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Tackle and release. What is the best way to teach the?

Tackle and release. What is the best way to teach the new application of law 15.4 and 15.5 as played in the Super14. This application of the law is also applied to all levels of rugby in SA.

GeorgeCoach, South Africa

2 answers

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

George

You are quite right to highlight this area of the game as it appears to be refereed differently in the Northern and Southern hemispheres and for coaches watching it seems confusing as to which are the correct interpretations of the laws.

The law is quite clear as set out in 5.4 and 5.5 and available at irblaws.com.

The best way I know how to ensure that players know the laws and also play to them in the heat of battle is to play modified games where you as caoch rigorously apply the laws.

Spend time during the modified game stopping when a penalty is given to explain to the players involved and those watching what has gone wrong. Only by spending time on refereeing the breakdown correctly in training can you hope to ensure that your team doesn't give away too many penalties during games.

I hope this helps

Simon

GeorgeCoach, South Africa

Thanks Simon I am currently a referee at school and club level and according to your answer I should have an advantage in the coaching area as I know exactly what the referees want and how the law is applied. So just coach the boys (u/16) to do as the referee would blow the tackle. Thanks a lot for the info. It always helps to get diffirent view point from a pro.