convert

THE INTERNATIONAL LAWS OF THE GAME

AND

NOTES ON THE LAWS

Page

SECTION 1

Playing Field ..............................................................2

SECTION 2

Glossary .....................................................................4

SECTION 3

Ball ..............................................................................8

SECTION 4

Player and Players’ Equipment ................................9

SECTION 5

Mode of Play ............................................................11

SECTION 6

Scoring .....................................................................12

SECTION 7

Timekeeping.............................................................16

SECTION 8

Kick-off and Drop-out..............................................18

SECTION 9

Touch and Touch in-Goal .......................................21

SECTION 10

Knock-on and Forward Pass ..................................22

SECTION 11

Tackle and Play-the-Ball .........................................23

SECTION 12

Scrum .......................................................................29

SECTION 13

Penalty Kick .............................................................33

SECTION 14

Offside ......................................................................36

SECTION 15

Misconduct...............................................................38

SECTION 16

Referee and Touch Judges.....................................41

SECTION 17

Referee’s Signals.....................................................46

SECTION 18

Index to Laws ...........................................................51

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Section 1. The Playing Field (Continued)

NOTES:–

The Touch Lines are in Touch, the Touch in-Goal lines are Touch in-Goal,
the Goal Lines are in the In-Goal area and the Dead Ball Line is beyond
In-Goal.

■

indicates a corner post (see Glossary) placed at the intersection of

each goal line and touch line. A corner post is in touch in-goal. Touch
Judges should at all times ensure that corner posts are correctly
positioned.

The goal posts are considered to extend indefinitely upwards. It is
recommended that the bottom two metres of each upright be padded.

shaped goal posts are permissible provided the relevant dimensions

are observed.

For adult games the dimensions should be as near maximum as possible
to the dimensions stipulated.

The broken lines in the PLAN shall consist of marks or dots on the
ground not more than 2 metres apart. All transverse lines must be
marked across the full width of the field.

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SECTION 2

GLOSSARY

The terms set out below shall have the meanings assigned to them.

ACCIDENTAL

when a ball strikes a player who makes no attempt

STRIKE

to play at the ball.

ADVANTAGE

allowing the advantage means allowing play to proceed
if it is to the advantage of the team which has not
committed an offence or infringement.

ATTACKING

is the team which at the time has a territorial advantage.

TEAM

If a scrum is to be formed on the halfway line the team
which last played at the ball before it went out of play is
the attacking team.

BACK

as applied to a player means one who is not taking part
in the scrum.

BALL BACK

means to form a scrum from where the ball was kicked
after it has entered touch on the full.

BEHIND

when applied to a player means, unless otherwise
stated, that both feet are behind the position in question.
Similarly “in front” implies “with both feet”. When
applied to a position on the field of play, “behind” means
nearer to one’s own goal line than the point in question.
Similarly “in front of” means nearer to one’s opponents’
goal line.

BLIND SIDE

means the side of the scrum or of the play-the-ball nearer
to touch (cf.open side).

CHARGING-

is blocking the path of the ball with hands, arm or body

DOWN

as it rises from an opponent’s kick.

CONVERTING

is the act of kicking a goal following the scoring of

A TRY

a try.

CORNER POST

is a post placed at the intersection of each touch line and
goal line. The post shall be of non-rigid material and
shall be not less than 1.25m. high. The corner posts are
in touch in-goal.

DEAD BALL

means that the ball is out of play.

DEFENDING

is the team opposing the attacking team

TEAM

(see above).

DIFFERENTIAL

differs in one respect from a Penalty Kick in that a goal

PENALTY

cannot be scored from it.

DROP GOAL

sometimes referred to as a Field Goal, is a goal scored
by propelling the ball on the full, over the crossbar, by
drop kicking it.

DROP KICK

is a kick whereby the ball is dropped from the hands (or
hand) and is kicked immediately it rebounds from the
ground.

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DROP-OUT

means a drop kick from between the posts or from the
centre of the 20m line when bringing the ball back into play.

DUMMY

is the pretence of passing or otherwise releasing the ball
while still retaining possession of it.

FIELD OF PLAY

is the area bounded by, but not including, the touch
lines and goal lines.

FORWARD

means in a direction towards the opponents’ dead ball
line. As applied to a player it means one who is at the
time packing down in the scrum.

FORWARD PASS

is a throw towards the opponents’ dead ball line (see
Section 10).

FOUL PLAY

refers to the types of Misconduct specified in Section 15
– Law 1(a) (b) (c) and (d).

FREE KICK

is the kick awarded to a team which kicks into touch
from a penalty kick. The kick is taken 10 metres in from
touch opposite the point of entry into touch and the ball
may be kicked in any manner in any direction. A goal
cannot be scored from it, nor can ground be gained by
kicking into touch on the full.

FULL TIME

means the end of the game.

GENERAL PLAY

refers to all aspects of play after a match has been
started or re-started by a Place Kick, Drop-Out, Penalty
Kick, Free Kick or Scrum.

GOAL

see Section 6.

GROUNDING

means (a) placing the ball on the ground with hand or

THE BALL

hands or

(b) exerting a downward pressure on the ball

with hand or arm, the ball itself being on the
ground or

(c) dropping on the ball and covering it with the

part of the body above the waist and below
the neck, the ball itself being on the ground.

HALF TIME

means the end of the first half of the game.

HANDOVER

is the surrendering of the ball to the opposition after a
team has been tackled the statutory number of
successive times (Section 11 Law 7).

HEEL

is when a player propels the ball behind him with the
sole or heel of his foot.

HOOK

is the act of the hooker when he strikes with a foot for
the ball in the scrum.

IN-GOAL

see Plan (Section 1).

IN POSSESSION

means to be holding or carrying the ball.

Section 2. Glossary (Continued)

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KICK

means imparting motion to the ball with any part of the
leg (except the heel) from knee to toe inclusive.

KICK OFF

see Section 8.

KNOCK-ON

means to knock the ball towards the opponents’ dead
ball line with hand or arm, while playing at the ball.

LOOSE ARM

is an offence by the hooker if he packs with one arm
loose in the scrum.

LOOSE BALL

is when during play the ball is not held by a player and
not being scrummaged.

LOOSE HEAD

refers to the front row forward in the scrum who is
nearest to the referee.

MARK

is the point at which a penalty kick or free kick is
awarded or a scrum is formed.

OBSTRUCTION

is the illegal act of impeding an opponent who does not
have the ball.

OFF SIDE

as applied to a player means that he is temporarily out of
play and may be penalised if he joins in the game (see
Section 14.)

ON SIDE

means that a player is not off side.

ON THE FULL

means the ball is kicked over a given line without first
bouncing.

OPTIONAL KICK

is the kick to be taken from the 20m restart. The kick can
be taken in any manner and kicked in any direction. It is
in play from the moment it is kicked.

OPEN SIDE

means the side of the scrum or the play-the-ball further
from touch (cf.Blind Side).

PACK

refers collectively to the forwards of any one team. To
pack down means to form a scrum.

PASS

is a throw of the ball from one player to another.

PENALISE

is to award a penalty kick against an offending player.

PENALTY KICK

see Section 13.

PLACE KICK

is to kick the ball after it has been placed on the ground
for that purpose.

PLAYING AREA

is the area enclosed by the fence, or other such line of
demarcation, which prevents the encroachment of
spectators.

PLAYING FIELD

is the area bounded by, but not including, the touch
lines and dead ball lines.

PLAY-THE-BALL

is the act of bringing the ball into play after a tackle.
(See Section 11).

Section 2. Glossary (Continued)

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PROP

is the front row forward in each team nearest to the
scrum half who is putting the ball into the scrum.

PUNT

is a kick whereby the ball is dropped from the hand or
hands and is kicked before it touches the ground.

PUT-IN (also

is the rolling of the ball into the scrum.

known as FEEDING
THE SCRUM)

REBOUND

see Accidental Strike

RICHOCET

see Accidental Strike

RUCK

is the area, at the play-the-ball, between the player
playing the ball and the marker.

SCRUM

or Scrummage or Scrimmage (see Section 12). Where a
team loses the advantages of the “Loose Head” and
“Put-in” the scrum is said to be awarded against that
team.

STRIKE

as applied to the foot means to attempt to secure
possession of the ball in a scrum.

TACKLE

See Section 11.

TOUCH DOWN

is the grounding of the ball by a defending player in his
own in-goal.

TOUCH IN-GOAL

See Section 9.

TRY

See Section 6.

UPRIGHT

is where the player in possession is effectively tackled

TACKLE

without being brought to the ground (see Section 11).

VOLUNTARY

is where the player in possession voluntarily stops play

TACKLE

when not effectively tackled. (See Section 11).

ZERO TACKLE

Where a breach occurs and possession changes hands,
the following tackle will be a zero tackle notwithstanding
that the team gaining possession may have gained a
territorial advantage.

Section 2. Glossary (Continued)

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SECTION 3

THE BALL

Shape and

1. The game shall be played with an oval air-inflated ball

Construction

the outer casing of which shall be of leather or other
material approved by the International Board.
Nothing shall be used in its construction which might
prove dangerous to the players.

Size and Weight

2. The dimensions of the ball shall be those approved

by the International Board.

Ball deflated

3. The Referee shall blow his whistle immediately he

notices that the size and shape of the ball no longer
comply with the Laws of the Game.

NOTES

Colour of the Ball

1. In senior competitions the ball shall be light in colour so that

it can be more easily seen by spectators.

Ball bursts

If the ball bursts as a player is taking a place kick at goal he
should be allowed another kick. If a player grounds the ball
for a try and then it is noticed that the ball has burst the try
should be allowed. Otherwise, if the ball bursts, play is
stopped, the ball is replaced and a scrum is formed to restart
play at the point where the ball bursts. The team in
possession or last in possession shall have the loose head
and the put-in.

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SECTION 4

THE PLAYER AND PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

13-a-side

1. The game shall be played by two teams each

consisting of not more than thirteen players on the
field at any one time.

Substitutes

2. (a) Each team may nominate a maximum of four

replacements before the start of the game. Their
names along with those of the players must be given
to the referee before the start of the game. A
maximum of 12 interchanges will be allowed from the
17 named players.
Substitutions shall be sanctioned by the Referee or
by an official appointed to oversee the substitution
process.

2. (b) Where a player is bleeding, the referee shall direct

him/her to leave the field for attention in which event
he/she may be replaced. This replacement counts for
the purpose of 2 (a) above.

Number and

3. For ease of identification, players’ clothing must

Naming of Players

bear the numbers 1 to 13 with additional numbers for
the substitutes. The numbers relate to the positions
of the players in their respective teams, these
positions being referred to by name and number as
set out hereunder.

Backs

Forwards

(1) Full Back

(8) Prop

(2) Right Wing Threequarter

(9) Hooker

(3) Right Centre Threequarter

(10) Front Row Forward

(4) Left Centre Threequarter

(11) Second Row Forward

(5) Left Wing Threequarter

(12) Second Row Forward

(6) Stand-off Half or Five-eighth

(13) Lock Forward

(7) Scrum Half

NOTES

Substitutes

A player other than a player who is replacing an injured
player who has left the field cannot be substituted during a
play-the-ball except when play is stopped because of injury.
If a substitution is effected when a kick at goal is to be taken,
the substitute shall not be allowed to take the kick.

Late arrival

The laws relating to the replacement of players apply also to
any player who, arriving late for the game, wishes to join in
the play after the game has started.

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Players’

4. (a) A player shall not wear anything that might prove

Equipment

dangerous to other players.

(b) A player’s normal gear shall consist of a

numbered jersey of distinctive colour and/or
pattern, a pair of shorts, socks of distinctive
colour and/or pattern and studded boots or
shoes.

(c) Protective clothing may be worn provided it

contains nothing of a rigid or dangerous nature.

Dangerous

(d) The referee shall order a player to remove any

Equipment

part of his equipment which might be considered
dangerous and shall not allow the player to take
any further part in the game until the order is
obeyed. The player shall retire from the playing
field to remove the offending item if the start or
restart of the game would otherwise be delayed.

