Reviving school rugby programme right move

Firstly, thanks to the PNG Rugby Football League for reviving the national schools rugby league.
I see that school rugby will be organised and played in age groups or divisions – under 14, under 16 and under 18.
I think it is a better idea to allow for sports teachers to have discussions on these age divisions.
We may have 14 or 16 year or 18 year old students who may be physically overgrown and overweight but we may also have students of the same ages who are slim or physically small.
So in age wise I see some potential dangers of lighter weight students getting hurt from the bigger and heavier ones.
Therefore, I wish to suggest that school rugby should be played in weight divisions rather than age divisions as was the case in my school days back in mid 1970s and 1980s.
Boys played rugby in weight divisions of under 40kg, under 55kg and under 60kg. This, I experienced and believe, is a fairer way.
Age can be considered for or as open football division where students weighing more than 60kg or are 18 (or by freedom of their own choice) can play in this division.
It is better to allow for schools sports masters to discuss on this issue, weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of age and weight divisions and give feedback to the PNGRFL
Rugby league injuries and deaths were notable in those years and that discouraged schools from this body contact sport.
Since then, competition rules have changed and dangerous tackles have been outlawed.
Let’s revive and develop schoolboy rugby league with a strong emphasis on safety first measures.

Matthew Maito
PMNHS, NCD