New tackle law breeds confusion

Penalty counts in Wairarapa-Bush premier division rugby matches this season appear to be higher than normal and the new tackle law seems to be the main culprit.
Players and spectators are struggling with rules designed to provide faster and more consistent delivery of the ball after a tackle has been made.
Of course, it's the poor old referee who often takes the flak for the inadequacies.
The tackled player must release the ball, pass it, place it in any direction or push it back towards his goal line immediately.
The opposition players participating in the tackle must release the tackled player and the ball and be on their feet before they can contest for the ball.
All players off their feet must roll away from the tackle and get to their feet before they can contest for the ball.
Tackled assistants and arriving players (of both sides) must enter the tackle area through the gate before they can contest for the ball or form a ruck.
At the time of getting to their feet and before a ruck has been formed or before the tackle is over, the tackler and tackled player can contest possession from any direction they choose.
At the tackle all players involved in the contest for the ball who have their hands on the ball before the ruck being formed may continue to contest possession with their hands even after a ruck has been formed.
Tacklers, tackle assistants and arriving players who are all on their feet and have already released the ball may contest for the ball even before the tackled player has released it. In those circumstances the tackled player has no right to stop the players standing over him from gaining possession.
If a tackler or tackled player is unable to roll away he must clearly indicate to the referee that he is no longer a participant at the tackle and that he is not restricting the other player's ability to win the ball.
In a nutshell, the law implies that once players are off their feet they are out of the game and, conversely, those on their feet have virtually all the rights in the contest for possession.
Simple, isn't it?
Meantime, premier division matches continue in Wairarapa-Bush tomorrow with the only unbeaten side after the first three weekends, Marist, hosting Greytown at Memorial Park. All the signs point to another Marist win but Greytown have an astute coach in Stacey Grant and the end result could be a lot closer than many people think.
Masterton Red Star tripped up to Marist last Saturday but should have little trouble taking on a struggling Pioneer at the Colombo Rd grounds.
East Coast and Carterton meet at Whareama with both sides looking to bounce back from their surprise defeats of last week. On paper there should be little between them.
Gladstone chalked up their first win of the season last weekend when they edged out Carterton and they will be keen to show that was no fluke when they take on Martinborough at Gladstone. Goal kicking could be the deciding factor.
Eketahuna travel to Pongaroa to square up with Puketoi. Both teams will be on a high after big wins last week, with Eketahuna the more likely to call the tune.