Similar Colours

(e) The colours of the jerseys worn by competing

teams shall be easily distinguishable and, if, in
the opinion of the Referee similarity between the
jerseys might affect the proper conduct of the
game he may, at his discretion, order either team
to change jerseys in accordance with the rules
governing the competition in which the game is
played.

Studs

(f)

Studs on boots or shoes shall be no less than
8mm diameter at the apex and, if made of metal,
shall have rounded edges.

NOTES

Inspect Equipment

(d) Referees should inspect players’ equipment before the

start of the game or delegate this duty to the Touch
Judges. This does not relieve the player of the
responsibility of ensuring that nothing of an offending
nature is worn, e.g. rings, rigid shoulder pads, projecting
eyelets or nails on football boots or dangerous studs.

Colours

(e) Referees should inspect the colours to be worn by the

teams before the players enter the field of play so that, if
a change is necessary, the start of the game is not
delayed.

Clubs not wearing their registered colours should be
reported to the appropriate authority by the Referee
unless the reason for not so doing is self-evident or
known beforehand.

Section 4. The Players and Players’ Equipment (continued)

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SECTION 5

MODE OF PLAY

Object

1. The object of the game shall be to ground the ball in

the opponents’ in-goal to score tries (see Section 6)
and to kick the ball over the opponents’ cross bar to
score goals (see Section 6).

Start of Play

2. The captains of the two teams shall toss the coin in

the presence of the referee. The captain winning the
toss shall decide to either kick off or choose which
end his team shall defend. The losing captain shall
take the other of the alternatives.

Mode of Play

3. Once play has started any player who is on side or

not out of play can run with the ball kick it in any
direction and throw or knock it in any direction other
than towards his opponents’ dead ball line (See
Section 10 for Knock-on and Forward Pass).

Tackling

4. A player who during play is holding the ball may be

tackled by an opposing player or players in order to
prevent him from running with the ball or from
kicking or passing it to one of his own team. (See
Section 11 for Tackle).

Obstruction

5. A player who is not holding the ball shall not be

tackled or obstructed. (See Section 15).

NOTES

Shoulder Charge

If two players are running side by side near to and towards
the ball it is permissible for one to charge the other with the
shoulder.

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SECTION 6

SCORING – TRIES AND GOALS

Value

1. A try shall count four points.

Try and Goal

A conversion goal or a penalty goal shall count two
points. A drop goal during play shall count one point.

Deciding winners

2. (a) The game shall be won by the team scoring the

greater number of points. If both teams score an
equal number of points, or if both teams fail to
score, then the game shall be drawn.

Try – How scored

3. A try is scored when:–

(a) a player first grounds the ball in his opponents’

in-goal, provided that he is not in touch or touch
in-goal or on or over the dead ball line.

(b) opposing players simultaneously ground the ball

in the in-goal area provided that the attacking
player is not in touch or touch in-goal or on or
over the dead ball line.

Sliding try

(c) a tackled player’s momentum carries him into the

opponents’ in-goal where he grounds the ball
even if the ball has first touched the ground in the
field of play but provided that when the ball
crosses the goal line the player is not in touch or
touch in-goal or on or over the dead ball line.

NOTES

Picking up in in-goal

(a) Picking up the ball is not grounding it and a player may

pick up the ball in his opponents’ in-goal in order to
ground it in a more advantageous position.

Ball on goal line

As the goal lines themselves are in-goal a try can be scored
by an attacking player grounding the ball on the goal line, but
not at the foot of the posts in the field of play.

Incorrectly grounding

When an attacking player fails to ground the ball correctly,
play continues unless stopped for some other reason, e.g. a
knock-on or the ball goes dead.

Release after grounding

A try should not be disallowed because the player who
correctly grounds the ball fails to retain it.

Referee unsighted

The Referee should not disallow a try because he was not in
a position to see the grounding of the ball.

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Penalty try

(d) the Referee may award a penalty try if, in his

opinion, a try would have been scored but for the
unfair play of the defending team. A penalty try is
awarded between the goal posts irrespective of
where the offence occurred.

Touching Referee/Others (e) an attacking player carrying the ball comes into

contact with the Referee or a Touch Judge or an
encroaching spectator in the opponents’ in-goal
and play is thereby irregularly affected.

Position of Try

4. The Try is awarded:–

(a) where grounded if scored as in 3(a) and 3(b)

above.

(b) where it first crosses the goal line if scored as in

3(c) above.

(c) between the posts if a penalty try.

(d) where contact took place if scored as in 3(e)

above.

Referee –

5. Only the Referee, or if available, the video referee,

may award a try, but the Referee may take into
consideration advice given by the Touch Judges
before arriving at his decision. He shall signal that a
try has been scored by pointing to where the try has
been awarded but should only do so after looking at
the two Touch Judges to ensure they are not
reporting a prior incident.

Goal –

6. A goal is scored if the whole of the ball at any time

how

scored

during its flight passes on the full over the
opponents’ cross bar towards the dead ball line after
being kicked by a player (and not touching or being
touched in flight by any other player) in any of these
circumstances:–
(a) by a place kick after a try has been scored and

counts two points

(b) by a place kick or a drop kick when a penalty kick

has been awarded and counts two points.

NOTES

No try in scrum

A try cannot be scored by grounding the ball when it is in the
scrum.

Boring through

A player may pick up the ball at the base of the scrum and bore

forwards

through his own forwards to ground the ball for a try.

Ball blown back

If, after passing completely over the cross-bar the ball is
blown back, a goal is still allowed.

Section 6. Scoring – Tries and Goals (continued)

sole judge

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Drop Goal

7. A drop goal is scored by a drop kick during play

from any position in the field of play and counts one
point. A drop goal shall be awarded notwithstanding
that the ball touches or has been touched in flight by
an opposing player.

Where taken

8. A kick at goal after a try may be taken from any point

on an imaginary line drawn parallel to the touch line
in the field of play and through the point where the try
was awarded. A kick at goal from a penalty kick may
be taken from the mark or from any point on an
imaginary line drawn from the mark towards the
kicker’s own goal line and parallel to the touch line.

Players’ positions

9. When a kick at goal is being taken following a try, the

opposing players shall stand outside the field of play.
Players of the kicker’s team must be behind the ball.
When a kick at goal is being taken from a penalty
kick, the opponents shall retire to their goal line or
not less than 10 metres from the mark. (See Section
13).

Not to distract

It is illegal to attempt to distract the attention of a

kicker

player who is kicking at goal.

Goal Post(s)

10. For the purpose of judging a kick at goal, the goal

posts are assumed to extend indefinitely upwards.

NOTES

No goal from

A goal cannot be scored from a kick off, drop-out, a free kick

kick off, etc.

or differential penalty.

Advise where to

A Referee should ensure that a kick at goal is taken from the

place the ball

correct position by advising the kicker beforehand. If the
Referee’s advice is ignored by the kicker no goal shall be
allowed and the kick shall not be retaken.

Wasting time

If a player wastes time when kicking at goal, the Referee may
caution him or, in an extreme case, dismiss him. He should
not cancel the kick but should allow extra time to compensate
for time lost.

Colleague holds ball

(a) When a kick at goal is being taken it is permissible for a

if necessary

teammate of the kicker to hold the ball in position by placing
a hand on it. This may be necessary if there is a strong wind
or the ground is extremely hard.

Authorised

(b) Kicking tees are permitted for starts of play, restarts after

scoring and attempts at goal

Section 6. Scoring – Tries and Goals (continued)

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Judging kicks

11. If a Touch Judge is of the opinion that a goal has

at goal

been scored he shall raise his flag above his head. If
the kick is unsuccessful he shall wave his flag in

......

front of him and below the waist. It there is no
disagreement between the Touch Judges their
decision shall be accepted. In the event of
disagreement, the Referee shall decide.

NOTES

Accepting Touch

11. If the ball passes near to one upright, the Touch Judge

Judge’s decision

assigned to that upright is in the better position of the two to
decide whether the ball has passed inside or outside the
post and, in the event of disagreement, the Referee should
be more inclined to accept this particular Touch Judge’s
decision.

A Touch Judge should not necessarily remain stationary
when the ball is in flight. He should move sufficiently to
ensure that at all times he has a clear view of the ball.

Pretending to kick

It shall be misconduct for a player to pretend to kick at goal

at goal

from a penalty kick and then deliberately kick it elsewhere.
Such misconduct shall incur a penalty. Once having
informed the Referee of his intention to kick at goal from a
penalty award the kicker shall not do otherwise.

Section 6. Scoring – Tries and Goals (continued)

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SECTION 7

TIMEKEEPING

Length

game

1. The game shall normally be of eighty minutes

duration.

Interval

At half time there shall be an interval of five minutes
but this may be extended or reduced.

Changing ends

2. A team shall defend one in-goal for the first half of the

game and then change ends for the second half.

End of play

3. If time expires in either half when the ball is out of

play or a player in possession has been tackled and
the ball has not been played the Referee shall
immediately blow his whistle to terminate play. If the
ball is in play when time expires, the Referee shall
terminate play when next the ball goes out of play or
a player in possession is tackled but time shall be
extended to allow a penalty kick or a kick at goal to be
taken in which case the half is terminated when next
the ball goes out of play or a tackle is effected, unless
a further penalty is awarded in which case time is
again extended for the kick to be taken.

NOTES

Shortening length

The duration of the game may be reduced by mutual

of game

agreement and if permitted by the rules governing the
competition in which the game is played.

Altering interval

Clubs wishing to alter the length of the interval should apply
to the appropriate authority who will then instruct the Referee
accordingly.

In adverse weather conditions it may sometimes be
advisable to reduce or dispense with the half time interval.

Using Timekeeper

A timekeeper may be employed to signal half time and full
time, in which case the referee on receiving the timekeeper’s
signal, terminates the half in the manner described above.

A timekeeper may also assist the Referee in determining the
end of a player’s temporary suspension.

Allow second kick

If the ball is kicked into touch from a penalty the non-
offending side should be allowed full advantage of the
penalty award by extending time to allow play to be resumed
with the free kick permitted by the Laws relating to the
Penalty. (See Section 13).

Scrum

If a scrum has been set and fed before time expires play shall
continue until a player in possession is tackled or the ball
goes out of play.

Time off for cautions

Where time off applies, time should be taken off in the event
of a caution being delivered to a player/players.

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Extra time

4. Extra time shall be added to each half to compensate

for time wasted or lost from any cause. The Referee
shall be the sole judge of extra time except where
these duties have been delegated to a timekeeper.

Recommencing

5. (a) If the continuance of play endangers an injured

play after injury

player the referee may stop the game. If, when the
game is stopped, a player is in possession of the
ball the game shall be recommenced by that
player playing-the-ball. Otherwise play shall be
restarted with a scrum at the point where the ball
was when play was stopped with the team then in
possession or last in possession, having the
loose head and the put-in.

(b) If a player in possession is injured in a tackle and

unable to play the ball and play has been
stopped, play shall be resumed by a colleague
playing the ball at the point where the injured
player was tackled.

(c) If a player in possession is injured in a tackle and

unable to play the ball the Referee may without
stopping the game, provided he is satisfied that
continuance of play would not endanger the
injured player, direct a colleague of the injured
player to play the ball at a point five metres
in-field from the point where the player was
injured. In the event that a requirement to release
the ball may endanger the injured player, the
Referee may, at his discretion, order a scrum five
metres in-field with the opponents of the team of
the injured player having the loose head and the
put-in.

NOTES

Signal extra time

If a timekeeper is employed, the referee shall signal that
extra time is being allowed by raising both arms whereupon
the timekeeper stops his watch and starts it again when the
Referee waves one arm above his head to signal play is
about to recommence.

Reduce stoppages

The Referee should endeavour to reduce stoppage to a
minimum. Injured players should be removed from the
playing field to receive attention as quickly as possible,
taking into account the gravity and nature of the injury.
Treatment to an injured player, by not more than one
attendant, may be permitted while play proceeds if, in the
opinion of the Referee, such treatment is not likely to
interfere with play.

