Get involved in Rugby Union

With another great RBS Six Nations competition having been played, we’re seeing a spike in interest in Rugby Union as players both young and old are being inspired by the level of talent we witnessed on the pitches. Now, the RFU is calling all players to find a local club team and get involved. They have said that rugby is “a territorial, full-contact, team game, inclusive of all shapes and sizes, where 20-stone bulldozers are valued just as highly as small, pacey whippets”. And it could not be more true – we found ourselves cheering on 118kg ‘bulldozer’ prop, Joe Marler just as much as 92kg Chris Ashton, who was out there on the wing being a ‘pacey whippet’!

Rugby Union originated in England in the early 19^th century and William Webb Ellis is often credited with its invention, running with the ball in hand in 1823 at Rugby School when he supposedly caught the ball while playing football and targeted the opposition goal. The first Rugby World Cup was held in 1987, taking place every four years, and annual competitions include The Six Nations Championship in Europe and The Rugby Championship in the Southern Hemisphere. As a major global sport, we’re urging everyone to give rugby a try if you haven’t already. The RFU website explains more about the various forms of rugby union and offers a club finder to help you locate a local team. 

Find out more here: http://www.rfu.com/takingpart/choose_play

Why is it good for you?

Rugby offers numerous benefits that all contribute towards a healthier lifestyle, from developing core stability to improving cardiovascular ability. Current guidelines recommend that adults should partake in 30 minutes of moderately intense physical exercise for 5 days a week, and as a high-paced sport, playing rugby certainly fulfils this criteria even at the most basic level. Every game involves sprinting, tackling, pushing, jumping and kicking, all of which involve fitness and endurance, upper and lower body strength, speed, agility as well as more precise ball-handling and kicking skills.

As a team sport, the social interaction and camaraderie associated with rugby also have significant benefits as it can encourage psychological well-bring, have positive effects on mood and behaviour, and maintain energy balance. This is especially true for boys since rugby is arguably the most economical of sports when it comes to manpower and inclusion; it can accommodate up to 30 players, welcomes the huge discrepancy between physical sizes, encourages intense exercise in an hour…all on one field more or less the right size. At the centre of the game lies the co-operation of all 15 players rather than the brilliance of one and though there are opportunities for individual flair, the success of the team pivots around ability of each team member to work with the others. This is valuable skill not only in sport but in life and an important one to impression onto boys. Similarly, both the laws enforced by the referee and the unspoken rules of conduct – to not bite, gouge, attack vulnerable areas – impart the importance of restraint and self-discipline, hence why rugby is used as the main team-building exercise for recruits for premier Army regiments.

The intense physical contact nature of the game means that rugby players are prone to injuries, including shoulder joint sprains, hamstring strings, ankle sprains and knee ligament injuries. The risk of these can be reduced when playing rugby by warming up and cooling down properly, developing core skills, employing the correct technique and using protective equipment. However, it is impossible to eliminate the risk of injury and the costs associated. If you’re looking to get into rugby, or are already a committed member of a team, make sure you protect yourself financially as well as physically. 

Find out more about our insurance policy, tailored to the demands of the game to make sure you’re protected: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/rugby.html/

Ski Safe

This season marks the most unstable snowpack in 15 years meaning that even the most experienced and qualified of guides are gambling when it comes to taking both themselves, and their clients, outside the safety zones. The desire for individuals to explore the sensational and unrivalled delights of the backcountry is prolific yet this season, when over 20 skiers and snowboarders have already died in Europe, it is time to really consider whether making fresh tracks this season is worth the risk of never being able to make them again. It is not just naïve amateurs who are becoming victims to unforgiving avalanches; three of the victims were completing an intensive technical course with a highly recommended guide in Switzerland when they swept to their deaths. What they were learning? Avalanche safety.

The cruel irony of this situation as just one example goes to show the unpredictability of the mountains and their tragic ability to snatch lives away in an instant. Even those equipped with all the safety gear are still at risk; ABS airbags are designed to deploy and pull you out of an avalanche when you pull the release but even these are only effective in a very exact moment of crisis. If you really can’t resist the risk, it is advisable at the very least to be properly equipped with a transceiver, probe, shovel and mobile phone, or to invest in an ABS airbag. Seeking the advice and guidance of a professional is also recommended but it is important to remember that even he is not invincible.

