Headgear Injury In Rugby

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How effective is headgear at preventing concussion in rugby?
Concussion is an injury that can last a couple of days or weeks but can last longer depending on the seriousness of the injury. It is caused through the head and brain being impacted upon causing them to shake back and forth extremely quickly and powerfully (All about traumatic brain injury 2010). Short term symptoms of this injury include headaches, ringing in the ears, vomiting and confusion. Concussion also has long term effects if the injury is server enough, it can cause memory problems, sleeping problems and psychological problems like depression (Healthline Editorial Team 2017). This is a very serious injury in rugby but it also occurs commonly in rugby. Concussion happens …show more content…

Headgear was introduced in rugby in the early 1990’s however, wearing headgear in rugby is not a rule or regulation in the sport so many players play without even with the knowledge about concussion.
Headgear is not mandatory in rugby, so players can choose whether or not to wear it during matches or training. However, there are rules and regulations in which you have follow if you choose to wear it for example the headgear needs to be comfortable and should not cause any discomfort, water, dirt, perspiration, toiletries, household soaps and detergents should not affect the headgear in anyway and the headgear must cover the crown, temple, forehead and ears with a maximum padding thickness of 10mm plus an extra 1mm on each side for fabric (rugby world,2015). Headgear was originally meant to protect your ears during a scrum in the game but now some people believe that headgear can help reduce the occurrence and seriousness of concussion injuries in rugby, but this could not be true. From the research that Bob Beale (2009) carried out which was “Padded headgear won't stop concussion” which evolved a report published by the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, an experiment was

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