What are the ball carrier's responsibilities under the community tackle height law?

The community tackle height law puts duties on the ball carrier as well as the tackler.

• World Rugby Law 14.1 (2026): the ball carrier has a responsibility to enter the tackle safely.
• RFU community game guidance: to minimise the risk of head-to-head contact, a ball carrier must not lower their body height or dip down just before contact with an opponent. The RFU calls this "late and low", and it may be sanctioned.
• In RFU age grade rugby the same principle is written into the Rules of Play: the ball carrier must not go into contact with shoulders below hips, dip late and low, or put their head into the opponent's head space.
• The World Rugby "Game On" community variation, which match organisers may adopt, sanctions a ball carrier in open play who significantly lowers their height before making dangerous contact with a penalty.