What do I need?

Transceiver: If caught in an avalanche there is no time to spare and your minutes are numbered as survival rates drop rapidly after 15 minutes of snow submersion. A transceiver both emits and receives a signal that can be picked up by other transceivers which means that if you are wearing one, the rest of your group can find you quickly.

Probe: A probe goes hand in hand with a transceiver as once you’ve located their signal, you can use a probe to locate the buried individual. It easily penetrates even compact snow and comes in different weights and lengths.

Shovel: You’ve located your friend with the transceiver, you’ve found them with the probe…now you need to get them out as quickly as possible and nothing works faster when it comes to digging than a shovel. They are designed to be light, compact and often fold up to fit into backpacks.

ABS: Avalanche airbags are a serious investment but are recognised to significantly improve the chances of survival as they keep you above an avalanche rather than under it…they inflate when you pull the release and since large things rise while smaller ones sink, you are lifted to safety. You can buy a backpack – or an ABS system – which comes complete with two airbags and all the technology.

Finally, if you’re planning a ski holiday at this time of year, particularly when the weather is warming up and conditions could become even more dangerous, make sure you’ve got a comprehensive and stable insurance policy in place. The lives of over 20 skiers and snowboarders have been taken and the same number again has been seriously injured in avalanches alone. We offer a range of winter sports insurance policies from skiing, to heli-skiing, to back-country skiing. Follow the link below to find out more information and get a quote today:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

Are you SURE you’re insured?

When it comes to going abroad, most people are aware of the need for travel insurance. It is now common knowledge that buying travel insurance to protect your possessions, your luggage and your health is an essential item on the pre-holiday check list. And most important it would seem these days, is finding the right kind of travel insurance to suit both you and your trip. The three top reasons according to the U.S Travel Insurance Association for purchasing it are protection against the unexpected, worries about losing the financial investment that goes into planning a trip, and peace of mind. Even if you’ve planned your trip to be fully restorative – sun soaked beaches, long lunches and minimal activity – there is still a whole host of things that could go wrong, such as flight delays or cancellations, baggage loss, or perhaps you need to cancel your trip due to illness. When you compare the cost of your trip to the cost of a policy, suddenly travel insurance seems well worth the investment.

But what if your trip is going to be more active? Perhaps you’re planning on doing some kitesurfing, sailing or water-rafting? If you’re visiting an adventure capital are you likely to make the most of an opportunity to do a bungee jump? In winter, you might be going skiing or snowboarding? The added risks that come with these sports and with all sports in general are why travel insurance on its own is often insufficient. Following being drunk, the next reason given for rejection of a claim was if the policyholder had undertaken a sport or extreme excursion that was not covered. With the rising popularity of adventure sports holidays where travellers can indulge in challenging new activities while keeping fit, the need for an insurance policy more specific and tailored than its average travel counterpart is becoming more apparent. If lying by the pool, book and cocktail in hand remains your perfect holiday then a standard travel insurance policy will be perfect for you and will cover that level of activity. However, if you’re seeking new thrills and are likely to be tempted by the scuba-diving trip, off-piste skiing day or climbing expedition, then don’t risk your health and the value of your trip by only taking out regular insurance.

At SportsCover Direct, we can offer both sports travel insurance for specific sports as well as more general adventure sports and winter sports travel insurance. With over 20 years’ experience in the sporting field, we have a good idea of what is required from making sure your equipment is protected, to medical expenses, to repatriation to the UK in the event of serious accidents. While we all like to shop around for the best deals when it comes to insurance (or anything!) your priority should be making sure you are fully covered for all the activities you are likely to get involved in, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. We want to make sure we can fulfil the reasons most of you choose travel insurance: protection against the unexpected - our policies can cover the costs of a hospital stay abroad if you sustain a sudden injury while climbing etc; peace of mind – even when active, holidays should be worry-free and we want to make sure you can enjoy new adventures without being hung up on the ifs and buts; losing the financial investment that goes into planning a trip – just like the standard travel insurance policies, we will still cover the costs of delayed flights, lost baggage and illness!

To find out more visit our site so you can be SURE that you’re insured.

