Laws for Youth Rugby Touch and Tackle

1
Laws for Youth RugbyTouch and Tackle
Rugby VirginiaSummer 2008
2
Introduction

• Touch rugby laws and Guidelines on Application
  of Law were developed by USA Rugby Youth
  Guidelines Committee
• Guidelines are a practical guide regarding touch
  rugby laws, worded to describe what players and
  referees should do.
• Guidelines describe game played by relatively
  experienced players. For less experienced
  players
• Referees may decide to not stop play for minor
  infringements, but should be even-handed
• Certain parts of the game (rucks, mauls) may be
  taught later
• Tackle rugby laws were developed in 2004/2005 by
  the PRUYL Tackle Committee, and were based on the
  England RFU midi rugby laws.

3
When Youre the Referee

• Call what you see
• Not what others may/may think they see
• Appointed touch judges can aid ref in seeing
• "Be there by keeping up with play, positioning
  yourself
• Communicate and signal what you see
• The referees role
• Partly a coach, mostly an educator
• Not a policeman (who just penalizes)
• Always a communicator
• Eventually an exceptional manager of the game

4
Game Specifics Laws

• Principles
• Safety
• Space
• Support and continuity (adapting the full tackle
  game)
• Positioning for the Referee
• Summary of Law Variations for Touch Rugby
• Summary of Law Variations for Youth Tackle Rugby
• Common Misperceptions about Rugby Laws
• The Laws
• Experimental Law Variations
• Rugby Laws Online

5
Principles Safety

• Safety!
• Age, size, gender differences with the kids
• Touch rugby Tag is a tag, not a shove or push
  (regardless of intent) P.K.
• Tackle No dangerous tackles, including
  scrag P.K.
• No blocking/obstructing P.K.
• No diving on someone with the ball P.K.
• No pushing when chasing after a ball P.K.

6
Principles Space

• Critical for good play to occur
• Referee defines enforces the offside lines
• Communicate with the players!
• Offside lines at
• Set pieces (lineout, scrum, kicks)
• At mauls and rucks
• Touch rugby Space at the tag
• Tagger must retire to neutral spot, may not block
  passing lanes
• Other defenders at least 1 meter from ball
  carrier after tag

7
Principles Support and Continuity

• Touch rugby as adaptation of tackle game
• Tag situation Tackle situation
• TWO (2) hands at the same time
• Between waist to knee
• When tagged
• Ball carrier keeps running
• Plays ball immediately, otherwise defenders get
  a scrum
• Play usually means pass, but could mean place
  ball on ground

8
Principles Support and Continuity

• Referee defines immediately
• Depends on players age, skill level
• time/steps to the pass e.g., 2-count
• existence of support
• awareness of support
• Balance giving the kids a chance vs increasingly
  challenge them

9
Referees Positioning

• In general play
• On a line through the ball, parallel to goal
  lines
• Close enough to see the tag or tackle, see hear
  the maul or ruck but not in the way!
• At scrums
• Near scrum to ensure "crouch, touch, pause,
  engage" sequence. Best on weak side to ensure
  defending backs are onside.
• After ball in, move closer to attackers side to
  see when the ball is out, yet be out of the way.

10
Referees Positioning

• At mauls rucks
• At side of maul or ruck, slightly closer to
  attackers side facing defenders to ensure
  theyre onsides
• But try to stay out of the way.
• At lineouts
• At front of line during formation to coach them
  into place
• Then move to one side, keep eye on backlines to
  ensure they remain onsides.

11
Other Points for Referees

• Attitudes
• Players No trash talking, taunting
• Coaches, parents No abuse...
• Yours Firm but helpful, not dictatorial
• Be fair and helpful to both sides
• Communicate / explain
• Above all, keep it fun! (attitudes are infectious)

12
Summary of Law Variations for Touch Rugby

• Standard Game Except for
• The Ground
• A smaller pitch may be used for younger players.
• The Ball
• U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15 players use a size 4
  ball
• U-17 players use a size 5 ball
• Number of players
• 7-a-side, with 3 forwards and 4 backs per team on
  the pitch.
• Open substitutions at beginning of each period.
• Time
• Standard game is 40 minutes, with four 10-minute
  quarters. Maximum breaks 5-min at halftime and
  2-min between quarters.

13
Summary of Law Variations for Touch Rugby

• 2-Hand Tag Replaces Tackle
• Simultaneous 2-hand tag between waist and knees.
  Tag is a tag, not a push, shove, pull, grab,
  twist, etc.
• Players must be on their feet to tag (includes no
  diving tags).
• Tagger must retire to neutral position after the
  tag.
• Foul Play
• Players may not push, shove, pull, grab, or twist
  in the act of tagging or during a ruck, maul,
  scrum, or lineout.
• Players may not strike or grab at the ball or in
  any way physically force or attempt to force the
  ball from the ball carriers hands.

14
Summary of Law Variations for Touch Rugby

• Rucks Mauls
• Ballcarrier has the option before a tag to call
  ruck or maul.
• 2 players from each team form the ruck or maul as
  described in the laws, and players must join from
  an onsides position.
• There is no contest for the ball during a ruck or
  maul.
• Lineouts
• Lineouts are contested, though players may not
  push, shove, pull, grab, twist, or barge their
  opponents at any time.
• No boosting or lifting is allowed in the touch
  game.

