The existing rules for those playing full contact rugby at Under 9 to Under 14 levels has an imagined line between the armpits as the maximum height of a legal tackle.

Under the law change, approved by the RFU Council, this rule now extends to Under 15 to Under 18 levels bringing the tackle height down from shoulder level to the armpit for those age groups.

This means all players who are permitted to tackle in full contact age grade rugby (those participating at Under 7 and Under 8 level play non-contact rugby) will do so at the same height.

The RFU takes player welfare very seriously and it is at the heart of the training delivered to coaches, referees and medics at all levels of the game.  The rules in operation ensure maximum possible safety for children, allowing players the time to learn rugby basics before contact is gradually introduced.

While the age grade and professional game cannot be realistically compared, the aim of the law change is to further reduce any community game high risk tackle events by taking two heads out of the same “air space”.

There are a number of programmes, courses and resources to support schools, clubs and participants at all levels of the game including the Rugby Safe programme, Don’t be a HEADCASE concussion guidance and the Activate injury prevention programme.

Rugby has a role to play in keeping people active, healthy and engaged. It also has other non-physical positive benefits for all ages, including increasing confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline and building character. There are also other rugby options including tag, touch and adapted versions of the contact game such as X-rugby for those players wanting to play variations from the full contact version of the game.

Check out the full article here ENGLAND RFU - AGE GRADE LAW CHANGE
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For more details on injury prevention ~ Activate is the RFU’s Injury Prevention Exercise Programme.
Click Here ~ ACTIVATE