Primary school rugby coach Lee-Handré Ferreira from Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng completed the online course, which instructs coaches and referees in the latest science-based techniques to enhance rugby safety.

A BokSmart certification is a requirement for anyone who wishes to coach or referee rugby in South Africa and, over the years, has established itself as one of the most quoted safety programmes in world rugby.

Alfred Ross, BokSmart administrator at the Valke, congratulates Lee-Handre Ferreira on becoming the 200,000th person to complete the BokSmart certification.

“BokSmart courses have been running for 16 years and over the years, we’ve seen a big difference in how rugby safety is approached,” said Dr Wayne Viljoen, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Rugby Safety.

“We’re already into the eighth iteration of the programme and as we continue to evolve, it’s very important for coaches and referees in the game to remain BokSmart compliant.

“Although not compulsory for other role players yet, we encourage medical support staff, team managers and even players, to do the course as well, so that everyone speaks the same ‘BokSmart’ language on match days.”

Dr Viljoen congratulated the 29-year-old Ferreira, who is involved in coaching at primary school level where his son plays. Ferreira received a hamper of SA Rugby and Players’ Fund items and a personalised framed Certificate.

Ferreira said: “BokSmart is a great way of keeping coaches, clubs, schools and referees accountable for how they teach and approach player safety, and I could apply my learnings and previous experience this year with the team I coach.

“I think the BokSmart programme brings a lot to the table, and it would be great if clubs and schools can use emergency medical personnel that are also familiar with the programme, especially the private guys that help out at these days or games.

“To be honest, getting this recognition has really lit the fire in me to expand my coaching and perhaps even get involved in refereeing again.”

BokSmart, a joint initiative between SA Rugby and the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, was officially launched in July 2009.

Since its inception, the incidence of permanent catastrophic acute spinal cord injuries in the sport in South Africa has declined around 48%, while SA Rugby’s rugby safety department continuously collates data and modifies the certification programme to address changing trends. This decline equates to roughly 32 people being spared such a fate over a rolling 10-year period.

“Although Lee-Handré is one of more than 200,000 people who have attended BokSmart courses over the years, it’s important that we remain at the forefront of rugby safety,” said Dr Viljoen.

“That way we can ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone involved in the game, especially the players.”

Annie Dobson, the CEO of the Players’ Fund, said: “Reaching 200,000 BokSmart certifications is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through shared commitment to player safety.

“As the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund that supports seriously injured rugby players for life, we know first-hand how vital preventative education and awareness are in changing outcomes. We are proud to stand alongside SA Rugby in this vital initiative.

“Every coach, referee, and supporter who becomes BokSmart certified helps create a safer game for all.

“We commend Lee-Handré and all those who continue to champion player welfare at grassroots and professional levels. The impact of BokSmart is tangible, and this milestone serves as both a celebration and a call to action: let’s keep pushing forward to ensure safety remains at the heart of the game we all love.”

Get involved. Get inspired. Get BokSmart Certified. Go the extra mile for your players. Go to https://My.BokSmart.Com to find out more. #BokSmart #RugbySafety #PlayersFund