What is the tackle height in the community game?

Armpit. In the community game, the legal limit for tackle contact is armpit height, so any contact above the armpit is penalised. The RFL's 2026 rules table lists armpit tackle height for every community age group from Under 12 to open age, for both men and women, and for education matches.

The RFL lowered the limit from shoulder height to armpit height for all community levels from 2 March 2024, following law trials in the Under 18 Academy competition that significantly reduced head contact.

In Primary Rugby League (Under 6 to Under 11), the Safe Play Code also treats contact above the armpits on an upright ball carrier as an infringement. The game is stopped and the offence explained to the players, rather than a penalty being awarded.

High or dangerous contact can also be misconduct under Section 15 of the Laws. Contact with the head or neck in a tackle, whether intentional, reckless or careless, is misconduct, and you can caution, sin bin or dismiss the player for it.