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

RBS Six Nations

The world’s oldest and largest annual premier rugby tournament began last weekend with victories from Ireland, Wales and a last-minute win from France over England . The competition began in 1871 when the first rugby union international was played between England and Scotland with the latter coming out on top. Over a century later, it has grown in popularity, tradition and competition, with six nations – England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy – now challenging each other for the trophy, commissioned by the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2006.

Following 1871, annual and occasional friendly matches were played between England and Scotland until 1883, when the inaugural Home International Championship, comprising England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales was played. France officially joined in 1910 and the Championship became the Five Nations, remaining like this through its suspension during World War I and II (excluding France’s ejection 1931-1939), and it was not until 2000 that the tournament welcomed Italy, becoming the Six Nations as we know it today.  Over its course of play, the Championship has acquired a simple format which encourages millions of people to tune in annually worldwide. Each team plays every other team once, with home field advantage alternating from one year to the next. The winning team is awarded 2 points, a draw results in 1 and a loss gains nothing. Victory in every game awards that team the ‘Grand Slam’ while victory by any Home Nation over the other three Home Nations constitutes a ‘Triple Crown’. The current Championship holders are Wales, who denied England both this and their Grand Slam chances on the final weekend of 2013.

This year, England are looking to claim back the title they last held in 2011 and with the rising support, this is certainly possible. In 2013, over one million people attended the 15 matches, making it the best attended international rugby tournament in the world on a per match basis. The Championship which is completed over seven weekends in February and March is aired in over 160 countries, and it attracts an ever growing media focus. England hooker, Dylan Hartley has insisted that winning this year’s competition is crucial to the national team’s development, believing that the England squad have the ability to go all the way and that lifting the Six Nations would be the ideal way to start the countdown to the World Cup. “Win the World Cup?” he says, “Certainly we can”.

For some, the 6 Nations dream is over already. Rhys Patchell, the Welsh 20 year old fly-half sustained a knee injury while playing for his club side which a scan confirmed will require surgery. Out for a possible four months, it is unlikely that Patchell will play any part in Wales’ attempt to retain the Championship title. Ireland’s back rower Sean O’Brien is also in danger of missing the entire 6 Nations as he requires surgery on the dislocated left shoulder he suffered in a match against Ulster in December last year. The physicality of rugby means the level of injury sustained is high; physio treatment alone can be very expensive. Protect yourself against the physical and financial risks with a comprehensive insurance policy, like the one we’ve designed especially for rugby. Find out more here: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/rugby.html/

Stay tuned this weekend to watch Ireland vs Wales and England vs Scotland on Saturday, and France vs Italy on Sunday! 

Sochi 2014

 The next winter Olympic Games will be held in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23 2014.  It will host the most compact Winter Games in the history of the Olympic Movement as it will be possible to get from one venue to another in just a matter of minutes! The competition this year is intense as some of the world’s best athletes will participate in test events (international tests on the sporting disciplines) which are on a scale comparable to the staging of two Olympic Games. The disciplines covered can be seen below:

Olympic disciplines: ice hockey, speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating, curling, ski jumping, Nordic combined, biathlon, skiing, alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboard, bobsleigh, skeleton, luge.

Paralympic disciplines: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, wheelchair curling, biathlon, ice sledge hockey.

Although the summer Olympic Games may be more famous, and boasted a spectacular opening ceremony in 2012, Sochia promises to deliver. Jean-Claude Killy, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission has said that “The Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Games will be seen by somewhere in the region of two billion people and needs to be a beautiful spectacle”. The Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Kozak, is also sure of the upcoming spectacle, commenting that the Winter Games have given a powerful boost the development of technology, and consequently, “The Games in Sochi will be shown entirely in HD format and advanced Ultra High Definition technology will be used in Sochi”. We’re excited to hear this as it demonstrates the long way we have come from 1968 when the first Olympic Games were televised live in Colour in Mexico! If you are not able to get a ticket as they are currently selling out within the first few hours of availability, then the full experience can be brought to you within the comfort of your own home.

However, we’re assured that these games are not to be missed if you have the opportunity as Russia endeavour to surpass the levels of excellence previously achieved. The Olympic Torch Relay itself has broken several records as 14,000 torchbearers will carry the flame through Russia, travelling by various forms of transport (including hot air balloon!) in order to pass through 2,900 Russian cities and villages. The Relay began on 7 October 2013 and will conclude at the ‘Fisht’ Olympic Stadium on 7 March 2014. Wherever you are, make sure you tune in for this special ceremony which will show the world a new Russia based on community instead of stereotypes; the torchbearers range from athletes to volunteers to public figures to people with a disability…the only condition is that they are over 14. 

