England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) says its new low tackle guidelines are based on extensive research, but accepts more communication and explanation is needed following widespread criticism of the proposals. The RFU announced last week that tackling above the waist will be banned at community rugby matches from next season to reduce impact exposure to the head and the risk of concussion.
“We view the decision to lower tackle height as the beginning of the process, to allow for a period of engagement in the coming weeks with groups of coaches, players and referees, coming from across the country and from all levels of the game. including the men’s, women’s and age grades game, on the detailed intent and implications of the law change, before finalizing it,” the RFU said on Wednesday. The move, amid growing concerns about how head impact exposure and concussion affect players’ health, would affect English clubs in divisions below the Premiership, Championship and Premier 15s.
The RFU announcement has been met with widespread criticism from players and managers. “I don’t think it’s smart,” Gloucester head coach George Skivington told the BBC.
“I don’t think it’s been well received and rightly so, to be honest. I think some more adjustments will need to be made because I don’t think it’s a practical solution.” Surrey Rugby, a member of the RFU, said he was convinced the rule change was in the best interest of the game, but it had not been clearly communicated.
“In our desire to allow as much time as possible to plan and implement a program to educate players, coaches, and umpires, we have missed the opportunity to use those who played, managed, or directed the game to help us get the wording out of the game.” exactly right law,” Surrey Rugby said. “If we can use the collective wisdom of the Surrey rugby family to test the wording of the proposed law and suggested guidance over the next few weeks, we will get the right result, which is a safer game for everyone and more people than want to play rugby. in the future.”
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