HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says it's time to stop incentivising players who contribute to a high tackle.
Do you agree?
We're inviting your take on whether the issue needs addressing and, if so, what should be done.
You can have your say using the form below, and we'll publish the best responses on AFL.com.au.
What is the 'Selwood shrug?'
Though the tactic is employed by other players, Geelong champ Joel Selwood has become notorious for the perception that he shrugs his shoulders, raises his arm or drops his knees to draw a high tackle.
Why is it an issue?
Put simply, the rules exist to protect the head. Critics like Clarkson argue that by seeking to draw a high tackle, players put their own health at risk.
Said Clarkson on Friday: "If we want to do something about concussion, we should be policing the game in a manner that [discourages] dropping the knees, shrugging the shoulders, raising the arm, ducking the head, all those sorts of things. We could get out of the game really, really quickly if we were fair dinkum about it.
ARE WE FAIR DINKUM? Clarkson calls for change on high free kicks
What are the current rules around high contact?
Rule 15.4.5 in the 2018 Laws of the Game states in part:
"A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player where they are satisfied that the Player has made Prohibited Contact with an opposition Player. A Player makes Prohibited Contact with an opposition Player if the Player:
(a) makes contact or attempts to make contact with any part of their body with an opposition Player in a manner likely to cause injury;
(i) above the shoulders (including the top of the shoulders)"
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