BokSmart - implementing a National Rugby Safety Programme

Abstract

The BokSmart National Rugby Safety Programme is a joint initiative between the South African Rugby Union and the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players Fund aimed at implementing evidencebased sports medicine and exercise research to prevent injury and enhance performance at all levels of rugby union in South Africa. The BokSmart programme has four main elements: Ø the BokSmart Rugby Safety Workshops, a compulsory DVD-facilitated course that all coaches and referees in SA attend on a biennial basis, Ø the BokSmart Rugby Medic Programme, an entry-level rugby first aid short course aimed at training members of underprivileged rugby-playing communities, Ø the toll-free BokSmart Spineline number, which assists in the management and road transport of head-, neck- and spine-injured rugby players to the nearest appropriate medical facility, and Ø the freely accessible online educational resource www.boksmart.com, which provides researched documentation and practical advice on a variety of rugby-related topics.