Dangerous tackle made clearer

The International Rugby Board, whose first obligation, is to determine the laws of the game, the way the game is played, has clarified one aspect of dangerous tackling – the high tackle. The IRB makes it clear that tackle that makes contact with the head or the neck is dangerous regardless of where the tackle started.

In a circular to members dated 1 November 2007, the IRB states:

Council at its interim Meeting held on October 19, 2007 considered a recommendation from the Rugby Committee on dangerous tackling.

Please find below the decision of the Council in relation to dangerous tackling.

The Council had before it a report from the IRB Judicial Chairman to the Rugby Committee with regard to a decision of a Judicial Appeal Committee based upon an interpretation of Law 10.4 (e) which relates to high tackles. That interpretation suggested that the tackle above the line of the shoulders would have to start at a level above the line of the shoulders for it to be dangerous and in contravention of Law 10.4 (e). Following discussion if was AGREED to accept the recommendation of the Rugby Committee that the following interpretation be applied:

A dangerous tackle is effected whenever there is contact above the line of the shoulders whether the contact is the first or a subsequent point of contact. To be clear, a tackle which involves arm contact below the line of the shoulders and thereafter contact is made with either the neck or the head of the tackled player is a dangerous tackle with in Law 10.4 (e).