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A player who is bleeding or has blood on their playing uniform
must leave the ground for immediate medical attention.
They must ensure that the bleeding is stopped, the wound dressed
and that there is no blood on their uniform before they return
to the playing arena.
The "blood rule" exists in many sports.
A number of blood borne infectious diseases can be transmitted
during body contact and collision sports. The most serious of
these includes HEPATITIS and HIV (AIDS).
It has been put in place to protect: the injured player, their
teammates, the opposition and all sporting officials.
The best method to stop the bleeding quickly is compression
and elevation.
As quickly as possible apply pressure to the wound. This means
that before you get to the sidelines you may hold the area that
is bleeding very tightly.
If you have a trainer or coach present they should put on disposable
rubber gloves before they treat your injury.
A pressure bandage will be applied, and your injury will be
elevated.
If the bleeding can be controlled and dressed correctly you
may be back on the ground quickly.
In matches where a doctor is present stitches may be given.
Sometimes you may need to go to a doctor or hospital for further
treatment.
Remember... You have an open wound so you are at risk of
getting an infection.
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Can I prevent catching these diseases?
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Both Hepatitis and HIV may be spread by contact between
broken skin or mucous membranes and infected:
Blood
Saliva (not HIV)
Semen and Vaginal fluids
Sports Medicine Australia recommends:
- That maintaining strict personal hygiene is the best method
of controlling these diseases.
That includes NOT sharing water bottles with team mates.
- That all participants involved in contact / collision
sports and playing under adult rules, be
vaccinated against HEPATITIS B
How do I get more information for my coach and my parents?
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Sports Medicine Australia has an infectious diseases policy
that is updated regularly.
Click Here to view the infectious
diseases policy.
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