Rugby Union - The Laws of the Game - Part 1
International Rugby Board 2007
(forward to Part 2)...... (Part 3)
These are the full rules of rugby (but correctly known as the Laws).
Tags: rugby rules, laws of rugby, rugby laws, rugby rules & regs
Part 1 - Before The Match
Part 2 - During Play
Part 3 - Appendices: 7-a-side; Under-19; Rule Variations; Administration History
OCRFC Notes
The Laws have been reformatted by OCRFC to suit web publishing as they are not available in a suitable format.
There is a substantial amount of material here, which is not available in a format directly usable for printing or website reproduction.
We will first deposit the bulk of the content on these pages, then reformat it as time permits.
Diagrams which form an integral part of the rules will be added.
Administration history details which appear at the start of the Laws have been placed in the Appendix.
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD
DEFINITIONS
BEFORE THE MATCH
DURING THE MATCH
UNDER 19 VARIATIONS
SEVEN-A-SIDE VARIATIONS
REFEREE SIGNALS
REGULATION 12 EXTRACT
FOREWORD
The object of the game is that two teams of fifteen or seven players each, observing fair play according to the laws and sporting spirit, should by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball, score as many points as possible, the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match.
The laws of the game, including the standard set of variations for Under 19 rugby and Sevens rugby, are complete and contain all that is necessary to enable the game to be played correctly and fairly.
Rugby Union is a sport which involves physical contact. Any sport involving physical contact has inherent dangers. It is very important that players play the game in accordance with the laws of the game and be mindful of the safety of themselves and others. It is the responsibility of those who coach or teach the game to ensure that players are prepared in a manner which ensures compliance with the laws of the game and in accordance with safe practices.
It is the duty of the referee to apply fairly all the laws of the game in every match except when an experimental law variation (EVL) has been authorised by the IRB Council.
It is the duty of the unions to ensure that the game at every level is conducted in accordance with disciplined and sporting behaviour. This principle cannot be upheld solely by the referee; its observance also rests on unions, affiliated bodies and clubs.
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DEFINITIONS
A
Actual time: Elapsed time including time lost for any reason.
Advantage: Law 8 - Advantage.
Attacking team: The opponents of the defending team in whose half of the ground play is taking place.
B
Ball carrier: A player carrying the ball.
Beyond or behind or in front of a position: Means with both feet, except where the context makes that inappropriate.
Binding: Grasping firmly another player's body between the shoulders and the hips with the whole arm in contact from hand to shoulder.
C
Captain: The captain is a player nominated by the team. Only the captain is entitled to consult the referee during the match and is solely responsible for choosing options relating to the referee's decisions.
Cavalry charge: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Conversion kick: Law 9 - Method of Scoring.
Converted: A conversion kick that was successful.
D
Dangerous play: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Dead: The ball is out of play. This happens when the ball has gone outside the playing area and remained there, or when the referee has blown the whistle to indicate a stoppage in play, or when a conversion
kick has been taken.
Dead ball line: Law 1 - The Ground.
Defending team: The team in whose half of the ground play is taking place; their opponents are the Attacking Team.
Drop kick: The ball is dropped from the hand or hands to the ground and kicked as it rises from its first bounce.
Drop out: Law 13 - Kick-Off and Restart Kicks.
Dropped goal: Law 9 - Method of Scoring.
F
Field of play: Law 1 - The Ground.
Flanker: Forward player who usually wears jersey No.6 or No.7.
Flying wedge: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Foul play: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Free kick: Law 21 - Penalty and Free Kicks. A kick awarded to the non-offending team after an infringement by its opponents. Unless a Law states otherwise, a free kick awarded because of an infringement is
awarded at the place of infringement.
Front row players: Law 20 - Scrum. The forward players who are the loose-head prop, the hooker and the tight-head prop. These players usually wear jersey No. 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
G
Goal: A player scores a goal by kicking the ball over an opponentsí cross bar and between the goal posts from the field of play, by a place kick or drop-kick. A goal cannot be scored from a kick-off, drop-out or free kick.
Goal-line: Law 1 - The Ground.
Grounding the ball: Law 22 - In-Goal.
H
Half time: The interval between the two halves of the game.
Hindmost foot: The foot of the hindmost player in a scrum, ruck or maul which is nearest that playerís goal-line.
Hooker: Law 20 - Scrum. The middle front row player in a scrum who usually wears jersey No. 2.
I
In-field: Away from touch and towards the middle of the field.
In-goal: Law 22 - In-Goal.
K
Kick: A kick is made by hitting the ball with any part of the leg or foot, except the heel, from the toe to the knee but not including the knee; a kick must move the ball a visible distance out of the hand, or along the ground.
Kick-off: Law 13 - Kick-off and Restart Kicks.
Knock-on: Law 12 - Knock-on or Throw-forward.
L
Lifting: Law 19 - Touch and Line-out.