The attendant shall not place anything on the ground likely to
interfere with play, or carry anything of a rigid nature likely to
cause injury in the event of a rapid switch in play causing an
unforeseen collision.

Section 7. Timekeeping (continued)

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SECTION 8

THE KICK OFF AND DROP-OUT

Kick off

1. The kick off is a place kick from the centre of the

halfway line. The team which loses the toss for
choice of ends kicks off to start the first half of the
game and their opponents kick off to start the second
half.

When points have been scored, the team against
which the points have been scored shall kick off to
restart the game. The loose head and put-in goes to
the kicking side when finding touch other than on the
full. It should be noted that the law applies to goal
line and 20 metre restarts but not optional kick
restarts.

Restarting play

2. The game is restarted with an optional kick from the

at 20m – with an

centre of the 20m line if:

optional kick

(a) an attacking player last touches the ball before it

(i.e. any type

goes out of play over the dead ball line or into touch

of kick)

in-goal except from a penalty kick (see Law 3), or
from a kick off from the centre of the halfway line.
(see 4(g) and 6(b) below).

(b) an attacking player infringes in the in-goal area. In

the event of a deliberate breach by an attacking
player a penalty kick is awarded 10 metres in the field
of play in line with where the breach was committed.
(See Section 13.)

(c) a defending player, in his in-goal, takes a kick in

general play from an opponent on the full.

The ball may be kicked in any manner and in any
direction and is immediately in play. Opposing players
shall retire ten metres from the 20m line and shall not
advance until the ball has been kicked. Defending
players shall not advance in front of the ball before it is
kicked. Any deliberate offence by either team shall incur
a penalty to be awarded at the centre of the 20m line.

NOTES

V.I.P kicks offs

If a person other than a player is invited to ‘kick off’, the ball
after being kicked shall be brought back to the centre of the
halfway line and the game shall then commence in the
normal way as described above.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 18

– with drop-out

3. If the ball goes dead in the opponents’ in-goal from a

after unsuccessful

penalty kick (not necessarily a kick at goal) the game

penalty

is restarted with a drop-out by a defending player
from the centre of the 20m line.

Drop-out

from

4. The game is restarted with a drop-out by a

Goal line

defending player from the centre of his goal line if:

(a) a defending player last touches the ball before it

goes over the dead ball line or into touch in-goal.

(b) a defending player accidentally infringes in the

in-goal area.

(c) a defending player touches down in the in-goal

area.

(d) a defending player in possession is tackled in the

in-goal area.

(e) a defending player kicks the ball into touch on

the full from his own in-goal.

(f) a defending player kicks or passes the ball in his

own in-goal and the ball accidentally strikes an
opponent and goes into touch in-goal or over the
dead ball line.

(g) the ball or a defending player carrying the ball

touches the referee, a touch judge or an
encroaching spectator in the in-goal area and
play is thereby irregularly affected.

(h) the ball goes over the dead ball line or into touch

in-goal other than on the full from a kick off from
the centre of the halfway line .

(i) where a kick is made dead by a defending

player straddling the dead ball line or touch in
goal line.

Ball caught

5. See Law 2 of this Section re ball caught on the full

in-goal

before being made ‘dead in-goal’.

NOTES

Intentional breach

(b) If a defending player in his own in-goal is penalised for

in-goal

an intentional breach of the law, the penalty is awarded
in the field of play, 10 metres from the goal line and
opposite where the breach occurred. (See Section 13,
para 1).

Section 8. The Kick off and Drop-out (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 19

Offences incurring 6. A player who kicks off or drops-out shall be penalised
penalties – kicker

if he:–

(a) advances in front of the appropriate line before

kicking the ball.

(b) kicks the ball on the full over the touch line, touch

in-goal, or over the dead ball line.

(c) kicks the ball so that it fails to travel at least ten

metres forward in the field of play.

(d) kicks the ball other than in the prescribed

manner.

– other players

7. Any other player shall be penalised if he:–

(a) willfully touches the ball from a kick off or drop-

out before it has travelled ten metres forward in
the field of play.

(b) runs in front of one of his own team who is

kicking off or dropping out.

(c) approaches nearer than ten metres to the line

from which the kick is being taken when an
opponent is kicking off or dropping out.

Penalties –

8. A penalty kick resulting from an offence at the kick

where taken

off shall be taken from the centre of the halfway line.
Any penalty kick arising from the restarting of play
from the 20m line shall be taken from the centre of
that line.
A penalty kick resulting from any offence at the drop-
out from between the posts shall be taken from the
centre of the line drawn parallel to and ten metres
from the goal line.

NOTES

Players not

(a) If a kick to start or restart play is taken quickly and the

retiring 10m

opposing players have not had adequate opportunity to
retire ten metres, they may be penalised if they wilfully
interfere with play before the ball travels ten metres
forward. If such interference is accidental a scrum shall
be formed but if the offending player has had adequate
opportunity to retire ten metres his offence must be
assumed to be deliberate.

Ball hits post

(b) Hitting the post or cross bar in flight does not negate the

breach

Section 8. The Kick off and Drop-out (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 20

SECTION 9

TOUCH AND TOUCH IN-GOAL

Ball in touch

1. The ball is in touch when it or a player in contact

with it touches the touch line or the ground beyond
the touch line or any object on or outside the touch

Tackled player in

line except when a player, tackled in the field of play,

touch on rising

steps into touch as he regains his feet in which case
he shall play the ball in the field of play.

Jumping player

The ball is in touch if a player jumps from touch and

knocks ball back

while off the ground touches the ball. The ball is not
in touch if during flight it crosses the touch line but
is knocked back by a player who is off the ground
after jumping from the field of play.

Touch in-goal

2. The ball is in touch in-goal when it or a player in

contact with it touches the touch in-goal line, or any
object on or outside the touch in-goal line.

Points of Entry

3. When a ball has entered touch or touch in-goal, the

point of entry shall be taken as the point at which the
ball first crossed the touch or touch in-goal line.

Ball back

4. If the ball is kicked by or bounces off a player in a

forward direction (except from in-goal – Section 8
No.4 (e) and it goes into touch on the full, a scrum is
formed where contact with the ball was made except
after the fifth play-the-ball (but not nearer than
twenty metres to the touch line or ten (10) metres to
the goal line) – (see Section 12).

Touch from

5. If the ball is kicked into touch from a penalty kick the

Penalty

game is restarted by a free kick ten metres in-field
opposite the point of entry into touch. (see Section 13).

Scrum on ‘20’

6. Other than as outlined in paras. 4 and 5 above, the

game is restarted after the ball has gone into touch
by forming a scrum twenty metres in-field opposite
the point of entry into touch but not nearer than ten
(10) metres to the goal line – (see Section 12).

7. In all aspects of general play, a player who does not

deliberately play at the ball (eg. ricochet or rebound)
will not be disadvantaged by a consequent restart of
play when the ball has gone dead or into touch.

NOTES

Player not “object”

1. and 2. A player is not considered to be an “object”. For

example, the ball is not in touch when the player in
possession, himself being in the field of play, is in contact
with another player who is in touch.

Ball Dead

Where the ball which is stationary in the field of play or the in-
goal area comes in contact with a player in touch, touch in-
goal or over the dead ball line, the ball is deemed to have
been made dead by that player.

Dead Ball line restarts

Should a kick be made dead by a defending player
straddling the dead ball line or touch in-goal line, play will
restart with a goal line drop-out.

Corner post

A corner post placed at the intersection of a touch line and

touch in-goal

a goal line is in touch in-goal. It is a duty of a touch judge to
replace a corner post which is displaced during the game.

See Section 8. No.4 (e) in respect of kicking into touch on the
full from in-goal.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 21

SECTION 10

KNOCK-ON AND FORWARD PASS

Deliberate

1. A player shall be penalised if he deliberately knocks

on or passes forward.

Accidental

2. If, after knocking-on accidentally, the player

knocking-on regains or kicks the ball before it
touches the ground, a goal post, cross bar or an
opponent, then play shall be allowed to proceed.
Otherwise play shall stop and a scrum shall be
formed except after the fifth play-the-ball.

Charge-down

3. To charge-down a kick is permissible and is not a

knock-on.

Heading the ball

4. It is illegal to head the ball in a forward direction.

NOTES

Direction of Pass

The direction of a pass is relative to the player making it and
not to the actual path relative to the ground. A player running
towards his opponents’ goal line may throw the ball towards
a colleague who is behind him but because of the thrower’s
own momentum the ball travels forward relative to the
ground. This is not a forward pass as the thrower has not
passed the ball forward in relation to himself. This is
particularly noticeable when a running player makes a high,
lobbed pass.

Scrum for

A forward pass in a passing movement is invariably caused

Forward Pass

by misjudgment and is rarely a deliberate offence. Play is
restarted with a scrum after an accidental infringement.

Penalty for some

If the Referee is of the opinion that a player in giving a

forward passes

forward pass must have been well aware that the catcher
was in front of him then the referee is justified in ruling that
the ball has been deliberately thrown forward.

Ball is blown or

If the ball is passed correctly but bounces forward or is blown

bounces forward

forward by the wind, there is no infringement and play should
continue.

Knock-on over

After a player, from the field of play, knocks on into his

Goal line

opponent’s in-goal area and he or a colleague touches down,
play is restarted with a scrum where the knock-on occurred,
except after a play-the-ball subject to Section 12, Law 10.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 22

SECTION 11

THE TACKLE AND PLAY-THE-BALL

Tackle player

1. A player in possession may be tackled by an

in possession

opposing player or players. It is illegal to tackle or
obstruct a player who is not in possession.

When tackled:

2. A player in possession is tackled:

Grounded

(a) when he is held by one or more opposing players

and the ball or the hand or arm holding the ball
comes into contact with the ground.

Upright

(b) when he is held by one or more opposing players

in such a manner that he can make no further
progress and cannot part with the ball.

Succumbing

(c) when, being held by an opponent, the tackled

player makes it evident that he has succumbed to
the tackle and wishes to be released in order to
play the ball.

Hand on player

(d) when he is lying on the ground and an opponent

already grounded

places a hand on him.

NOTES

Foul “throws”

(a) A tackler must not make use of any special “holds” or

“throws” which are likely to cause injury or use his knees
in the tackle. It is permissible for a tackler to bring a
player in possession of the ball to the ground by pulling
him over the outstretched leg provided he is holding the
player with both arms before there is any contact with
the leg.

Mid-air tackle

(b) It is illegal to tackle an opposing player attempting to

field a kick whilst the player is in mid-air. The catcher
must have returned to the ground before being tackled.
(See Section 15.).

Moving tackled

(a) Where opponents do not make a tackle effective in the

player

quickest possible manner but attempt to push, pull or
carry the player in possession, it is permissible for
colleagues of the tackled player to lend their weight in
order to avoid losing ground. Immediately this happens
the referee should call “Held”.

(b) Where the tackled player is held in an upright position,

the ball shall not be played before the referee indicates
that the tackle has been effected.

Broken tackle

Where the player in possession is brought to the ground, a
tackle is not effective if the hold on the player in possession
is broken before he is grounded. Before allowing play to
proceed, referees should be sure in their own minds that the
tackle was indeed broken otherwise the tackler who, playing
in the true spirit of the game, releases the tackled player
immediately he is brought to the ground, may be unfairly
penalised.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 23

No moving of

3. Once a player in possession has been tackled it is

tackled player

illegal for any player to move or try to move him from
the point where the tackle is effected.

Voluntary tackle

A player in possession shall not deliberately and
unnecessarily allow himself to be tackled by
voluntarily falling to the ground when not held by an
opponent. If a player drops on a loose ball he shall
not remain on the ground waiting to be tackled if he
has time to regain his feet and continue play.

Sliding tackle

5. If a tackled player, because of his momentum slides

along the ground, the tackle is deemed to have been
effected where his slide ends. (See Section 6, 3(c).)

