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Tackling in physical education rugby: an unnecessary risk?

  • Adam White
    ,
  • John Batten
    ,
  • Stefan Robinson
    ,
  • Eric Anderson
    ,
  • Andrew Burns
    ,
  • Jo Batey
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

Since 2016, we have been strong advocates for the removal of tackling from rugby (League and Union) played in school physical education in the United Kingdom [1]. This is because (a) tackling is the leading cause of injury in rugby, (b) rugby has a level of risk that is higher than non-contact sports, (c) there is no requirement or need for tackling as part of the school physical education curriculum, and (d) many children are compelled to participate in contact rugby [2]. In response to this call, the Chief Medical Officers and the Physical Activity Expert Group commented: ‘The Committee reject the call to ban tackling, as they do not feel rugby participation poses an unacceptable risk of harm’ [3]. Yet, the notion of risk (un) acceptability is a construct that needs further discussion, which we will start here [4].

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 114-115

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Injury Prevention (Volume 24, Issue 2)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 14/01/2018

Publication status

Published - 14/01/2018

ISSN

1353-8047

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622460
  • Scopus: 85048107736

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