KUCHING: World Rugby First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) educator Daniel Chulo Anom Steven Beti warns that young players remain at risk without proper medical coverage and emergency protocols during tournaments.
He said while rugby is a physically demanding and contact-heavy sport, injuries can be significantly mitigated with adequate preparation and safety measures.
Daniel outlined key safety measures that should be standard at all school and youth rugby tournaments in Sarawak and Malaysia.
“Stricter pre-match medical screening: all players should undergo comprehensive health checks, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal assessments, as well as a review of health history to detect underlying conditions.
“On-site medical staff and emergency response: qualified medical personnel with at least World Rugby’s First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) accreditation must be present with full equipment — CPR tools, stretchers, and injury stabilisation gear.
“Clear protocols must exist for rapid hospital transport if needed. Coaches, teachers, and team managers should also have Basic Life Support (BLS) and FAIR training,” he said.
He added that proper warm-up and cool-down routines must also be practiced.
“Reinforced training in stretching, warm-ups, and post-game cool-downs can reduce the risk of muscle tears, sudden collapses, or other injuries,” he told Sarawak Tribune yesterday (Oct 6).
He stressed these protocols must not only exist on paper but be actively implemented and regularly reviewed, especially at the grassroots level.
Daniel pointed out that the tragic death of a 16-year-old student during the Fully Residential School (SBP) Rugby Sevens Championship in Ipoh should serve as a cautionary example.
Daniel, a Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) physio based in Bintulu, said that current safety protocols for schools and youth rugby in Malaysia include collecting health information from parents.
“Schools request health information from parents for students participating in sporting events, and emergency preparedness and safety protocol implementation are required,” he said.
He added that reviewing and strengthening safety guidelines after this incident should include ensuring medical teams are present at every match and extending the Safe Sports Code to the grassroots level.