Verbal instructions

6. If any doubt arises as to a tackle, the Referee should

to resolve doubt

give a verbal instruction to “play on” or shout “held”
as the case may be.

NOTES

Succumbing to tackle

2 (c) A player who is held and wishes to play the ball can

make it evident that he has succumbed to the tackle by
grounding the ball. It is to his advantage to do this to
avoid the possibility of another opponent attempting to
complete the tackle.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-Ball (continued)

Second movement
after tackle

When an attacking player is tackled
within easy reach of the goal line he
should be penalised if he makes a
second movement to place the ball over
the line for a try.

If an attacking player in possession
is brought down near the goal line
and the ball is not grounded it is
permissible to place the ball over
the line for a try. In this case the
tackle has not been completed.

If the player marking the tackled player at the play-the-ball
dives behind the tackled player in order to drop on the ball
as it is heeled, he is guilty of a voluntary tackle and should
be penalised. If there is no acting half back it is permissible
for a player to dive behind the tackled player and drop on
the ball after it has been heeled provided that, unless
tackled, he immediately regains his feet.

Player marking
dives on the ball

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 24

Sixth tackle

7. (a) A team in possession of the ball shall be allowed

five successive play-the-balls. A handover shall
occur AFTER the fifth tackle in the following
circumstances.

The team is tackled a sixth time.

ii. The team in possession commits an accidental

breach for which a scrum would normally be set.

iii. A player is held up in the opponent’s in-goal.

iv. The ball is kicked into touch on the full.

The handover will occur either at the point of the sixth
tackle or where the scrum would normally be set - but,
in the latter case, not closer than twenty metres from touch.

The play-the-ball for this purpose shall not be counted
for the purposes of the tackle count and shall operate
as provided for in Law 10 of this Section.

Accidental breach

7. (b) Where an accidental breach occurs (knock-on,

“Zero

tackle”

forward pass) and possession changes hands,
the following tackle will be a zero tackle,
notwithstanding that the team gaining possession
may have gained a territorial advantage.

Losing possession

8. A tackled player shall not intentionally part with the

– intentionally

ball other than by bringing it into play in the

–

accidentally

prescribed manner. If, after being tackled, he
accidentally loses possession, a scrum shall be
formed except after the fifth play-the-ball.

NOTES

Point of

For the purpose of this Law the point of infringement in the case of a

infringement

kick into touch on the full shall be the point from which the ball was
kicked.

Indicating last tackle

The referee shall indicate the fifth tackle by raising one arm vertically
with fingers and thumb out-stretched and the sixth tackle by blowing
his whistle, not to stop the game, but as a signal to the players that
the ball has to be released for the opponents to play the ball.

Opponent “touches”

By ‘touching’ the ball is meant intentionally playing it with

ball

any part of the person when it is not held by an opposing player. A
ricochet or rebound does not count as a ‘touch’.

Charging down

Charging down a kick counts as a ‘touch’.

Cancels count

‘Touching’ the ball cancels the count of play-the-balls and the next
tackle counts as the first of six.

Losing possession

If a tackled player loses possession of the ball at the moment of
impact with an opponent or with the ground, play shall proceed
unless stopped for some other reason, e.g. the ball has been
knocked forward. A player in possession brought to his knees or
brought to the ground on his back may still pass the ball – provided
he has not made it evident that he has succumbed to the tackle. He
should not be wrongly penalised otherwise all players will become
reluctant to pass the ball as the tackle nears completion in case they
too are penalised. The continuity of play would consequently be
adversely and unnecessarily affected.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-Ball (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 25

“Stealing” from

9. Once a tackle has been completed, no player shall

tackled player

take or attempt to take the ball from the tackled
player.

10. The play-the-ball shall operate as follows.

Release tackled

(a) The tackled player shall be immediately released

player immediately

and shall not be touched until the ball is in play.

(b) The tackled player shall without delay regain his

Regain feet

feet where he was tackled, lift the ball clear of the
ground, face his opponent’s goal line and drop or
place the ball on the ground in front of his
foremost foot.

Player

marking

(c) One opponent may take up the position

immediately opposite the tackled player.

(d) The tackled player may not play the ball before

the players effecting the tackle have had time to
clear the ruck.

Play with foot

(e) When the ball touches the ground it must be

heeled (i.e. backwards) by the tackled player. The
ball must not be kicked or heeled by the player
marking him.
The ball is in play when it has been played
backward.

Acting halfback

(f) A player of each team, to be known as the acting

halfback, may stand immediately and directly
behind his own player taking part in the play-the-
ball and must remain in this position, until the
play-the-ball movement is complete.

NOTES

Stealing ball

Where a player steals the ball from a player on whom he is effecting
a tackle, play will be allowed to continue. Where two or more players
are effecting the same tackle - irrespective of whether all but one
“drops off” the tackle, and the ball is subsequently taken from the
tackled player, a penalty will be awarded against the player or players
effecting the tackle.

Disputed possession

10. (a) If any doubt arises as to which player should play-the-

ball (ie possession is disputed) the referee should call
“…’s ball” naming the team in possession. In the case of
a player lying on the ground and not holding the ball with
both hands or arms, circumstances may arise where
there is some doubt as to whether he is “in possession”.
If with hand or arm he is fairly clasping the ball to some
other part of his person then he is “in possession”.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-Ball (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 26

Retire at play-

(g) players of the side not in possession other than

the-ball

the player taking part in the play-the-ball and the
acting half back are out of play if they fail to retire
ten (10) metres from the point at which the ball is
played or to their own goal lines. Players of the
side in possession other than the player taking
part in the play-the-ball and the acting halfback
must retire behind their players involved in the
play-the-ball or to their own goal line.

(h) having retired the distance prescribed in the

preceding paragraph no player of the team not in
possession may advance until the ball has
cleared the ruck. A player who is out of play may
again take part in the game when the advantage
gained by not retiring has been lost.

NOTES

Interfering with heel

The tackler who is on the opponent’s side of the player
should remove himself as quickly as possible so as not
to interfere with the heel. If he does interfere he should
be penalised.

Regain feet

10. (b) No part of the tackled player’s person other than his feet

should be in contact with the ground when he releases
the ball.

Not lifting the

A tackled player, failing to lift the ball clear of the ground

ball clear

when regaining his feet, is to be penalised.

Accidental

10. (e) When a tackled player attempts to play the ball

deflection

backwards but accidentally deflects the ball forward, a
scrum ensues with the

.............

non-offending team

.............

having the loose head

.............

and put-in.

Acting halfback

10.(f)

Two players take part in
the play-the-ball. All other
players except the ‘acting
halfbacks’ are onside if
they retire the prescribed
distance. The acting
halfbacks must take up a
position immediately and directly behind the player
playing the ball.

No marker

10.(f)

If no marker takes up a position opposite the tackled
player and no acting halfback is present the ball is
deemed to be “clear” immediately it is heeled by the
tackled player, who may immediately regain possession
and play on.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-Ball (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 27

Speed essential

11. The play-the-ball must be performed as quickly as

possible. Any player who intentionally delays the
bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised.

Tackling on or

12. If part of the tackled player is on or over the goal line

near the goal line

but the ball is in the field of play the tackled player
shall play the ball where the ball lies.

If a player is tackled in an upright position bestriding
the goal line he is deemed to be tackled in the in-goal
area.

NOTES

Penalise intentional

10.(g)

If the ball is played quickly, all players will not

interference

necessarily have time to retire the prescribed distance.
They should be penalised only if they intentionally
interfere with play – either actively or passively.

Accidental

If the interference with play is accidental, a scrum

interference

should be formed. Interference should not be considered
accidental when the player concerned has had
opportunity to remove himself from the area in which play
is taking place.

Off side player

A player who realises he is out of play and is near play

raising hands

should raise his hands above his head. Taking this action
does not, however, exonerate him from penalty if he
interferes with play and the referee feels that he could
have avoided such interference.

Indicating ten metres

The Referee should usually position himself ten metres
behind and to one side of the point at which the ball is
played as a guide to the team not in possession. If
tackling is excessively keen or play is unnecessarily
rough, the referee may forsake the ten metres position in
order to be nearer the players involved in the tackle.

Out of play:

10. (h) Any player who is in front of the kicker in

play-the-ball

general play is not permitted to advance beyond the
point of the play-the-ball until the ball has gone past the
off side player.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-Ball (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 28

SECTION 12

THE SCRUM

When formed

1. A scrum is formed to restart play whenever play is

not being restarted with a kick off, a drop-out
(Section 8), a penalty kick (Section 13) or a play-the-
ball (Section 11).

Formation of

2. To form a scrum not more than three forwards of

Scrum

either team shall interlock arms and heads and
create a clear tunnel at right angles to the touch line.
The forward in the centre of a front row (i.e. the
hooker) shall bind with his arms over the shoulders
of the two supporting forwards. Not more than two
second row forwards on each team shall pack
behind their respective front rows by interlocking
arms and placing their heads in the two spaces
between the hooker and his front row forwards. The
loose forward of each team shall pack behind his
second row forwards by placing his head in the
space between them. All forwards must pack with
their bodies and legs at right angles to the tunnel and
the upper parts of their bodies horizontal. Once the
ball has been put in the scrum no other player can
lend his weight to it.

Scrums

Both prop forwards- on the side where the ball is put
into the scrum, MUST have their outside feet forward
and the halfback must feed the ball into the scrum
using the space between their feet. All players must
remain in the scrum until the ball is out of the scrum.

Number of backs

3. No more than six players on each team shall assist in

and players in scrum

the formation of a scrum and when the ball is in the
scrum no more than seven players of each team
shall act as backs.

NOTES

Attacking player

When an attacking player, in possession of the ball, is
unable to ground the ball in the opponent’s in-goal, play is
restarted with a play-the-ball ten metres from the goal line
opposite where the player was held. The attacking player
held up will play the ball and the tackle count will continue
except after the fifth play the ball when play will restart with a
handover (Section 11, Law 7).

Loose Arm

Referees must ensure that a hooker does not pack with a
loose arm.

Depleted pack

The 3-2-1 formation is compulsory if six forwards pack down.
If injuries deplete the team, the back three forwards may be
withdrawn to give 3-2-0, 3-1-0 or 3-0-0 formations (subject to
there being no more than seven backs – see para 3 above).
There should always be at least three forwards packing
down.

Forward withdrawing

A forward may detach himself from the scrum at any time
provided there are not already seven players acting as backs
on his team. If the ball emerges from the scrum between the
legs of the second row forwards, the loose forward may
detach himself from the scrum and pick up the ball.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 29

Pushing

4. It is permissible for forwards to push once the scrum

has been correctly formed but if it moves an
appreciable distance to the disadvantage of any one
team before the ball is put in then the Referee shall
order the scrum to reform in its original position.

Loose Head

5. (a) At the scrum, the non-offending team shall have

and Put-in

the loose head and put-in.

(b) In the case of a mutual infringement, the

attacking team shall have the loose head and the
put-in.

(c) Where the ball is kicked from the start or a restart

of play and finds touch other than on the full after
travelling the prescribed distance the kicking
team shall be deemed to be the non-offending
team.

(d) Where a player kicks the ball in general play from

any point in the area bounded by his own dead
ball line, 40 metre line and the touch lines and the
ball finds touch, otherwise than on the full, at a
point on the touchline between the opponents’ 20
metre line and goal line the kicker’s team shall be
deemed to be the non-offending team.

(e) Where a player kicks or passes the ball in general

play and the ball enters touch after accidentally
striking an opponent the team of the player who
passed or kicked the ball shall be deemed to be
the offending team.

Put-in or

6. (a) The ball shall be put into the scrum from the

Feeding

the

Referee’s side by holding it in a horizontal

Scrum

position with a point in each hand and rolling it
along the ground into the tunnel formed by the
opposing front row forwards.

(b) The ball shall not be put in before the scrum has

been correctly formed.

(c) There shall be no undue delay in putting the ball

into the scrum.

