PRO12's Stricter Tackle Applications
The changes have been introduced by World Rugby in response to growing concerns about concussion and its causes. World Rugby has done extensive research into the matter, examining 600 incidents in 1 516 top matches between 2012 and 2015.
World Rugby has sought to make the definition of high tackles clearer and sanctions stiffer.
From 3 January 2017 the minimum on-field sanction for a reckless high tackle will be a yellow card with a maximum of red, while the minimum on-field sanction for an accidental high tackle will be a penalty.
The aim is to lower the high tackle so that tackling is confined to the chest or lower.
The high tackle has been divided into two categories – reckless and accidental, both categories requiring a sanction.
Reckless and accidental tackles
Reckless Tackle
A player is deemed to have made reckless contact during a tackle or attempted tackle or during other phases of the game if in making contact, the player knew or should have known that there was a risk of making contact with the head of an opponent, but did so anyway. This sanction applies even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders. This type of contact also applies to grabbing and rolling/ twisting around the head/ neck area even if the contact starts below the line of the shoulders.
Minimum sanction: Yellow card
Maximum sanction: Red card
Accidental Tackle
When making contact with another player during a tackle or attempted tackle or during other phases of the game, if a player makes accidental contact with an opponent’s head, either directly or where the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders, the player MAY be sanctioned. This includes situations where the ball carrier slips into the tackle.
Minimum sanction: Penalty
World Rugby has guidelines for the suspension of players guilty of foul play by disciplinary committees.
Recommended Suspension for Reckless High Tackles
Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous tackling of an opponent including: (i) a tackle or attempted tackle above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders; (ii) grabbing and rolling/twisting around the head/neck area even if the contact starts below the line of the shoulders.
Recommended Suspension
Lower End – 2 weeks
Medium Range – 6 weeks
Top End – 10+ weeks
(A dangerous tackle which results in a strike to the head shall result in at least a mid-end entry point sanction 6 weeks)
Link to educational video from World Rugby: http://www.worldrugby.org/video/213346
