1. The Dynamics of a Tip Tackle Prepared by Robert Burns for RugbyRefs.com Distribution of this document is permitted providing the RugbyRefs.com logo remains on each slide. This presentation is to be delivered using the notes provided for each slide. Any feedback should be posted on the RugbyRefs.com forums. © RugbyRefs.com 2012 V1.0

2. Objectives Correctly identify a Tip or Spear Tackle using the five indicators. Not misread a legal tackle as a tip/spear tackle (and potentially remove an innocent player from the field).

3. The Five ‘Tell’ Points 1.Tackler is stationary. 2.Grasps the ball carrier below the hips. 3.Lifts the player straight up. 4.Turns the player beyond the horizontal. 5.Drops or drives the player to the ground

4. Tackler is Stationary Almost impossible to commit a tip tackle when running at any real speed. Tackler will almost always be head-on, or close to head-on, to the ball carrier. Tackler comes to a stop, gets in position, and waits for the ball carrier to arrive.

5. Grasp Ball Carrier Below Hips Performing a tip tackle on an opponent by gripping them around the waist or higher is very difficult. If the ball carrier is grasped below the hips, gravity assists to turn the ball carrier.

6. Grasp Ball Carrier Below Hips (Example) Hold a ruler upright lightly between your thumb and forefinger; If you hold the ruler at the bottom it will easily rotate (fall) with slight hand movement. Hold the ruler further up to see that the higher you hold, the harder it is to get the ruler to rotate.

7. Lift straight upwards This is only really possible if the tackler starts almost from a standstill. If already running at speed, it is too difficult to bend over low enough to grasp the ball carrier between the knees and the hips & then lift up at the same time. Lifting action often turns the ball-carrier over without any real attempt by the tackler to intentionally flip them. If ball carrier is not standing upright and the tackler lifts directly upwards, or if the ball-carrier IS upright and the tackler doesn't lift directly upwards, then there is a "turning moment" applied the the ball carrier.

8. Turns the player beyond the horizontal The tackler has lifted and flips the ball carrier over over Ball carrier’s upper body (head, shoulders & torso) are below their waist, gravity has taken over. It is now very difficult for the tackler to do anything about the situation.

9. Drops or drives the player to the ground Is there any attempt to to arrest his fall, or have they just let the ball carrier go to fall to the ground? Does the tackler actively drive the player to the ground? The referee must judge for themself. If the tackler lets go or drives the player into the ground, then it’s a mandatory red card. If attempt is made to arrest the fall, the referee might apply a less severe sanction.

10. Drops or drives the player to the ground (Thought) Think about a glass vase and a concrete floor. If you throw the vase at the concrete floor from a height of 2 metres, it’s going to break. If you drop it from a height of 2 metres, it’s going to break. It may be more badly broken when you throw it, but the bottom line is, it will break whichever one you do.

11. Conclusion Bring the ball carrier down when running at at speed, grasping them above the hips. 1.It’s a lot easier to do. 2.It’s quicker. 3.It’s more effective.

12. Conclusion (Video) Click on Play

13. Conclusion (Closing) If the tackler lifts the ball-carrier off their feet, they should make sure that they grasp the opponent above the hips. Significantly reduces the chances of getting a severe sanction. Significantly reduces the chances of causing a severe injury.

14. Credits Thanks to the following persons for their contribution: Ian Cook – Original Author Grant Constable - RugbyDump – For Video Clip