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Recognise
Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion so you understand when an athlete might have a suspected concussion.
BC Rugby is committed to helping you develop your understanding of Rugby. From recognising concussion to accessing medical care and mental health support, our Players & Parents resources section has everything you need to further your game both on and off the pitch.
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PLAYER WELFARE
Recognising Concussion and Next Steps
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results in a disturbance of brain function. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of concussion include headaches, dizziness, memory impairment or loss of balance.
Concussion can be caused by a direct blow to the head, but can also occur in whiplash type injuries, where a blow to another body part results in rapid movement to the head.
Concussions can happen to anyone at any age. However, children and adolescent athletes are more susceptible to concussion and they take longer to recover from concussion-related injuries.
The World Rugby Recognise and Remove message incorporates six R’s:
World Rugby Concussion Management
Anyone on or around the Rugby pitch has a responsibility to be aware of the symptoms of concussion and are encouraged to annually complete World Rugby’s online Concussion Management module to learn more. Further concussion guidance can be found here.
We also strongly encourage parents, guardians, partners or housemates of Rugby players to complete the online module to stay informed.
Additionally, you can take World Rugby’s Rugby Ready Course. Everybody involved in organising and playing Rugby has a duty of care in relation to the players. The Rugby Ready programme is intended to raise awareness of good practice and help stakeholders manage the inherent risks of a contact sport by putting appropriate safeguards in place.
Rugby Canada Playsmart
Rugby Canada PlaySmart is a Player Welfare program that aims to educate players, parents, coaches, match officials and administrators on the safety of Rugby across Canada.
The health and safety of every player across the country is of paramount importance. Rugby Canada strives to ensure a safe playing environment at all levels. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all players are protected and ensure that the game is played safely.
To learn more, visit the Rugby Canada website.
Tackle SMART
Tackle SMART is a new professional development course and online resource that will educate both new and experienced community and high school Rugby Coaches on current tackle laws, techniques, and progressions as well as help Coaches working with athletes who are new to contact.
The goal of this training is to prevent injury in the tackle by giving Coaches the competence and confidence to coach the tackle and progress effectively to contact. Following the training participants should be able to:
- Confidently and safely introduce the tackle to athletes new to contact
- Clearly understand the Laws of the Game relating to the tackle
- Know how to access resources and support from Rugby Canada and World Rugby relating to the tackle
- Clearly understand the intent of Tackle SMART to reduce injury rate
Tackle SMART will be delivered through in-person clinics.
Useful Resources
Check out the links and downloads below for useful information on Player Welfare in Rugby:
World Rugby Concussion Guidance
This excellent guideline from World Rugby details everything you need to know about concussion in Rugby.
Learn MoreWorld Rugby Head Injury Assessment (HIA) Protocol
This Protocol has been developed to support the recognition, diagnosis and management of concussion in elite rugby.
Learn MoreWorld Rugby Player Welfare
View the entire Player Welfare section on the World Rugby Section.
Learn MoreConcussion Protocol Resources for Sport Organisations
Helping sport organisations develop and implement evidence-based, best-practice concussion protocols based on the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport.
Learn MoreRugby Return to Sport Strategy
Developed by Rugby Canada and World Rugby.
DownloadRugby Canada Putting Player First
A Player Welfare initiative that provides resources for coaches, players, parents, teachers, match officials and administrators of Rugby.
DownloadACCESSING MEDICAL CARE
The following section houses all information relating to Accessing Medical Care in BC. If you are in need of urgent medical care, please dial 9-1-1.
Rugby Canada National Insurance Plan
Once you are a registered member of BC Rugby, you become insured and covered under Rugby Canada’s National Insurance Program for the season.
Rugby is a sport that prides itself on the Teamwork, Discipline, Respect, and Sportsmanship developed through a committed dedication to our game. We play hard on the pitch, and we look after each other on, and off the pitch. Thankfully serious injuries are very rare within Canadian Rugby, and although we constantly monitor and evolve the laws of our game to protect our players, we accept there are risks of injury in the course of playing and training for Rugby.
World Rugby, our global governing body, through Regulation 23 requires that every member Union has effective player insurance in place. Rugby Canada’s National Insurance Program builds off this requirement to ensure effective coverage is in place to protect ALL our members, including players, coaches, match officials, managers, medical staff, and volunteers.
As with any insurance program, the terms of coverage are precise, so it’s important to make sure conditions, and exceptional situations that require additional approvals, are understood.
MAKING AN INSURANCE CLAIM
To make an insurance claim after sustaining an injury please click here and follow the relevant steps.
USEFUL LINKS
Personal Accident Insurance
When you leave Canada to play in another Union you will cease to be covered under the National Insurance Program. All players planning to play Rugby outside of Canada are advised to research the insurance arrangements in their new Union.
