TACKLE HEIGHT

For the 2024/25 season, following review by the HKCR medical and officiating teams, we will continue to trial a new below base of sternum lowered tackle height in the community game to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our players. This was initially introduced for the 2023/24 season following consultation with community rugby stakeholders and at the recommendation of World Rugby.

For general enquiries please contact tackleheight@hkrugby.com

In World Rugby-endorsed trials conducted in France and South Africa, lowering the tackle height has been shown to reduce the number of head-on-head contacts and concussions. Lowering the tackle height has also shown positive outcomes regarding increased ball-in-play time and offloading.

Research shows that by lowering the tackle height, there will be a significant reduction in concussions.

• The first tackler must tackle, or attempt to tackle, below the base of the sternum
• Subsequent tacklers may tackle, or attempt to tackle, anywhere below the armpits

SANCTION: 

Penalty Kick. If contact is made with the head/neck area, referees will refer to the World Rugby Head Contact Process in deciding if Foul Play has occurred.

DETAIL:

• Referees should apply Laws based on the principle that infringements should be “Clear and Obvious”, if not – PLAY ON.
• Tackles that start below the base of the sternum, but finish above this line, may be liable to sanction.
• If the ball carrier drops their height significantly into the tackle and the tackler is attempting to execute a legal tackle, having dropped their height to tackle below the base of the sternum, then they should not be deemed to have committed foul play.
• Where two tacklers arrive almost at the same time, or simultaneously – one higher and one lower, it may be difficult for the referee to determine if the sequence is wrong. If it is not clearly and obviously wrong, the referee may play on. The key picture for referees is that if there are two tacklers, they are at the differing heights of at least below the base of the sternum and below the line of the armpits.
• All tacklers are required to tackle the ball carrier within the required height restrictions. One of the intentions of the tackle domestic law variation is to create more separation of the heads of participants in the tackle.
• The tackle height applies to tackles made from behind, where a tackle must be made from below the base of the sternum.