The Shoulder Charge
· Shoulder Charge – is where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the
ball-carrier (or any opposing player) using the arms or hands, makes direct physical
contact with the shoulder or the upper arm (tucked into the side).
· Match Officials should look for hip rotation from the defender and the tucking of the arm
into the side. If contact is made with and opponent with or without the ball then a
penalty should be awarded. If contact is made with the head of an opponent then the
player should be dismissed from the field of play.
· A player should always attempt to tackle using the arms or hands and therefore any
player who uses a shoulder charge on a supporting player or a kicker should be treated
in the same way as someone who shoulder charges a ball carrier.
· If two players are running side by side, near to and towards the ball, it is permissible for
one to make contact with the other with the shoulder.

Everyone and his dog knows that laws and rules made or introduced in a panic end in tears.

Except the NRL poodles at the RFL?

Have you been deemed what counts as a shoulder charge? I do feel sorry for the refs in all this as I think it is so difficult to officiate

Never liked them. When a player runs at a defender and is put flat on his back it can be a great sight. But shoulder charging them from the side? Its not a contest, its too one sided. The ball carrier cant impose the same level of pain on the "tackler". Its a cheap shot. I just dont get why people like them. And very often they aren't effective.

If the arms and down and not in a tackling position then its a shoulder charge, but if you go to wrap your arms around the chest and absolutely boom then head on and send them backwards its just play on.

Was it just me or was there at least 3 shoulder charges in today's game?

Also can anyone enlighten as to what the punishment is for a shoulder charge now? Is it straight red, a penalty or are we just allowing the ref to make it upas he sees fit?

Going by today's game, play on.....