Player welfare managers' perceptions of player welfare

What is it about?

In Rugby Football League (RFL) each elite club has a player welfare manager responsible for supporting the welfare of the players. In interviews with player welfare managers we found that they feel they make a valuable contribution to supporting players' welfare. They have to deal with a range of issues and provide practical and emotional support, so players can concentrate on their game. Player welfare managers act as a link between the club, its players and the services that offer specialised support for players. Things that make their jobs easier include a supportive head coach, along with backing of the club and high-profile players. They felt they were struggling to meet the demands of their job roles, which were largely part time.

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Why is it important?

Player welfare is critically important to elite athletes' welfare and well-being, and acknowledges the needs of elite athletes beyond the sporting arena. The player welfare managers providing this practical and emotional support must feel enabled to fulfill their role, if they are to be a support for the players. Since we did these interviews, the player welfare manager role within the RFL has been expanded to ensure all elite clubs have a full time player welfare manager. It is hoped this will further increase the welfare and well-being of professional rugby football league players.

Perspectives