Shoulder charge definition change

[Super Freak]

The definition of a shoulder charge has been changed for the 2017 Telstra Premiership to make it clearer and simpler for fans and players.

As part of a change to the Judiciary and Match Review system, a player will be charged if:

• The contact is forceful, and;
• The player did not use, or attempt to use, his arms (including his hands) to tackle or otherwise take hold of the opposing player.

NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said the amendment clarified and simplified the definition of a shoulder charge.

"This change will make it easier for everyone involved in the game to understand what does and does not constitute a shoulder charge," Mr Canavan said.

"Clearly there were instances in 2016 when the Match Review Committee and the Judiciary had differing views of whether or not a shoulder charge had been used, and that made it difficult for players, Clubs and our supporters to understand the guidelines around the offence."

The change to the definition of a shoulder charge was made following recommendation from the NRL Competition Committee, on advice from the Judiciary Chairman.

The following base penalty points system will now apply:

• Grade One Shoulder Charge: 200 points
• Grade Two Shoulder Charge: 350 points
• Grade Three Shoulder Charge: 500 points

"As a game, we are committed to outlawing the shoulder charge, and we believe these changes will make it easier for us to do so," Mr Canavan said.

"We have undertaken extensive research into the risks of shoulder charges and we will not deviate from our desire to eradicate the practise from the game.

"Should a player make forceful contact and in the process fail to use or attempt to use his arms to do so, he will be charged with a shoulder charge."

For the new table of offences and gradings, please click here.

http://www.nrl.com/nrl-statement-on-shoulder-charge/tabid/10874/newsid/103470/default.aspx

 

[Sirlee oldman]

The definition of a shoulder charge has been changed for the 2017 Telstra Premiership to make it clearer and simpler for fans and players.

As part of a change to the Judiciary and Match Review system, a player will be charged if:

• The contact is forceful, and;
• The player did not use, or attempt to use, his arms (including his hands) to tackle or otherwise take hold of the opposing player.

NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said the amendment clarified and simplified the definition of a shoulder charge.

"This change will make it easier for everyone involved in the game to understand what does and does not constitute a shoulder charge," Mr Canavan said.

"Clearly there were instances in 2016 when the Match Review Committee and the Judiciary had differing views of whether or not a shoulder charge had been used, and that made it difficult for players, Clubs and our supporters to understand the guidelines around the offence."

The change to the definition of a shoulder charge was made following recommendation from the NRL Competition Committee, on advice from the Judiciary Chairman.

The following base penalty points system will now apply:

• Grade One Shoulder Charge: 200 points
• Grade Two Shoulder Charge: 350 points
• Grade Three Shoulder Charge: 500 points

"As a game, we are committed to outlawing the shoulder charge, and we believe these changes will make it easier for us to do so," Mr Canavan said.

"We have undertaken extensive research into the risks of shoulder charges and we will not deviate from our desire to eradicate the practise from the game.

"Should a player make forceful contact and in the process fail to use or attempt to use his arms to do so, he will be charged with a shoulder charge."

For the new table of offences and gradings, please click here.

http://www.nrl.com/nrl-statement-on-shoulder-charge/tabid/10874/newsid/103470/default.aspx

Good.

 

[Big Pete]

The definition sounds broader which isn't necessarily a good thing.

Also can't think of any instance where a collision isn't forceful, unless that's their way of allowing players like Sandow to put on big shoulder charges and get away with it. It won't stop players from getting penalised simply for bracing themselves for contact.

 

[Sirlee oldman]

The definition sounds broader which isn't necessarily a good thing.

Also can't think of any instance where a collision isn't forceful, unless that's their way of allowing players like Sandow to put on big shoulder charges and get away with it. It won't stop players from getting penalised simply for bracing themselves for contact.

When you have narrow definitions you end up with the ludicrous situation of lawyers trying to measure the angle of separation of the arm.
We all know a shoulder charge when we see one. All we need now is a judiciary with reasonable judgement and consistency.

 

[Big Pete]

I don't think we as a collective Rugby League community do.

For instance, the outrage surrounding GI's shoulder charge on Dugan in Origin III last year. You had some of the best players of all-time arguing that he was just bracing for contact and there wasn't a deliberate attempt to hurt the guy.

I expect to see similar discourses through out the season, especially when a precedent is set.

The positive here is that they've abolished the old definition which had been rendered useless after the Ennis/Wighton debacle. After such a long off-season, it's difficult to remember why 2016 burnt me out and it was instances like that which hurt my interest. Even thinking about it is making my blood boil...

 

[Organix]

Agree BP. Just don't like how they narrow it down then assign grades to it. Seems contradictory.

 

[vertigo]

Not being cynical at all here when I say you will see the same or worse conclusions from the MRC and judiciary.

The Ennis/Wighton polarity completely destroyed whatever faith was left in them.

 

[Sproj]

Not being cynical at all here when I say you will see the same or worse conclusions from the MRC and judiciary.

The Ennis/Wighton polarity completely destroyed whatever faith was left in them.

You aren't being cynical, what you are saying is truth.