Scrum cap
Thescrum capis a form of headgear used byrugbyplayers to protect the ears in thescrum,which can otherwise suffer injuries leading to the condition commonly known ascauliflower ears.Although originally designed for forwards they are now worn by players of all positions, even those who do not play in the scrum.
A simpler alternative to a cap, or a head-cap and used by many players, is a thin strip of foam or cloth and electrical tape wrapped around the ears like a head band.
Construction[edit]
The scrum cap was first used by theChrist's College Finchley's 1st XV,[1][2][when?]and Eurig Evans is credited with its design. The traditional scrum cap was constructed of a thin cloth helmet with padding over the ears, held in place by a strap—but modern models are typically made from thin foam.
The headgear is defined by Regulation 12[3]ofWorld Rugbyas being made of soft, thin materials. Stiff materials, such as plastics, are forbidden, and buckles are not permitted. Regulation 12[2] also gives details regarding the testing standards for this headgear. All headgear to be worn in rugby union must carry a World Rugby approval logo.
Concussive protection[edit]
Since the early 1990s, other players have taken to wearing padded headgear. This is intended to protect from cuts and head injuries that can occur from incidental contact intacklesor atrucks.Whilst they may prevent some cuts and abrasions, such headgear has not been shown to reduce concussive injury.[4]
Legislation[edit]
World Rugbyhas not made scrum caps compulsory, and many players and officials are divided over their utility. Former England captainMike Tindallcriticised their usage by youth players, saying that they had a detrimental result on tackling ability from an early age.[5]Welsh playerJonathan Daviessimilarly felt that they should not be compulsory, as injuries were part of the game.[6]High profile refereeNigel Owenshas however suggested making the wearing of headgear compulsory for all players,[6]and they are mandatory for all players inJapaneseyouth teams.[7]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^"Christ College, Finchley".Archived fromthe originalon 2010-11-30.Retrieved2010-12-03.
- ^"What is the history of scrum caps? | Blog post from Firepower Sport".Archived fromthe originalon 2019-10-11.Retrieved2023-03-01.
- ^"REGULATION 12. PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAYERS’ DRESS"Archived2011-01-24 at theWayback Machine,IRB
- ^McIntosh, Andrew S.; McCrory, Paul; Finch, Caroline F.; Best, John P.; Chalmers, David J.; Wolfe, Rory (2009)."Does Padded Headgear Prevent Head Injury in Rugby Union Football?".Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.41(2): 306–13.doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181864bee.PMID19127196.
- ^"Mike Tindall: Get rid of protective gear for rugby kids".Archivedfrom the original on 2022-06-14.Retrieved2023-03-01.
- ^ab"Wales' Davies queries headgear role".BBC Sport.Archivedfrom the original on 2022-10-12.Retrieved2023-03-01.
- ^"Is rugby headgear necessary?".Archivedfrom the original on 2021-06-27.Retrieved2023-03-01.