When you watch a rugby game, you will notice that most of the players don’t wear helmets or any kind of headgear. People frequently compare rugby to American football and enquire as to why helmets aren’t worn during play. This article explains why helmets in rugby are not used.
Why helmets in rugby are not used?
In fact, helmets in rugby are not allowed because the rules of the game don’t allow them to do so. A small number of players wear
headgear made of soft foam material up to 10mm thick and designed to prevent cuts and abrasion in the head but not designed to prevent concussion. Some of the reasons given for that explanation are:
- Culture: Rugby players represent a tough and strong image. Therefore, wearing a helmet is not suitable for this image. The Rugby League has been established and has a history of more than 150 years and does not wear helmets.
- Communication: A surprisingly important part of rugby is communicating with teammates around you to coordinate defensive strategies or offensive moves. Helmets will certainly reduce communication efficiency and negatively affect the wearer.
- Reality: Did you know that during a football scuffle, the second row in front has to get its head between the other men’s butts? Wearing a helmet will impede this process significantly.
- Injury to other players: Helmets often have a hard surface that is believed to result in much more serious injury to other players due to the way rugby players’ heads often compete in close proximity to other players other, such as during a scuffle, scuffle, and commotion.
Rugby players are famous for not wearing helmets. They ran out onto the field in just a jersey, shorts,
boots and socks. The attitude of not depending on any safety device has been a part of rugby since its earliest days. You are considered weak if you need protective equipment to survive a football game.
Today, some players will wear shoulder pads, most will wear mouth guards, and you will see many players wrapped from head to toe in various bandages in the hope of supporting deformed limbs or hurt. Despite the proliferation of protective equipment worn by rugby players, helmets are still banned from the game. Instead, players are allowed to wear soft-
padded caps. These are called scrum caps. Scrumcaps reduce the friction that the ears experience when they are rubbed and bumped during tackles, bumps, breaks and during ear strokes.
What happens if a player wears a helmet while playing?
If during a rugby match, the Referee discovers the problem during the safety check and talks to the player, coach and captain. He made it clear that it was not possible to wear a helmet during the match. At first, the referee blows the whistle, then shows a red card and sends the player off the field immediately. A red card seemed harsh, but the referee followed the rules. Refusing to accept the arbitrator’s decision is a serious offense. And in this case, the player received an additional ban from the disciplinary committee after the game.
Some arguments have been made that helmets make football more dangerous than rugby because helmets give players a false sense of security. They assumed that the helmet would prevent them from getting head injuries. This results in footballers putting their health in jeopardy by taking more risks on the football field as helmets give a false sense of invincibility. On the football field, the helmet can also be used as a weapon. Football players who frequently utilize their helmets for impact are the ones who will block or use it as a weapon to lunge at other players to help make tackles.
Safety inspection
Rugby referees will conduct safety checks before sending players off the field. The purpose of this process is to check that boots and protective gear are safe and conform to the appropriate standards. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that the player’s equipment will not injure the opponent. When the officials see the issue, they won’t let the player on the field. The referee will instruct a player to take off their helmet if they step onto the field while wearing one. The referee’s call is definitive, thus all players must abide by it.
Review 3 replacement helmets for helmets in rugby
HEAT PRO competition rugby helmet
This is a helmet from the brand Barnett. Headwear for rugby or football. The hat is made of 100% nylon and spandex, the EVA foam expands and shapes heat, and is breathable to wick away sweat (keeps head dry) on hot days. The hat is durable and comfortable, providing protection for all types of sports. Soft and adjustable chin strap and back tie ensure a snug fit. In addition, the hat is washable and easy to maintain.
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Surlim Rugby Helmet
Surlim Rugby Helmet is a helmet suitable for many sports such as rugby, football, and flag football. The helmet offers excellent safety performance with the material being polyester and high-density foam. Adjustable chin strap and back strap ensure a snug fit. The hat is very light, soft and extremely comfortable to wear to help you Enjoy the fun of sports. Besides, the hat is also equipped with many vents to escape heat and moisture during exercise, helping to keep the head dry. The hat also has many size options for you to choose from.
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COOLOMG Soft Padded Headgear
COOLOMG Soft Padded Headgear is suitable for all kinds of outdoor sports such as rugby, football, flag football, hockey, and roller skating… A rugby helmet with foam padding is made of fabric material. Lycra and premium polyester are quite breathable and comfortable to wear. The processing is very good and the EVA foam is resistant to abrasion and dirt. Your head is perfectly protected by this soft helmet. A tight fit is guaranteed by an elastic waistline and an adjustable chin strap.
In addition, the foam layer protects the head in case of impact or absorbs shocks very well. Helmets help effectively prevent injuries that can occur when playing sports. The improved 3D ear design can not only protect the ears but also does not affect the communication efficiency with other players. Excellent shock absorption and pressure relief, excellent moisture transport and sweat-wicking performance. Ventilation holes are distributed across the surface allowing
maximum airflow and the top chamber allows hot air to escape.
In conclusion, Rugby players are not allowed to wear hard helmets as you see in football. Instead, they can opt to wear soft foam headgear called scrum caps. Helmets in Rugby are not allowed because there are a number of rules that protect players from hitting their heads, including no tackles over the shoulders, and no touching players who don’t have the ball, or who are in front of the ball.
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