Campaigners say new guidelines do not go far enough – and call for NRL meeting
RUGBY league has been told it is not going far enough in its far-reaching new concussion rules – tackling still starts too young.
The sport has passed 44 recommendations, including reducing the legal tackle height to below the armpit and limiting the amount of time players can spend on a pitch over a 12-month period, in a bid to reduce contact with the head.
Critics believe the regulations, particularly ones in the junior game – including making every level below under-10 touch and tag only – will destroy the game.
But campaigner Christopher Nowinski, of the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF), feels at least another two years should be added to that.
And the sport should have gone even stronger, especially in relation to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
That condition which causes a progressive decline of memory, as well as depression, suicidal behaviour and, eventually, dementia is cited in the legal case hanging over rugby league being brought by former players, which could bankrupt the sport.
And neuroscientist Nowinski, chief executive of the CLF, would like to see even more brought into the 13-a-side code.
He told SunSport: “I’d like all sports to get to 14 eventually, but since change is incremental. I’d prefer 12 as the minimum age to be exposed to repetitive head impacts through tackling.
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“The 44 proposed changes by the Rugby Football League are all steps in the right direction.
“I anticipate a measurable reduction in concussions and improved concussion reduction when the rules are implemented. I hope the players will support the changes.
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“But I would have preferred to see stronger measures taken on CTE, including an older age to begin tackle and CTE education included for the players.
“We will continue to advocate for that.”
While the English game has adopted the changes, the game Down Under is evaluating the evidence gathered over here before deciding whether to implement them.
But Nowinski and the CLF would like to sit down with bosses when they are in the US for the NRL’s season opener in Las Vegas.
Nowinski added: “The Concussion Legacy Foundation would be interested in meeting with NRL leadership and players when they visit the United States.
“In the US we’ve been wrestling with the diagnosis of CTE in athletes for a decade longer than they have in Australia.
“The lesson that has been learned, specifically at the NFL level, is that you can be aggressive and proactive in minimising repetitive head impacts while the game continues to grow in popularity and profitability.
“It is critical to educate both the players and fans on CTE so that they support these reforms, as well as have a separate and more aggressive approach to safety for younger athletes who are not being paid and cannot consent to the risks.”