SAFETY IN THE TACKLE: How can these kids play “football” without wearing pads or helmets?
It is very important to recognize that rugby athletes are not playing football. They are playing rugby, and there is a big difference. The ball is the same general shape as in football, but that is where the similarities end. Most of the thousands of injuries suffered each year in football result from dangerous techniques that are only encouraged by the wearing of so-called “protective” gear. Since rugby tackling requires a “grapple-and-wrap” tackle (as in wrestling) there is no need for helmets and pads. Further, there is absolutely no blocking in rugby, and therefore fewer injuries to knees and ankles as a result of poor or illegal blocking tactics. Rugby tackling is very different than football tackling, and is much more like a “takedown” in wrestling. All rugby athletes are taught to tackle and be tackled safely, by USA Rugby accredited coaches, before they are allowed to participate in contact practices and matches. You will not see in rugby the “spearing” type of tackle that is e
