Heward-Swale, Annette Gail ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9654-9519, Kabaliuk, Natalia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9899-3738, Spriggs, Nicole ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1376-6166, Henley, Stefan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1397-8246, Hamlin, Michael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7941-8554 and Draper, Nick ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4466-3792 (2024) User perception and acceptance of softshell headgear amongst youth rugby players. Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance (SJSP), 3 (2). pp. 270-281. ISSN 2794-0586 (Online) (doi:10.55860/TWPZ7832)

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Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes, preferences, motivations and acceptance of softshell headgear among youth rugby players. Female and male rugby players (ages 13-17) were surveyed regarding headgear use during training and matches, discontinuation reasons, preferred brands, motivations for use, and reasons for non-use. We assessed confidence without headgear, head injuries, familiarity with specifications, and awareness of benefits/risks. Most (86%) didn't wear headgear during training; 74.4% abstained in matches. Reasons for discontinuation included discomfort and perceived ineffectiveness. Parental advice (78%) and injury protection (52%) drove headgear use. Non-use reasons: lack of ventilation (67%), bulkiness (50%), discomfort (44%), non-compulsory use (36%), and lack of consideration (36%). 44.2% believed headgear protects against head injuries; 30.2% were unsure. The results of this study indicate a range of attitudes among youth rugby players towards the use of headgear. Understanding their motivations and concerns is crucial for improving player safety. While some players see headgear as a valuable protective measure, others are deterred by factors such as discomfort and lack of ventilation. There is a need for greater awareness and education about headgear benefits and risks among rugby players, potential modifications to headgear design to enhance comfort and ventilation should be explored and further research conducted to explore the benefits that headgear has for head impact protection.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	head injuries, physical activity psychology, sports science, sport and exercise, protective equipment, rugby safety, player attitudes
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Exercise Activity and Rehabilitation Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	07 Sep 2026 10:52
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54350

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