Rugby Canada adds to PlaySmart program with launch of 'Tackle SMART'

May 16, 2023 – (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the launch of ‘Tackle SMART’, a new professional development course and online resource that will educate both new and experienced community and high school rugby coaches on current tackle laws, techniques, and progressions as well as help coaches working with athletes who are new to contact.

The goal of this training is to prevent injury in the tackle by giving coaches the competence and confidence to coach the tackle and progress effectively to contact. Following the training participants should be able to: ​   

·       Confidently and safely introduce the tackle to athletes new to contact 

·       Clearly understand the Laws of the Game relating to the tackle   

·       Know how to access resources and support from Rugby Canada and World Rugby relating to the tackle   

·       Clearly understand the intent of Tackle SMART to reduce injury rate 

Tackle SMART will be delivered through in-person clinics. Contact your provincial union for information on when you can register for a clinic in your area. 

The online Tackle SMART resource can be found here: Tackle SMART Coach Reference Manual 

ABOUT RUGBY CANADA PLAYSMART

The Tackle SMART program was created to be part of Rugby Canada PlaySmart, a player welfare program that aims to educate players, parents, coaches, match officials and administrators on safety in rugby across Canada.

The health and safety of every player across the country is of paramount importance and Rugby Canada strives to ensure a safe playing environment at all levels. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all players are protected and that the game is played safely.

Since February 1, 2016, in the interest of player safety, Rugby Canada has implemented the Rugby Canada PlaySmart program, which recommends that everyone involved at all levels of the game complete the following:

·       World Rugby RugbyReady

·       World Rugby Concussion Management for the General Public

It is a requirement of Rugby Canada and its provincial unions that all club coaches and match officials are registered with Rugby Canada. As a registered member of Rugby Canada, the following modules must be completed online every 12 months:

Rugby Canada Registered Club Coaches

·       World Rugby RugbyReady

·       World Rugby Concussion Management for the General Public

Rugby Canada Registered Match Officials

·       World Rugby RugbyReady

·       World Rugby Concussion Management for the General Public

·       World Rugby Laws of the Game

Coaches and their associated medical therapists are encouraged where possible to complete Rugby Canada’s online player injury forms so that injury trends can be recorded and managed to make the game safer.

Rugby Canada recommends that everyone involved with youth rugby have a current criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check as required by his or her provincial unions.

To support an enhanced player welfare program, Rugby Canada will offer World Rugby Level 1 First Aid in Rugby courses across the country. This course is designed to familiarize participants on the management of injuries associated with rugby.

In addition, to promote safe on field rugby techniques, Rugby Canada will offer core skills training in the form of Professional Development workshops for coaches and match officials by trained facilitators.

Visit playsmart.rugbycanada.ca for more information.