Flying the flag for player welfare the Hampshire way – meet Michele Amos
This story is written by Progressive Rugby
If Progressive Rugby were to genetically engineer a player welfare champion, we’re pretty sure the end result would come out looking and behaving like Michele Amos.
Michele has been around the game since her sons started playing rugby as toddlers 25 years ago, has extensive experience of youth coaching, was Basingstoke RFC’s first ever female chairperson and now works as Rugby Safe Lead for the Hampshire RFU where she’s on a mission to “dispel the myth that concussion will somehow resolve itself if you sit out the required days.”
Her dedication to her current role is extraordinary, and it’s clear that Michele’s not one content with just meeting the requirements in the role.
“When it came to concussion, I wanted something robust for Hampshire that didn’t just ensure that players are removed from play but actively managed their return to play,” she said.
It took a lot of “jumping through hoops” but Michele has also set up a system of notification where parents/player are notified and provided with a return to play checklist, and in the instance of youth players schools are notified to stand the individual down from physical activity for 14 days.
Anyone with even a passing knowledge of putting these type of safeguarding systems in place will appreciate it takes tenacity, endless form filling and the patience of a saint.
And then, once the minimum stand down period has elapsed, all players who wish to return to play have to sit an online module and then pass the Stage 5 assessment which includes a 20 minute physical and cognitive stress test delivered by a qualified coach and L3 first-aider.
“Again, it took time to embed but now it’s just the process, and I can be satisfied that we are doing all we can to ensure there are no residual symptoms and not just going through the motions.”
If these welfare leaps weren’t keeping Michele busy enough, she’s also delivering support courses on managing pitch side first aid and managing injury return to play, both of which more than 250 people from within the county and beyond have taken advantage of.
Another aspect of her role sees Michele manage and coordinate a team of 35 local Club Rugby Safe Officers, who are tasked with advising and facilitating all aspects of player welfare and safety.
“I’m so lucky because there is a lot of medical expertise within the group and they are all empowered to embrace the role and ask for support so they can be the best they can be,” Michele said.
“Rugby’s the greatest game in the world. I’ve seen it help grow people, show them what they are capable of and develop their confidence. That means I also want it to be then very best it can be.
“I’m invested in making sure those who play the game can lead happy and healthy lives and get as much joy from the sport as I do.
“For all the values of the game, the camaraderie, the battle scars, there’s no glory in being broken. You have to look after yourself for the good of the team.”
Do you want to celebrate a player welfare champion? Get in touch at progressiverugby@outlook.com
“When it came to concussion, I wanted something robust for Hampshire that didn’t just ensure that players are removed from play but actively managed their return to play.”