scrum cap
{{short description|Occasionally worn headgear in rugby}}
File:Jake_Ball_2013_(cropped).jpg Jake Ball wearing a scrum cap]]
The scrum cap is a form of headgear used by rugby players to protect the ears in the scrum, which can otherwise suffer injuries leading to the condition commonly known as cauliflower ears. Although originally designed for forwards they are now worn by players of all positions, even those who do not play in the scrum.
A simpler alternative to a cap, or a head-cap and used by many players, is a thin strip of foam or cloth and electrical tape wrapped around the ears like a head band.
Construction
The scrum cap was first used by the Christ's College Finchley's 1st XV,{{Cite web |url=http://www.nzrugby.co.nz/the_game/history/christ_college_finchley |title=Christ College, Finchley |access-date=2010-12-03 |archive-date=2010-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130203147/http://www.nzrugby.co.nz/the_game/history/christ_college_finchley |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://firepowersport.com/history-of-scrum-caps/ |title=What is the history of scrum caps? | Blog post from Firepower Sport |access-date=2023-03-01 |archive-date=2019-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011215930/https://firepowersport.com/history-of-scrum-caps/ |url-status=dead }}{{When|date=July 2010}} and Eurig Evans is credited with its design. The traditional scrum cap was constructed of a thin cloth helmet with padding over the ears, held in place by a strap—but modern models are typically made from thin foam.
The headgear is defined by Regulation 12[http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation12_879.pdf "REGULATION 12. PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAYERS’ DRESS"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124225026/http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation12_879.pdf |date=2011-01-24 }}, IRB of World Rugby as being made of soft, thin materials. Stiff materials, such as plastics, are forbidden, and buckles are not permitted. Regulation 12[2] also gives details regarding the testing standards for this headgear. All headgear to be worn in rugby union must carry a World Rugby approval logo.
Concussive protection
Since the early 1990s, other players have taken to wearing padded headgear. This is intended to protect from cuts and head injuries that can occur from incidental contact in tackles or at rucks. Whilst they may prevent some cuts and abrasions, such headgear has not been shown to reduce concussive injury.{{cite journal |pages=306–13 |doi=10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181864bee |title=Does Padded Headgear Prevent Head Injury in Rugby Union Football? |year=2009 |last1=McIntosh |first1=Andrew S. |last2=McCrory |first2=Paul |last3=Finch |first3=Caroline F. |last4=Best |first4=John P. |last5=Chalmers |first5=David J. |last6=Wolfe |first6=Rory |journal=Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise |volume=41 |issue=2 |pmid=19127196|doi-access=free }}
Legislation
World Rugby has not made scrum caps compulsory, and many players and officials are divided over their utility. Former England captain Mike Tindall criticised their usage by youth players, saying that they had a detrimental result on tackling ability from an early age.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/11428192/Mike-Tindall-get-rid-of-protective-gear-for-rugby-kids.html|title=Mike Tindall: Get rid of protective gear for rugby kids|date=22 February 2015 |access-date=2023-03-01|archive-date=2022-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614232151/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/11428192/Mike-Tindall-get-rid-of-protective-gear-for-rugby-kids.html|url-status=live}} Welsh player Jonathan Davies similarly felt that they should not be compulsory, as injuries were part of the game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/32212636|title=Wales' Davies queries headgear role|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2023-03-01|archive-date=2022-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012081006/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/32212636|url-status=live}} High profile referee Nigel Owens has however suggested making the wearing of headgear compulsory for all players, and they are mandatory for all players in Japanese youth teams.{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100419-211116.html|title=Is rugby headgear necessary?|access-date=2023-03-01|archive-date=2021-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627221051/https://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100419-211116.html|url-status=live}}
See also
{{commons category}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Rugby union equipment}}
{{Helmets}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Scrum Cap}}
Category:Rugby league equipment