15
Summary of Law Variations for Touch Rugby

• Scrums
• Formed with 3 players from each team (2 props, 1
  hooker each).
• Upon engagement, referees should encourage
  players to fully bind and interlock heads and
  shoulders with opponents (within reason).
• Scrums are uncontested. No pushing or wheeling
  allowed.
• No player may leave the scrum until the ball is
  out.
• In-goal
• If ball carrier is tagged in in-goal while in the
  motion of touching down the ball, the try or
  touch-down should be awarded.
• If ball carrier is tagged before moving to touch
  down, the ball is considered held up and a 5-m
  scrum is awarded to attacking team.

16
Summary of Law Variations for Youth Tackle

• Standard Game Except for
• Number of players
• 11-a-side is the agreed-upon ideal in Rugby
  Virginia for all levels of youth tackle rugby up
  to U-17, with 5 forwards and 6 backs per team on
  the pitch.
• Open substitutions at beginning of each period.
• Clubs have agreed to lend players on game day to
  meet the 11-a-side ideal as much as possible.
  Play with fewer players only as necessary.
• Time
• Standard game is 40 minutes, with four 10-minute
  quarters or two 20-min halves. Maximum breaks
  5-min at halftime and 2-min between quarters.

17
Summary of Law Variations for Youth Tackle

• Rucks
• Limit of 3 players per team excluding ball
  carrier and tackler if those players go to
  ground. (PRUYL/RV variation)
• If they get up and join the ruck, they count
  toward the limit of 3.
• Lineouts
• All forwards must participate in lineouts.
• Scrums
• 5 players per team front row and second row.
• Equal/opposite pressure on engagement, but
  otherwise no pushing, no wheeling, and no contest
  for the ball.
• Locks must remain bound until the ball is out due
  to heeling or removal by scrumhalf. No pick and
  go is allowed.

18
Common Misperceptions about Rugby Laws

• Playing the ball from the ground
• It is OKAY for a tagged or tackled player on the
  ground to pass the ball to a supporting teammate
  
• As long as the pass is made IMMEDIATELY after the
  tag or tackle
• As long as the pass is not forward
• Reaching forward to score try after a tackle
• Tackled player gets one movement after a tackle
  as long as its done immediately
• May pass to teammate, push ball on ground back to
  supporting teammates
• May reach forward to ground ball in in-goal for a
  try even if knee hit ground first

19
Common Misperceptions about Rugby Laws

• Player not held in tackle
• If ball carrier is not held (i.e. tackler lets go
  as ball carrier goes to ground), then ball
  carrier does not have to release the ball
• Ball carrier may hold onto ball while getting up
  to run with it
• Or ball carrier may pass from ground, etc.
• Obstruction or not
• Ball carrier running behind teammates is not
  necessarily obstruction
• Should not be called or penalized if there is no
  material impact on the game i.e. there is no
  defender nearby (within 3-5 meters) who might
  otherwise have made a tag or tackle if not for
  the ball carriers actions

20
Common Misperceptions about Rugby Laws

• Dangerous tackles these are dangerous and must
  not be tolerated in any way
• Anything above the shoulders
• No-wrap tackles such as shoulder charges, shoves,
  scrag tackles
• Pile-driver where tackler lifts ball carrier and
  drives him into the ground
• Offsides line at scrums for scrumhalves
• Defending scrumhalf may advance on put-in side as
  long as he stays behind the ball
• But if SH goes around to other side, he must stay
  behind last foot, also must stay near scrum (i.e.
  cant run out to back line)

21
Common Misperceptions about Rugby Laws

• Touch rugby After tag, its okay for defenders
  to stand anywhere on ball carriers side of ball
• As long as defender is not the tagger (who must
  retire to neutral position)
• As long as defenders stay outside the 1-meter tag
  zone around the ball carrier
• There is no offsides in general play, and the
  problem of poachers may be solved with better
  coaching.
• Touch rugby If ball carrier is tagged while on
  ground
• Ball carrier no longer has option to get up with
  ball
• Must immediately pass or otherwise release ball

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Rugby Laws

• Law 1 The Ground
• Law 2 The Ball
• Law 3 Number of Players
• Law 4 Clothing
• Law 5 Time
• Law 6 Match Officials
• Law 7 Mode of Play
• Law 8 Advantage
• Law 9 Method of Scoring
• Law 10 Foul Play
• Law 11 Offside Onside

• Law 12 Knock-on or Throw Forward
• Law 13 Kick-off Restart Kicks
• Law 14 Ball on Ground, No Tackle
• Law 15 Tag / Tackle Ball Carrier Brought to
  Ground
• Law 16 Ruck
• Law 17 Maul
• Law 18 Mark
• Law 19 Touch Lineout
• Law 20 Scrum
• Law 21 Penalty Free Kicks
• Law 22 In-Goal

23
Laws 1 2 - Ground and Ball

• Law 1 Ground
• Older players full-size field
• Younger players may reduce field size
• Law 2 Ball
• U-9 U-11 size 3 or 4
• U-11 U-15 size 4
• U-17 size 5

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Law 3 - Number of Players

• Touch rugby 7-a-side with 3 forwards, 4 backs
• Tackle 11-a-side with 5 forwards, 6 backs
• Open subs at beginning of each period
• Replaced players may not play until next period
• Exception for injury, but only if there are no
  other replacements available
• Yellow card 5 minutes in sin bin
• Red card May not play, no replacement, player
  must be reported to Rugby Virginia officials

