The World Rugby Player Welfare and Laws Symposium 2021 has kicked off with Chief Executive Alan Gilpin reaffirming the international federation’s commitment to foster a safer and more accessible game for future generations.
Gilpin believes that this is an important time for the sport. With the global pandemic having disrupted sport at all levels and young people reassessing how they want to engage with sports, rugby needs to ensure that it remains relevant and attractive to participants and parents alike. Equally, rapid advancements in both medical knowledge and technologies provide an opportunity for the sport to further advance player care and advancement.
“Medical science and knowledge is ever-evolving. Rugby will continue to evolve with it to further reduce the risk of injury, but also to further support players with mental wellbeing issues during and after their careers. We will consider the latest research, examine the latest technological developments that can aid concussion identification and management, and discuss how the rugby family can play a role in long-term health.
“Through the knowledge, expertise, dedication and passion in this virtual forum – medics, scientists, researchers, players, coaches, referees and laws experts – I am excited about the momentum that we can continue to build in the priority area of player welfare.
He said in discussions with medical experts it was decided that the only way to educated and protect youth players is to make drastic law changes for youth rugby. It was evident during the medical studies that the occurrence of concussion among the younger players is like a run-away fire that needs drastic action.
This video by Wayne Barnes Explains All
With immediate effect and for an initial five year period the following laws will come into effect in youth rugby in all rugby playing countries in the world.
Sub 14-year-old rugby.
1) The length of matches will be reduced to 15 minutes a side with a ten-minute halftime break.
2) No tackling will be allowed and tags will be attached to the players pants which will need to be removed to constitute a tackle. The game will be restarted after a "tackle" when the opposing team will be allowed to restart the game with a short-arm penalty.
3) If a tackler does physically tackle a player he is to be sent off the field for three minutes.
Sub 17-year-old rugby
1) Tackles will only be allowed below the armpits of the tackled player and above his waist. The tackler must not dominate the tackle to drive back the tackled player in any direction at all.
2) If a player is found guilty of the new tackle laws he is to receive an immediate red card and a suspension of 3 matches.
Sub 21-year-old rugby
1) The return to the normal tackle laws as currently in place. However, the referees must guard against aggression by the players during a tackle.
2) When excessive aggression is obvious to the referee he must send off the player with a yellow.
Gilpin admitted that these new laws will take time to get used to but they will give World Rugby enough time to study the effect concussion is having on youth rugby at all ages.
He also foresees several law changes to protect all players in future. Happy April fools day.