(d) The player putting the ball in shall not hesitate or

dummy and after putting it in he shall immediately
retire behind his own pack of forwards.

NOTES

Pushing

To avoid unnecessary reforming of scrums, the Referee
should restrain the opposing packs from joining together until
the ball is available and can be put into the scrum without
delay.

Offending Team

The ‘offending’ team is the team which stops the play by a
forward pass, knock-on, kick to touch, etc.

If, following a mutual infringement, a scrum is formed exactly
on the halfway line the team last in possession of the ball in
play is deemed to be the ‘non-offending’ team.

(For notes re Law 6 see page 31)

Section 12. The Scrum (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 30

Other players

7. The scrum half of the team not having the put-in shall

retire immediately behind his last row of forwards.
All other players outside the scrum, other than the
scrum half putting the ball in, shall retire five metres
or more behind the last row of forwards of their
respective teams in the scrum and shall remain so
until the ball has emerged correctly from the scrum.

Forwards in

8. When the ball is in the scrum it can only be played

Scrum

with the foot.

The front row forwards shall not advance their feet
into the tunnel or have one foot raised before the ball
is put in or strike for the ball before the hookers.

A hooker may strike for the ball with either foot once
it has contacted the ground in the tunnel.

After the hookers have struck for the ball the other
forwards in the scrum may kick or heel the ball.

No player shall wilfully collapse a scrum or wilfully
have any part of him other than his feet in contact
with the ground.

A player shall not wilfully delay the correct formation
of a scrum.

NOTES

Referee’s side

(a) The Referee may stand on either side of the scrum at his

discretion. It is advisable to favour the blind side.

Retiring Scrum half

(d) Assuming the ball has been correctly scrummaged it is

permissible for the scrum half to pick up the ball in the
act of retiring providing he commenced to retire
immediately after putting the ball in. As the scrum half
who puts the ball in must retire behind his own forwards
it should, in the event of the opposing team winning
possession, normally give him very little chance of
tackling the opposing scrum half. If the latter is tackled in
possession the Referee should ensure that the scrum
half who puts the ball in is indeed retiring behind his
forwards.

Hookers

Hookers striking prematurely is one of the more common
scrum offences. If one hooker strikes prematurely and
escapes penalty the other hooker will be tempted to commit
the same offence. Referees should endeavour to detect and
punish the initial offender.

Section 12. The Scrum (continued)

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Ball in Play

9. To be in play, the ball must emerge from the scrum

after first emerging from between and behind the
inner feet of the second row forwards.

If the ball does not emerge correctly and the fault
cannot be attributed to any one team then it should
be put into the scrum once again.

Where formed

10. If a scrum is ordered it shall normally be formed

where the breach of Laws occurs. If such breach is
within twenty metres of a touch line or ten metres of
a goal line the scrum shall be brought in twenty
metres from the touch line and ten metres from the
goal line.

Scrum wanders

11. If a penalty kick is awarded relating to a scrum

offence and the scrum has wandered from its original
position, the mark is where the scrum was first
formed.

Scrum wheels

12. If the ball emerges correctly from the scrum it is in

play even though the scrum has wheeled. Any
forward can detach himself from the scrum to gather
or kick the ball. Any back can similarly play it
provided he remained behind the scrum until the ball
emerged.

NOTES

Handling in scrum

The players’ feet are continually moving in a scrum and it is
not easy to define accurately the exact moment when the ball
can be considered to be truly “out” of the scrum.

Offending Pack take

10. It is the responsibility of the pack of the offending team to

up correct position

take up the correct position for a scrum. The opposing pack
of forwards will then move up to form the scrum.

In the case of a scrum following a mutual infringement it is
the responsibility of the defending pack to take up the correct
position for the scrum.

Butting

Front Row Forwards who butt violently in the course of
forming a scrum should be penalised.

40/20 rule

When a kick in general play and from inside a team’s 40
metre zone, finds touch (other than on the full) in the
opposition’s 20 metre zone, the resulting scrum will be fed by
the kicking team which will also have the loose head.

Section 12. The Scrum (continued)

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SECTION 13

PENALTY KICK

When awarded

1. (a) A penalty kick shall be awarded against any

player who is guilty of misconduct (Section 15)
provided that this is not to the disadvantage of
the non-offending team. Unless otherwise stated,
the mark is where the offence occurs. If
misconduct occurs in touch the mark shall be ten
metres from the touch line in the field of play and
opposite where the offence occurred or, in the
case of obstruction, where the ball next bounces
or is caught, in the field of play, or ten metres
opposite the point of entry if the ball enters touch
on the full, or ten (10) metres from the goal line if
the ball crosses the goal line on the full,
whichever is to the greater advantage of the non-
offending team. If the offence is committed by a
defender in his own in-goal or an attacker in his
opponents’ in-goal, the mark is taken ten metres
into the field of play opposite where the offence
occurred. In the event of further misconduct by
the offending team, the referee shall advance the
mark once only ten metres towards the offending
team’s goal line.

(b) In the event of a breach by the kicker’s team a

scrum shall be formed at the point where the
penalty kick was awarded. In the event of a
breach by the opposing team a further penalty
kick shall be awarded at a point opposite where
the breach occurred on a line parallel to the goal
line ten metres from where the penalty kick was
awarded.

NOTES

Advantages

The advantages to the non-offending team must be readily
obvious if the Referee is to allow play to proceed. Allowing
play to proceed does not mean that the offending player
cannot subsequently be disciplined. A penalty kick for a
scrum offence is, except in very exceptional circumstances,
of greater advantage to the non-offending team than
allowing play to proceed.

Differential Penalty

In respect of misconduct at the scrum other than foul play or
the use of offensive or obscene language a Referee shall
award a differential penalty which differs only from a penalty
kick in that a goal cannot be scored from it. The differential
penalty applies to all players, even those outside the scrum,
who should be penalised where they offend. A full penalty is
awarded for an offence which occurs before the scrum is
properly formed.

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How Taken

2. A player may take a penalty kick by punting, drop

kicking, or place kicking the ball from any point on or
behind the mark and equidistant from the touch line.
Other than when kicking for goal (see note to No. 10,
Section 6) the ball may be kicked in any direction,
after which it is in play.

Position of

3. Players of the kicker’s team must be behind the ball

Players

when it is kicked.
Players of the team opposing the kicker shall retire to
their own goal line or ten metres or more from the
mark towards their own goal line and shall not make
any attempt to interfere with or distract the attention
of the kicker.

They may advance after the ball has been kicked.

Find Touch

4. (a) If the ball is kicked into touch without touching

from Penalty Kick

any other player the kicking team shall restart
play with a free kick. Opposing players shall retire
ten metres from the point of entry into touch or to
their own goal line.
In the event of a breach by the kicker’s team, a
scrum shall be formed twenty metres in-field from
touch in line with where the free kick was
awarded but no closer than ten metres from the
goal line. In the event of a breach by the
opposing team a penalty kick shall be awarded at
a point opposite where the breach occurred on a
line parallel to the goal line ten metres from where
the free kick was awarded.

4. (b) If the ball touches an opponent in flight and then

enters touch, a scrum shall be formed twenty
metres in field from where the ball crossed the
touch line with the kicker’s team having the loose
head and the put-in.

NOTES

The Mark

As the mark cannot be conveniently marked on the ground a player
who punts or drop kicks may deviate slightly from it. This is
permissible provided no unfair advantage is gained. The kicker
himself may regather the ball after it has been kicked.

If a player takes the ball back from the mark for a kick at goal the
original mark is cancelled and the new mark is where the ball is to be
kicked, and opponents may advance to within 10 metres of the new
mark.

Retiring

3 and 4.

If the kicker takes a penalty kick or the subsequent free kick quickly,

ten metres

the opposing players may not have all retired ten metres in which
case they should be penalised only if they interfere with play. These
players may join in the play when any advantage which they may
have gained through not retiring has been lost.

The Touch Judge shall act as a guide to the team opposing the kicker by
taking up a position ten metres beyond the mark (Section 16, law 17).

Free Kick

The ball may be kicked in any direction in any manner when bringing

(Second Kick)

it into play after entering touch and the kicker himself may pick up the
ball after he has kicked it.

Dead Ball from

Play is restarted with a 20m drop-out if the ball is kicked dead in the

Penalty Kick

opponents’ in-goal from a penalty kick (Section 8, Law 3).

Section 13. Penalty Kick (continued)

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No delay

5. No player shall deliberately take any action which is

likely to delay the taking of a penalty kick.

Kicker’s side

6. If the kick is not taken as stated or if a player of the

infringes

kicker’s team infringes, a scrum shall be formed at
the mark, provided it is no closer than twenty metres
to the touch line.

Explain why

7. When the Referee penalises a player he should

explain the nature of the offence.

Penalty for

8. If a penalty is awarded for an offence by the attacking

in-goal offence

team in the opponent’s in-goal area the mark shall be
ten metres in the field of play opposite where the
offence occurred. For an offence in-goal by the
defending team which incurs a penalty the mark is in
the field of play ten metres from the goal line and
opposite where the offence occurred except for foul
play against a try scorer (see Law 9).

Offence against

If a player fouls an opponent who is touching down

Try scorer

for a try, a penalty kick at goal shall be taken from in
front of the goal posts after the attempt to convert
the try. After his kick has been taken the ball shall be
deemed dead and play shall be restarted from the
halfway line. This law applies to the period during
which the ball is touched down for a try and not to
any subsequent period.

Drop Goal

10. (a) If a player fouls an opponent who is attempting a

Foul Play

drop goal, a penalty kick shall be awarded in front

on Kicker

of the goal posts.

(b) If the attempt at drop goal is successful, a kick at

goal must be taken from the penalty kick and play
restarted from the centre of the halfway line
irrespective of the outcome of that kick.

(c) If the attempt at drop goal is unsuccessful, the

penalty kick can be taken in any manner provided
for in the Laws and play re-started according to
the outcome of that kick.

NOTES

Refusing to

When a penalty has been awarded, the Referee must ensure

surrender ball

that an opposing player does not hold on the the ball or
deliberately kick or throw it further from the mark.

Penalty in-goal

For an offence in-goal by the defending team, a penalty try
may be awarded depending on the gravity of the offence.
(See Section 6 Law 3 (d)).

Section 13. Penalty Kick (continued)

Penalised

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SECTION 14

OFF SIDE

When off side

1. A player is off side except when he is in his own in-

goal if the ball touches, is touched, held or kicked, by
one of his own team behind him.

Out of Play

2. An off side player shall not take any part in the game

or attempt in any way to influence the course of the
game. He shall not encroach within ten metres of an
opponent who is waiting for the ball and shall

Retire ten metres

immediately retire ten metres from any opponent
who first secures possession of the ball.

Placed onside

3. An off side player is placed onside if:

(a) an opponent moves ten metres or more with the

ball.

(b) an opponent touches the ball without retaining it.

(c) one of his own team in possession of the ball

runs in front of him.

(d) one of his own team kicks or knocks the ball

forward and takes up a position in front of him in
the field of play.

(e) he retires behind the point where the ball was last

touched by one of his own team.

NOTES

Catcher claiming

A player who catches the ball near an off side opponent must

off side

not go out of his way to make interference in play by the
offside player unavoidable. He should proceed with normal
play and rely on the Referee to penalise the off side player if
the latter interferes with play. If the catcher deliberately and
unnecessarily runs into the off side player then play should
proceed.

Accidental off side

Where the Referee is satisfied that interference with play by
an off side player is accidental he should order a scrum.

Interfering with

Any off side player who remains within ten metres of an

Catcher

opponent who is set to catch a kick up field by an opposing
player shall be deemed to be interfering with or attempting to
interfere with the catcher and shall be penalised unless the
non-offending team gains an immediate advantage.

“Out of Play” as

Players who are out of play at a play-the-ball (Section 11), a

opposed to “off side”

scrum (Section 12), a kick off or drop-out (Section 8) a
penalty kick (Section 13) or a free kick (Section 13) are not
put “on side” in the manner described in para 3 above. (See
appropriate Sections).