25
Law 4 - Clothing

• Suitable clothing for running, falling down,
  getting dirty, etc.
• All items are to be soft, pliable material
• Exception boots
• Prohibited
• Eyeglasses (sports goggles okay in touch game)
• Harnesses, braces, helmets containing hard
  plastic or metal

26
Law 5 - Time

• 4 periods of 10 minutes each, or 2 halves of 20
  minutes (for tackle)
• Half-time break is 5 minutes, 10 minutes max
• Other intervals are 2 minutes max
• Restart after 1st and 3rd interval
• At place and manner as if interval had not
  occurred, e.g., scrum or lineout
• Idea is not to do another kick-off at these times
• Referee may stop clock for injury, equipment
  changes, incidents of foul play

27
Law 6 - Match Officials

• Referee holds coin toss
• Winning captain chooses to kick off or defend a
  side
• Referee is sole judge of fact and law
• Nobody else may question referee's authority or
  decisions
• When referee blows whistle, all action stops
• Except at kickoffs to restart the game
• Referee may appoint touch judges to assist

28
Law 7 - Mode of Play

• Match starts with kick-off
• Any player onsides may
• run with the ball
• throw or kick the ball
• give or pass the ball to another player
• tag or tackle an opposition ball carrier
• fall on the ball
• ground the ball in an in-goal area
• take part in a scrum, ruck, maul, line-out

29
Law 8 - Advantage

• Takes precedence over most laws (except dangerous
  play)
• Allows play to be more continuous
• Referee should not stop play if non-infringing
  team is likely to gain advantage
• Referee is sole judge
• For very young or unskilled players, referee may
  decide to play-on despite minor infringements
• But should be even handed for both team

30
Law 9 - Method of Scoring

• Try 5 points
• Player first to ground ball in opponents in-goal
• Penalty try 5 points
• Probable try except for opponent foul play
• Conversion 2 points
• Place or drop kick on a line parallel to touch
  line thru point where try was scored
• Penalty kick 3 points
• Place kick or drop kick at or on line parallel to
  touchline behind point of awarded penalty
• Drop Goal 3 points
• Permitted during general play
• But not immediately after a free kick

31
Law 10- Foul Play

• Player and opposition running for ball
• Shoulder-to-shoulder okay with equal pressure
• Push or shove not okay
• Blocking or obstruction
• No running in front of teammate with ball or
  otherwise getting in way of defender trying to
  tag or tackle ball carrier
• Ball carrier may not run behind teammates in
  order to avoid tagger or tackler
• BUT simple act of running behind own players
  does not necessarily constitute obstruction if no
  defender is nearby.

32
Law 10- Foul Play

• Players shall not hold an opponent
• Except in scrum, ruck, maul, or tackle
• Players shall not attempt a tag or tackle by
  diving or leaving their feet.
• Players shall not do anything that is unsafe or
  dangerous
• No punching, tripping, stamping, kicking opponent
• No playing an opponent without the ball
• No retaliation

33
Law 10- Foul Play

• Players shall not do anything against the spirit
  of good sportsmanship
• No intentional or professional fouls
• Players shall not repeatedly infringe any Law or
  Laws

34
Law 10- Foul Play

• Specific to touch rugby
• Players may not twist, grab, push, or pull
  opposition
• Including during tags, rucks, mauls, lineouts,
  scrums, general play, etc.
• Whether opponent is ball carrier or not
• Opposition may not force or attempt to force ball
  from ball carriers hands

35
Law 10- Foul Play

• Specific to touch rugby
• Collisions
• All players are responsible to avoid collisions
• Players may not run into opposition in a manner
  that causes a collision, e.g., when running
  through tag, making a tag
• Players must avoid collisions with opponent who
  has just kicked the ball
• Referee decides who caused collision
• If unintentional, yet match impact gt scrum to
  team last in possession

36
Law 10- Foul Play

• Specific to tackle rugby
• No dangerous tackles
• Keep it below chest, above knees
• Tackler must wrap
• No scrag tackles where tackler grabs jersey and
  flings ball carrier
• No tackling or barging a player in the air
• No shoulder charges or otherwise hitting opponent
  without attempting to wrap or bind in tackle,
  at ruck or maul
• No stiff-arms or fends

37
Law 10 - Foul Play

• Whats the penalty for foul play?
• In most cases its a penalty kick
• Foul play prevents probable try gt penalty try
• Temporary suspension (yellow card) gt 5 minutes
  w/ no replacement in that time
• Serious foul play
• Repeated infringements
• Send off of player (red card) gt remainder of
  match
• Very serious foul play
• Continued repeated infringements
• No replacement for match and possibly balance of
  tournament

38
Law 11 Offside Onside

• Generally a player may not be in front of a
  teammate who has the ball or last played the
  ball.
• Be proactive
• Communicate with players
• Warn them that they need to get onsides or that
  they are offsides (stand still or retreat)
• Let them know when they are onsides

