Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I train with a Scrum Machine?
The importance of training on a scrum machine can not be overstated. For novices who have never experienced the dynamics and the extreme pressures of a live scrum, training on a machine provides the controlled environment to build strength, technique and confidence. For experienced, and even elite players, a scrum trainer provides a stable platform from which to run set plays and practice advanced scrummaging techniques.
The ScrumMaster line of scrum trainers offers a further advantage in that it can supply accurate statistics that will tell a coach whether a novice player is ready to engage in live situations or whether the elite player or group is achieving the goals of the practice session. These statistics can also be a powerful motivating tool.
Why are ScrumMaster Trainers safer than other scrum machines?
The International is the result of over ten years of development and most
of this time was spent in trying to make it the safest scrum trainer possible. We
think that we have succeeded. Taking what we learned in developing the International,
we have developed six other machines that comply to ScrumMaster's unparalleled safety
standards and offer the safest means to train scrum and contact situations.
Here are some of the reasons why our machines
are safer than the others:
- With our machines it is impossible to forget to put the brakes on. Our motion control system ensures that the machines will never run away, causing a dangerous collapsed scrum situation. Those who have had this sort of experience with other types of equipment are aware of how dangerous this can be and the potential for serious injury that it presents.
- For any scrum machine the point at which a player interacts with the equipment is the pad. For this reason we have spent a great deal of time and effort working with players and coaches to perfect our pad design. Both types of ScrumMaster pads; the technique pads, found on the International, Provincial and the Club (as an option); and the more traditional straight pads, standard on the Club and Junior, are constructed of two types of foam. A thick layer of low density outer foam cushions the initial impact and allows a player to adjust his position in the event of an improper engagement. This is very important to avoid the possibility of neck injury. A thinner layer of high density inner foam protects from injury and discomfort that can result from maintaining the intense pressure of a scrum. The foam is mounted on a spring steel backing plate that also helps to cushion the hit.
- In order to maximize the effectiveness of a scrum machine you must be able to run back row plays from it and otherwise integrate the machine into full team drills. Machines with exposed moving parts and protruding metal bits do not lend themselves to this type of use. Understandably, coaches are reluctant to use traditional machines for anything other than strictly controlled scrummage practices but in doing so limit the usefulness of the machine. In order to lessen the possibility of injury through contact with the machine, ScrumMaster's machines are designed to eliminate all pinch points and to be free of sharp corners. We have purposely selected a bright red colour to paint our machines in hopes that it will help to alert players of its proximity during the training session.
Why are ScrumMaster Trainers easier to use and maintain than other scrum machines?
All of our trainers are designed for hands free operation. Having said this, coaches may control the machine if they wish to and can do so from a single point on the machine. The Provincial's shift lever for example, controls movement and steering.
Maintenance of our machines is easy too. There are no bungee cords to replace. The pads can be removed and stored away to avoid exposure to the elements. An occasional hosing down should be all that is needed to ensure trouble free operation.
What statistics can ScrumMaster machines provide me?
The statistics provided by all of our scrummagers are a powerful motivational tool that will help any coach improve the performance of their team.
The International and the Provincial have two gauges that will give pressure readings on the tight and loosehead pads. These gauges enable the coach to monitor the initial hit, the sustained push and the ability of his pack to maintain pressure while moving forward. The ability to monitor pressures on both sides of the scrum is important and allows a coach to train the wheel.
The Club and SafeSledge provide collective readings for the scrum as a whole.
What is the warranty on ScrumMaster machines?
All ScrumMaster contact equipment comes with a three year warranty. This warranty covers all parts and manufacturerís defects.