Rugby guide
Rugby tackling basics: how safe tackling is taught
Safe tackling in rugby is taught in small steps: staying low and balanced, wrapping with the arms and keeping contact below the permitted height. No contact sport is risk free. A good program trains its coaches, phases contact in gradually and pulls any hurt player out of the game.
Why tackling is taught first
Tackling is the part of rugby that worries parents most, and a good program takes that worry seriously. Safe tackling is not about toughness. It is a skill, taught in small steps, that protects both the tackler and the player being tackled. A well-run program teaches tackling before it asks children to do it in a game, and phases contact in over time.
What a tackle is
In rugby, a tackle happens when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and brought to the ground. The aim of the tackler is to stop forward progress and give their team a chance to win the ball. In standard rules, a tackle must be made at or below the shoulders, and the tackler must use their arms to wrap around the carrier. Many youth programs set a lower height, such as the waist, so ask which applies to your child's age group.
Legal and illegal tackles
| Usually legal | Usually penalized |
|---|---|
| Wrapping both arms around the carrier below the permitted height | Contact at or above the neck or head |
| Tackling a player who has the ball | Tackling a player who does not have the ball |
| Bringing the player to the ground and releasing | Lifting a player and dropping them, or a tackle without using the arms |
| Staying on your feet after the tackle | Tripping a runner, or lying on or over the tackled player to slow the ball |
Referees can warn, penalize, send a player to the sin bin or send them off for dangerous tackles. Exact penalties vary by governing body and level.
The basic technique, in plain English
Technique is taught by a coach in person, not from a page, and your child should only practice it under supervision. As a parent, it helps to recognize what good coaching looks like:
- Be balanced. A tackler stays low and in control, with feet under them.
- Keep the head up and to the side. The tackler's head goes beside the carrier's body, not in front of it.
- Use the shoulder and arms. Contact is made with the shoulder, and then the arms wrap and hold.
- Keep going. Legs keep driving as the tackler brings the carrier to the ground.
- Get up and get back in the game. After releasing, the tackler stands up and rejoins play.
A tackling lesson that begins on soft mats or with tackle bags and builds up to live contact is a good sign.
Learning to be tackled
Many programs teach how to fall and how to be tackled as part of the same lesson. A player who learns to protect the ball, turn their body and release the ball safely is less likely to be hurt and also becomes a better team player, because they give their teammates a chance to win the ball.
How contact is usually phased in
There is no single schedule, and the rules are set by each league and governing body, but a common pattern looks like this:
- No contact: tag or touch rugby, where there are no tackles at all. See our guide to tag rugby vs contact rugby.
- Introduction: drills with tackle shields, pads and mats, practiced under close supervision.
- Controlled contact: small-sided games with simple tackling rules and a lower tackle height.
- Full contact: standard tackling in matches, usually with players matched by age and sometimes by size and experience.
What to ask your coach or league
- Are your coaches certified or trained in safe contact and tackling?
- How is contact introduced, and when does full tackling begin?
- Are players matched by age, size or experience?
- What is the tackle height rule for this age group?
- What is the plan if a player is hurt or seems unwell after a collision?
Injury basics for parents
Any sport with contact carries risk, and no technique removes it. The most important rule is simple: if a player is hurt or seems dazed, confused or unwell after contact, they should leave the field and be seen by a coach, doctor or athletic trainer before playing again. Do not wait for them to tell you they are fine, and do not pressure them to go back in. Return-to-play decisions belong to qualified medical professionals and your league's policy.
Common beginner mistakes
- Tackling with the head in front of the carrier.
- Standing tall and reaching, instead of getting low and balanced.
- Tackling with the arms only and no body position.
- Holding on to the carrier after the tackle instead of releasing.
Once the tackle is made, play flows into the contest for the ball, which is explained in our guide to rucks and mauls. If you are new to the whole sport, start with rugby rules for beginners.
Culture and respect
A good rugby club teaches that the tackle is not about hurting anyone. Players are expected to help an opponent up, shake hands after the match and accept the referee's decisions. If you see a coach praising safe technique, not just big hits, that is a good sign. If you see the opposite, trust your instincts and ask questions or consider a different program. Rugby's long tradition of respect is a real feature of the sport, and children learn it from the adults around them.
Parents can reinforce this at home by praising effort and good technique, and by never encouraging a child to hit harder or play through pain.
A note on gear
Protective gear can help with scrapes and bruises, but it does not remove the risk of injury from contact, and it should never be treated as a license to tackle harder. A properly fitted mouthguard is the most commonly required item. Padded headgear and shoulder pads are optional or restricted in many leagues, so follow your league's rules and read our equipment checklist for the basics.
Whatever your child wears, make sure it fits properly, is in good condition and is allowed by the league.
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Sources and further reading
- Tackle Ready World Rugby
- Lower tackle height law trial introduction World Rugby
- Concussion USA Rugby
- About the HEADS UP Campaign CDC
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Frequently asked questions
Is rugby safe for kids?
Rugby is a contact sport and carries risk like any other. Well-coached programs teach safe technique, phase contact in gradually and follow league safety policies.
How high can you tackle in rugby?
In standard rules a tackle must be at or below the shoulders, and many youth leagues set a lower line. Ask your league for its rule.
When do kids start tackling in rugby?
It varies by league. Many programs start with tag or touch and add contact gradually.
What should I do if my child is hurt in a tackle?
Remove them from play and have a coach, doctor or athletic trainer check them before they return.
What should I ask a youth rugby coach about tackling?
Ask about their training, how contact is introduced, the tackle height rule, and how they handle injuries.