The Southern Zone Secondary Schools Rugby Union (SZSSRU) has shifted the spotlight onto schools after a worrying display of ill-discipline during yesterday’s Vodafone Deans Southern Zone quarter-finals.
The issue resurfaced during the under-16 zone quarter-final between Marist Brothers High School and Dudley High School yesterday, where officials issued 12 yellow cards during the match.
Marist was shown eight while Dudley received four in a match that highlighted concerns over player discipline and tackle technique.
SZSSRU president Rusiate Wadali said the organisers had acted swiftly after more than 90 yellow cards were issued in round one, introducing a series of interventions aimed at improving player welfare and reducing dangerous play.
The zone held separate workshops with coaches, managers and school heads, stressing the importance of proper coaching methods, safe tackling techniques and compliance with World Rugby coaching standards.
The standards were incomplete due to coaches not completing their World Rugby Level Two coaching accreditation.
The response produced immediate results, with the number of yellow cards falling to 42 issued in round two.
Following the opening round, SZSSRU recommended schools introduce a compulsory 20-minute rugby law session during the training week, for players who receive yellow or red cards.
Managers were encouraged to invite referees to explain tackle height, dangerous play and other offences before players returned to competition.
Schools were further advised to include regular tackle-technique drills in their weekly programmes and strengthen player preparation through qualified strength and conditioning personnel.
Ground reports detailing injuries and disciplinary records are also sent to every participating school for all their participating teams after each round to help identify recurring trends.
Despite these initiatives, Wadali said implementation now rested with the schools.
“The onus is now on the schools to ensure their coaches obtain the proper accreditation, their managers carry out these law education sessions, and their players are taught the correct techniques,” he said.
With the competition entering its business end, the Southern Zone hopes schools will fully embrace the recommendations to improve player safety and restore discipline before the season reaches its climax.
