Refs will have to check before seeing red
REFEREES will have to check with the Television Match Official before handing out a red card for a high tackle at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby have announced an immediate amendment to their TMO protocol in relation to its high tackle framework that make it mandatory for the TMO to be involved in the verification of any red card decision.
The amendment will be put in place immediately - meaning we could first see it in action in the Wales v Ireland match this weekend in Cardiff.
According to the new amendment, if an official determines a dangerous high tackle or shoulder charge warrants a red card, then they must first verify it with the TMO. Both should use the High Tackle Sanction Framework to determine whether a red card is the correct decision.
The amendment follows an initial review into the progress of the framework’s implementation - which was introduced back in May. The simple step-by-step process was intended to add clarity and ‘improved consistency’ to what has become the most contentious area of the modern game - many players and fans have, at times, grown frustrated with a perceived inconsistency in decision making.
In a statement accompanying the amendment, the governing body said: “World Rugby is committed to reducing the risk of injury in the sport.
“The high tackle sanction framework was developed in collaboration with unions, coaches, players, referees and medics to drive consistency and simplicity to the process of identification and sanctioning of dangerous foul play that carries the greatest risk of head-injury.
“It is intended to change player behaviour from positions of high risk to low risk, by the promotion of good technique.”
An unprecedented study of concussions from 1,500 elite rugby matches determined that 76 per cent of concussions occur in the tackle with 73 per cent of concussions in the tackle sustained by the tackler, who is at 4.2 times greater risk of head injury when upright or ‘high’ in the tackle.
The research indicated that player behaviour change from high-risk tackles to lowerrisk tackles, will reduce the overall incidence of concussion for the ball carrier and the tackler.