should tackling and scrums be banned in under 18s rugby

[missyrogers]

hi all
i am a mature student currently writing my dissertation. i would really like to get some different perspectives on this topic. if you have a couple of minutes please could you complete the questionnaire by following this link

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9ATG0plbIP4K3GHHkg4eLFOgzOMm1IOVEAS9HBq8lqoAsGg/viewform?usp=sf_link

it is a topic i am very passionate about
many thanks in advance
Zoe

Well I have no idea about rugby, one of my sons played a little at school and the other has no interest whatsoever so I presume your survey is not aimed at people like me. However, some general observations (and I really have no axe to grind here) are that your survey is very biased as everywhere you mention harmful contact you follow it up by clarifying that you equate that to tackling and scrums - it's pretty obvious how you are hoping people will answer! Also, I agree with the poster who said that the survey in general is very badly constructed. I'm sure lots of people will come along to say that spelling and grammar make no difference but it really doesn't give the impression that this is a serious piece of research if it is lacking capital letters, punctuation and is littered with spelling errors.

I signed my oldest boy out of secondary rugby, with plans to sign the following children out as well. Tackle rugby is not compulsory, nor should it be.

I would never have considered a school where rugby was central to the ethos and identity of the school and / or compulsory. Nothing against those wanting to play or the game itself, may they thoroughly enjoy themselves, but holding it up as the basis for your outlook on life and making it central to a school promotes a particular model of exclusive (as opposed to inclusive) masculinity.

One of rugby's benefits is that it is an inclusive sport - there is a position for everyone, regardless of physique. Or sex.
DS's school was very big on rugby. And music and art and drama. It was big on trying everything at least once. Big on getting involved and passionate. What a dreadful ethos.

As a rugby league coach, level 1, so up 11 years. Plus assistant up to 18. Plus 2 sons played it.

Eldest is a schoolboy's national champion and yorkshire schools all at 14. Both in league. Now a union forward who has won 16/17 colts Yorkshire league.

I would strong disagree that rugby had a place for everyone,especially past 11. It is dangerous to the non committed. It takes skill and no end of bravery to safely tackle an opposite player. We have had 3 broken bones this season and 2 ambulances called. So the idea kids should be made to play is WRONG. Would never stop eldest, but he choses to do it, youngest stoppped to play football, as he didn't enjoy it anymore.

Schools should never force anyone to play any sport, they feel umcomfortable with. Especially ones which can lead to injuries

I have a son who plays for county, a local club and a professional club. He is a prop so is always in the scrum.

I don’t think they should be banned under 18 but I do feel rugby should be banned in schools. Pe teachers are not qualified enough to teach rugby properly. If a child joins the club the coach will of had a lot of training in safety around rugby and how to correctly go about it. Pe teachers do not have this training and personally I feel this is very dangerous. Rugby can be a dangerous game and without a properly trained coach it’s even more dangerous.