USA Rugby to Implement Global Law Variation to Lower Tackle Height in Community Rugby
In an effort to prioritize player safety and reduce the risk of head injuries in community rugby, USA Rugby has announced that they will be implementing the opt-in Global Law Variation recommended by World Rugby to lower the legal height of tackles to below the sternum for the 2024-25 membership year.
This decision comes after more than six years of research and trials conducted in countries like France, England, and New Zealand, which have shown a significantly higher risk of concussion when the tackler’s head is above the ball carrier’s sternum.
To test the effectiveness of this law variation, an expedited trial will be held at the Senior Club level in the Midwest this Spring before full implementation in competitive matches in the Fall. The variations will focus on dangerous tackling above the base of the sternum, with specific language designed to exclude certain scenarios like ‘pick and drive’ situations and collisions around the try line.
USA Rugby will also provide education and implementation resources for players, coaches, and match officials, including webinars, e-learning modules, and Q&A sessions with expert coaches and referees. Feedback from the Midwest trial will then be used to finalize the combination of variations and exact language to be used in full implementation.
The road to implementation has been carefully managed through four phases, starting with the USA Rugby Tackle Height Study Group and ending with the provision of video guidance and post-surveys for feedback in June 2024. The aim of these efforts is to ensure a safer playing environment for all participants as the 2024-25 membership year approaches on September 1st.
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