World Rugby Head Contact Process Update March 2023
Attached is the latest version of the HCP. This follows both our discussions at the Lensbury pre 6 Nations as well as subsequent HCP working group discussions.
As discussed there have been some cosmetic changes which reflect how we currently apply the process which are now formalised in the document.
- ‘highly reckless’ has been changed to ‘always illegal’ to more accurately define an illegal action and which aligns with the language we use when describing these situations
- Being dynamic is a consideration under degree of danger
- Being passive is a consideration under mitigation (proposed by Conrad Smith on behalf of the players and supported by Chris Quinlan who heads up Judicial)
- The definition of passive is as we discussed at the Lensbury and proposed on your behalf to the HCP working group by Ben and Andrew who accepted it
The attached updated version of the Head Contact Process which was recently approved by ExCo after wide consultations with players, referees and judicial officers among others. The changes are minor and cosmetic and bring current practice into the HCP doc ahead of RWC:
- highly reckless’ has been changed to ‘always illegal’ to more accurately define an illegal action and which aligns with the language we use when describing these situations
- Being dynamic is a consideration under degree of danger
- Being passive is a consideration under mitigation (proposed by the IRP on behalf of the players and supported by Chris Quinlan who heads up Judicial)
- The definition of passive and dynamic is added.
We may revisit the document more thoroughly again after RWC23.
The WR website currently has it translated in English, French and Spanish with other languages to follow next week.https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/guidelines/26