[1] Spear tackles have caused serious injury[2] including spinal damage, dislocations,[3] broken bones in the shoulder or neck, and death.
[8] In the previous version of the law, the tackled player's head or shoulders had to hit the ground first for a referee to penalise them.
The National Rugby League (NRL) competition in Australia awards a penalty for players being lifted beyond the horizontal.
A spear tackle where their body is in a vertical position, with their head facing the ground usually results in a send-off.
In the Australian Football League (AFL), it is a reportable offence, and players found guilty face the tribunal and possible suspension with at least a two match ban.