Please note that the insurance coverage in some Unions may be significantly less than that provided in Canada. In addition, in some countries, injured players will be required to pay for any medical treatment they receive.
If you can not find the information you are looking for or need assistance with an international clearance, please contact clearances@rugby.ca
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
There are numerous mental health and substance use related services and resources available to British Columbians. Click on the icons below to learn more. To search for all available services in the province, use the HealthLinkBC Directory.
Follow a manual added link
Bounce Back
Led by the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Their program is designed to help adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood, or stress, with or without anxiety.
Follow a manual added link
Crisis Centre
Is a non-profit, volunteer organisation committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
Follow a manual added link
Heads Up Guys
Based out of UBC, they are part of the Men’s Depression and Suicide Network, a Canada-wide initiative to develop resources, services, and programs to improve the mental health and well-being of men.
Follow a manual added link
MindHealthBC
Provides easy access to information and resources related to mental health and substance use conditions. MindHealthBC was developed by Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care.
Follow a manual added link
BC Children’s Hospital
Mental Health Services at BC Children’s Hospital provides psychiatric assessment, short-term individual, family and group treatment and medication review for those based in BC.
Follow a manual added link
Kids Help Phone
Toll-free 24-hour, phone counselling, web counselling, and referral service for children/youth. Completely anonymous and confidential. To speak to a counsellor, call 1-800-668-6868.
PLAYER FUNDING AND SUPPORT
This section focuses specifically on funding and bursaries for aspiring BC-based players.
BC Rugby Player Subsidy
The BC Rugby Player Subsidy program aims to ensure that no player withdraws from a BC Rugby Team due to financial constraints by providing financial support to players in need in the form of discounts applied against team fees. Targeted towards players who require financial assistance in order to represent their Province, the Player Subsidy program was launched in 2017 and has provided over $120,000 of support to players in BC Rugby XVs and 7s Teams.
The BC Bears Subsidy Program is back for 2024, with $40,000 in funding support available to players aspiring to representative-level Rugby. The subsidies available for the BC Bears 2024 Age-Grade Representative Teams are:
- $ 300.00
- $ 500.00
- $ 750.00
- $ 1,000.00
To apply for the Player Subsidy Program, please complete this form by Monday, July 8, 2024.
Please send your letter of support as detailed in the form to npryce-baff@bcrugby.com prior to July 8.
*Please note: This application is solely for the purpose of players subsidies. This application will not have impact on the BC Bears selection process.
The timeline for selection to BC Bears teams and outcome of Subsidy applications is as follows:
- July 8: Deadline for online applications to Player Subsidy Program
- July 8: Players informed of selection to BC Bears Representative Programs
- July 10: Outcome of Subsidy application shared with applicants
- July 11: Deadline for accepting selection to BC Bears Representative Programs
BC Ferries Sport Experience Program
Through the BC Ferries Sport Experience Program, BC Ferries and viaSport provide travel support to eligible not-for-profit sports organizations and athletes.
BC Scholarships
For other funding options and scholarship opportunities, please visit the BC Scholarships website.
Canadian Sport Institute Pacific
By virtue of its status as a “targeted sport” within the British Columbia Integrated Performance System (IPS), BC Rugby Union is eligible to nominate selected athletes and their coaches for enhanced programs and services support through the Canadian Sport Institute and the network of Regional Centres in BC.
Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, through a partnership with the Province of British Columbia (BC), viaSport, the network of PacificSport centres and BC Rugby, collaborates to deliver programs and services to place BC athletes onto National Teams, and ensure athletes and coaches have every advantage to win medals for Canada.
The partners work jointly to encourage sport excellence and increase podium performances in communities throughout BC. Through the above partnership, and with the above purpose in mind, BC Rugby may nominate athletes and their coaches who meet specific criteria for Canadian Sport Institute Pacific/PacificSport athlete or coach registration.
Upon registering, athletes and coaches can engage in enhanced programs, benefits, and selected support services through Canadian Sport Institute Pacific and the network of PacificSport regional centres in BC. Canadian Sport Institute Pacific and PacificSport athlete support is tiered across four levels based on performance, each with a slate of designated benefits.
Benefits include:
- No fee access to local strength and conditioning centres that are part of the Gymworks partnership program
- Discounts at grocery stores and restaurants that are part of the FoodStuff partnership program
- Discounted products and services from community partners such as athletic clothing retailers, yoga studios, and hotels.
- Access the Canadian Athlete Insurance Program (CAIP)
- Eligibility for various grants and bursaries
Click here the following for a full outline of Athlete and Coach Programs and services.
Selection Criteria
Athlete Selection
BC Rugby has created a set of criteria for selection to the Athlete Nomination List. There is no application process. Athletes are selected by BC Rugby and a list is submitted to an Athlete Coach Services Technical Expert at Canadian Sport Institute Pacific.
