Following World Rugby’s announcement to suggest the worldwide trial of recent legal guidelines that can be reviewed by the Council, FFR (French Rugby Union), LNR (Nationwide Rugby League) and Provale (Union of Rugby Gamers Competing in France) categorical their robust opposition to the 20-minute purple card trial.
FFR, LNR and Provale firmly oppose the implementation of the 20-minute purple card legislation as world trialand name on World Rugby to depend on stable proof earlier than altering such an important sanction, particularlyregarding its influence on participant security.
Certainly, the trial of this legislation in 4 competitions, with inadequate information collected, can’t be considereda convincing purpose for enchancment or a foundation for world trial.
For instance, throughout the U20 Junior World Championship, solely three purple playing cards have been issued, which doesn’t permit for clear conclusions about implementing this as a world trial.
Impacts on the Recreation
Whereas some imagine this legislation will promote a fairer sport as a purple card, statistics offered by the FFRto World Rugby present {that a} purple card doesn’t systematically imply defeat for the offending crew.
Certainly, an evaluation primarily based on 480 TOP 14 and Tier 1 worldwide matches demonstrates that only60% of the groups penalized with a purple card ended up shedding the match.
Sustaining the security and values of rugby
For FFR, LNR and Provale the purple card is a vital device that deters unsporting behaviour and protectsthe bodily integrity of gamers.
Decreasing this sanction to a type of non permanent expulsion might encourage harmful behaviours, compromising participant security, which should stay the highest precedence.
French skilled golf equipment and France nationwide groups employees emphasize the necessity to keep a firmstance in opposition to foul play.
The purple card, as a collective sanction, goals to protect equity and steadiness, and lowering the purple card to a person sanction would weaken this important position.
Furthermore, this legislation would characterize an unacceptable step backward within the measures implementedover the previous a number of years to cut back head contacts and encourage gamers to reveal greatertechnical management in touch conditions.
Impacts on the picture
Rugby is adopted by tens of millions of followers worldwide. The implementation of this legislation might encouragemore aggressive play or create controversies associated to tactical exploitation of the legislation, negativelyimpacting the picture of rugby.
Lastly, primarily based on these factors, the FFR will vote in opposition to the implementation of this legislation as world trialat the World Rugby Council assembly on November 14, 2024.
Jean-Marc Lhermet, Vice-president of FFR for high-level rugby and match officers, stated: “The redcard is a vital device to discourage harmful behaviour on the sphere and to make sure the security of ourplayers.
“Decreasing this sanction to a 20-minute non permanent expulsion would weaken our capability toprotect athletes’ bodily integrity and to keep up equity — elementary values of rugby.
“We name on World Rugby to rethink this trial and be certain that any resolution is predicated on stable and conclusive information correctly shared with all related stakeholders upfront, which isn’t the case right this moment.”
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