Club Policies for Mouth Protectors and Dental Emergency Cover in Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) Affiliated Junior Teams

Abstract

Aims: To determine whether club policies exist for junior players concerning the wearing of mouth protectors during training and playing, and whether dental emergency cover is present on both training and match days at Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) affiliated junior clubs.

Method: A self-reporting structured questionnaire, sent to all SRU affiliated clubs with junior playing members.

Results: Response rate was 77% (117 out of 151 clubs) showing a wide variation in policies and implementation. Exclusion was reported from training in 11% (13 out of 151) and from playing on match days in 17% (20 out of 151) of clubs if a mouth protector was not worn. The majority of clubs advocated that shop-bought protectors were satisfactory. First aiders were present at training at 86% (130 out of 151) and on match days at 95% (143 out of 151) of clubs. Fewer than 1% had a dentist and only 3% a doctor present at training. On match days fewer than 2% had a dentist and fewer than 20% a doctor present.

Conclusion: There is a wide variation in club policies and guidelines thus allowing parents, players and club staff considerable latitude in interpretation. A significant number of youngsters will be at increased risk of dental injury. First aiders are present in a significant number of clubs during training and playing.