14 replies to this topic

[Honor James]

The RFL Laws Committee has elected not to outlaw shoulder charges for domestic competitions until the Rugby League International Federation concludes its own consultation on the use of the technique.

The NRL in Australia has banned the shoulder charge from 2013 but the technique remains legal under International Rules and will continue to be allowed in all RFL-run competitions, including the Super League, Championships, Challenge Cup and community leagues, pending the completion of the RLIF consultation process.

RFL Laws Committee Secretary Blake Solly said: “The RFL Laws Committee has renewed its commitment to standardising the laws of the game across all nations and competitions wherever possible, and noted that this process is underway within the RLIF at the moment.

“The RLIF has proposed standardising a number of the laws of the game, including the use of the shoulder charge, and we are in the process of responding to these proposals. We believe that this process is an important way of reducing the number of differences in the laws across the various nations and enhancing the credibility of the sport.

“To that extent we will assist the RLIF as they discuss the topic in coming months and will support any decision they make.”

The decision not to outlaw the shoulder charge at this stage follows extensive consultation with Rugby League players, clubs and coaches in this country
“Having concluded our own consultation with players, clubs and coaches, the Laws Committee have considered the key findings of both the Australian Rugby League Commission’s recent report and the consultation process,” added Solly.

“A decision was reached not to outlaw the shoulder charge for competitions at this stage but to await the outcome of the RLIF's consultation.

"I would like to thank the players, coaches and clubs for their enthusiastic participation in the consultation."
-ends-

John Ledger
Communications Manager

[roughyedspud]

the ARLC still are'nt sure what they've banned cos they can't decide what constitutes a "shoulder charge"

[fatboystu]

shouldn't be banned, its part of the game.

[Odsal Outlaw]

Positive news, for a second it sounds like the RFL have balls ......... although the messaging around RLIF sounds like it will be banned in due course which would be a great shame.

[John Rhino]

Positive news, for a second it sounds like the RFL have balls ......... although the messaging around RLIF sounds like it will be banned in due course which would be a great shame.

Totally agree

[roughyedspud]

shouldn't be banned, its part of the game.

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

[Southstander13]

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

Im sure thats the definition that the NRL are going to use?

[Southstander13]

The NRL have already provided a definition as follows:

There was also an approval of the amended rules that provides a definition of the outlawed shoulder charge tackle which states: ''Where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier [or any opposing player] using the arms or hands, makes direct physical contact using the shoulder or the upper arm [tucked into the side].''

Thats from the Sydney Morning Herald back on Dec 19th - http://www.smh.com.a...1218-2blid.html

Edited by Southstander13, 28 December 2012 - 01:21 PM.

[keighley]

I applaud the RFL for trying to standardise the laws of the game world wide and for working through the RLIF. Now if we can persuade the Australians that they are not supreme rulers of the game and the laws are there for them to change as they see fit without consultation and approval from the RLIF,then we might be on a winner.

[chuffer]

Good

[southstand loiner]

if its banned in australia but not in england then i take it the shoulder charge will be legal in world club challenge game at headingley in feb ?

[Railway End]

A bit of positive news for a change!

As others have said though, its probably only delaying the inevitable.

[jannerboyuk]

I like the rfl attitude towards the rlif but any attempt to standardise the rules that doesn't just copy nrl rules will be ignored by the Aussies.

[Blind side johnny]

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

Sorry, how is that a shoulder charge?

[guess who]

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

So i take it you mean a tackle?