Football is a popular sport in the United States. Nationally, approximately two million athletes play football at the high school and middle school level, with an additional 400,000 playing at the professional, collegiate or at the organized recreational level. Both football and rugby are high-risk sports because of the inherently physical nature of the game, combined with the speed, strength and size of the players. The risks and benefits of playing either sport are well documented. As part of a physical lifestyle, the player will benefit from the activity level, discipline, fun and comradery that the games present.

• Football is primarily played in the fall. Rugby is typically played in the spring. Both times of the year present interesting weather considerations. You must be prepared for a broad spectrum of weather from extreme heat to bone-chilling cold. Rain and snow are not unusual.
• The fitness components of each sport include muscular strength, cardiovascular conditioning, speed, agility and flexibility.

How can I prevent football and rugby injuries?

• Injury rates are high in these contact sports. However, many injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning. Traumatic injuries can be prevented by the use of equipment that fits properly. Shoulder and other protective pads, helmets, mouth guards and other protective pads are mandated by the rules of the game in football. Rugby is usually limited to the use of mouth guards.
• Heat illness is a major concern, especially in the preseason and early season games. Precautions need to be in place to ensure that players are properly hydrated before, during and after practice and competition.
• Ankle sprains are the most common joint injury in both of these games. In addition to proper conditioning, particular attention should be paid to proper shoes and the playing surface. If cleated shoes are worn, they should have cleats that are less than one inch long. The safest shoe is a molded rubber multi-cleated shoe.
• Children under age 6 should not play competitive football. Tackle football should not be played by children under the age of 10. Youth teams should be matched by skill level and size. In some cases size restrictions are appropriate.
• Every player should receive a pre-participation physical exam from a physician to detect conditions that could make playing football life-threatening or disabling and to detect medical or musculoskeletal conditions that could predispose an athlete to injury or illness during practice or competition. In addition to a comprehensive medical history, baseline data should be gathered for use in the event the player suffers a concussion or less severe head trauma. This can be done with a program called IMPACT®, a series of cognitive computer tests given by a Saint Vincent Sports Medicine specialist.
• Before playing football, each player should have mastered a basic set of skills. At a minimum, players should understand the rules related to injury prevention and should master proper execution of the fundamental football skills, particularly blocking and tackling without using the head.
• Year-round conditioning programs involving exercise and appropriate nutrition are essential to the player’s safety. This program should promote cardiovascular endurance, speed and quickness endurance, flexibility, muscle strength and power. Approximately six weeks prior to the first practice, the intensity of conditioning activities should be increased. Proper attention should be given to the area of nutritional supplements including creatine, as well as the dangers of the use of anabolic steroids.
• All equipment should fit properly. Helmets are required to meet the criteria of the National Operating Committee on Standards in Athletic Equipment (NOCSE). The NOCSE seal should be on the back of the helmet. An approved face mask should be properly fitted and installed on the helmet. The rules of the game dictate equipment that is required. A properly fitting mouth guard is especially important to prevent dental injuries and concussions.
• Both of these sports have been played predominately by male players. However, the number of female football and rugby players has increased substantially. There are no gender-specific concerns for these sports. Women and girls should follow the same guidelines and recommendations as male participants.

With their focus on prevention, performance and treatment, the specialists at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine can help you get back in the game after a football or rugby injury. Call them today at 814-835-2035.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a health care professional.