Tackle Count Question?

Question

A team is only said to "be on the last tackle" once tackle five has been signalled. This means that, likewise, a team can only "be on the first tackle once tackle one has been signalled. So, before the first tackle, is a team on tackle zero (ignoring the case of advantage due to an error?)

Similarly, in the case of an error, is a team on tackle number -1 until tackle zero is called?

Answer 1

yes before the first tackle the team would technically be on tackle zero, but commentators dont say that, and no one else says it as it will soon be tackle 1 anyway.

also there is no such thing as tackle -1. the ref only calls the tackle after someone has been held, so there will be no need for him to call the tackle before 0.

Answer 2

ok so, when they say 'on the last tackle' after tackle 5, there is still one tackle to go - tackle 6=last tackle.

therefore when they say 'on the first tackle' it can be before the first tackle has actually taken place, therefore there is no zero tackle (ignoring...) or minus zero tackle.

ie. 'he lost the ball on the first tackle' can mean he lost the ball anytime before or during the first tackle

your logic is wrong because tackle 5 isn't the last tackle.

However, if you are listening to the commentators, they can often say the wrong thing, so don't get to confused by what they say.

did that help or did I just confuse myself?!

Answer 3

if there is an error and the other team gets the ball it is tackle zero

does that answer your question