For more information about the games, or to check out any of the sporting schedules, go to Sochi’s official website!

http://www.sochi2014.com/en/

Heli-Happiness – is skiing outside the crowds worth it?

If you are a ski or snowboard lover and continue to return to the Alps, or perhaps the Rockies, year after year, then maybe this year it is time to leave the chairlift queues and busy pistes behind in search of fresh powder and an unbeatable experience. Be warned though, after embarking on a heli-skiing holiday, or perhaps just a day out, you will undoubtedly realise what all the fuss is about and may find it difficult to return to chilly chairlift rides!

Yes, heli-skiing is very expensive and that fact cannot be ignored but if you are considering it, then it is worth taking the time to appreciate what you get for your money. A helicopter can take you from the ground to the top in a couple of minutes whilst you experience magical and uninterrupted views that people may pay hundreds to see on sightseeing flights. You will then get multiple opportunities throughout your heli-skiing day to experience the pure joy of making your own tracks through fresh powder without being surrounded by the hordes who flock to the obvious off-piste within a ski resort. In nearly all cases you will ski (or snowboard) the kind of conditions that you would be incredibly fortunate to catch even once in a year in a top powder resort such as Whistler or Utah. And it is easy to see why…the heli-ski area covered by a helicopter in one day makes even a big resort seem small in comparison, yet only a tiny fraction of the skiers are dropped onto the terrain! Heli-skiing companies now offer a wide variety of packages from family trips to private tours but on average, you are not likely to be sharing a helicopter with more than 7 people. When you consider the fact that chairlifts nowadays can take up to 8 people, who all depart at the top to ski the same run, you will appreciate the capacity heli-skiing offers for breath-taking experiences away from the routine.

There is also the opportunity to forge new bonds while sharing a trip of a life-time with likeminded people. Whether it is just for the day, or over the course of the week, you will be indulging in the champagne powder luxury of untamed places only accessible by helicopter, and mutual exhilaration can create long-lasting friendships. There is undoubtedly something magical and elemental about standing on top of a deserted mountain with only untouched powder ahead of you, and the knowledge that when you can ski no further, a helicopter will be ready and waiting to take you to the top of the next peak! If you are looking to invest in a week’s long holiday then the bliss continues well into the evening as many companies now offer very comfortable lodging which includes sumptuous three-course dinners, massages and saunas. Finally it has to be said that the best heli-skiing is found in Canada and North America. Although there are several tour operators in the Alps, the snow guarantee and expanse of space unfortunately just doesn’t compare. The industry leader is most likely Canadian Mountain Holidays, who operate 11 fantastic lodges all over north-western Canada.

You can find out more on their website: http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/

…and as they say, it’s more than a vacation!!

At SportsCover Direct, we are able to offer you a protective insurance policy tailored to the demands of a heli-skiing holiday. We know where you are most likely to need the extra cover, such as repatriation and search and rescue, as well as reimbursement of costs should any natural disaster or extreme conditions affect your holiday. For more information, take a look here: 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/heli_skiing_insurance.html/

The Dangers of Going Head First - Concussion in Sport

For years and years concussion in sport has almost been a taboo when it comes to injury – it sounds potentially worse than something like a sprained ankle but no one is really sure what it means or what to do if you get it. So what do most people tend to do? Well of course, they play on! Let’s say you’re playing rugby and you’re down on the scoreboard and you experience a blow to the head in a tackle. You feel a little dazed, you’re not too sure what just happened and suddenly the referee is asking if you can play on. You don’t want to let your team mates down so you shake it off and continue the match...

This scenario is far from uncommon and underlines some of the problems surrounding concussion in sport. There is more emphasis on performance than safety when it comes to most sports as demonstrated by the ‘culture of resistance’ which faces young athletes today, and has done so for years. Many players, both young and old, are subjected to the implicit pressures of performance and therefore succumb to returning to play prematurely, or worse, do not report their injury, instead choosing to play through the pain, or confusion. This is inadvertently encouraged by the bravado and competitive camaraderie which surrounds male-dominated, physical and often violent sports such as rugby, American football and ice hockey.