39
Law 11 Offside Onside

• When ball has been kicked
• Teammates in front of kicker must not move
  forward or take part in play until onsides
• Offside players must move away if within 10
  meters of where ball will land or where
  opposition is waiting to receive the ball
• Penalty P.K. at point of infraction or scrum at
  original kick location
• How to be put onsides from a kick
• Kicker or other onside teammates run past offside
  players
• Non-kicking team
• Blocks kick
• Passes or kicks the ball
• Runs with ball 5 meters

40
Law 11 Offside Onside

• At rucks, mauls, scrums, line-outs
• Each has offside lines
• Last foot for rucks, mauls, scrums
• 10 meters back from tunnel for lineouts
• Offside player becomes onside when
• Opponent runs 5 meters with ball
• Opponent kicks ball
• Note Opponent passing the ball DOES NOT create
  onsides in these situations
• Penalty P.K. at infringement location

41
Law 11 Offside Onside

• Knock-on then offsides teammate plays ball (i.e.
  player in front of ball)
• Play advantage to non-infringing team
• If no advantage, P.K. at spot of offense
• Accidental offside, e.g., ball carrier runs into
  teammate who is in front
• Play on if ball carrier gains no advantage (e.g.,
  no defender nearby)
• Otherwise scrum to defenders if they were
  prevented from tagging or tackling ball carrier

42
Law 12 Knock-on or Throw Forward

• Knock-on
• Player drops ball forward to the ground
• Ball hits players hand or arm and goes forward to
  ground
• Throw forward or forward pass
• Player throws or passes the ball forward
• But NOT if ball is not thrown forward, but
  bounces forward
• Outcome
• If unintentional, scrum to opponent at
  infringement location
• If intentional, P.K.
• Blocked kick / Kick charged down
• Not a knock-on unless the player tried to catch
  the ball

43
Law 13 Kick-off and Restart Kicks

• To start game after halftime
• Drop kick at center of 50m/halfway line
• Team kicking to start game decided by coin toss,
  other team kicks after halftime
• After a score, team who scored kicks off
• Note This is a PRUYL RV variation on standard
  laws
• Teammates behind kicker
• Opposition 10 meters from half way line
• Play on if kicked ball travels 10m or opposition
  plays ball

44
Law 13 Kick-off and Restart Kicks

• If ball doesnt go 10m and opponents dont touch
  it
• They have option of re-kick or scrum center
• If ball goes directly into touch
• Opponents have option of re-kick, scrum center,
  or line-out where ball when into touch
• If ball goes directly into in-goal and opponents
  dont touch except to ground the ball in in-goal
• Opponents get scrum at 50m/halfway line
• If kick was from 22 drop-out, then scrum at 22
• With younger players, consider
• Distance less than 10 meters
• A second chance to complete drop kick
• Place kick

45
Law 13 Kick-off and Restart Kicks

• Restarts at 22m line / 22 Drop Out
• Drop kick from anywhere behind the 22, must cross
  22
• Kickers teammates must be behind kicker
• Opposition may not prevent the kick from crossing
  22
• If kick goes directly into touch or does not
  cross 22
• Scrum at 22 to opposition
• Another drop-out
• Line-out where ball went into touch to opposition

46
Law 14 Ball on Ground - No Tackle

• Any player may pick it up, kick it, or fall on it
• Player on ground with ball must immediately get
  up with it, pass it, or release it
• Player may not stay on ground with ball waiting
  for help P.K.
• Note It is OKAY to pass the ball from the
  ground if done immediately
• Player on ground touched by opposition w/ both
  hands on torso or legs
• Must pass or release ball (no longer has option
  to get up with ball)
• After playing ball, must get back on feet to join
  game
• Players on feet may play ball when it leaves
  hands of player on ground (players are not on
  their feet if hands or knee are supporting their
  weight)

47
Law 14 Ball on Ground, No Tackle

• Players may kick ball on the ground
• If the player is on his/her feet
• But may not kick if opponents hands (or other
  body parts) are near ball
• Touch rugby when players from each team go for
  the ball
• Ref must ensure players are not diving on ball
  dangerously
• Ref declares which player has won the ball
• Red ball, blue get away, red play it!
• If ref cannot decide, scrum to attacking side

48
Law 15 Tag

• Tagger must touch ball carrier with both hands at
  same time anywhere between waist and knees
• Tagger must be on feet for tag (so no diving)
• Referee should loudly declare tag
• No tag situations
• Tag may not be a push, shove, grab, pull, etc.
  (P.K.)
• No tag if not 2 hands simultaneously, just
  fingertips, or only one-handed
• No tag if ball carrier first declares ruck or
  maul ref should recognize and say play the
  ruck/maul
• Ball carrier may not fall to ground to avoid tag
  (P.K.)

