THE Introduction of stricter disciplinary measures in the Northern Secondary Schools Rugby Union (NSSRU) competition has led to a significant reduction in yellow and red cards, with player welfare remaining the top priority.
Northern Secondary Schools Rugby Union president Rupeni Vulaca says the competition is enforcing World Rugby regulation 17, which deals with disciplinary matters while strengthening its monitoring of foul play to ensure safety of players.
“We just use World Rugby Regulation 17 on disciplinary matters. We have tightened our monitoring and are strict in abiding by this regulation since player welfare is our priority,” Vulaca said.
He said most yellow and red cards issued during the competition had resulted from dangerous tackles, prompting officials to remind coaches to place greater emphasis on teaching proper tackling techniques.
At the beginning of the season, more than 20 yellow cards were issued in the Northern zone, while each round recorded no more than three red cards. However, the number of cards has decreased after officials introduced stricter measures and encouraged coaches to address weaknesses identified through post-match analysis.
Vulaca also acknowledged the efforts of northern schools’ rugby development officers Samuela Volau and Tabua Kaukimoce, who worked closely with coaches across the four sub-zones to reinforce safe tackling techniques and the laws of the game.
Under the laws, a player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. A dangerous tackle includes tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders, even if the tackle begins below the shoulders.
Players shown a yellow card receive a warning, and coaches are advised to correct the player’s tackling technique. More serious offences resulting in a red card are dealt with under World Rugby Regulation 17, with sanctions determined by the severity of the tackle.
Vulaca said the combination of stricter enforcement, coaching education, and well-informed officials will ensure safe rugby is played on the field.
