The Reaper wrote:
Well the thing is they are trying to get players to drop their tackle height, so that there's much less margin for error and it's less likely to hit the head even if they fall. It's no good saying there's nothing he can do, because there absolutely is. He can tackle lower in the first instance. It makes sense as a goal from the RFL, the problem is the MRP is a complete liability and a lottery and isn't working. I understand they're trying to "deter" players from tackling high, but the system of handing out big bans is just stupid. Players aren't doing it on purpose, so deterrence isn't what's needed. You make it against the rules and punishable by a penalty/yellow card/red card on the day and players will stop doing it, but it's going to take time for them to adjust to not do something they've been trained to do for 10 years. The retrospective bans aren't needed at all, they're just ruining the game
I understand what they are trying to do but it is not always possible to get it right all the time in split second decision making.
For example, say two players who are both 6ft, defender bends his knees, arches his back and turns into an attacker and therefore say drops his tackle height by 2 foot, if the attacker remains straight the defender will make shoulder contact around the waist, if the attacker suddenly falls to his knees as he is brought down from behind also, he drops his height rapidly by 2 foot and therefore the defenders shoulder is around the head of the attacker.
The defender dramatically lowered his tackle height yet makes contact to the head, how can the defender alter his tackle anymore other than aiming for the knees of the attacker or even readjust in a split second to make contact below the head, it is almost impossible.
Now I am not saying AK had adjusted his height to that degree but he obviously adjusted his height as you can see where his shoulder was, he hit the head of a player almost on his knees so his shoulder had dropped, I am saying that we should have enough technology and video evidence available to 'measure' these adjustments and timing of height changes etc. to see if the player could have made any reasonable adjustments before making contact.
As for the term 'forceful contact' im sorry but if you are going to make a tackle on someone running at you full speed who is potentially 14 stone of pure muscle, if you are not going in hard to counter the attacking player then you are a danger to yourself.