49
Law 15 Tag

• Tagged ball carrier must play the ball
  immediately
• Pass, release, place ball on ground
• Ball carrier may continue to run when playing the
  ball
• Time duration for immediately may be adjusted
  depending on age and skill level of players
• No ruck or maul may be called after tag play
  the tag
• Ball carrier may not intentionally throw ball
  into touch (P.K.)
• Encourage players to recognize support, make pass
  before the tag

50
Law 15 Tag

• After a tag, the tagger
• Must move away from ball carrier to a neutral
  position (i.e. back)
• May leave neutral position only after ball leaves
  ball carriers hands
• May not catch or intercept ball when played
  unless thrown directly at him
• May not touch ball until another player from
  either team touches the ball (so cant go after
  loose ball until someone else touches it)
• 1-Meter Tag Zone
• All opponents must stay outside 1-meter radius
  around ball carrier
• No part of opponent may be in 1-meter tag zone
  (P.K.)
• Tag zone allows extension of ball carriers hands
  to make pass

51
Law 15 Tag

• Opponents other than tagger
• Must remain outside 1-meter tag zone
• May position themselves anywhere between ball
  carrier and support as long as its outside of
  this zone
• May intercept ball when played
• Note to coaches There is no offsides line in
  general play, so best to coach the kids to
• Recognize where support is before the tag to
  avoid bad passes
• Encourage teammates to be in close support, in
  the pocket
• Call ruck or maul before tag
• Place ball on ground after tag

52
Law 15 Tag

• When ball carrier plays ball by placing it on the
  ground
• Technically speaking, this must be done
  instantly i.e. even faster than immediately
  but lets be reasonable
• The 1-meter radius tag zone is created
• With 1-meter tag zone
• Ball carrier and tagger must get out of the way
• Out of tag zone into neutral position
• May rejoin action after others take ball or ball
  leaves tag zone
• Other players may enter tag zone only from back
  door
• Players rear end must be facing his goal line
• May not come in from side or from opponents
  direction
• P.K. in these cases

53
Law 15 Tag

• When player enters tag zone legally and gains
  possession of ball
• Player must play the ball (pass or kick) or leave
  tag zone
• Opponent legally entering tag zone may tag new
  ball carrier
• New ball carrier may declare ruck or maul prior
  to tag
• No offsides outside of tag zone
• Opponent may loiter on ball carriers side to
  intercept a pass if outside the tag zone

54
Law 15 Tag

• Tags near goal line
• Try awarded if ball carrier is already in motion
  to touch down for a score as tag occurs
  momentum try
• Similar if defender is in motion to touch down
  ball at own goal line, though if defender is
  successful it would be a 5-meter scrum to
  attacking team and not a 22 drop-out
• Tag in try zone / in-goal
• Covered in Law 22 but in sum
• If ball carrier is tagged before touching down,
  5-meter scrum to attacking side as if ball
  carrier were held up.

55
Law 15 Tackle Ball Carrier Brought to Ground

• Any player who has the ball and is on their feet
  (except in a maul) may be tackled
• A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by
  one or more opponents and is brought to ground
• The tackler must
• Make the tackle below the chest, above the knees
• Wrap both arms around ball carrier
• No shoulder charges or shove to ground without
  wrapping
• No scrag tackles (tackler grabs jersey and flings
  ball carrier

56
Law 15 Tackle Ball Carrier Brought to Ground

• Dangerous tackles must NOT be tolerated
• Dangerous high, no wrap, scrag, pile-driver
• Ref should immediately call penalty, no advantage
  played
• Stern warning to offending player, possible
  yellow or red card especially if multiple
  offenses by player or team

57
Law 15 Tackle Ball Carrier Brought to Ground

• Following a tackle, the tackler must
• Immediately release tackled player and roll away
• Get up before attempting to play the ball
• Following a tackle, the tackled player must
• Immediately play the ball by passing it, pushing
  it along the ground in any direction except
  forward, or placing it in any direction (e.g.,
  reach forward to score try if near goal line)
• Release the ball if opposition players who are on
  their feet attempt to play the ball

58
Law 15 Tackle Ball Carrier Brought to Ground

• Following a tackle, other players
• Must be on their feet when playing the ball or
  opponents (exception if ball is in in-goal area)
• Must do so from their side of the ball, i.e. with
  their rear ends facing their own goal line
• Must not go to ground immediately unless tackled
  themselves
• All this includes the original tackler who has
  gotten up
• All offenses P.K.

59
Law 15 Tackle Ball Carrier Brought to Ground

• If during tackle the ball carrier is not held,
  there is no tackle and player does not have to
  release the ball
• If ball becomes unplayable after a tackle, and
  there are no offenses, referee should award a
  scrum to team moving forward prior to tackle, or
  to attacking team
• Forbidden Practices
• No squeezeball (PRUYL/RV rule) (P.K.)
• No player may fall on or over the tackled
  players, or on or over players lying on the
  ground after a tackle with the ball near them.
  Players must learn to stay on their feet. (P.K.)

60
Law 16 Ruck (Touch Game)

• Setting a ruck
• Ball carrier, in proximity to opponents but
  before tag, places ball on ground, crouches over
  it, and declares ruck or set
• Or if ball is already on the ground, player
  crouches over it and declares ruck or set
  (this player may not be ball carrier or tagger
  from a previous tag situation)
• Player setting ruck must be on his/her feet
• If tag zone had previously been created, players
  must enter from back door to participate in the
  ruck
• If ruck already declared, then tag is not
  possible
• If tag made before ruck action, then referee
  declares tag

61
Law 16 Ruck (Touch Game)

• Building the ruck
• Closest opponent must crouch down immediately in
  front of ruck setter, each player binds by
  placing hand on others shoulder
• Additional player from each team must immediately
  come from onsides to bind onto teammate already
  in ruck with arm around torso
• If ruck setters teammate arrives significantly
  after the 2nd defender, ref should award a scrum
  to defending team
• All ruck players must remain in crouched
  position, and may not move the ruck or touch the
  ball with their hands
• There is no contest for the ball in a ruck
• Offsides line is behind last foot of each side
• All other players not part of ruck must retire
  behind offsides line on their side until ruck
  ends (P.K.)

