Author(s): CURRAN, D., KENNY, I.C., COMYNS, T.M., O’SULLIVAN, K., PURTILL, H., Institution: ATLANTIC TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, Country: IRELAND, Abstract-ID: 1394

INTRODUCTION:
Lowering the legal tackle height has been introduced internationally to reduce injury risk in rugby. Although early evidence indicates impacts on player welfare and gameplay dynamics, stakeholder acceptance is critical for successful implementation. This study examined how players, coaches, and officials perceived the safety and gameplay impact of the tackle height law trial after one full season in amateur rugby in Ireland.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 313 stakeholders (70 coaches, 146 officials, 97 players). Although the survey contained multiple domains, the present analysis focused specifically on two central questions relating to (1) perceived effects on player safety and (2) perceived effects on overall gameplay. Group differences were analysed using chi‑squared tests (α = .05).
RESULTS:
Significant differences were found between stakeholder groups. A majority of coaches (68.6%) and officials (79.5%) agreed the law made the game safer, whereas only 49.5% of players agreed (p < .001). Players were also more likely to believe the law increased injury risk for the tackler. For gameplay, most coaches (55.7%) and officials (60.3%) felt the law improved the overall gameplay experience, compared with 36.1% of players (p < .001). Players were the only group in which agreement and disagreement were equally distributed, indicating substantial uncertainty or dissatisfaction.
CONCLUSION:
The tackle height law trial was generally viewed positively by coaches and officials, but players were notably more sceptical regarding both safety and gameplay effects. As players represent the primary group affected by the law on-field, further qualitative work and ongoing injury surveillance are recommended to contextualise these findings.