Rugby Gold Coast - Serious Injury Protocol


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Serious Injury Protocol

Serious Injury Report and Protocol

The ARU Serious Injury Report and Protocol is distributed to all clubs, schools and associations who participate in the game.

Download a copy of the ARU Serious Injury Report & Protocol

ARU Serious Injury Case Manager

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has appointed a Serious Injury Case Manager (SICM), to assist the club in managing traumatic injuries. The SICM is your first point of contact in the event of a serious injury to a players head or neck (ie: suspected spinal injury) or fatality and will provide a link between the club and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

ARU Protocol for Serious Injury

In the event of a serious injury to a players head or neck, or fatality, the following protocol is to be followed:

Provide immediate on-field medical care and arrange suitable transportation (ie. ambulance) to the hospital for the injured player.
Club representative to phone the ARU Serious Injury Case Manager (SICM) on the ARU Hotline 1800 036 156 in the event of a serious injury (ie: fatality or suspected spinal injury). This number is a call back service and your details will be passed on to the SICM who will call you back ASAP. Please have all details of the incident ready to pass on to the SICM.
SICM to establish initial contact with designated hotline caller to ascertain current status.
SICM notifies ARU General Manager (GM) of Community Rugby or designate of situation.
SICM or GM notifies designated representative responsible for zone/region/state union (eg: New South Wales Country Rugby - Executive Officer).
Designated representative responsible for zone/region/state is to establish one point of contact with the club/zone to coordinate situation (eg: President/Executive Officer).
SICM or GM to notify ARU Media Manager.
SICM, GM and representative responsible for the zone/region/state to establish a process of support as required.

Club Responsibilities

Provide immediate on-field medical care and arrange suitable transportation (ie. ambulance) to the hospital for the injured player.
Phone SICM on the ARU Hotline 1800 036 156 in the event of a serious injury (ie: fatality or suspected spinal injury), who in turn notifies ARU nominee.
Phone zone/regional/governing affiliate administration.
Accurately record any details and persons associated with the injury.
Notify next of kin in the case of a serious injury to a players head or neck.
In the case of a fatality, the Police will notify the next of kin.
Monitor players/match officials (referees, touch judges)/club officials (coaches, managers, runners, trainers, physiotherapists etc) for team debrief and/or personal counselling.
Complete the Serious Injury Report (on the back of this page) and provide copies within 48 hours of the injury occurring to:-

(1) Australian Rugby Union - ARU Fax (02) 8005 5681 or Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(2) State Union -

Complete the ARU Sports Injury Claim Form for all insurance claims. For more information please contact GOW-GATES Insurance Brokers (1800 811 371) or visit www.rugby.com.au/communityrugby

State Union Responsibilities

Follow up counselling requirements for the injured player, club personnel, referee and touch judges in conjunction with SICM and GM.
In conjunction with club officials, zone/regional/governing affiliate administration and ARU, handle all media contact. There should be one point of contact for media releases.
State Union representative to attend any inquest/event.
Assist (with club) any fund raising activities as required.

ARU Responsibilities

Provide support - (logistical and human) to the injured player, family, club, match officials and state union as required.
Monitor current and ongoing status of the injured player.
Complete analysis report of injury occurrence and record on the ARU Serious Injury Register.
Maintain ARU database.

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