Rules of Rugby pt.2

Body Protection

Body Protection As well as light helmets, shoulder padding and protective vests are increasingly being worn. The nature and maximum amount of the protective measures available are stipulated the International Rugby Board. This specifies that: shoulder padding will cover the shoulder and collar bone only and extend from the neck to a maximum of 2 cm down the upper arm. The padding is intended to give some protection to the bony prominences of the shoulder and clavicle. Padding on the chest and biceps are expressly forbidden (although permitted in Rugby League). All padded vests for use in rugby union must carry an IRB approval logo. Women players may also wear chest pads, also of soft, thin material. This is typically worn as part of a shoulder pad vest. Players may use fingerless gloves (also known as "mitts") to better grip the ball. Shin guards may also be worn under the socks, but only made of non-rigid fabric. Hard plastic or metal are prohibited in rugby kit. Any protective equipment that may cause injury to another player is prohibited. No form of metal is allowed in any rugby kit, except for studs on boots. Spectacles are prohibited for play; players may alternatively wear contact lenses. Rugby Headgear It is very common in rugby union to see players wearing a form of headgear known as the "scrum cap". This is intended simply to protect the ears of a player who is engaged in the scrum. Swollen ears left untreated, lead to the condition commonly known as 'cauliflower ears'. The traditional scrum cap is a thin cloth helmet with padding over the ears and held in place by a strap. Because of the close contact, buckles cannot be used. Players will often opt for a thin strip of cloth bandage held in place by electrical tape like a head band. Other players have taken to wearing padded headgear as well as forwards. This protects them from head injuries from accidental contact in play. headgear is strictly controlled by Regulation 12 of the IRB and must be made from as being made of soft, thin materials. Plastics are not permitte. The same Regulation 12 sets out testing standards for this equipment and it must carry an IRB approval logo. Whilst they may prevent some cuts and abrasions, such headgear has not been shown to stop the player suffering from concussion but it greatly reduces the pain that occurs when players knock heads.