Fortunately, new guidelines have emerged recently stating that when athletes are suspected of having concussion, they should be taken out of action immediately. This reflects the new public focus gained by sport concussion over recent years due to the widespread concern regarding the risk of developing long term mental-impairment. These new guidelines differ from their older counterparts in the sense that they advocate a more individualised assessment and management of injury. Whereas the severity of the concussion at the time was once used as the factor which determined the time frame from return to play, the emphasis is now on minimising any risks that could become apparent in the long term.

This has undoubtedly come around as a result of payouts from sporting bodies like NFL, who agreed to settle players’ concussion suits for $765 million earlier this year. This will compensate more than 5,000 ex-players who have been fighting for settlement for head-related injuries, and more money has also been awarded to fund research into the links between head trauma during sport and the delayed development of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Players argued in their law suits that NFL had known for over 75 years that concussion posed long-term health risks, but that they did not warn either them or their coaches of it until June 2010. NFL have dismissed this, saying that players have always known the risks of a violent game, but is this a valid argument?

It is arguably evasive of NFL to use this reason as a scapegoat as players may not always associate the game-to-game violence of a sport with long term implications. If a player experiences an injury during a game, particularly a head injury, his or her decision making ability is impaired. If the referee or coach asks a player if he is okay to carry on, should they trust an affirmative response? Absolutely not, and if an athlete has torn his ACL on the field, you wouldn’t expect him to tape it up and play on. The same applies for concussion, which is an injury that is now being taken as seriously as it should have been for the last decade as people become more aware of the long term consequences.

However, it is not just American football which has a high concussion rate. Other sports such as ice hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, soccer, basketball and rugby are all comparably risky when it comes to head trauma. Protective sports equipment is highly recommended and helmets for example can often guard against other injuries such as skull fractures and face injuries. Alongside this, it is a good idea to have a protective insurance policy that will cover you and your finances in the event of an accident. The potential costs incurred by ongoing head trauma could be crippling, not to mention the legal costs involved in taking a body such as NFL to court...

Whether you’re playing at home or abroad, protect yourself now with one of our specialised, tailored and comprehensive policies and get a quote today:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

Sport: Its Endless Benefits

The world we now live in is one caught up with endless rules and measures designed to make life – and sport – ‘safer’. Although it is important to take precautions to minimise the risk of injury, namely for individual benefit, we must not forget the endless positive effects sport can have on health, character and skill!

On the surface, we see the benefits of sport on our health; regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic conditions including diabetes, cancer, heart disease and musculoskeletal conditions. Staying active improves health as a defined state of complete mental, physical and social well-being and that is why it is so important to try and at least undertake the recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Our bodies are like cars – regular use and movement means they will function better over a longer period of time and though exercise can seem like a chore, fitness is immensely valuable. Aside from the more immediately obvious benefits such as toned physique, a fit and healthy adult will have better proven concentration, co-ordination and stamina than someone physically inactive. They are also likely to have a better posture and a longer life-expectancy…so far so good!

The benefits of daily exercise such as brisk walks to work are one thing, but the additional benefits that come with undertaking sport on a larger scale are better again. You may be involved in an individual sport within a club, such as hill-walking, or you may be a member of a team sport, such as rugby  - either way, the social benefits available in both circumstances make sport, and the opportunities provided by sport, even more wonderful. The chances to meet new people, discover new talents, and form long-standing relationships are limitless so long as you immerse yourself willingly enough! SportsCover Direct covers over 400 sports so we can help to protect you no matter where your interest lies. We can tailor a policy around your needs so you can enjoy your sport to the max.

Find your sport on our site today and get an instant, easy quote:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

Don’t Let It All Go Downhill! The risks of racing

Since October, the Universal Sports Network has been presenting widespread coverage of the 2013-2014 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season on air and online. It began with the women’s slalom and will continue to showcase more than 60 international alpine competitions, including the World Cup final. All eyes this year were set on Lindsey Vonn who looked to return from a knee injury in order to defend her Olympic gold medal in the women’s downhill. The U.S star has suffered on the sideline since her crash in February, along with a fellow American World Cup champion, Bode Miller, whose knee injury also meant he was out for most of last season.

