IWRFC members are no doubt aware of the big debate within English rugby at present, concerning the planned change in tackle height law to take effect from 1st July. There are strong views within IWRFC about this, as there are in most clubs. The RFU have now confirmed that consultation will take place with the wider rugby family in England about this change. The IWRFC committee have debated the current issues, and a player survey was carried out a few weeks ago.
Below is an update from Hampshire/IW's representative on the RFU Council, Terry Burwell. There is further information available, including a summary of a recent Hampshire clubs' meeting on the topic - please contact Kieran at kleahy2@yahoo.ie if you would like this shared with you.
I promised to update you on discussions at the ‘Tackle Height’ Steerco last Thursday and the RFU Council meeting on Monday 13th February.
The Steerco meeting looked closely at the potential law changes and how they might be implemented to achieve the objective to reduce the risk of head injury by addressing the legal height of the tackle and the related responsibilities of both tackler and ball carrier.
It also discussed in detail how we could ensure that all stakeholders in the game had an opportunity to be involved in a meaningful ‘consultation and engagement’ programme, a view that was clearly expressed at the Clubs meeting.
RFU Council expressed its concern and indeed the game’s concern at how the change had been communicated and a full review will be undertaken on both the process and outcome of the 16th January decision. However, this should not distract from the need to engage with the game on the impact of law changes on the game, it’s safety and enjoyment and the participants at all levels
We are finalising the law detail, in parallel with the ‘consultation and engagement plan and this will be communicated as part of that process. The engagement will include a range of options for individuals to be involved from across the spectrum of the community game, from all stakeholder groups.
A series of workshops and forums, run throughout March, will be a mix of face to face and virtual to optimise attendance. These forums will give the attendees the opportunity to discuss with the RFU leadership what the law changes mean to them and what they think should be included to make them a success. Alongside the forums, there will be an open survey, giving everyone the chance to have their say, as well as a series of online focus groups.(expected to go live 1st March)
These roadshows will only work if we can get representations from all corners of the game across the senior men’s and women’s game and age grade rugby, including players(of all demographics), coaches, match officials, parent, teachers, clubs and CB volunteers, disciplinary officers, safeguarding and Rugby Safe Officers, and medics/physio support. The objective is to engage with as many as 1000 representatives from across the Community game, including up to 45 of the Hampshire rugby family, where they can represent their views and those of their club, school or college in a meaningful forum.
Please ask members of your rugby group, in all categories, if they would like to be involved and encourage anyone that does so to engage with their peer group to obtain the widest possible perspective on this issue. I appreciate that at this moment, detail on any proposals has not been finalised but I’m confident we will obtain volunteers who can represent the views of their organization, themselves and their colleagues.
T Burwell
