J Sci Med Sport. 2025 Oct 10:S1440-2440(25)00453-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.10.004. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a qualitative document and content analysis of publicly available tackle safety guidance amongst national and international rugby organisations, across both Rugby Union and Rugby League, in order to determine the number, type, and focus of current tackle safety guidance.
DESIGN: Qualitative document and content analysis.
METHODS: Tackle safety guidance was identified through (1) a structured online search via Google using targeted search terms and synonyms, and (2) a comprehensive manual search of national and international rugby organisation websites, at all levels of competition, conducted between September 2024 and January 2025. Resources, including documents, videos, e-learning modules, and other relevant materials, were included if they addressed tackle safety in rugby. Qualitative content analysis of each resource was performed, organising the information into themes and subthemes.
RESULTS: A total of 123 documents were identified from 18 rugby organisations’ websites. Portable Document Formats (PDFs) (n = 55) and webpages (n = 51) were the most common type of resources followed by infographics (n = 9) and eLearning (n = 8). Four themes emerged based on the content of the documents; these were tackle safety laws (35 %), tackle preparation (33 %), concussion specific guidance (20 %), and protective equipment (13 %).
CONCLUSIONS: Whilst substantial efforts have been made in tackle safety resource development, few have been rigorously evaluated, and there is variation in the number, type, focus and implementation. Future tackle safety efforts should address key areas such as law variations, contact training loads, return-to-contact protocols, and education, with a particular focus on evaluations for underserved groups. Ongoing research and collaboration between knowledge creators and users are essential to optimise tackle safety for all.
PMID:41168048 | DOI:10.1016/j.jsams.2025.10.004
