|
Quadriplegic former referee Clinton Pietersen recorded a notable landmark when he became the first wheelchair-bound person to be successfully certified as a BokSmart trainer – the South African Rugby Union’s ground-breaking rugby safety programme.
Mr Pietersen, who was disabled as the result of a freak accident in 2004, attended the regional BokSmart workshop in George that was hosted by the South Western Districts (SWD).
“I hope to be an ambassador for the BokSmart programme and also hope that I could make a difference to rugby safety,” Pietersen.
“Although I can’t play rugby due to my disability, BokSmart has given me a chance to still play an indirect role in South African rugby. I am excited about implementing this course in my community next year and hope that all trainers who have successfully qualified through this programme spread the gospel in their regions.”
More than 1000 coaches, referees and development officers across the country have attended the BokSmart Trainers courses programme following its launch earlier in July.
The national rugby safety programme has also certified 248 BokSmart Trainers and has recently concluded Trainer workshops at the Western Province, Leopards, Griffons, Pumas, Free State, Kwazulu Natal, Eastern Province, Valke, SWD, Boland, Griquas, Blue Bulls and Golden Lions rugby unions.
Later this month, the BokSmart team will conclude its BokSmart Trainer workshops in East London at the Border Rugby Union.
“I think it’s great for a guy in his position to have this enthusiasm for the game,” said BokSmart Project Manager Dr Wayne Viljoen.
“It’s admirable that despite his condition, he still has a strong desire and is willing to play an active role in rugby safety. He is extremely passionate about the game and it’s fantastic that he would like to make a positive contribution to rugby in South Africa.”
BokSmart, which is sponsored by Absa, aims to reduce the number of serious and catastrophic head, neck and spinal injuries associated with the game.
The goal is to provide the rugby community with all the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that safety and best practice principles are paramount in all aspects of the game.
Additional to the Rugby Safety workshops, BokSmart provides a rugby first aid short-course called the BokSmart Rugby Medic programme, presented by EMT (Emergency Medical Training), for those disadvantaged and rural communities playing rugby who have no medical support, medical staff or equipment available at home games.
This course will empower them in appropriately identifying or suspecting a serious and/or catastrophic head, neck or spine injury, and have a basic understanding of what needs to be done in the case of such an incident.
BokSmart further provides a toll-free national emergency telephone helpline, linked to ER24 called the “BokSmart Spineline” – 0800 678 678 – to accelerate the emergency treatment and appropriate management of a potentially seriously injured rugby player.
For further information on BokSmart, visit www.BokSmart.com .
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Clinton Pietersen (First row - third from right) with the rest of the SWD BokSmart trainers. |