62
Law 16 Ruck (Touch Game)

• Playing the ball from a ruck
• Ball may not be removed until ruck setter and
  teammate are properly bound
• When full ruck is properly set (2 attackers, 2
  defenders), referee should declare Ruck over
• Ball may be picked up by third player from ruck
  setters team
• Ball may be heeled back out of ruck, and any
  onsides player from either team may play the ball

63
Law 16 Ruck (Tackle Game)

• A ruck is a phase of play where one or more
  players from each team, who are on their feet, in
  physical contact, close around the ball on the
  ground. Open play has ended.
• The PRUYL and RV impose a limit
• No more than 3 players from each team in a ruck
• This excludes ball carrier and tackler if those
  players are on the ground.
• If those players get to their feet, they count
  toward the limit of 3 players.
• Once a ruck is formed, other players may join (or
  re-join) the ruck only from the back door
  behind the last foot of their side. Players
  entering from the side are considered offsides.
  (P.K.)

64
Law 16 Ruck (Tackle Game)

• Players participating in a ruck
• May not use their hands to pick up or move the
  ball while it is in a ruck, with exception of
  scrumhalf removing the ball. (P.K.)
• Must have their heads and shoulders no lower than
  their hips.
• Must bind onto the ruck with at least one arm
  around the body of a teammate, using the whole
  arm. (A one-hand grab is not a bind.)
• Players must try to stay on their feet, and must
  not fall or kneel or intentionally collapse a
  ruck.
• Players may not stamp or step on opponents on the
  ground.
• Players may not jump on top of a ruck.
• Players may not return the ball into a ruck after
  it emerges.
• Offenses are penalized in most cases with a P.K.

65
Law 16 Ruck (Tackle Game)

• Offsides line is behind last foot of each side
• All other players not part of ruck must retire
  behind offsides line on their side until ruck
  ends (P.K.)
• A ruck ends successfully when the ball leaves the
  ruck, or when the ball is on or over the goal
  line and is grounded for a try or touch-down.
• A ruck ends unsuccessfully in the event of foul
  play (P.K.) or if the ball becomes unplayable
  after a reasonable wait for it to emerge. If
  unplayable, a scrum is awarded to the team last
  moving forward, or barring that, the attacking
  team.

66
Law 17 Maul (Touch Game)

• Setting a maul
• Ball carrier, in proximity to opponents, declares
  maul before any tag takes place referee
  declares maul formed
• If tag made before maul is called, then referee
  declares tag
• Opponents join maul
• Closest opponent must join maul by stepping up to
  ball carrier to bind on by placing hands on
  ball carriers hips
• Second opponent joins behind first and binds on
  with hands on hips
• Ball carriers teammate joins maul
• Teammate takes ball from ball carrier and turns
  back to former ball carrier
• Former ball carrier binds onto teammate with
  hands on hips

67
Law 17 Maul (Touch Game)

• If two defending players bind on significantly
  before 2nd player from maul setters team, then
  referee should award a scrum to the defending
  team
• If maul setters teammate binds on significantly
  before 2nd defender, then referee declares
  advance
• Maul setters may walk forward until 2nd defender
  binds on
• Maul setters may not advance before referee
  declares advance
• Opposition may not resist advance

68
Law 17 Maul (Touch Game)

• No contest for the ball during the maul
• Offsides line is behind last foot of each side
• All other players not part of maul must retire
  behind offsides line on their side until maul
  ends (P.K.)
• Playing the ball from a maul
• Ball may not be removed until maul setter and
  teammate are properly bound
• When full maul is properly set (2 attackers, 2
  defenders), referee should declare Maul over
• Ball may be passed or handed off backward to a
  third player from maul setters team

69
Law 17 Maul (Tackle Game)

• A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held by
  one or more opponents, and one or more of the
  ball carriers teammates bind on to the ball
  carrier. All players are on their feet. Open
  play has ended.
• Once a maul is formed, other players may join
  (or re-join) the maul only from the back door
  behind the last foot of their side. Players
  entering from the side are considered offsides.
  (P.K.)

70
Law 17 Maul (Tackle Game)

• Players participating in a maul
• Must have their heads and shoulders no lower than
  their hips.
• Must bind onto the maul with at least one arm
  around the body of a teammate, using the whole
  arm. (A one-hand grab is not a bind.)
• Players must try to stay on their feet, and must
  not fall or kneel or intentionally collapse a
  maul.
• Players may not jump on top of a maul.
• Players may not drag an opponent out of a maul.
• Offenses are penalized in most cases with a P.K.

71
Law 17 Maul (Tackle Game)

• Offsides line is behind last foot of each side
• All other players not part of maul must retire
  behind offsides line on their side until the maul
  ends (P.K.)
• A maul ends successfully when the ball or a
  player with the ball leaves the maul, or when the
  maul is on or over the goal line (where the ball
  may be grounded for a try or touch-down).
• A maul ends unsuccessfully in the event of foul
  play (P.K.), in the event the maul collapses, or
  if the ball becomes unplayable after a reasonable
  wait for it to emerge. If unplayable, a scrum is
  awarded to the team that did not bring the ball
  into the maul.