However, Lindsey has reportedly withdrawn from next week’s World Cup race in the U.S after damaging her knee again in a training crash. Although a continuing course of therapy means that Lindsay should be able to race again in a few weeks, her accident speaks volumes for the potential risks involved with alpine sports, particularly downhill skiing. Lindsey partially tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and suffered a mild strain to her right knee in her recent crash; last February she tore multiple ligaments in the same knee. Since then, she has been wearing a protective knee brace and following an appropriate course of rehab after an MRI scan was able to reveal the damage.

Lindsey’s injuries and her ability to return to the sport demonstrate the fact that downhill racing – or any sport for that matter – is to be avoided because of the potential risks. However, the treatment incurred, namely the MRI scans and the extensive courses of therapy, does highlight the necessity of having a comprehensive sports insurance policy to cover you. Lindsey’s speedy recovery will be enabled by the advice and care of her orthopaedic surgeon, attentive treatments and regular check-ups, all of which can be financially ruining particularly when abroad. At SportsCover Direct, we offer a huge range of specialist sports insurance policies that can prevent the damaging consequences of physical injury. Our winter sports cover ranges from cross country skiing to heli-skiing to ski racing to ski acrobatics…find out more and get a quote today on our website:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/

The broadcast schedule for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events can be found here: http://www.powdermag.com/latest-news/full-2013-14-f-i-s-world-cup-schedule/

The Invisible Bike Helmet

Bicycle helmets have always been the same; cumbersome, uncomfortable and not very aesthetically pleasing. It is a chore to make children wear them and adults, too, regard them as a compulsory hassle. Generally, opinion is split as to whether the regular cycling helmet is even effective in the case of a serious accident and additionally, there are concerns that mandatory helmet laws would make cycling seem more dangerous than it is, putting people off a sport that had a positive health impact around 77 times larger than the potential for grave injury. However, the incredible invention of an invisible helmet now has put all these issues at rest.

The Hövding is a Swedish product, created by two women who began working on the helmet while they were at university. Although it has been available to buy for two years, the promotion video has only recently exploded into the public sphere, causing their website – www.hovding.com – to crash multiple times due to excessive hits. And it is unsurprising why! This ‘helmet’ is quite literally invisible, bearing far more semblance to a stylish fashion snood than the traditional ‘hat hair’ helmet. It comes in a variety of colours, or ‘skins’ to match any outfit, and features technology that far supersedes anything currently on the market. The product is the result of intensive market research which began in 2005 after its creators, Anna Haput and Terese Alstin, decided it was their industry’s job to come up with an alternative to helmets after research proved that many people would stop cycling upon the introduction of mandatory helmet laws. The result is a movement-activated airbag which explodes from the scarf-like hood in less than a second and encases virtually the entire head with strong nylon fabric. It passed, with flying colours, the higher safety checks set by the EU CE safety mark as it is three times more shock absorbent than ordinary helmets.

The final product is outstanding and has the ability – if it is not already – to revolutionise the face of urban cycling. Its seven-year development is reflected in the Hövding’s innovative craft; the inflation of the airbag is based on an algorithm that can differentiate between the bumps and movements of normal cycling to an actual serious, accident. If the cyclist ran down steps, picked up their keys or chucked the Hövding off at the end of the day, the airbag wouldn’t inflate – even if something were to fall on the cyclist’s head, the airbag still would not react. The seamless join of fashion and comfort with infallible safety technology makes this product the first of its kind, set to provide the best shock absorption in the world. If you don’t believe it, check out the proof!

http://www.travelinggreener.com/cycling/invisible-bike-helmet-from-sweden/

The battery powered product is on the market in a huge variety of colours, and will put you back £350. This seems a small price to pay however for a life-saving, reusable, invisible helmet that will complement most outfits while also keeping the hat hair at bay. Check out the Hövding website for more details:

http://www.hovding.com/en/

Popular Dance Competitions!

Headliners and the International Dance Challenge are among the most popular dance competitions in the world, attracting many competitors annually. Dancers compete nationally to be the best, and to potentially gain places within the top dance schools. The high level of technical skill and detail which is required means that focus and concentration is paramount to succeed as every move is analysed by the judges. Have you guys ever entered either Headliners or the International Dance Challenge? If so please feel free to share your experiences in the comments box below we would love to hear about it!

Preparation Is Key for Dancers!

