What could happen if you make an illegal tackle in rugby?

Answer 1

In both Rugby Union and Rugby League, an illegal (or more properly termed "dangerous") tackle is penalised by a penalty kick.

Examples of illegal/dangerous tackles include:

- tackling the ball-carrier while they are in mid-air

- high tackle (above the shoulders)

- "spear" tackle (where the ball-carrier is lifted into the air and thrown down on their neck or head)

- "charging" (where the tackler makes no effort to grapple the ball-carrier but simply hurls their body at them)

- kicking, striking or tripping the ball-carrier (although in Rugby League, where the tackler and ball-carrier are in close contact and stationary, the tackler can trap the ball-carrier's feet with his own to effect the tackle, provided this is not done dangerously*)

- tackling the ball-carrier either before or after they have the ball

At the referee's discretion, a player committing an illegal or dangerous tackle may be cautioned by the use of a yellow card which is also usually accompanied by the player being suspended from play for 10 minutes. A second yellow card will be followed by a red card and the player being sent off the field for the rest of the match.

In cases of particular danger to players' personal safety, the offending tackler may be sent off immediately for a first offence.

The full code of laws for Rugby Union and Rugby League respectively in England may be found at:

http://www.irblaws.com/downloads/EN/law_10_en.pdf
http://www.widnesrlreferees.btik.com/attachments/rugby_laws_book_2004_%5B1%5D.pdf


* For those who have knowledge of Judo, examples of "safe" throws would be e.g. kosoto gari or kouchi gari, since in these the tackled player falls directly to the floor on their back, and under control. Examples of potentially dangerous throws include osoto-gari, o goshi, tomoe nage, ippon-seoi-nage, or indeed most loin/hip/shoulder throws, since the tackled player is likely to be thrown in mid-air and land on their shoulders. Experienced players may be able to manage subtle hip or loin throws, but at risk of being penalised for dangerous play.

Answer 2

If the referee believes that you are being too violent in the tackle, he will most likely decide on a scrum to the opposition. If it is an exceptionally dangerous/rough tackle then the referee can give you a yellow card (sin bin for 10 mins) or a red card (sent off of the pitch and not aloud to come back on). If this rough/dangerous tackle was intentional, then a red card will be issued and you will get a certain amount of time that you are not aloud to play matches.

Hope this has helped! =)

Answer 3

if he is not held down he can get back up and run on, if not his teammates need to bridge over him or ruck the tacklers off him to secure the ball for another play.