Tackling change: Players try the new tackle height law trial in community Welsh rugby.

OBJECTIVES

World Rugby introduced the 2023 tackle height law change (THLC) to reduce concussion risk by lowering the legal tackle height. This study explored factors influencing players' self-efficacy, attitudes, and behaviours towards the THLC.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was completed by 750 Welsh Rugby Union players during the 2023/24 season (76 women, 10%; mean age = 28.7 ± 7.7 years; experience = 8.5 ± 6.8 years; 674 men, 90%; mean age = 30.6 ± 8.2 years; experience = 18.6 ± 8.8 years). Measures included demographics, concussion history, education, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to the THLC. Analyses included multinomial logistic regression for perceptions and outcome expectations, t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for sex comparisons, and Chi-square tests for associations.

RESULTS

Female players were significantly more receptive than male players to the THLC, agreeing it would reduce injury (OR = 3.97, p < 0.001, 95% CI [2.19-7.21]) and concussion risk (OR = 4.15, p < 0.001, 95% CI [2.10-8.21]), and that adaptation would be easy (OR = 2.95, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.64-5.31]). Women also reported higher self-efficacy for compliance (OR = 3.01, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.63-5.54]) and perceived positive impact on the sport (OR = 3.43, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.88-6.26]). Accurate concussion knowledge (OR = 2.01, p = 0.002, 95% CI [1.29-3.13]) increased support, whilst misconceptions (OR = 0.13, p = 0.050, 95% CI [0.02-1.00]) reduced it.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in THLC attitudes highlight need for tailored rugby safety strategies and concussion education.