Rugby community questions future of tackling in schools

June 22, 2016

Rugby community questions future of tackling in schools

Prominent figures in the rugby community are debating over the impacts of tackling on youth in the contact sport. Photo: Natalia Didovich

The New Zealand rugby community is divided after medical professionals called for a ban of tackling in schools.

Seventy doctors and health experts from the UK released an open letter earlier this year appealing for coaches and educators around the world to ban tackling in schools due to the potential risks of head, neck and spinal injuries.

A total of 21 per cent of all head injuries in New Zealand are sustained through sport-related activities, according to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

Former All Black Anthony Boric said he does not support the proposed ban, despite ending his career due to injury.

“I just don’t think it will ever gain traction because if you ban tackling and then try to maintain the game at a professional level, young people aren’t going to have the required skills,” said Mr Boric.

“I think the real issues with the tackle are occurring later on when guys are stronger and there is bigger contact.”

The rugby community has become more aware of the risks of head injuries in recent years after the National Rugby League Association (NRL) strengthened laws surrounding concussions in 2013.

These laws required players with suspected concussions to immediately be removed from games and not resume play until they have received formal medical clearance.

Former NRL Warriors player Logan Swann said he supports delaying the introduction of tackling until children have had more time to develop.

“When I was playing, I definitely wouldn’t have had this stance on the issue but now that my son is starting his first year of rugby, I’ve become much more aware of the dangers and the potential injuries he could receive.

“We should make sure kids know the basics such as passing and catching the ball, where to run and how to play as a team before we even consider teaching them to tackle,” said Mr Swann.

Principal of Summerland Primary School in West Auckland, Luke Sumic, said that banning tackling in school rugby is “nonsense” and is “a bit of politically correct people going mad”.

“I think it’s uninformed . . . we’ve had five broken arms on the [school] playground this year, but I’ve coached primary school teams for 15 years and haven’t had a single injury from a tackle,” said Mr Sumic.

“People have got a choice. If they don’t want their kids to play it, don’t play it.”

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