“Down town”

Any player who is in front of the kicker in general play is not
permitted to advance beyond the point of the previous play-
the-ball until the ball has gone past the off side players. This
rule delays the movement of the off side players downfield in
an attempt to encircle the ball receiver as he collects the ball.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 36

Section 14. Offside (continued)

Example of offside

3. (e)

player retrieving ball

Player A kicks the ball and
opponent B attempts to catch it.
He drops the ball which rolls
behind him. His colleague C
who was originally in front of
him drops back to retrieve the
ball. When he gets to it he is
behind the point at which it was
played by B, indicated by the
line XY, and is not off side.

Player A kicks the ball and
opponent B fails to catch it, the
ball bouncing forward off his
hands. Player C is off side if he
plays the ball unless B advances
in front of the ball before C
reaches it, in which case a scrum
would be ordered for a knock-on.

3(e)

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SECTION 15

PLAYER’S MISCONDUCT

Definition of

1. A player is guilty of misconduct if he:

misconduct

(a) trips, kicks or strikes another player.

(b) when effecting or attempting to effect a tackle

makes contact with the head or neck of an
opponent intentionally, recklessly or carelessly.

(c) drops knees first on to an opponent who is on the

ground

(d) uses any dangerous throw when effecting a

tackle.

(e) deliberately and continuously breaks the Laws of

the Game.

(f) uses offensive or obscene language.

(g) disputes a decision of the Referee or Touch

Judge.

(h) re-enters the field of play without the permission

of the Referee or a Touch Judge having
previously temporarily retired from the game.

(i) behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of

the game.

(j) deliberately obstructs an opponent who is not in

possession.

NOTES

Law

breakers

(e) When a player repeatedly breaks the Laws in a

‘specialist’ position, e.g. hooker or scrum half, the
Referee should, when administering the final caution,
inform the player’s captain. The latter may, at his
discretion, move the offending player to another position.
The Referee cannot order a player to change his
position.

Dangerous throw

(d) If, in any tackle of, or contact with, an opponent that

player is so lifted that he is placed in a position where it
is likely that the first part of his body to make contact with
the ground will be his head or neck (“the dangerous
position”), then that tackle or contact will be deemed to
be a dangerous throw unless, with the exercise of
reasonable care, the dangerous position could not have
been avoided.

Explain reason for

(g) A player may ask the Referee the reason why a penalty

penalty

kick has been given provided he does so respectfully.

Delay restart of play

(i) To deliberately delay the restart of play from the goal

line, 20 metre line or halfway line constitutes misconduct
for the purposes of this rule.

Obstruction after kick

(j) A common form of obstruction occurs when a player, after

kicking the ball forward, is tackled or impeded by an
opponent. However, a tackler cannot be expected to delay
making a tackle because the player in possession might
decide to kick the ball. The onus is on the kicker to get his
kick in before his opponent commits himself to the tackle.

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Section 15. Players’ Misconduct (continued)

The player in possession has
delayed kicking the ball until
the tackler has commenced to
dive. The tackler should not
be penalised.

The ball has been kicked before the
opponent commits himself to the
tackle. He should be penalised if he
obstructs the kicker.

Obstruction sometimes occurs in a passing movement as
follows:–

It is permissible for player 4, after
passing the ball, to slow down in order
to position himself for a return pass from
player 5. He must give ‘right of way’ to
opponents who are running across in
front of him to tackle player 5 but is not
guilty of obstructing opponents who are
coming from behind him.

Player 4 passes to player 5 but
continues to run in front of him in order
to obstruct opponents who are running
across to tackle. Player 4 should be
penalised.

Obstruction can be either active, passive or accidental. Passive
obstruction is where a player impedes an opponent by deliberately
remaining in his path although he has had the opportunity to
remove himself. If a player is in position which is likely to cause
obstruction and he feels that any movement by him may aggravate
the situation he should raise his hands above his head and thus
indicate to the Referee that he is taking no part in the play.

Examples of accidental obstruction in tactical moves are shown on
the next page. Where accidental obstruction irregularly affects the
play, the game should be stopped and restarted with a scrum. If
play is not affected then the game should not be stopped.

Accidental
obstruction

Obstructing passing
movement

Pass

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‘Scissors’ move

Player 3 is in possession and veers towards the wing bringing his
opposite number, player 4, across with him, and opponent 5 in
towards him.

His player 2 runs across and
when just behind him receives
a back pass. After giving the
pass, player 3’s momentum
carries him in the direction in
which he was running. It is
quite easy to see that he may
collide with opponent 5. It
would not be fair to penalise
him for deliberate obstruction
and a scrum should be formed
for accidental obstruction only
if player 5 is actually prevented
from tackling player 2.

‘Dummy’

Player 3 is in possession and
veers towards the wing. This
time he dummies to pass to
colleague 2 but sidesteps to
the left and runs in-field. Player
2, expecting the pass, has his
eye on the ball and his
momentum carries him
forward. He can easily collide
with player 5 without being
guilty of obstruction, and once
again the Referee will allow
play to proceed unless player 5
was actually prevented from
making the tackle, in which
case a scrum will ordered.

Obstructing

It is illegal to obstruct any opponent not in possession, even one

– off side player

who is off side or one who is endeavouring to get to the ball after

– after knock-on

it has been knocked on or thrown forward.

Player in possession

The player who is in possession of the ball cannot be guilty of

cannot obstruct

obstruction. He can make use of the goal posts to avoid a tackle,
or dodge behind a ruck of his own players or bore a way through
his own pack.

Section 15. Players’ Misconduct (continued)

Pass

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SECTION 16

DUTIES OF REFEREE AND TOUCH JUDGES

One Referee

1. In all matches a Referee and two Touch Judges shall

Two

Touch

Judges

be appointed or mutually agreed upon by the
contesting teams.

Enforce Laws

2. The Referees shall enforce the Laws of the Game and

may impose penalties for any deliberate breach of
the Laws. He shall be the sole judge on matters of
fact except those relating to touch and touch in-goal
(see para. 11 below).

Timekeeper

3. He shall be the sole timekeeper except where this

duty has been delegated to another person. (See
Section 7).

Power to stop

4. He may, at his discretion, temporarily suspend or

game

prematurely terminate a match because of adverse
weather, undue interference by spectators,
misbehaviour by players, or any other cause which,
in his opinion, interferes with his control of the
game.

Permission to

5. He shall not allow anyone apart from the players

enter playing area

onto the playing area without permission.

NOTES

Referee injured

When a Referee is unable to continue he should appoint a
substitute, preferably a neutral Touch Judge. If the Referee
is not able to appoint a substitute, the respective captains
should mutually agree, failing which the Touch Judge with
the greater experience should take control.

If the injury sustained by a Referee renders him incapable of
blowing his whistle to stop the game, the latter shall be
deemed to have stopped at the time the injury was
sustained.

Consult

Before giving a decision, it is permissible for the Referee to

Touch Judge

consult either or both Touch Judges.

Player returns to

A player who has temporarily retired from the game shall

playing field

inform the nearer Touch Judge before re-entering the
playing field.

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Power to dismiss

6. In the event of misconduct by a player, the Referee

shall, at his discretion, caution, temporarily suspend
for ten minutes, or dismiss the offender.

Control of

7. The players are under the control of the Referee from

players

the time they enter the playing area until they leave it.

NOTES

Caution

A caution may be administered to a team as a whole in which
case each player is considered to have received an
individual caution.

When a final caution is given, the nature of the offence and
the time must be recorded by the Referee and must be
quoted if the player is subsequently dismissed.

Temporary

The power to temporarily suspend a player is not an

Suspension

encouragement to Referees to deal leniently in the event of
misconduct which merits dismissal.

End of

A temporarily suspended player shall re-enter the playing

Temporary

field when permitted to do so by the Referee. The Referee

Suspension

shall be guided by the timekeeper if one is employed
otherwise he himself will determine the end of the
suspension.

Dismissed

A dismissed player can take no further part in the match, nor

player

shall he be permitted to take up a position near the playing
area where his presence is likely to provoke further incident.

Changing

When administering a final caution to a player who has

player’s

persistently committed breaches of the laws, the Referee

position

shall advise the player’s Captain so that the latter may, if he
so wishes, change the player’s position in the team.

Playing area

Where there is no actual enclosure, the area of control is that
within the natural boundaries of the field in which the playing
area is located.

Harassing

If a Referee or Touch Judge is assaulted or unduly harassed

Referee

by any person arising out of his control of a match, he should
submit a report to the appropriate League even though such
incident occurs after the match is ended.

Section 16. Duties of Referee and Touch Judges (continued)

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When to blow

8.1 The Referee must carry a whistle which he shall blow

whistle

to commence and terminate each half of the game.
Except for these occasions the blowing of the
whistle shall temporarily stop the play. The Referee
shall blow the whistle:

(a) when a try or a goal has been scored

(b) when the ball has gone out of play

(c) when restarting play, other than at a scrum

(d) when he detects a breach of the Laws of the

Game, except when to stop the play would be to
the disadvantage of the non-offending team

(e) when play is irregularly affected by the ball or the

player carrying the ball coming into contact with
the Referee, a Touch Judge, or with any person
not taking part in the match or with any object
which should not normally be on the playing field

(f) when any irregularity, not provided for in these

Laws, occurs and one team unjustifiably gains an
advantage

(g) when a stoppage is necessary in order to enforce

the Laws or for any other reason.

8.2 Where a referee has stopped play to administer a

caution to a player or players he shall indicate extra
time until he blows his whistle to restart play.

NOTES

Whistle blown

Play must stop even if the whistle is blown accidentally in

accidentally

which case play is restarted with a scrum where the ball was
last touched by a player in the field of play before the whistle
is blown, and his team shall be given the loose head and
put -in.

Apply advantage

The advantage law applies to all phases of play, but where a
team infringes in a strong tactical position the advantage
should be allowed only if the ball goes immediately into the
possession of the non-offending team.

The Referee is the sole judge of what constitutes an
advantage be it tactical or territorial. An infringement is not
‘negated’ simply because the ball touches or is touched by
an opponent. The opponent must have adequate opportunity
to take advantage and endeavour to do so before play is
allowed to proceed.

Application of the advantage laws does not deprive the
Referee of subsequently dealing with an offending player.

Section 16. Duties of Referee and Touch Judges (continued)

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Changing decision

9. The Referee judges on matters of fact and shall not

subsequently alter those judgments. He may cancel
any decision made if prior foul play of which he had
no knowledge is reported to him by a Touch Judge.

Accept Touch

10. The Referee shall accept the decision of an official

Judge decision

Touch Judge relating to touch and touch in-goal play
and to kicks at goal.

Touch Judge

11. Each Touch Judge shall remain in touch, one on each

side of, and near to, the playing field except:–

(a) when judging kicks at goal (see Section 6) and

(b) when reporting a player’s misconduct which has

escaped the notice of the Referee.

Flag

12. Each Touch Judge must carry an approved flag.

NOTES

Infringement by

If a team infringes when in a strong attacking position territorial

attacking team

or tactical, the Referee should stop play promptly, unless the ball
is immediately possessed by the defending team because a
loose ball cannot be considered to be of advantage to a team in
a weak, defensive position.

Applying the advantage law does not deprive the Referee of his
power to deal subsequently with any offending player.

Awarding a Try

The circumstances referred to in this Law will not arise when
a try is scored as the Referee shall look at both Touch
Judges before awarding a try.

Touch Judge under

10. A Touch Judge is at all times under the control of the Referee

control of Referee

and may be dismissed and replaced if, in the opinion of the
Referee, he can no longer be considered to be neutral. In this
case, any decision made by a Touch Judge leading to his
dismissal may be disregarded. Any misconduct by a Touch
Judge should be reported by the Referee to the appropriate
authority.

Report misconduct

11. (b) If a Touch Judge wishes to report a player’s misconduct

quickly

he should attract the Referee’s attention as quickly as
possible in order to avoid an unnecessary continuation of
play. Any subsequent penalty is awarded where the
offence occurred and not where play is subsequently
stopped.

