Leigh Halfpenny

[Pegleg]

Not a law point but a player safety issue.

This lad is going to do himself serious harm unless he changes his tackle technique. Saturday's game (W V I) saw him get a(nother?) concussion following a brave but badly executed tackle. his head position is wrong time and time again.

Surely his coaches and he need to sort it out.

But should we say anything to a player if we notice that their technique is dangerous to themselves?

Secondary question would your answer vary depending on their playing level?

 

[crossref]

But should we say anything to a player if we notice that their technique is dangerous to themselves?

Secondary question would your answer vary depending on their playing level?

In some circumstances - eg last season in an 'ultra-social' sevens tournament I insisted that a drunk player was removed from the pitch as I considered he was a danger to himself and everyone else. (I told the captain I wanted him off the pitch, and the captain agreed to sub him)

At age group level you have a keener responsibility of care for players' safety. That might require some action depending on the circs.

 

[Browner]

Not a law point but a player safety issue.

This lad is going to do himself serious harm unless he changes his tackle technique. Saturday's game (W V I) saw him get a(nother?) concussion following a brave but badly executed tackle. his head position is wrong time and time again.

Surely his coaches and he need to sort it out.

But should we say anything to a player if we notice that their technique is dangerous to themselves?

Secondary question would your answer vary depending on their playing level?

No, tackling technique isn't a referees issue unless it's involves foul play.

Yes,I'd like to think that if I saw a U13 ( or less) player repeating the same 'face in front of knees' attempt, then I would mention it to his coach. If we removed players from the pitch then that would overstep our authority.

 

[ChrisR]

Removal? No, except in crossref's example.

Youth? Instructing a player? No, Sharing an observation with the coach? Absolutely.

 

[Ciaran Trainor]

I'd like to see if his concussions are caused by not tackling with one particular shoulder. When it happenned on Saturday it reminded me of my playing days after a few left shoulder dislocations I used to tackle like that twisting my body to avoid tackling on my left. He may be hiding a weakness

 

[Phil E]

He may be hiding a weakness

Like.....being Welsh?

 

[Dixie]

Like.....being Welsh?

hard to hide that, when you are perhaps the most feared kicker in world rugby, and playing for ... Wales.

 

[RobLev]

hard to hide that, when you are perhaps the most feared kicker in world rugby, and playing for ... Wales.

Since when has that been an indication that a player is Welsh?

 

[Pegleg]

I don't think the English can start that one.

 

[Dixie]

Since when has that been an indication that a player is Welsh?

Good point. How often have I wanted to strangle that delightful Englishman, George North?

 

[Pegleg]

Do the English really want to one this one up?

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks to the people who actually adressed the serious issue raised by my op.

 

[Browner]

His shoulders don't lack muscle padding, anyway he does seem to be subsceptible to injury, but is it more than most? #quiteworryingfrequency

http://www.rugbyonslaught.com/2015/04/big-hit-dislocates-leigh-halfpennys.html