The wearing of headgear by rugby players has become more prevalent in recent years. New Zealand's Otago and All Black Josh Kronfeld has been one of the more prominent players adopting the wearing of headgear.
The wearing of headgear tends to generate much debate in some quarters, because historically it was banned altogether. It is important to understand the safety aspects involved before making a decision to wear it, or before trying to stop another player wearing it.
There is no evidence (scientific, epidemiological, or clinical) to suggest the wearing of headgear will protect the head from concussion or the neck from injury. Similarly, the shock-attenuating properties of currently-available headgear cannot provide complete protection from the range of impact forces that can be generated in contact sports.
What headgear will do, though, is to protect the head from lacerations and abrasions. Its effectiveness in this respect is proven.
Thus if your neurosurgeon tells you that you need to wear headgear to protect you after a recent concussion then you need a new neurosurgeon. If you need protection against concussion then you shouldn't be playing, even with headgear. It's as simple as that. On the other hand, if you wish to wear headgear to protect yourself against cuts and abrasions then we, at least, encourage you to do so.
The IRFB's 1996 changes to law 4 on players' dress reflect these concerns by permitting headgear without padding. However, some countries take a more liberal attitude and acknowledge that since a small amount of padding does not pose any danger to other players then it should be permitted. Hence they have domestic variations allowing some padding in headgear.
Paul Bickerstaff Assoc. Prof., Physics Department, University of Idaho, USA. pbickers@phys.uidaho.edu
Peter Milburn Acting Dean, School of Physiotherapy University of Otago, New Zealand. PMILBURN@gandalf.otago.ac.nz