Coach Selection
Personal coaches can also receive access to benefits if they currently coach an athlete selected to the Athlete Nomination List. Like the athletes, coaches will receive a notification via email. For more information on services for coaches, please visit Canadian Sport Institute Pacific.
I am an athlete. How do I know if I can get access?
Upon approval of the BC Rugby Athlete Nomination List, athletes and coaches will be notified via email from BC Rugby and provided with the information to complete registration at one of the eight campuses/centres across the province. Athletes and their coaches can make an appointment at their corresponding centre to complete their intake meeting.
Indigenous Youth Sport Legacy Fund
The Indigenous Youth Sport Legacy Fund was created to assist amateur athletes of Indigenous ancestry, including athletes with a disability or disabilities, in their pursuit of excellence in sport.
Jack.org - Grade 12 Athletes
Jack.org is proud to facilitate Leadership in Action: Scholarships for Athletes, which seeks to recognize Grade 12 athletes in British Columbia who have demonstrated both a dedication to leadership in their sport and ongoing investment in their personal mental wellness and/or that of their sports team or community.
There are 9 scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000.
Application Deadline: June 12th at 5 pm PST
Jumpstart
Sometimes, families need financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity. Jumpstart and Canadian Tire is committed to helping all families access a range of activities, from boxing to bowling and skating to skiing, and more.
More information and details on how to apply for Jumpstart funding can be found here.
KidSport
KidSport provides financial assistance for children 18 and younger from families facing financial obstacles to participate in organized sport #SoALLKidsCanPlay. Visit kidsport.ca and find your local chapter for details on eligibility and how to apply.
If there isn’t a chapter in your area, you can apply for a grant through KidSport BC’s Provincial Fund.
Province of BC: Recognised Athlete Programs for Grade 10-12 Students
Receive high school credits for participating in a Regional Elite Athlete Development Program.
The following BC universities offer post-secondary rugby opportunities for players who want to continue to play rugby after graduating high school: UBC, University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, Trinity Western University, and UBC Okanagan. Additionally, UBC and the University of Victoria offer scholarship opportunities to student-athletes who have been accepted to study at these two universities.
For more information of any of these programs, contact BC Rugby.
RISE Grants
RISE Grants support ALL Children and Youth in and out of Care, who wish to participate in a sport, physical activity, recreation, and/or cultural program opportunity. Up to $1000 per calendar year can be put towards program cost, equipment and travel.
More information on the program can be found here.
FAQs can be found here.
TAKING YOUR PERFORMANCE FURTHER
Below are resources to support you physically and mentally as you continue to play Rugby:
Sport Nutrition
BC Rugby is proud to partner with BC-based Blonyx to help fuel your athletic ambition.
As part of the partnership, BC Rugby members will enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on individual orders, while BC Rugby Member Clubs will get a 20% discount on team orders over $300. Additionally, Blonyx will donate 10% from all BC Rugby sales back into BC Rugby youth programming and events.
BC Rugby members can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on individual orders with Blonyx, while BC Rugby Member Clubs will get a 20% discount on team orders over $300. Blonyx will donate 10% from all BC Rugby sales back into BC Rugby youth programming and events.
BC Rugby Member Clubs interested in making team purchases can do so by using the code BCRUGBYCLUBS on the Blonyx.ca site.
For individual sales, BC Rugby Members can use the code BCRUGBY for a 10% discount.
Additionally, BC Rugby and Blonyx teamed up to produce a sports nutrition guide for Rugby players – check that out here!
CSI Pacific Sport Information on Supplements
The Sport Nutrition Team at the Canadian Sport Institute helps athletes & coaches recognise the critical importance of fueling the body to maximise performance. Visit the CSI Pacific Sport Nutrition Page.
Mental Performance
A performer’s mental state has a vital impact on performance; training the mind for success is an essential ingredient alongside the physical, technical, and tactical training and preparation to achieve high performance goals in competition. Visit the CSI Pacific Mental Performance page.
REPORTING ABUSE/GET HELP
EMERGENCIES
IF YOU BELIEVE ANYONE IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY IS IN DANGER, PHONE 9-1-1.
BC Rugby values safety, integrity, and respect for all in the community. We all share a responsibility in fostering safe and secure environments, especially for children.
If you think a child or youth under the age of 19 is being abused or neglected, you have the legal duty to report your concern to a child welfare worker. If you suspect abuse is taking place, call 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night to report your concern.
Duty To Report PDF – Click Here
For more information, visit the BC Government website on Keeping Kids Safe.
BC Rugby
A: 2015 Main Street, Vancouver, BC | V5T 0J8
T: 604.737.3065
E: info@bcrugby.com
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
