Stay safe at the Sevens

ACC Media Release

13 January 2015

Stay safe at the Sevens

Speed and skill are part of what makes Rugby Sevens such a popular sport, but they also add to its risk of injury – especially concussions.

ACC is proud to once again be a supporting sponsor at the Bayleys National Rugby Sevens tournament in Rotorua on 17 and 18 January 2015 in order to ensure that safety remains top of mind for both players and spectators.

“Sport has so many benefits such as improved fitness and wellbeing and ACC strongly encourages people to lead active and healthy lives,” says ACC’s Chief Executive Scott Pickering.

“We receive about 400,000 claims each year related to sport and recreation activities, and in particular we’re increasingly concerned with the long term health risks caused by concussions. That’s why ACC is glad to be able to help share safety messages with the Sevens community.”

Approximately 7350 sport-related head injuries are recorded each year, and have totalled $76 million in ACC claims over the past four years.

ACC recently released Concussion Guidelines in conjunction with other national sports organisations including New Zealand Rugby, New Zealand Rugby League, New Zealand Netball and New Zealand Football, with research contributed by AUT’s Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand.

“The purpose of the Guidelines is to provide every Kiwi involved in sport – National Sports Organisations, first aiders and medics, players, parents, and coaches - with a common understanding of how to recognise the signs of a head injury. Any knock to the head should be evaluated by a doctor, and in this way we hope to reduce the number of severe concussions in New Zealand.”

ACC will also be hosting a hydration station on the finals day of Sevens again this year, offering free water and injury prevention tips to visitors.

“January on a sunny Rotorua day can be hot, so this is a great chance to remind everyone to drink plenty of water, whether you’re a player or a spectator.”

ENDS

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