Any dancer will tell you that preparation is key when it comes to performing, and that they being training often months in advance of any competition or show. With the amount of effort and time dedicated to one routine it is paramount that everything goes smoothly; sometimes despite all of the training and precautions one wrong movement may not only ruin your routine but may also lead to injury.

Due to the risk of possible injury it is highly advised that any dancer takes out the required travel or personal sports injury insurance to keep them protected if they are injured whilst training or competing. At SportsCover Direct we offer both personal and travel sports insurance to cover for you for various types of dance both abroad and in the UK! Find out more by visiting out website at http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

Believe It Or Not Dance Is One Of The Most Physically Demanding Sports

Dance, whilst viewed as expressive art, is one of the most physically demanding sports; as dancers go through extreme training and endurance to perfect their craft. The competitive nature of the sport is also physically draining because of the hours of training that goes into it. As you are combining strength, flexibility, focus and balance occasionally your levels drop and you can be left injured due to an uneven fall or excessive training. Here at SportsCover Direct, we offer sports insurance cover to protect you from the likely costs of treatment if you are injured whilst training or competing in a competition. To find out more visit our website athttp://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

2 Most Common Tennis Injuries

When playing any sport, including tennis, there are 2 main types of injuries: acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur suddenly during activity whilst chronic injuries are usually the result from overusing one area of the body while playing a sport or exercising over a long period. 

Ski safe – Tips to ensure you have the best holiday

Skiing and snowboarding, unfortunately, are not cheap sporting pursuits. With ski wear, lift passes and pricey mountain lunches to consider on top of the rudimentary travel and accommodation costs, it is not surprising that a week’s holiday is coveted. These seemingly repellent factors are ineffective deterrents however with people and families alike flocking to ski resorts in their hundreds of thousands each year to experience the indescribable sensation of making tracks in fresh powder, the adrenalin rushes, the beautiful scenery and the camaraderie. You can check out our top 10 ski resorts here! 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/skiing-top-10-resorts-worldwide/

On paper, skiing is no more dangerous now than it ever was but the very nature of the sport – notably its dependence on weather conditions – means precautions should always be taken. Mountainous areas are renowned for their unpredictable weather; freezing temperatures, poor visibility and volumes of snow can create additional risks that are totally out of our control and therefore it is important to make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy before you embark on a skiing holiday. SportsCover Direct offers policies to suit all kinds of skiing from cross country to ski racing to competitive jumping to heli-skiing…not to forget the snowboarders! 24 hour medical emergency assistance, cover for off piste, reimbursement for passes, tuition, equipment, and repatriation are just some of the benefits offered by our tailored policies. Find out more here: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

Wearing a helmet should also be a no-brainer! While some people argue they do little to reduce the risk of injury, 70% of skiers and snowboarders now wear one and it has been made law in Canada. Pisted slopes can be as hard as concrete and this coupled with the high-speeds frequently reached, even by beginners, makes wearing a helmet very basic and essential protection. Those venturing off-piste should also be equipped with a transceiver, probe and shovel as snow is easily displaced under a skiers weight, triggering avalanches.

Andy Murray Inspires The British Nation To Pick Up Their Rackets!

Following Andy Murray’s recent grand slam and Olympic successes, more and more people are being inspired to take up a tennis racquet. As the popularity of tennis increases, adults and children alike are signing up to their local tennis clubs and getting involved, which is great news for the sport!

Better off than on - the importance of kit

Sport is a brilliant way to not only get into shape, but also to have fun and meet like-minded people; friendships forged through team sports can last a lifetime. In order to enjoy your sport to the maximum with minimum worries, it is essential to have a well-equipped kit bag, not only with protective sports equipment but also an appropriate insurance policy that can protect you and your bank account in the case of an accident.

Firstly however, possessing the gear to suit your sport will not only aid high level performance, but also reduce the chance of sustaining injury. Playing badminton with a poorly strung racquet and in worn-out shoes can be just as dangerous as playing hockey without a mouthguard. It is not uncommon for sports players to use equipment that is either inappropriate for the sport they’re playing, or simply does not fit correctly and this can prove dangerous. A helmet is an essential item of protective gear in many sports including horse-riding, biking, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, skating and baseball with softer helmets being more suitable for hockey, football and rugby among others. It is crucial to ensure that the helmet you choose to purchase is suitable for your sport and meets the necessary safety standards such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Eye protection; mouthguards; wrist, knee and elbow guards; and pads for contact sports are other items of protective gear which are designed for a reason and have the ability to make a huge difference in the event of an accident. With so many products now on the market, both in shops and online, there is little excuse to play your sport ill-equipped!

