
CRFU Rugby Safe Lead.
Reggie Gough (pictured below) is a Registered Paramedic who spent 18 years flying operationally as a Search and Rescue Winchman Paramedic on Coastguard Helicopters around the U.K.
He ended his Search and Rescue flying career on Rescue 924 out of Newquay – Cornwall’s
own SAR helicopter!
Since leaving operational flying, Reggie is now Head of Emergency Casualty Care for His
Majesty’s Coastguard. He has a team of 70 full time Casualty Care Instructors who deliver
training and revalidation to 3500 Coastguard personnel around the U.K.
He entered his rugby playing days during his school years, Captaining his school team at
James Gillespie’s in Edinburgh. After leaving school he played for various rugby teams
around Scotland including, North Berwick in East Lothian, Garioch in Aberdeenshire and
Lochaber in Fort William.
He is a staunch tight-head prop!
He is most passionate about the team he played for when he lived overseas – the Bermuda
Police RFC. He is still in regular contact with his Club and is one of their ‘Faded Blue’ ex-
players. He will be making an appearance for them during a ‘Tour’ to Ireland later this year!!
He is a currently active Coach for his local team, Launceston RFC, where he is involved in
coaching age-grade rugby, currently the U13 section.
He lives in North Cornwall with his wife, Emma, and sons Archie and Ozzie and their
Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kobi. They collect their new Ridgeback puppy in March. He’ll be called
Doddie!
Reggie is absolutely passionate about ensuring rugby is safely enjoyed by all and that both
the physical and mental wellbeing of all is taken seriously.
He is thrilled to have been appointed as the CRFU Rugby Safe Lead.
RugbySafe Enquries
Please note any enquires concerning RugbySafe should for the time being be directed to the CRFU Hon. Secretary Jane Bell.
Safeguarding & RugbySafe Club Audits
CRFU RUGBYSAFE
War a’n peryl na worth-peryl
(Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse)
Dear Chair and Club Secretary
As the season is developing momentum, it has become apparent that there are some significant lapses in
medical provision at clubs that have, in turn, become Safeguarding issues.
Both RugbySafe and Safeguarding Leads are fully aware of the burden that is placed on club volunteers and do not wish to add to their workload, but the provisions of Reg 9 and 21 with their associated processes exist to protect the interest of players, officials and club management alike.
Last season a pragmatic approach to enforcing the regulations was taken as the priority was to restart rugby.
However, as has been communicated to club RugbySafe and Safeguarding leads, First Aid Risk Assessments (RAs), Safeguarding Audits, Medical Emergency Action Plans (MEAPs) and the correct provision of trained First Aiders with associated support provisions, are something that can no longer be postponed or ignored.
The RFU have clearly publicised their stance and requirements. We as a CB have an obligation to ensure that they are in place which is why CRFU has, for the past few seasons, been providing heavily subsidised and well publicised rugby oriented first aid courses to clubs.
Unfortunately, recent incidents demonstrate that club Safeguarding and RugbySafe processes are either not in place or not being adhered to. Therefore, as a CB, we have no option but to instigate a series of no-notice audits of both areas. In doing so, the auditing team will as a minimum, in addition to observing on field activities and provision, require to see the following documents and evidence to show that:
First Aid Risk Assessment (RA) is accessible, in place and lodged with RFU/Howdens
Medical Emergency Action Plans in place and accessible for the home venues used by club teams
GMS documentation and lists of qualified first aiders used by a club are visible and up to date
Medical equipment and associated facilities are fit for purpose and reflect the contents of RA & MEAP
and RFU Standards
First Aiders having contact with U18 are clearly identifiable, DBS checked and in date
Safeguarding personnel are clearly identifiable and qualified
Coaches, Team Managers and First Aiders are in date for Headcase on line training
Pitchside protections and safety related process reflect good practice, the contents of the RA and vice
versa.
It is stressed that the intent throughout is to actively encourage and assist clubs to ensure that they have all appropriate structures and documents in place, in order to be confident in their ability to withstand
investigative scrutiny in the event of an incident or accident. In doing so they will be safe in the knowledge that the regulations and requirements of the sports governing body are met and consistently adhered to.
The auditors will conduct themselves in a way that does not disrupt the activities underway and will make
themselves known to club personnel on the day. On completion, a report will be provided to the club detailing any non compliances, guidance and timelines for rectification and exemplars of good practice.
Should your Club RugbySafe Lead or Safeguarding Officer have any questions as to what is required or
interpretations of the requirement for specific circumstances, CRFU RugbySafe and Safeguarding are on hand and willing to provide assistance.
Kind Regards
Dave Saunter
Chairman CRFU 4 October 2022
First Aid Courses – Postponed
In the absence (at time of writing) of any firm guidance from RFU, after taking a straw poll of RugbySafe leads and following discussions with course provider, I have taken the decision to postpone both of this weekends first aid courses.
It is an emotive subject and an emotional time for us all and the last thing I would wish is that any individual feels obliged to attend or that any decision to proceed is perceived as being disrespectful or inappropriate, especially as Prince Phillip was a past Patron of Cornwall RFU.
