Serious Injury Protocol

In the event of a serious (fatal or suspected spinal) injury, the Australian Rugby Union has established a Serious Injury HOTLINE.

Click on the link below for Serious Injury Protocol information and form.

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:

1. Provide immediate on-field medical care and arrange suitable transportation (ie. ambulance) to the hospital for the injured player.
2. 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.
3. SICM to establish initial contact with designated hotline caller to ascertain current status.
4. SICM notifies ARU General Manager (GM) of Community Rugby or designate of situation.
5. SICM or GM notifies designated representative responsible for zone/region/state union (eg: New South Wales Country Rugby -
   Executive Officer).
6. 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).
7. SICM or GM to notify ARU Media Manager.
8. SICM, GM and representative responsible for the zone/region/state to establish a process of support as required.

Club Responsibilities

1. Provide immediate on-field medical care and arrange suitable transportation (ie. ambulance) to the hospital for the injured player.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Phone zone/regional/governing affiliate administration.
   
4. Accurately record any details and persons associated with the injury.
   
5. Notify next of kin in the case of a serious injury to a players head or neck.
   
6. In the case of a fatality, the Police will notify the next of kin.
   
7. Monitor players/match officials (referees, touch judges)/club officials (coaches, managers, runners, trainers, physiotherapists etc)
   for team debrief and/or personal counselling.
   
8. 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 communityrugby@rugby.com.au
      
   2. State Union -
      South Australia Fax (08) 8231 8066
9. 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