72
Law 17 Maul (Tackle Game)

• When a maul remains stationary or has stopped
  moving forward for more than 5 seconds, but the
  ball is being moved and the referee can see it, a
  reasonable time is allowed for it to emerge. The
  ref should call use it or lose it in these
  cases.
• If the ball does not emerge, and the maul
  remains stationary, the referee should award a
  scrum to the team that did not originally bring
  the ball into the maul.

73
Law 18 Mark

• Same in touch and tackle games, though not used
  much by kids.
• Player making the mark must be behind his
  22-meter line, including within his in-goal.
• Player must make a clean catch directly from
  opponents kick (excluding a kick off or restart
  kick) while calling mark.
• Referee awards a free kick at the spot of the
  mark. The player who called the mark must take
  the free kick.
• Team also has option to have a scrum at the spot.

74
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• Sidelines touch lines
• Out of bounds gt In touch
• In Touch
• Ball crossed vertical plane of touch line and
  touched ground or other object beyond touch line
• Touch line is in touch
• Ball carrier touches touch line or ground beyond
  gt in touch

75
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• Player outside his/her 22 and
• Kicks ball in touch on the full, then line out in
  line to kick location
• Kick bounces before in touch, the in line to
  where ball crossed touch line
• Player inside 22, then in line where ball crossed
  touch line
• Same if penalty kick
• Except for penalty kick, opposition throws in
• If within five meters of tryline, line out moves
  to five meters

76
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• Lineouts are contested in touch and tackle rugby
• But players going for ball, not each other (P.K.)
• Thrower stands in touch at the mark of touch
  where ball went out.
• The line of touch runs perpendicular to touch
  line at mark of touch.
• Jumpers from each team stand across tunnel from
  each other with 1 meter spacing between them, and
  between 5 and 15 meters in field of play. The
  front of the lineout must be at least 5 meters
  from touch line.

77
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• One receiver designated to receive ball may stand
  behind the jumpers.
• One defending player may stand between the touch
  line and 5 meter line on the defending side.
• Distances may be reduced for younger players

78
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• Thrower throws ball down the line of touch
• Any jumper may go for ball after its thrown
• Go for ball, not opposition (P.K.)
• Ball must go at least 5 meters (F.K.)
• Not straight gt defenders choice of scrum or
  another lineout, their put-in
• Referee ensures that
• Jumpers do not jump too soon
• Other players not in lineout stay back 10 meters
  (or goal line)

79
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• If ball is tapped, leaves lineout, or travels 15
  meters in field, then offside lines ended
• If maul or ruck is created at lineout, offside
  lines remain until driven 2 meters toward one of
  the goal lines
• Quick line outs are allowed
• Must use same ball, and no spectator may have
  touched it
• Must throw in before opponents set line at mark
  of touch
• Throw in behind mark of touch, must be straight
  throw, parallel to line of touch
• Ball travels 5 meters

80
Law 19 Touch Lineout

• Variations for touch rugby
• Maximum of four players in lineout
• Two jumpers, thrower, receiver (optional)
• No boosting or lifting allowed
• Ruck or maul may be set if ball is caught and
  controlled, though must be declared before a tag.
  If declared successfully, new offsides lines
  established behind last foot of ruck or maul.
• Variations for youth tackle
• All forwards from each team must participate in
  lineout.
• Boosting and lifting of jumpers allowed, as long
  as referee deems it to be performed safely.

81
Law 20 Scrum

• Restarts play after minor infringement
• E.g., knock-on, forward pass, unintentional
  offsides/obstruction
• Non-infringing team puts ball in
• Restarts play if ball or ball carrier contacts
  referee resulting in some advantage to team that
  was last in possession of ball
• Team last in possession of ball puts it in
• Number of players in youth rugby scrums
• Touch rugby 3 players from each team each
  front row consists of 2 props, 1 hooker
• Tackle rugby 5 players from each team front
  row consists of 2 props and 1 hooker, second row
  consists of 2 locks

82
Law 20 Scrum

• Scrum binding
• Front row Props each bind onto hookers torso,
  with hookers arm over props backs
• Second row Locks bind with inside arms around
  each others torso, outside arms around props
  waist (not between legs)
• Scrum engagement
• Front rows crouch no more than arms length from
  each other
• Referee declares crouch gt front rows bend at
  knees and waist
• Referee declares touch gt props tap opposite
  props outside shoulder
• Referee declares pause gt allows review of
  positioning of both front rows
• Referee declares engage gt front rows step
  forward, engage along line of shoulders and back
  of neck with heads interlocked to left of
  opposite player

83
Law 20 Scrum

• Players must support their own weight
• Scrums are uncontested, but still with proper
  form
• Touch rugby no pushing, pulling, twisting, etc.
• Tackle rugby equal/opposite pressure but no
  further pushing, pulling, twisting, driving,
  wheeling, etc.
• Only team putting in ball may attempt to hook
  ball
• Ball put in
• Scrumhalf uses both hands, tosses straight down
  center line of tunnel, may not place ball inside
  the tunnel
• Hooker hooks ball by sweeping foot back, ideally
  soft sweep so ball stays under scrum to maintain
  offsides lines
• Hooker must support own weight, not hang on props
• No player in scrum may touch ball with hands

