IRB Council Decision – Dangerous Tackle 

 
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 Council in relation to dangerous tackling

 

The Council had before it a report from the IRB Judicial Chairman who had expressed serious concern with regard to a decision of an Appeal Committee based upon an interpretation of  Law 10 4(e) which relates to high tackles.  The interpretation suggested that the tackle 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 it was AGREED 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 within Law 10.4 (e)