No undue interference

A Touch Judge must not unduly interfere with the Referee’s
control of the game by reporting incidents which have
obviously been seen by the Referee.

Section 16. Duties of Referee and Touch Judges (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 44

Indicating Touch

13. A Touch Judge shall indicate when and where the

ball goes into touch by raising his flag and standing
opposite the point of entry into touch except in the
case of ‘ball back’ (see Section 9 para. 4) when the
Touch Judge must indicate that no ground has been
gained by waving his flag above his head
accentuating the movement in the direction of the
kicker’s goal-line.

Indicating

14. If the ball enters touch in-goal the Touch Judge shall

Touch in-Goal

wave the flag across the body and below the waist.
With the other hand he/she points to either the goal
line or twenty metre line depending on where play
should be restarted. Do not point to the player who
made the ball dead.

Judge kicks at goal 15. Touch Judges shall assist the Referee in judging

kicks at goal. (See Section 6 para.10).

Indicating

16. When a free kick is being taken, both Touch Judges

10 metres

shall take up a position near the touch line ten
metres beyond the mark to act as markers for the
team which is required to retire.

Official Inquiry

17. In cases where circumstances in connection with the

match are likely to be made the subject of official
investigation, the Referee and Touch Judges shall
report to the investigating authority only and shall
refrain from expressing criticism or comment
through other channels.

NOTES

Ball swerving back

13. A Touch Judge should not raise his flag immediately the

into Playing Field

ball in flight crosses the touch line if there is a possibility of it
swerving or being blown back into the playing field because
play is not stopped if the ball does drop back into the playing
field.

Controversial

15. If any decision by a Referee is likely to be controversial, the

decisions

Referee may explain his reasons for making the decisions if
by so doing unnecessary misunderstanding or controversy
can be avoided.

Section 16. Duties of Referee and Touch Judges (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 45

SECTION 17

REFEREE’S SIGNALS

Signal nature

1. When the Referee is required to give a decision he

of offence

shall whenever possible indicate the nature of his
decision by making the appropriate signal.

Indicate how

2. When he wishes to stop the game temporarily, he

play restarts

shall, after blowing his whistle, indicate the nature of the
decision, point to the offending player and then signal as
to how the game is to be restarted.

Example

For example if the scrum half puts the ball into his own
side of the scrum the referee:

(1) blows his whistle and indicates the scrum half has put

the ball in wrongly.

(2) points to the offending scrum half and then

(3) signals that a penalty has been given.

The Referee can, with advantage, repeat the signal
indicating the nature of the offence in order to reduce the
need for verbal explanations to the players. This applies
particularly to scrum offences where some of the
forwards may miss the first signal if they still have their
heads down in the scrum.

Signals for

3. The signals to be given by a Referee are set out below.

Restarting Play

Scrum.

With bent arms, palms of hands facing each

other at shoulder level, fingers together and slightly bent,
bring the tops of the fingers together with a slight
downward movement and then point to the team awarded
the loose head and put-in.

Penalty Kick.

Face the non-offending team and extend

an arm forward with the hand slightly higher than the
shoulder level and the palm of the hand at right angles to
the ground.

Differential Penalty.

Extend the arm as for an ordinary

penalty then move the arm to the upright position.
Perform this action twice with the whole movement being
continuous and decisive.

Drop-out.

Point to the place from which the drop kick is

to be taken.

Relating to

Try.

Point to where try is awarded. Instruct the Touch

Scoring

Judge to stand on this point temporarily as a guide to the
player who is to take the goal kick.

Penalty Try.

Point to midway between the posts and

take up position temporarily on this point as a guide to the
kicker.

Eight Point Try.

This term is used to indicate that a

penalty kick has been awarded for foul play against a try
scorer. Instruct a Touch Judge to take up position in front
of the posts ten metres from the goal line before retiring
behind the goal posts to judge on the conversion attempt.

Goal.

Raise hand above head.

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 46

Signals made when

Try disallowed.

Wave hands, palms facing downwards

play is not

across and in front of the body below the waist.

necessarily stopped

Play on.

Wave the hands chest high palms facing away

from the chest across and in front of the body.

Ball touched in flight.

Raise one hand above the head

and tap the tips of the fingers with the fingers of the other
hand.

Count of Tackles is cancelled.

Raise clenched fist

above head and wave from side to side.

Player “held” and to play the ball.

Indicate that players

not concerned with the play-the-ball must retire by
making a signal chest-high, similar to the breast stroke in
swimming.

Signals indicating

Knock-on.

With hands in front of the body, below the

infringements

waist, slightly apart, palms facing forward and fingers
pointing towards the ground, make two or three forward
movements of the hands.

Forward Pass.

Make a forward movement with the

straight arm indicating the line of flight of the ball.

Scrum

Scrum half feeds “own feet”.

With hands and arms

mime the action of the scrum half putting the ball into the
scrum, but exaggerate the angle at which it was thrown.

Scrum half “dummies”.

Mime the action of the scrum

half but emphasise the backward motion of the hands.

Scrum half fails to retire.

Make a movement with the

hand indicating the direction the scrum half should have
taken.

Scrum half throws the ball upwards into the scrum.

Mime the action of the scrum half exaggerating the
upward movement of the hands.

Hooker strikes prematurely.

Raise a foot from the

ground in front of the body with the leg straight.

Hooker packs with a Loose Arm.

Raise one arm sideways

with elbow bent so that the hand hangs downwards.

Prop strikes for the ball.

Raise a foot from the ground

by extending the leg sideways from the body.

10.

Handling in the scrum.

Make a backward scooping

action with the hand.

11.

Collapsing the scrum.

Make a lifting motion with the

hand.

12.

More than seven backs.

Point to one of the players who

is detached from the scrum and who normally is in the
pack and then hold up seven fingers.

13.

More than six players pushing in the scrum.

Point to

the player who is pushing and who is not normally in the
scrum and then hold up six fingers.

Section 17. Referee’s Signals (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 47

Play-the-ball

14.

Tackled player delays regaining his feet.

Flick the

hand in an upward direction.

15.

Tackled player ‘dummies’ when dropping the ball.

Mime the action of the offending player exaggerating the
upward direction.

16.

Tackled player fails to drop the ball correctly

. If the

ball has been dropped between the legs indicate the path
of the ball. If the ball has been dropped to the side, point
with one hand to the side.

17.

Tackled player does not lift the ball clear of ground.

Make a lifting movement with the hand.

18.

Tackled player does not face opponents’ in-goal.

Stand at the angle offending player adopted and then turn
to face the opponents’ in-goal.

19.

Tackled player fails to play the ball backwards or
passes when he should have played the ball.

Mime

the gesture of playing the ball.

20.

Tackled player obstructs or butts with his head after
playing the ball.

Mime his action.

21.

Voluntary tackle.

Make a lifting movement with hand.

22.

The player marking the tackled player kicks or heels
the ball.

Make a kicking movement with the foot.

23.

Player marking retains his hold on player playing the
ball.

Make a decisive backward movement with one

hand. This signal applies to any interference by the player
marking when the ball is actually being played other than
kicking prematurely or dangerously (paragraph 22
above).

24.

Tackler delays releasing tackled player.

Make a

downward movement with the hands in front of the body
below the waist.

25.

Off side at play-the-ball.

With a backward movement of

the hand indicate that the player should be further back.

26.

Stealing of the ball from the tackled player.

Mime the

action of snatching the ball from the opponent.

27.

Dragging tackled player after tackle is effective.

Mime

the action of dragging.

28.

Team is tackled five successive times.

Raise arm

vertically above head with fingers and thumb
outstretched.

29.

Team is tackled six successive times.

Blow the

whistle, raise the arm vertically above the head, then
point to the side which is to gain possession and mime
the gesture of playing the ball. The surrendering of the
ball is referred to as the ‘handover’.

30.

Count of tackle is cancelled and starts again.

Wave

clenched fist from side to side above head.

Section 17. Referee’s Signals (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 48

Drop-out

31.

Kicker fails to bring foot into contact with the ball.

or Penalty

Tap the foot with one hand.

Other

32.

Off side.

Indicate player should have been further back.

Infringements

(See No. 25).

33.

Player in possession touches official.

Point to the

player in possession and tap the chest with one hand.

34.

Obstruction.

Mime the offending player’s action.

35.

Tripping.

Extend one foot forward as if to trip.

36.

Stiff arm tackle.

Raise an arm in front of the body with

fist clenched and as the arm is moved forward tap the
forearm with the other hand.

37.

Disputing decisions.

Place one hand on the mouth.

38.

Ball in Touch.

Point to appropriate Touch Judge.

39.

Extra time.

Raise both arms vertically above head.

40.

Ending Extra Time for Stoppage.

Wave one arm over

head.

41.

Temporary Suspension of a Player.

Raise both arms

with fingers outstretched for ten minutes suspension.

42.

Player directed to leave the field to receive attention
for bleeding.

Draw the hand across the chest from side

to side.

Touch Judge

43. The Touch Judge cannot stop the play for any

signals

infringement but he may signal the nature of an
infringement if the Referee is unsighted and seeks his
guidance.

Signals which may be used by a Touch Judge and which
are not included in Para. 3 above are:–

Touch.

Flag is raised about the head at the point of entry

into touch..

Ball Back.

Flag waved above head accentuating

backward movement.

Touch in-Goal.

Flag waved across the body, below the

waist, and, with the other hand, point to either the goal
line or 20 metre line depending on where play should be
restarted. Do not point to the player who made the ball
dead.

Successful Kick at Goal.

Raise flag above head.

Unsuccessful Kick at Goal.

Wave flag across and in

front of the body below the waist. If the ball goes over the
dead ball line, tap the ground with the end of the flag
stick.

Dead Ball Line.

Wave flag up and down between

shoulder and knee and then point to appropriate restart
position.

Section 17. Referee’s Signals (continued)

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 49

The Index identifies Laws and terms in Sections (S.) and the
page(s) where these are explained.

SECTION 18

INDEX TO THE LAWS OF RUGBY LEAGUE

Accidental breach

S.11, p.25

Accidental strike/hit

S.9.7,p.12; S.12.5(e),p.30

Advantage

Glossary, p.4

- When applied

Notes S.16, p.43

- When awarding penalty

S.13, Notes (1) p.33

Attacking team

Glossary, p.4

Back

Glossary, p.4

Ball Shape/size

S.3, p.8

- ball deflated

S.3, p.8

- ball bursts

S.3, p.8

Ball back

Glossary, p.4

Ball caught in-goal

S.8, p.18

Ball blown/bounces forward

Notes S.10, p.22

Behind

Glossary, p.4

Blind side

Glossary, p.4

Cautions

S.16, p.42; S.7,p.16

Changing ends

S.7, p.16

Charging down

Glossary, p.4; S.10, p.22;
Notes S.11, p.25

Converting a try

Glossary, p.4

Corner post/flag

Glossary, p.4; Notes S.9, p.21

Dead ball

Glossary, p.4

Dead ball line

Notes p.3

Defending team

Glossary, p.4

Differential penalty

Glossary, p.4; Notes S.13, p.33

Down Town

S.14, p.36

Drop goal

Glossary, p.4

- Offence on kicker

S.13, p.35

Drop kick

Glossary, p.4

Drop-out

Glossary, p.4

Dummy

Glossary, p.5

Duration of game

Notes S.7, p.16

- Extra time

S.7, p.17

- Shortening

Notes S.7, p.16

- Altering interval

Notes S.7, p.16

- Kick after time

Notes S.7, p.16

- Recommencing after injury S. 7, p.17
- Reduce stoppages

Notes S.7, p.17

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 51

Duration of game (cont’d)

