Team Doctor

Team Doctor is a cool sounding name but in truth, all you are looking for is a glorified First Aider. Someone who will be at most of the games and will take care of managing the first aid kit, has ice packs ready if needed and perhaps has or will be interested in doing a First Aid course but ultimately is willing to look after and deal with any injuries on the day.

You should know it is illegal to call your self 'doctor' if you are not. Also, you can only call yourself a 'First Aider' if you have a certificate saying so. We may give our selfs these 'fun titles' but it is important to make it clear of your actual level of qualification to avoid any assumptions by others about your experience and advice that you are providing.

A First Aider should be prepared to help both their own team and the opposition team on the day.

By involving that one more person in your team you will build on your team culture of people pitching in for the greater good of the team. It will help share the workload of the coach(es) and manager and for the players, it will undoubtedly make them feel quite cool having a 'Team Doctor'.

Any serious injury requires a form to be filled out by the players team for the union. You should also inform the junior club captain.

Resources

If you find someone interested we have some resources to help them out. Also, let the Junior Committee know as they may also have some services, help or updated information to pass on.

First Aid courses are run by:
St Johns
The NZ Red Cross (They have focused Sports First Aid Course)
First Aid in Rugby by NZRU

We also have some helpful articles to help you get started:
First Aid
Injured players
Head Injuries

Keep in mind that these articles do not cover every scenario and are not intended as any form of qualification. They are there to help get people started, take an interest and go out and learn more.