Safer Tackle Techniques
We’re seeing an increasing number of cases of the “hip drop tackle” in the community game. It’s a dangerous technique that can cause serious injuries — sometimes even season-ending ones. That’s why we’re calling it out and working to eliminate it from our game.
Definition
The definition of a “hip drop tackle" is: “When a ball carrier is tackled from the side or behind, and in so doing, tackler swings and/or drops their hips/body weight down onto the legs or lower limbs of the ball carrier in order to bring them to ground”
Visual Guide
This visual guide offers an easy-to-reference overview of the hip drop tackle.
For Coaches
We are encouraging all coaches to continue coaching safe tackle technique, as well as having heightened awareness of the hip drop tackle. If coaches see their players adopting this technique, we strongly encourage them to put corrective measures in place, so the players continue to develop with a good understanding of what good tackle technique is.
For Officials
We are also asking referees to be vigilant and if they see hip drop tackles, they should penalise the action under Law 9.13.