John H. Kerr
Unaffiliated, Vancouver, Canada
Citation
H. Kerr, J. (2021). “I never really felt unsafe”: Exploring Aspects of Risk Perception in Elite Canadian Women’s Rugby Union. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 52(5), 450-467. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2021.52.450
Abstract
This study examined women rugby union players’ risk perception. A qualitative design was used. 10 elite Canadian women rugby players answered semi-structured interview questions. The concept of psychological protective frames from reversal theory informed study findings. All participants experienced injuries, but they were generally unconcerned about the injury risks involved, although concussion injury was an exception. Players felt safe and confident when pursuing their rugby playing careers. These feelings came from their perception of: their own individual attributes; the experience and competence of coaches; the contribution of team support staff; and the importance of the rugby laws and competent referees. In a similar way to high risk adventure sport participants, protective frames gave players a sense of being in control, feeling safe and also having the confidence to master abrasive physical game situations, thus allowing them to experience positive experiences in elite rugby union. Suggestions for future research are outlined.
Keywords: Risk perception, Elite women's rugby, Injuries, Protective frames