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Rugby Canada to Implement High Tackle Framework on July 1, 2019

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LANGFORD, BC (June 13, 2019) – As part of Rugby Canada’s ongoing commitment to player welfare and our efforts to ensure a safe playing environment at all levels of the game, the World Rugby High Tackle Framework will be implemented across all competitions in Canada as of July 1, 2019.

The High Tackle Framework was released by World Rugby on May 24, 2019, with immediate implementation at all international competitions. The purpose of the Framework is to seek to establish consistency in decisions related to dangerous tackles. Additionally, and more importantly, the Framework is intended to align player behaviour with the criteria outlined in the Framework in order to reduce the amount of contact above the line of the shoulders in the tackle.

Following that release, Rugby Canada consulted with a number of stakeholders in the community to generate consensus on how best to implement the High Tackle Framework across the country.

“In discussing the impact of the Framework with our Referee Societies, Provincial Unions, coaches, and match officials, we have identified the need to roll it out as quickly as possible while not compromising the need to ensure proper training and education around the content," outlined Nathan Abdelnour, Manager, Match Official Development for Rugby Canada.

"With player welfare our top priority, we need to be in line with World Rugby protocols while making sure everyone is prepared for how this Framework might impact them. We therefore established a timeline to have us prepared for implementation for July 1, 2019.” 

The implementation plan will have Rugby Canada conduct online training for all Match Official Educators and others who may be delivering the High Tackle Framework content by June 21, 2019. The following week, between June 24-30, Provincial Unions and Referee Societies will be conducting in-person training opportunities for ALL stakeholders of the game.

“We want to ensure all parties are on the same page with the implementation process and what the content means for them. If we are able to have our coaches, players, and officials working towards lowering the height of the tackle, and appropriately sanctioning dangerous tackles, hopefully we will end up with fewer incidences of contact above the line of the shoulders,” added Abdelnour.

For more information regarding the World Rugby High Tackle Framework, please consult the information below:

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please reach out to Nathan Abdelnour (nabdelnour@rugby.ca).

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