- Scrum after time

Notes S.7, p.16

- Signal extra time

Notes S.7, p.17

Duties of referee

S.16, p.41

- Accept Touch Judge decision S.16, p.44
- Awarding try

Notes S.16, p.44

- Enforce laws

S.16, p.41

- Cautions

Notes S.16, p.42

- Change decisions

S.16, p.44

- Consult Touch Judges

Notes S.16, p.41

- Control players

S.16, p.42

- Controversial decisions

Notes S. 16, p.45

- Injured referees

Notes S.16. p.41

- Power to dismiss

S.16, p.42

- Power to stop games

S.16, p.41

- Record scores

S.16, p.41

- Signals

S.17, p.47

- Temporary suspension

Notes S.16, p.42

- Timekeeper

S.16, p.41

Duties of Touch Judges

S.16, p.41

End of play

S.17, p.16

Field of play

Glossary, p.5

Flag

S.16, p.44

Forward

Glossary, p.5

Forward pass

Glossary, p.5; Notes S.10, p.22

- Scrum for

Notes S.10, p.22

- Penalty for

Notes S.10, p.22

Foul play

Glossary, p.5

Foul “throws”

Notes S.11, p.23

Free kick

Glossary, p.5

- Goal from

Notes S.6, p.13

- When occurs

Glossary, p.5

Full times

Glossary, p.5

General play

Glossary, p.5

Goal

Glossary, p.5

- How scored

S.6, p.13

- Ball blown back

Notes S.6, p.13

- Ball hits post

Notes S.8, p.20

- Distracting kicker

S.6, p.14

- From kick off

Notes S.6, p.13

- Help hold ball

Notes S.6, p.14

- Judging kick

S.6, p.15; Notes S.6, p.15

- Players’ positions

S.6, p.14

- Pretending goal kick

Notes S.6, p.15

- Wasting time

Notes S.6, p.14

- Where taken

S.6, p.14;
Referee to instruct - Notes S.6, p.14

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 52

Goal posts

Notes p.3; S.6, p.14

- Ball hits

Notes S.8, p.20

Goal lines

Notes p.3

Grounding the ball

Glossary, p.5

Half-time

Glossary, p.5

Handover

Glossary, p.5

Harassing referee

Notes S.16, p.42

Heading ball

S.10, p.22

Heel

Glossary, p.6

Hook

Glossary, p.6

In-goal

Glossary, p.6

- Deliberate breach

Notes S.8, p.19

In possession

Glossary, p.6

Interval

S.7, p.16

Interference - illegal

See Obstruction

Kick

Glossary, p.6

Kicking tees

Notes S.6, p.14

Kick off

Glossary, p.6; S.5, p.11; S.8, p.18;

- V I P kick-off

Notes S.8, p.18

Knock-on

Glossary, p.6; S.10, p.22

- Deliberate

S.10, p.22

- Accidental

S.10, p.22

- Over goal line

Notes S.10, p.22

- Zero tackle

After “Accidental breach” S.11,
Law 7, p.25

Law breakers

Notes S.15, p.38

Loose arm

Glossary, p.6

Loose ball

Glossary, p.6

Loose head

Glossary, p.6

Losing possession

Notes S.11, p.25

Mark

Glossary, p.6

Misconduct

Notes S.6, p.15; S.13, p.33;
S.15, p.38

- Law breakers

Notes S.15, p.38 (Persistent)

- Types

S.15, p.38

Mutual infringement

See Scrum below

Object of game

S.5, p.11

Obstruction

Glossary, p.6; S.5, p.11

- Accidental

Notes S.15, p.38 & 39

- After kick

Notes S.15, p.38 & S.13 Law 10 -
Drop Goal

- Behind ruck

Notes S.15, p.40

- Bore through scrum

Notes S.15, p.40

- Use goal posts

Notes S.15, p.40

- Examples

Notes S.15, p.38

- When not in possession

S.11, p.23

Offence on try scorer

S.13, p.35

Official inquiry

S.16, p.45

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 53

Off side

Glossary, p.6; S.14, p.36

- Accidental

Notes S.14, p.36

- Catcher claims off side

S.14, p.36

- Examples

Notes S.14, p.37

- Interfere with catches

Notes S.14, p.36

- Placed onside

S.14, p.36

- Retire 10 metres

S.14, p.36

- Versus “out of play”

Notes S.14, p.36

- When off side

S.14, p.36

On side

Glossary, p.6; S.5, p.11

Open side

Glossary, p.6

Optional kick

S.8, p.18

On the full

Glossary, p.6

Out of play

S.5, p.11; S.11, p.26; S.14, p.36

- At play-the-ball

S.11, p.26 & 27

- Versus off side

Notes S.14, p.36

Pack

Glossary, p.6

Pass

Glossary, p.6

Penalise

Glossary, p.7

Penalty kick

Glossary, p.7; S.13, p.33

- Advance the mark

S.13, p.33

- Play advantage

Notes S.13, p.33

- Breaches of

S.13, p.33; S.13, p.35

- Differential

Notes S.13, p.33

- Explain why

S.13, p.35; Notes S.15, p.38

- Finding touch

S.13, p.35

- Free kick

S.13, p.34; Notes S.13, p.34

- How taken

S.13, p.34

- In-goal offence

S.13, p.35

- Mark for

S.13, p.33; Notes S.13, p.34

- Misconduct

S.13, p.33

- No delay

S.13, p.35

- For obstruction

S.13, p.33

- Offence against try scorer S.13, p.35
- Position of players

S.13, p.34

- Refusing surrender of ball Notes S.13, p.35
- When awarded

S.13, p.33

Penalty try

S.6.1(d), p.13; Notes S.13, p.35

Place kick

Glossary, p.7

Players

- Bleeding

S.4, p.9

- Jersey colour

S.4, p.10; Notes S.4, p.10

- Dismissed

Notes S.16, p.42

- Equipment

S.4, p.10; Inspection S.4, p.10

- Injured

S.4, p.9; S.7, p.17

- Kick at goal

S.4, p.9

- Late arrival

S.4, p.9

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 54

Players (cont’d)

- Not ‘objects’

Notes S.9, p.21

- Number of

S.4, p.9

- Reports to Referee/Touch

Judge

Notes S.16, p.41

- Returns to field

Notes S.16, p.41

- Substitutes

S.4, p.9; p.52

Playing area

Glossary, p.7; Notes S.16, p.42

Playing field

Glossary, p.7; Diagram p.2

Play-the-ball

Glossary, p.7; S.11, p.26

- Procedure

S.11, p.26; Notes S.11, p.27

- Acting halfback

S.11, p.26

- Disputed possession

Notes S.11, p.26

- Indicate 10 metres

Notes S.11, p.27

- Retire 10 metres

S.11, p.26 (Out of Play) & Behind
own dummy half

- On/near goal line

S.11, p.28

- Speed essential

S.11, p.28

- When to move up

S.11, p.26

Point of infringement

Notes S.11, p.25

Prop

Glossary, p.7

Punt

Glossary, p.7

Put-in/Feeding scrum

Glossary, p.7

Rebound & ricochet

S.9.7,p.21, Notes S.11, p.25

Referee

See “Duties of Referee”

Restarts of play

S.8, p.18

- “Optional” kick

S.8, Law 2 p.18

Scrum

Glossary, p.7; S.12, p.29

- Formation

S.12, p.29

- Attacker held up in-goal

Notes S.12, p.29

- Backs retire 5 metres

S.12, p.31

- Ball in play

S.12, p.32

- Butting

Notes S.12, p.32

- Depleted pack

Notes S.12, p.29

- Forwards detaching

Notes S.12, p.29

- Forwards action

S.12, p.31

- Forwards feet

S.12, p.29

- Handling in scrum

Notes S.12, p.32

- Hookers

Notes S.12, p.31

- Loose arm

Notes S.12, p.29

- Loose head

S.12, p.30

- Numbers/backs/forwards

S.12, p.29

- Mutual infringement

Notes S.12, p.29; S.12, p.30

- Offending team

Notes S.12, p.30; Notes S.12, p.32

- Pushing

S.12, p.30

- Put-in/Feeding scrum

S.12, p.30

- Put-in/Which side

Notes S.12, p.31

- Scrum half retires

S.12, p.30; Notes S.12, p.31

- Scrum wanders

S.12, p.32

- Scrum wheels

S.12, p.32

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 55

Scrum (cont’d)

- When formed

S.12, p.29

- Where formed

S.12, p.32

Shoulder charge

Notes S.5, p.11

Signals

S.17, p.46, 47, 48, 49

“Sin Bin”

See Temporary Suspension

Start of play

S.8, p.18

- Restarts of play - 20 m

S.8, p.18

- Goal line drop-out

S.8, p.19

- Breaches of

S.8, p.18, 19

- Players not retiring

Notes S.8, p.20

- Penalties where taken

S.8, p.20

“Stealing” ball

S.11, p.26; Notes S.11, p.26

Stripping ball

S.11.9, p.26; Notes S.11, p.26

Strike

Glossary, p.7

Tackle

Glossary, p.7; S.5, p.11; S.11, p.23

- Broken tackle

Notes S.11, p.23

- Count of tackles

S.11, p.25; Notes S.11, p.25

(cancels)

- Charging down

Notes S.11, p.25

- Player in possession

S.11, p.23

- Foul “throws”

Notes S.11, p.23

- Dangerous Throw

S.15.1 (d), p.38

- Indicate last

Notes S.11, p.25

- Losing possession

S.11, p.25; Notes S.11, p.25

- Marker dives on ball

Notes S.11, p.24

- Mid air tackle

Notes S.11, p.23; S.11, p.24

- Second movement

Notes S.11, p.24

- Sixth tackle

S.11, p.25

- Sliding tackle

S.11, p.24

- “Stealing” ball

S.11, p.25

- Succumbing to

Notes S.11, p.23

- “Touching” ball

Notes S.11, p.25

- Verbal instructions

S.11, p.24

- Voluntary tackle

S.11, p.24

- When not in possession

S.11, p.23

- When tackled

S.11, p.23

- When to tackle

S.5(4), p.11

Temporary suspension

Notes S.16, p.42

Time keeping

S.7, p.16

Toss

S.5, p.11

Touch

S.9, p.21

- Ball back

S.9, p.21

- Ball dead

Notes S.9, p.21

- Ball in touch

S.9, p.21

- From penalty

S.9, p.21

- Player in touch

S.9, p.21

- Points of entry

S.9, p.21

- Scrum on ‘20’

S.9, p.21

- From in-goal

Notes S.9, p.21

rugby_laws_book 2002 NEW 11/3/04 1:00 PM Page 56

“Touching” ball

Notes S.11, p.25

Touch down

Glossary, p.7

Touch Judge duties

S.16, p.44

- Ball swerves

Notes S.16, p.45

- Indicate touch

S.16, p.45

- Indicate touch in-goal

S.16, p.45

- Judge goal kicks

S.16, p.45

- Indicate 10 metres

S.16, p.45

- Official inquiry

S.16, p.45

- Report misconduct

Notes S.16, p.44

- Signals

S.17, p.49

- Under referee

Notes S.16, p.44

- Undue interference

Notes S.16, p.44

Touch lines

Notes p.3

Touch in-goal

Glossary, p.7; Notes p.3; S.9, p.21

Try

Glossary, p.7

- Ball on goal line

Notes S.6, p.12

- Ball lost after grounding

Notes S.6, p.12

- Boring through forwards

Notes S.6, p.12

- How scored

S.6, p.12,
Pick up ball in in-goal: Notes S.6, p.12

- In scrum

Notes S.6, p.12

- Incorrectly grounding

Notes S.6, p.12

- Penalty try

S.6, p.13; Notes S.13, p.35

- Position of

S.6, p.13

- Referee sole judge

S.6, p.13

- Referee unsighted

Notes S.6, p.12

- Value of

S.6, p.12

- Sliding

S.6, p.12

- Touching referee

S.6, p.13

Upright tackle

Glossary, p.7

Verbal Instruction

S.11, p.24

Voluntary tackle

Glossary, p.7

Whistle

S.16, p.43

- Blow accidentally

S.16, p.43

- When to blow

S.16, p.43

Zero tackle

S.11, p.25

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