This decision mirrors the guidance provide by Scottish RFU last night and echoes actions taken by other sports out of respect for the life and contribution of Her Majesty and her family to the nations sporting life – I am sure you understand.
Bob Hubble
RugbySafe Lead
Social Media Alert
A recent incident at a club serves as a reminder of challenges to player welfare of opening unsolicited social media messages. Even if a message appears innocuous, unless the recipient definitely knows the identity of the sender, it should be ignored and deleted. Equally, when sending messages within groups, senders should be sensitive to the potential consequences of the content.
Bob Hubble
RugbySafe Lead
CRFU Rugby First Aid Courses
CRFU RUGBYSAFE
War a’n peryl na worth-peryl
(Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse)
CRFU RUGBY FIRST AID COURSES 2022
CRFU will be continuing with the First Aid Courses that have proved popular with clubs for
their rugby focussed and pragmatic approach to first aid that started in April 2021.
So far CRFU have run 17 courses and trained 171 EFAs.
The intention is for courses to continue in the coming season and confirmed dates thus far
are:
September 10 – Hayle
September 11 – Saltash
October 2 – Penzance
October 8 – Bude
October 9 – Camborne
November 12 – Perranporth
Further possible dates are :
October 1
November 5
November 6
November 13
Bookings and enquiries are via CRFU RugbySafe as these courses will not be on GMS.
Interested clubs are encouraged to get in touch soonest as, from experience, demand is
high.
It is worth stressing that having a coach doubling as a First Aider is not necessarily the ideal
solution for clubs as there is an inevitable conflict of interest between caring for the needs
of the team and an injured player at the same time.
Please contact Bob Hubble direct.
Summer rugby & melanoma
CRFU RUGBYSAFE
War a’n peryl na worth-peryl
(Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse)
The Melanoma Fund , in conjunction with England Rugby have developed the following Sun
protection guidelines for those participating, spectating, or working in sport or outdoor recreation.
• Apply a broad-spectrum product with an SPF 30 or higher, paying special attention to
your ears, nose, and shoulders, as well as other areas which are prone to burning.
• Get into the habit of applying sunscreen before you start training or playing.
• Once applied to the skin, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you are
prone to excessive sweating or simply working hard!
• The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm so on particularly hot days, if possible,
try to plan play outside of these hours.
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Compression sleeves and rugby skins
are a good alternative for those that might find a long-sleeved shirt too hot.
• Using a sunscreen applicator or cleaning palms with a small towel and alcohol gel, is
a good way to avoid fumbling the ball due to greasy hands whilst playing.
• Wearing rugby headguards will provide some protection to your forehead and ears,
however it doesn’t provide full protection and your neck is still exposed! Make sure
to wear a cap or ideally wide brim hat when not on the field.
• Hydration is essential in reducing the risk of overheating. Keep a bottle of water on
hand to remain hydrated in between plays.
• When not actively playing and during breaks, make sure to rest in shaded areas to
reduce your exposure to the sun.
• Whilst spectating or on break, do so in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
In accordance with RFU processes, CRFU have approved the following Summer Rugby
Camps and coaching clinics
Exeter Chiefs
Bude 8th August
Truro RFC 22nd August
Redruth RFC 30th August
Cornish Pirates
Hayle 4th August
Falmouth 11th August
Penzance 16th August
Newquay 18th August
Kernow Coaching
St Austell 2nd August
St Austell 9th August
St Austell 16th August
St Austell 23rd August
St Austell 30th August
FIRST AID PROVISION & REQUIREMENTS 2022-23
CRFU RUGBYSAFE
FIRST AID PROVISION & REQUIREMENTS 2022-23
As has been forewarned over the last couple of seasons, Regulation 9 Guidelines have been formally
revised and are now Standards. Basically all age group teams will require trained first aid cover for
training and matches in accordance with the attached document. The nominated first aider should
be entered in GMS and a First Aid risk assessment will need to be completed along with a club
Medical Emergency Action Plan.
Community Rugby
Pitchside First Aid provision 2022-23.pdf
CRFU are hosting the following First Aid courses to assist clubs:
September 10 @ Hayle
September 11 @ Saltash
October 1 – available for clubs to book
October 2 @ Penzance
October 8 @ Bude
October 9 @ Camborne
November 5 – available for clubs to book
November 6 – available for clubs to book
November 12 @ Perranporth
November 13 – available for clubs to book
If you want to book a course or to place someone on a course hosted by a club please get in touch as
demand is high.
PHICIS (L2)
There are two one day courses available in Exeter from RFU on 22nd and 23rd September, bookable via
GMS. PHICIS courses provide a higher level of training and are suited to active club First Aiders with
suitable experience levels. If anyone requires more information regarding eligibility or suitability
contact CRFU RugbySafe Lead.
CRFU is also examining a joint plan with Plymouth University whereby their Physiotherapy students
will do the course and become PHICIS and thereafter available to a club for the coming season. The
skill level is more suited to adult rugby. Many of the students are from Cornish towns and the aim
would be to match local teams with the students where possible. Experience elsewhere with similar
schemes has shown that the students swiftly become assimilated into the life of the teams and form
long-term relationships with the club. If any club is interested in being part of the scheme, please get in touch.