84
Law 20 Scrum

• Scrum half goes behind scrum to remove ball
• Locks in tackle rugby must stay bound, may not
  break off to pick up ball (P.K.)
• Scrumhalf may not make a fake-pass while ball
  remains in scrum (F.K.)
• Scrumhalf may touch ball to pull it out, but ball
  isnt out until it emerges (so offsides line
  remain until then)
• Offsides at scrums
• Opposition scrumhalf must stay behind ball on
  side ball put in if he/she goes around other
  side of scrum, must stay behind last foot
• Offsides line for players not in scrum gt last
  foot on each side of scrum

85
Law 20 Scrum

• Scrum ends when ball is out
• Ball heeled out of scrum
• Scrumhalf removes it
• Offsides lines disappear when ball is out

86
Law 21 Penalty and Free Kicks

• Most situations penalty and free kicks awarded
  at point of infringement
• Never closer than 5 meters from opponents goal
  line
• Scrum is an option at the mark
• Kick taken from the mark, must be a clear kick
• Foot must propel/move the ball from the hand or
  mark
• Bouncing on the knee is not a kick

87
Law 21 Penalty and Free Kicks

• Kick can be in any direction
• Teammates of kickers must put selves onsides,
  behind the kicker as soon as possible
• If offsides, no penalty unless teammates take
  part in play before getting back onsides
• Opponents may not interfere with ball or kicker
• Includes hands at sides, no movement, no noise
• Must get back 10 meters or tryline, whichever is
  closer

88
Law 21 Penalty and Free Kicks

• If kick taken before an opponent is back 10, that
  opponent may not participate before they are
  onsides
• Penalty kick opponents must stay 10 meters back
  or at tryline until kick taken
• Free kick opponents may charge forward as
  kicker starts to move to kick
• Player may kick at goal with penalty kick (place
  kick or drop kick)

89
Law 22 In-goal

• Rugby in-goal try zone
• Goal line is in-goal try counts if touched down
  on line
• Base of goalpost pads in contact with ground is
  in-goal try counts if touched down against base
  of pads
• Touch-in-goal line is not in-goal no try if on
  this line
• Dead ball line is not in-goal no try if on this
  line
• In in-goal
• There are offsides, knock-ons, obstruction
• There are no rucks, mauls, scrums, line-outs
• Attacking teams score tries
• Defense makes touch-downs

90
Law 22 In-goal

• With tries and touch-downs, ball must be grounded
• Ball carrier must touch ball to ground in in-goal
• If ball on ground in in-goal
• Player must press down with hand/s, arm/s, chest
  or belly
• Player out of playing area may reach across line
  and place a hand on the ball
• Referee must see the grounding
• To ensure that it is performed correctly
• To determine which team performed the grounding
• If referee cannot determine team who grounded
  ball
• 5-meter scrum to attacking team

91
Law 22 In-goal

• If attacker is first to ground ball, try is
  awarded restart with midfield kickoff
• If defender grounds ball in in-goal
• If defending team brought ball into in-goal,
  5-meter scrum to attackers
• If attacking team sent ball into in-goal, then 22
  dropout
• If attacker kicks ball thru in-goal out of
  playing area, without defender making contact
• Defenders choice of 22 drop out or scrum where
  ball was kicked

92
Law 22 In-goal

• Touch rugby
• If ball carrier is tagged in-goal before
  attempting to ground the ball, then ball is
  considered held up and its a 5-meter scrum for
  attacking team.
• If ball carrier is in motion of grounding ball
  when tagged, then try or touch-down is awarded
• Tackle rugby
• If ball carrier is tackled while attempting to
  ground ball, but referee cannot determine whether
  grounding was successful, then ball in considered
  held up and its a 5-meter scrum for attacking
  team.
• If knock-on in-goal by either team
• 5-meter scrum in line where knock-on occurs to
  non-infringing team

93
Experimental Law Variations (ELVs)

• IRB has been experimenting with changes to rugby
  laws
• Super 14 tested a bunch during 2008 season
• Idea is to speed up the game, make it more
  exciting by promoting more open play and running
  rugby
• Global trial of selected ELVs goes into effect on
  August 1, 2008, for 12-month period at all levels
  of game
• No effect on Rugby Virginias Summer 2008 season,
  but may impact us in 2009. We will need to
  determine any further modifications in interest
  of safety.

94
Experimental Law Variations (ELVs)

• ELVs to be trialed worldwide include
• Offsides line at scrums will be 5 meters behind
  last foot
• Players may defend a maul by pulling it down
• If a team puts ball back into their own 22 by
  running or passing, and the ball is subsequently
  kicked directly into touch, there is no gain of
  ground i.e. lineout is taken in line with kick.
• Quick throw-ins may be thrown in straight or
  toward the throwing teams own goal line.
• There is no restriction on the number of players
  who may participate in the lineout from either
  side (minimum of 2).
• And a few others of less consequence.

95
Rugby Laws Online

• IRB site
• Standard rugby laws, U-19 variations
• http//www.irb.com/lawregulations/index.html
• SYC Rugby site
• Youth laws used by Rugby Virginia with touch and
  tackle rugby
• Guidelines on Application of Law (touch rugby)
• http//www.sycva.com/rugby/what_rugby/index_E.html
  
• USA Rugby site
• Other variations on youth laws that we dont use
  e.g., Micro Rugby
• http//www.usarugby.org

96
The End