A SEASON OF FOOTBALL INJURIES

All rugby and soccer players presenting to the Accident & Emergency de partment during the football season 1992 - 1993 (a total of 871) were prospectively studied to compare the injuries sustained in the two spo rts. The nature and site of injury, treatment required, age, fitness, experience and position of the player, situation giving rise to injury , and medical attention at the grounds were all analysed. The results show that rugby and soccer players had the same number of injuries, an d while there were some differences in the nature of the injuries, the re was no difference in overall severity. Rugby flankers and soccer go alkeepers are particularly at risk. Competitive matches produce more i njuries than training sessions. Experience or fitness did not appear t o be a factor and 45% of rugby injuries and 15% of soccer injuries wer e from school matches. Law changes (e.g. the rugby scrum and the use o f gum-shields) have reduced some injuries, but other areas (e.g. jumpi ng for the ball in soccer, rucks and mauls in rugby) also warrant cons ideration. There was one death, but no spinal cord injuries. Medical a ttention at the grounds was limited. Rugby injuries, therefore, do not appear to be more numerous or severe than soccer injuries. Law change s have been of benefit but they need to be enforced and perhaps more s hould be considered. Medical attention at sports grounds could be impr oved and Registers of injuries kept by the sporting bodies would be of benefit.