Safe Play Code
INTRODUCTION
SECTION ONE - THE TACKLE ZONE
SECTION TWO - DANGEROUS TACKLES
SECTION THREE - HAND OFF OR FEND
SECTION FOUR - SCRUMS
SECTION FIVE - VERBAL ABUSE AND FOUL LANGUAGE
INTRODUCTION
This Safe play code has been written in order to promote safety and good conduct within the Modified and Junior versions of Rugby League. In so doing it will provide the best possible on-field environment for the development of young Rugby League players, particularly in the areas of actively controlling undesirable actions and behaviour. Back to topSECTION ONE - THE TACKLE ZONE
The Code - Tackles above the armpitsApplication
When a ball carrier is advancing in an upright posture, any tackle by the defender in which contact is made above the armpits is termed to be an infringement. Back to top
SECTION TWO - DANGEROUS TACKLES
The Code - Tripping or throwing an opponentApplication
It is an infringement if the tackler trips or uses his legs in anyway during a tackle. This applies even if the defender already has a hand on the ball carrier (i.e. the Cumberland throw).
The Code - Lifting 1
Application
Adopting a crotch hold is not permitted, placing either the hand or arm in the crotch region at any time is an infringement.
The Code - Lifting 2
Application
Vertical lifting is an infringement, should a referee anticipate this is going to happen in a tackle he or she should blow the whistle immediately to prevent it from occurring?
The Code - Lifting 3
Application
The ball carrier cannot be lifted and driven. A tackle in which the ball carrier is lifted and remains off the ground for two or more steps is an infringement. However, this should not be confused with a driving tackle when the ball carrier is knocked off his or her feet.
The Code - Shoulder charge
Application
Defenders are not allowed to shoulder charge the ball carrier in order to effect a tackle. A defender who runs at a ball carrier and makes no attempt to tackle, grab or hold the ball carrier, but merely makes an attempt to effect the tackle by the use of the shoulder shall be deemed to have committed an infringement.
The Code - Flopping
Application
A defender cannot drop or fall on a prone player. If the ball carrier is prone or stationary on the ground it is an infringement to drop, dive or fall on that player. The tackle will be deemed complete by the defender simply putting a hand on the ball carrier.
The Code - Slinging
Application
The use of the ball carrier?s arm or jersey to sling a player to the ground is not permitted. Any defender who uses the arm or jersey of the ball carrier to complete a tackle is committing an infringement. Back to top
SECTION THREE - HAND OFF OR FEND
The Code - Dangerous use of the handApplication
An attacking player cannot thrust out his or her arm and contact a defender above the shoulder. Any player that hands off or fends above the shoulder will be deemed to have infringed. Back to top
SECTION FOUR - SCRUMS
The Code - Forming, pushing and rotatingApplication
No pushing, or rotating of the modified scrum is permitted. All scrums are passive, any team attempting to push or rotate the scrum shall be deemed to have infringed. Referees should instruct the teams at the scrum to crouch engage and hold. Back to top
SECTION FIVE - VERBAL ABUSE AND FOUL LANGUAGE
The Code ? Unacceptable languageApplication
The use of obscene, threatening, racist, denigrating and abusive language is not permitted. Any form of verbal abuse, threatening language or sledging will be deemed an infringement. Back to top