Key points for players in every tackle situation

Tackler - contact with opponent(s).

The tackler should:

keep ‘eyes up’ looking at the ball carrier to keep head in the correct position
track the movement of the ball carrier and get their feet close enough to make the tackle using the arms to ‘wrap’ around the ball carrier
prepare for contact - adopting a body position that is strong, stable and low
position their head behind or to one side of the ball carrier (never position the head in front of the ball carrier)
release the tackled player, get back to their feet immediately and contest for possession

Ball carrier - contact with ground.

The ball carrier should:

carry the ball in both hands
protect the ball - holding it tight to their chest with elbows in to sides
make contact with the ground with their buttocks and then their shoulder
not break their fall with their hand or the ball
turn towards their team and pass, place or present the ball
get back to their feet as soon as possible

All arriving players must enter the tackle area through the gate. Only players on their feet may compete for the ball.

Players arriving at an attempted but incomplete tackle

should:

maintain a strong, stable and low body position
use their arms to grasp ball carrier
avoid contact with other players’ heads and necks
bring the ball carrier safely to the ground

If clearing or driving out defenders,

players should:

maintain a strong, stable and low body position
keep their chin off their chest, their head up, their hands up
sight their target
keep their spine in line with the direction of drive
start their drive from a low body position
make contact with defender using the shoulder and arms, not the head
close arms around opponent
drive the player away and clear the ball