Secondly, your kit bag should also contain an insurance policy to protect you. There is an inextricable link between playing sport and risk – although often low and not to be overly worried about, the very nature of sport involves physical risk which can also result in financial risk. Millions of sports related injuries occur worldwide, 2-3 million in the US alone, and therefore it is important to not be cavalier when it comes to choosing an insurance policy. SportsCover Direct covers 400 sports and prides itself on the specialist cover it can offer, setting it apart from other insurance providers. With 20 years of experience in the field, we know what a beneficial policy should provide from repatriation to medical expenses to legal bills. It is all too easy to adopt the optimistic ‘it will never happen to me’ mentality but this is could prove ruinous to both your physical and financial health!

Find out more about the sports we cover and get a quote here: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-accident-insurance/

Tennis – Know Your Limits!

Tennis is a popular professional and recreational sport; often played as a singles or doubles match; it is heavily demanding and matches can potentially last for hours. This increases the risk of fatigue related injuries, especially if you play amateur tennis. It is always important to play within your limits and try not to put too much pressure on your body! It’s good to push yourself but if you push yourself to hard this may result in injury!

The Two Wheeled Triumph

Whether the result of a health pursuit or an increased awareness of the impact of our carbon footprint it is not clear, but the popularity of cycling is rising rapidly. Due to the economic decline over the last decade, bicycles are now outselling cars in many countries particularly in Europe. Cycling is the most practised sport in the Czech Republic, second most popular to football, and this is not unusual; Holland, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands are also home to rising numbers of keen cyclists. However the reasons for this cannot just be ascribed to the financial pressures of global recession as the quest for a healthier lifestyle, advanced bike technology, government encouraged cycling schemes and safer road systems are all additional contributory factors.

The promotion of cycling has been highly successful with vast numbers now taking to the pedal as their modal form of transport. Its flexibility and relative inexpensiveness in comparison to the running costs of a car has seen the ‘bike boom’, for example in Groningen, a city in the Netherlands with a population of just under 200,000, there are 375,000 bicycles enabling 50% of all trips made. There has also been expansion in the market for cycling holidays which now caters for most demands, albeit a scenic coastal route along quiet country lanes, or something more extreme, such as mountain biking abroad in the Alps or in Canada. More and more professional tour operators are emerging to compete with specialist cycle touring companies as well as hotel chains that also offer comprehensive cycling packages.

The bike boom however raises questions of personal accident insurance as well as cover for your bike as the top of the range bicycles can now be purchased for up to thousands of pounds and in the UK one bike is stolen every minute! Although not considered to be a dangerous sport, precautions should be taken when cycling particularly as injury can easily be sustained through the carelessness of others. Conversely, it is also acknowledged that cyclists can themselves cause injury to others thus stressing the importance of having a comprehensive insurance policy whether you are a regular cyclist at home or just wanting cover for a 2 week cycling holiday. General travel insurance providers differ with regards to whether they offer personal liability cover related to bicycle use which is why more and more people are turning towards specialist insurance providers with cover geared towards their cycling intentions. No matter which type of cycling you choose to do, SportsCover Direct can offer you a policy tailored to your needs. From road cycling to cycle touring to downhill mountain biking, our policies will cover those insured for medical expenses, repatriation and where required, baggage and personal effects along with various other benefits.

To find out more about cycling insurance at home, follow this link: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/cycling_insurance.html/

To find out more about travel insurance for a cycling holiday, follow this link: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/

Who Remembers The Ashes 2005?

Who can forget Australian cricket icon Glenn McGrath’s bizarre injury during the 2005 Ashes, in which he stood on a stray ball during a warm-up session of touch rugby? Not only did that rule him out of the following test match but it also helped England claim what seemed like an improbable victory. We know that Glenn would have been covered by the right sports injury insurance; however injury can occur to anyone who plays the sport – professional or amateur. That is why it is important that you are covered with the correct sports insurance to keep you covered from the potentially high costs of an injury. Our cricket insurance policies have been specially tailored to provide you with the best cover possible. Find out more by visiting our website at - http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/