Students and staff tackle
the issue of rugby tackling on national television
Tackling has
been a fundamental component of rugby since the sport was first played in
schools in the 19th Century. However, a petition signed by over 70
doctors and academics has called for tackling to be banned from rugby matches
played in schools. This made national headlines yesterday and Congleton High
School’s staff and students were asked to express their views on the topic on
national television.
The PE staff
have worked tirelessly to promote rugby as one of CHS’ priority sports over
recent years, with an emphasis on the core values of rugby (teamwork, respect,
discipline, enjoyment and sportsmanship). The importance of coaching and
leadership skills is taught and as students learn more about the game, then the
safer the sport is likely to be. The school have also widened the provision of
rugby, including different variations of the sport that help students to
develop the skills needed to play the sport safely.
Earlier this
year, I watched a year 7 and 8 rugby match against Wellington and not only was
I impressed by the number of students participating in extra-curricular rugby,
but also their enthusiasm for the sport. Every student commented on how much they
enjoyed taking part in the match, especially the contact and physical element
of the sport, which students do not experience while in Primary School.
Mr Cross,
who has become a “celebrity” making his second appearance on the BBC Breakfast
red sofa, had an early start as he was interviewed on the topic on national
breakfast news. He told BBC Breakfast that contact in rugby helps to “build
character” and that the “risk factor” is part of the sport. In his experience
of both being a PE teacher and a qualified RFU rugby coach, he said that
players “enjoy” the contact element of the game and added that he believes that
some students “need” the physicality. Mr Cross also took the opportunity to give
Breakfast presenters Dan Walker and Louise Minchin a RFU wristband that highlighted
the core values of rugby union.
An argument
for banning tackling in rugby is the risk of injury; however Mr Cross ruled
that tackling can be safe and at CHS they put an emphasis on “minimising the
risks” and making the risk of injury “as little as possible”. CHS ensure that
all staff are trained, all students are aware and that when it is appropriate
for them to go into a contact situation they have done all the progress towards
minimising the risk of injury.
Following Mr
Cross’ successful interview, BBC News at One featured a report consisting of
footage of CHS’ year 7 rugby team in action and interviews with students about
their views on tackling within the sport. Every student who was asked highlighted
their support for tackling to remain in school rugby. You can watch what they
had to say here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/35705225.
The year 7
rugby team were also filmed by CBBC Newsround taking part in a tackling
tutorial and training drill in the sports hall, before interviewing Mr Cross
and students for their thoughts. The full report can be watched here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/35704580.
What are
your views on the topic? Should tackling be banned in school rugby? Share your
comments below.
Written by Adam Bailey
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