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WORLD RUGBY REINFORCES ZERO-TOLERANCE TO HEAD CONTACT IN THE GAMEWith concussion education, prevention, management and research an ongoing priority for World Rugby and the sport recognised as a leader in this critical player welfare area, World Rugby has announced a package of measures aimed at preventing head contact in the game.New law application guidelines will operate globally from 3 January, 2017, redefining illegal (high) tackle categories and increased sanctions to deter high tackles. This will apply at all levels of the game with minimum on-field sanctions for reckless and accidental contact with the head, effectively lowering the acceptable height of the tackle. The guideline will be supported with a global education programme.The approach, approved by the World Rugby Council after extensive expert, independent and union evaluation, combines with new disciplinary sanctions and a re-focus of match officials on dangerous play. It will provide a package of measures that aim to change culture in the sport to ensure that the head is a no-go area.BELOWNew law application guidelines aim to lower the acceptable height of the tackleDANGEROUS TACKLESThe new categories of dangerous tackles that will carry penalty offences to deter and eradicate high tackles are:RECKLESS TACKLEA player is deemed to have made reckless contact during a tackle or attempted tackle or during other phases of the game if in making contact, the player knew or should have known that there was a risk of making contact with the head of an opponent, but did so anyway. This sanction applies even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders. This type of contact also applies to grabbing and rolling or twisting around the head/neck area even if the contact starts below the line of the shoulders.Minimum sanction: Yellow cardMaximum sanction: Red cardACCIDENTAL TACKLEWhen making contact with another player during a tackle or attempted tackle or during other phases of the game, if a player makes accidental contact with an opponent’s head, either directly or where the contact starts below the line of the shoulders, the player may still be sanctioned. This includes situations where the ball-carrier slips into the tackle.Minimum sanction: PenaltyYEAR IN REVIEW 2016 WORLD RUGBY 15NEWS | INFORM