Common Sports Injuries and Rugby Terminology Explained

Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Physical Education

Common Sports Injuries

Sprain (*esguince*)
Consists of stretching or tearing one or various ligaments.
Dislocation (*dislocación*)
Occurs when two joint surfaces lose contact due to displacement.
Meniscus Injuries (*lesiones de menisco*)
The menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures reducing joint friction. Knee menisci are most commonly injured, usually when performing a rotation during flexion and weight-bearing.
Synovitis (*sinovitis*)
Inflammation of the synovial membrane, often caused by recurrent trauma. Initial treatment involves applying the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Bone Injuries (*lesiones óseas*)
Caused by a loss of continuity in bone substance, manifesting as a fracture. Two common types include:
  • Simple or Closed Fracture: The bone breaks without damaging surrounding tissues or muscles. The term ‘simple’ does not relate to the severity of the consequences.
  • Compound or Open Fracture: The sharp tip of the broken bone damages tissues and may perforate the skin.
Muscle Injuries (*lesiones musculares*)
Most frequent in sports, affecting the muscle’s contractile component. Generally acute injuries (except stiffness, cramps, contractures). Usually caused by sudden maximum effort or excessive stretching.
Stiffness
Discomfort from micro-tears in the muscles, mainly occurring in untrained individuals.
Cramps (*calambres*)
Sudden, involuntary, painful, and transient contractions of a muscle or muscle group, often due to excessive exercise and/or extreme temperatures.
Contracture
Involves persistent, involuntary muscle shortening or tightening, often felt as sore spots. Can be caused by excessive exercise or poor posture. Treatment includes rest, local dry heat, and massage.
Distension (Strain)
Occurs from excessive stretching of muscle fibers without tearing or bruising.
Tear (Pull)
Commonly known as a ‘pull’. More severe than a distension, involving the tearing of muscle fibers with internal hemorrhage. Characterized by a sharp pinch sensation preventing continued activity.
Break (Rupture)
Complete loss of continuity in a muscle. Causes severe pain followed by total functional disability.
Bandages (*vendajes*)
Wide ties, typically in the form of strips of cloth, used for support or compression.
Concussion (*conmoción cerebral*)
A traumatic brain injury that can affect brain function.
Bruise (*contusión*)
An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels.

Rugby Terminology

In-Goal Area
The region players enter to score a try, located between the try line and the dead ball line.
Exceed
To go beyond what is allowed by the rules.
Try Line
The goal line; crossing it and grounding the ball results in a try.
Rugby League
A code of rugby football played with 13 players per team.
Pitch
The field of play for a rugby match.
Maximum
The greatest amount or number allowed.
Rugby Union
A code of rugby football played with 15 players per team.
Twenty Two (22)
Refers to the 22-meter line from the try line, a location where play is often restarted (e.g., via a dropout).
Full Back
A player (typically wearing number 15 in Union) positioned deepest in defense, often the last line of defense and involved in counter-attacks.
Hooker
A player (typically number 2) in the front row of the scrum, positioned between the two props, responsible for ‘hooking’ the ball back.
Wing
An attacking player (typically numbers 11 and 14) positioned on the outside edges of the back line, known for speed and scoring tries.
Prop
A player (typically numbers 1 and 3) in the front row of the scrum, positioned on either side of the hooker, providing stability.
Lock (Second Row)
A player (typically numbers 4 and 5) who lines up in the second row of the scrum, providing power and often jumping in lineouts.
Center
A versatile player (typically numbers 12 and 13) in the back line, linking play between the inside backs and wings, involved in both attack and defense.
Blind-side Flanker
A forward player (typically number 6) in the back row of the scrum (loosetrio), positioned on the ‘blind’ (narrower) side of the field relative to the scrum.
Fly Half (Outside Half / Stand-off)
A key decision-maker and playmaker (typically number 10) in the back line, often directs play and is usually a skilled kicker.
Ruck
A phase of play formed after a tackle where one or more players from each team bind together over the ball, which is on the ground.
Penalty
Awarded for a significant infraction of the rules. The non-offending team can choose various options, including a kick at goal (worth 3 points if successful).
Try
A score worth 5 points, achieved by grounding the ball in the opposition’s in-goal area.
Set Piece
A structured method of restarting play after a stoppage, such as a scrum or lineout.
Scrum
A set piece used to restart play, typically after minor infringements, involving the forwards of both teams binding together and competing for the ball.
Conversion
A kick at goal attempted after a try has been scored, worth 2 points if successful.
Lineout
A set piece used to restart play after the ball has gone out of bounds at the side (touchline). Forwards form two lines, and the ball is thrown in between them.