A "dangerous tackle" is one where a player tackles, or attempts to tackle, a player above the line of the shoulders, even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.
In other words, around the neck or head is considered dangerous.
The sanction for a dangerous tackle is a penalty kick and that remains in the rules. Previously, referees could also add a yellow or red card, depending on the severity of the offence.
This year we have two new categories of dangerous tackles - "Accidental" and "Reckless" - and these are the ones which seem to be creating some confusion in application of law as referees try to adjust to the new law.
An "Accidental" dangerous tackle occurs when a tackler makes accidental contact with the head of an opponent (ball carrier of not), either directly or starting below the shoulder line and rising up around the head.
This type of tackle often occurs when a player slips into a tackle or the ball carrier suddenly changes direction immediately before contact.
A "Reckless" dangerous tackle is where the tackler knew, or should have known, there was a risk of making contact with the head of an opponent, but did so anyway.
It includes tackles which start below the shoulder but rise up to neck or head, as well as from behind where the tackler reaches over the shoulder and drags the opponent down.
This also includes grabbing an opponent by the collar and dragging him to the ground and rolling and/or twisting an opponent around the head or neck area, usually at a ruck after a tackle.
The minimum sanction for a reckless tackle is a yellow card and the maximum a red card.
In deciding which option to apply in a particular situation, a referee needs to consider three elements - where contact was made, what type of action was involved, and crucially, the amount of force applied.
So if a player attempts a normal tackle where the ball is being carried and the arm slips up to the head without any real force, it would be deemed an "accidental" dangerous tackle, so a penalty kick and a good telling off might be all that would happen.
If the tackler first makes contact with the head without a lot of force and immediately withdraws from the tackle, realising he has hit the head, a yellow card is the likely sanction because the player should have known contact with the head was reckless.
For the Blues' Steven Luatua situation on Friday week, he clearly made contact with the head with force (a swinging arm) so his actions were at the wrong end of the three points of consideration so the only option for the referee was the red card.
Poor Highlander Malakai Fekitoa though, probably got harshly treated with a costly yellow card for his collision with the Crusaders' fullback in the air.
However, cast your mind back to the Irish test last year and he probably got off lightly then with a yellow card for his reckless tackle of the winger, which also clearly would have failed all three points of consideration being applied this season.
For televised games, the match officials have the benefit of countless slow motion replays before making their decisions.
That luxury won't apply to local rugby starting on March 18 - referees here will have a one-sight view in which to make their decisions so being absolutely accurate every time may not be possible.
This coming Monday night, referees will be having their annual "Rugby Smart" course delivered by one of the two local Rugby Education Officers.
If you are thinking of trying out refereeing, especially if your playing days are coming to an end, come along to the Grand Hotel at 7pm and add a new dimension to your rugby experience.
For every other reader, sit back in the lounge chair in front of the tv, drink optional, and try and see if you can understand how the dangerous tackle law is being applied.
If you get it right every time, please re-read the previous paragraph about the Grand Hotel.
