The USA Rugby Trust sponsored a grant program this spring that has helped to defray the cost of providing ambulance and paramedic services at College and Club Regional Playoff Tournaments.
The Trust has awarded a total of $7,025 in grants to the hosts, up to $1,000 to each, which went toward the cost of providing emergency medical services at the playoff events.
These funds have helped to protect college and club level athletes as they competed in their playoff matches. Matt Sherman of Stanford University, which received a $1,000 grant, said that during the event hosted at Stanford two athletes were transported from the field by EMTs paid in part for by the Trust grant.
"[This grant] enhanced [our event] dramatically,' Sherman said. "It improves overall safety ― we needed to transport two to hospital ― makes the event look more professional, and eases the mind of spectators and participants in knowing there's emergency medical coverage.'
Funds have been awarded to Stanford University, the University of New Mexico, Furman University and the Pittsburgh Harlequins as they host the Women's DI/II Round of 16 and Quarterfinals April 10-12; to UC Davis as it hosts the Men's DIAA Round of Eight April 24-26; to the Northern California Rugby Football Union, which is hosting the Men's Divisions I, II, III / Women's Divisions I, II Western Regionals May 30-31; and the Rugby Athletic Center, which is hosting the Men's Divisions I, II, III / Women's Divisions I, II Eastern Regionals May 30-31.
University of New Mexico Assistant Coach and Manager Maria Clifcorn said the USA Rugby Trust grants are an enormous help when hosting a playoff event.
"We usually rely solely on fundraising and it costs around $2,000 to have medical professionals at an event,' Clifcorn said. "We've done car washes and raised quite a bit, but it wasn't enough. Without this grant we wouldn't have had the money [to put on this event].'
Clifcorn said that the main goal of the University of New Mexico and everyone that hosts a playoff event is to keep all the players participating safe.
"In order to keep everyone safe you have to have the correct personnel there to respond in an emergency,' Clifcorn said. "We're happy to have this grant because we're able to do that and we're really grateful.'
While USA Rugby and the hosts of its College and Club Playoff Tournaments focus on preventing injuries, having medical professionals at these events has proven crucial in the past.
"Last year during the college playoffs we had a situation where two players collided heads on a tackle,' Collegiate Director Rich Cortez said. "There were EMT's present and they were able to quickly respond and provide medical attention. As a result both players made a full recovery. Situations like this are why one of USA Rugby's main focuses is on player safety. We have committed to creating a safe environment for our players, which this grant will directly support.'
USA Rugby and the USA Rugby Trust are committed to providing the tools necessary to create a safe environment for all athletes. With this grant program, the many generous donors who support the Trust have made the prospect of hosting rugby playoff matches safer for the athletes and more affordable for the hosts. Likewise, USA Rugby, with the help of the Trust donors, has developed many programs to improve the health and safety of all rugby players in the United States, including guides to explain what is needed to prevent injuries and improve medical coverage at local events, league competition, and all other development activities.
If you would like to make a donation supporting this grant program, visit the USA Rugby Trust donation page to make a tax-deductible donation now.
