The rugby tug-of-war: Exploring concussion-related behavioural intentions and behaviours in youth community rugby union in New Zealand

Abstract

Rugby union is a popular team sport, with a high rate of concussions. In adolescents, concussions are further complicated by issues of under-reporting. To encourage more responsible concussion behaviours, it is imperative to understand the factors that influence youth players’ behaviours, including the attitudes and behaviours of their coaches and parents. The aim of this study was to explore concussion-related behavioural intentions and behaviours that may influence effective concussion management across a youth rugby system. The study adopted a pragmatic, descriptive qualitative design and included high schools from four youth rugby catchment areas in New Zealand. Nineteen focus groups and 2 individual interviews were conducted with n = 75 players, n = 22 parents, and n = 8 coaches (N = 105) during the 2018 rugby season. A thematic analysis was conducted, guided by a system’s approach and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The themes generated reflected a ‘tug-of war’ between various behavioural intentions and reported behaviours present in a youth rugby system. Additionally, the behavioural intentions and reported behaviours of coaches, parents, players and their teammates are intricately linked and collectively influence effective concussion management. Being aware of concussions and caring about their management and consequences was a strong theme present across the system. However, these favourable attitudes and behaviours were countered by players, parents and coaches disregarding the system, downplaying the seriousness of concussion, being competitive and driven to win, regardless of the risks. In players the warrior mentality theme, which included bravado, being tough, and playing through the pain further complicated effective concussion management. The findings suggest that there is not always a strong, favourable network in place that would facilitate similarly favourable concussion-related behaviours. To effect change, a system-wide approach, that takes the unique needs of each stakeholder into account and ultimately aims to reconcile performance and brotherhood with positive concussion related behaviours, is needed.

Concussion education for New Zealand high school rugby players: A mixed-method analysis of the impact on concussion knowledge, attitudes and reporting behaviours

“…8,13 Thus it is critical to identify the factors, such as concussion attitudes, that facilitate reporting intention. Findings within the broader NZR concussion project 29 and in previous studies have shown that although players may understand the seriousness of concussions and the role they play in their management, conflicting attitudes (e.g., not wanting to let the team down, pressure to win) or contextual factors can negatively impact safe concussion management behaviours. 14,32 Attempting to change these attitudes with a one-off education intervention is challenging.…”

“…Details of the focus group data collection are described previously. 29 Briefly, an interview guide was developed which included questions about roles and responsibilities, concussion education, concussion baseline assessments, and concussion management. Focus groups were facilitated by four trained interviewers experienced in qualitative methods.…”

Quest for clarity: investigating concussion-related responsibilities across the New Zealand Rugby Community System

“…Previous research in Australian community rugby specifically identified confusion around real-world, ‘on-the-ground’ concussion management responsibilities as an important challenge 11 14. Examining these concussion management responsibilities in the NZR community rugby system as a collective may lead to a greater understanding of potential gaps in concussion management and facilitate the development of strategies to fill these gaps 18 21. Therefore, this study explored key stakeholder groups within the NZ community rugby system’s perceptions of their own and others’ concussion-related responsibilities.…”

“…Although resources such as the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport and World Rugby’s community concussion guidelines are available, stakeholder attitudes and behaviours regarding the identification and treatment of concussions lack consistency 17–20. Previous research in Australian community rugby specifically identified confusion around real-world, ‘on-the-ground’ concussion management responsibilities as an important challenge 11 14.…”

Physiological and Motor Performance Characteristics in Rugby and Soccer Players: Data from a Developing Country

“…1 Soccer does not involve full-contact as rugby but both engage in physical contact regarded as fair charging for the ball in a distance. [2][3][4] To attain favorable performance outcomes, rugby and soccer players should possess adequate physical fitness collectively and individual skills. 5,6 Globally, emphasis is placed on the overall physical fitness parameters of rugby players such as muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, agility and flexibility either in a match or training session.…”