Section: Sport
By: MAY CHEN
Publication: The Straits Times 22/09/2011
Page: B12
TOUCH rugby competitions will be introduced in primary schools from next year. These will complement the existing contact rugby tournaments instead of replacing them.
It was reported last month that the Ministry of Education (MOE) was considering shelving contact rugby in favour of touch rugby, a version of the sport which does not involve heavy tackling.
Responding to queries about the decision, an MOE spokesman said: "MOE will continue to hold mini rugby (contact rugby) competitions, and is finalising plans to introduce touch rugby competitions for the primary schools from 2012 onwards."
The Co-Curricular Activities Branch (CCAB), the MOE wing which oversees programmes and policies on co-curricular activities in schools, was unable to provide further details.
It is believed that the idea to introduce touch rugby was mooted because of safety concerns.
Said the MOE spokesman: "The skills required in mini rugby (contact rugby) are complex and should be developed over a period of time under careful instruction and supervision.
"Touch rugby allows novices to learn the basic skills of rugby without having to focus on physical tackles... (and) will be able to complement mini rugby that is currently offered in primary schools."
Many in the rugby fraternity, especially those who had voiced opposition to the news of contact rugby's possible shelving – a Facebook group rooting for the sport was even set up – welcomed the decision.
Said Anglo-Chinese School (Barker) coach Lincoln Tan: "The standard of rugby in secondary schools has gone up over the years, thanks to the primary schools."
He added that the gulf in standards between the Secondary 1 rookies and their seniors is no longer big.
"In fact, it's much safer to play contact rugby at the primary level because the boys are not as aggressive and it's a good time for them to learn to protect themselves," he said.
A total of 23 primary schools took part in the annual inter-schools competitions organised by the Singapore Primary School Sports Council this year.
Said Low Teo Ping, president of the Singapore Rugby Union: "We're very pleased that the MOE and CCAB have decided to continue with contact rugby, which is really what the game is all about."
He also noted that rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand and Australia introduce kids to contact rugby at a similar age to their Singapore counterparts.
"Touch is a good starting point and has always been there as a pathway to contact rugby," said Low.
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