Parents’ and guardians’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviours towards injury and injury prevention within adolescent female rugby union in England
Gemma Knight, Liam Colbert, Omar Heyward, Ben Jones, Carolyn Emery, Simon Roberts, Keith Stokes, Stephen W WestBackground/objectives
During adolescence, parents and guardians can play an important role in shaping their child’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Yet research examining their beliefs and behaviours regarding injury and prevention within adolescent female rugby union is limited. The primary aim of the study was to identify attitudes, beliefs and behaviours towards injury and injury prevention among parents and guardians of adolescent female rugby players, including subgroup differences. The second aim was to examine how attitudes and beliefs aligned among parents and guardians and the players (their child).
Methods
Parents and guardians of adolescent female rugby players were recruited from under-16 and under-18 rugby schools/colleges, clubs, and regional talent pathways teams and asked to complete an online cross-sectional survey.
Results
Two hundred and eighty-five parents and guardians responded to the survey; 144 parents and guardians and players (their child) completed their respective surveys. Fifty-four per cent believed it was ‘possible to prevent some rugby injuries’. Understanding of equipment effectiveness varied; 12% agreed that wearing a scrum cap could prevent concussions. Agreement between parent and guardian and player responses to statements regarding injury and injury prevention varied; Gwet’s AC ranged from almost perfect agreement (0.8–1) to fair agreement (0.21–0.4).
Conclusion
The study advances understanding of parents’ and guardians’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding injury and injury prevention in adolescent female rugby, showing generally safe practices while highlighting notable gaps that constrain effective injury management. Addressing these gaps offers a practical route to improving the consistency of parents’ and guardians’ safeguarding players’ welfare.