Scarlet Pimpernell wrote:I have been reminded of my school PE classes and the technique to perform the forward roll. The basic principle is to tuck your head in and roll forward. This technique now appears to be practiced in both the hemispheres following a tip tackle. The question is does this action protect the player or is it to make the actual tackle appear more serious to get a player sin binned or sent off. If it is the latter one must fear for the player’s safety because it could be putting more pressure on the neck than is normal.
It’s been noticeable how seemingly some have angled their head down when around the horizontal.Tip tackles were a relatively rare occurrence but seem to be mouth more frequent. I feel the reason is a combination of players tackling lower and the attacking players playing ‘smart’ to win a penalty or more. Most of course are genuine.
Of more concern is that players are continually appealing at the ref at play the ball, for high shots, even some close to but not actually high shots. It’s crept into the game and is ugly. Even more ugly when the ref gives a decision that appears a little fortuitous for the team who’s appealing. That needs stamping out.