Line of touch: Law 19 - Touch and Line-out. An imaginary line at right angles to the touch-line at the place where the ball is thrown in from touch.
Line-out: Law 19 - Touch and Line-out.
Line through the mark or place: unless stated otherwise, a line parallel to the touch-line.
Long throw: Law 19 - Touch and Line-out.
Loose-head prop: Law 20 - Scrum. The left front row player in a scrum who usually wears jersey No. 1
M
Match organiser: the organisation responsible for the match which may be a union, a group of unions or an organisation affiliated to the International Rugby Board.
Mark: Law 18 - Mark.
Maul: Law 17 - Maul.
N
Near: Law 14 - Ball on the Grounf - No Tackle. Within one metre.
O
Obstruction: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Off-side in open play: Law 11 - Off-side and On-side in General Play.
Off-side Line: An imaginary line across the ground, from one touch-line to the other, parallel to the goal-lines; the position of this line varies according to the Law.
Off-side the 10-Metre Law: Law 11 - Off-side and On-side in General Play.
On-side: Law 11 - Off-side and On-side in General Play.
Open or Bleeding Wound: Law 3 - Number of Players -The Team.
Out of play: This happens when the ball or the ball-carrier has gone into touch or touch-in-goal, or touched or crossed the dead ball line.
Oversteps: A player steps across a line with one or both feet; the line may be real (for example, goal-line) or imaginary (for example, off-side line).
P
Pass: A player throws the ball to another player; if a player hands the ball to another player without throwing it, this is also a pass.
Peeling off: Law 19 - Touch and Line-Out.
Penalty goal: Law 9 - Method of Scoring.
Penalty kick: Law 21 - Penalty and Free Kicks - A kick awarded to the non-offending team after an infringement by its opponents. Unless a Law says otherwise, a penalty kick is awarded at the place of infringement.
Penalty try: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Place kick: The ball is kicked after it has been placed on the ground for that purpose.
Placer: A player who holds the ball on the ground for a team-mate to kick.
Played: The ball is played when it is touched by a player.
Playing area: Law 1 - The Ground.
Playing enclosure: Law 1 - The Ground.
Playing time: The time that has been played excluding time lost as defined in Law 5 Time.
Possession: This happens when a player is carrying the ball or a team has the ball in its control; for example, the ball in one half of a scrum or ruck is in that teamís possession.
Pre-gripping: Law 19 - Touch and Line-out. Gripping a team-mate in the line-out prior to the ball being thrown in.
Prop: Law 20 - Scrum. A front row player to the left or right of the hooker in a scrum. These players usually wear jersey Noís. 1 and 3.
Punt: The ball is dropped from the hand or hands and kicked before it touches the ground.
Pushover try: Law 22 - In-Goal.
R
Receiver: Law 19 - Touch and Line-Out.
Red Card: A card, red in colour shown to a player who has been sent off
for contravening Law 10 - Foul Play, Law 4.5(c).
Referee: Law 6 - Match Officials.
Repeated infringements: Law 10 - Foul Play.
Replacements: Law 3 - Number of Players - The Team.
Ruck: Law 16 - Ruck.
S
Scrum: Law 20 - Scrum. This happens when players from each team come together in scrum formation so that play can be started by throwing the ball into the scrum.
Scrum-half: A player nominated to throw the ball into a scrum who usually wears jersey No. 9.
Sin Bin: The designated area in which a temporarily suspended player must remain for 10 minutes playing time.
Substitutes: Law 3 - Number of Players - The Team.
T
Tackle: Law 15 - Tackle: Ball-Carrier Brought to the Ground.
Team-mate: Another player of the same team.
Temporarily suspended: Law 10 - Foul Play.
The plan: Law 1 - The Ground.
The 22: Law 1 - The Ground.
Throw-forward: Law 12 - Knock-On or Throw-Forward.
Throw-in: The act of the player who throws the ball into a scrum or a line-out.
Tight-head prop: Law 20 - Scrum. The right front row player in a scrum who usually wears jersey No. 3.
Touch: Law 19 - Touch and Line-Out.
Touch down: Law 22 - In-goal.
Touch-line: Law 1 - The Ground.
Touch-in-goal line: Law 1 - The Ground.
Touch judge: Law 6 - Match Officials.
Try: Law 9 - Method of Scoring.
U
Union: The controlling body under whose jurisdiction the match is played; for an International match it means the International Rugby Board or a Committee of the Board.
Y
Yellow card: A card, yellow in colour shown to a player who has been cautioned and temporarily suspended for 10 minutes playing time.
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BEFORE THE MATCH
Law 1 The Ground
Law 2 The Ball
Law 3 Number of Players - The Team
Law 4 Players Clothing
Law 5 Time
Law 6 Match Officials
Law 1 The Ground
DEFINITIONS
The Ground is the total area shown on the plan. The Ground includes: The Field of play is the area (as shown on the plan) between the goal lines and the touchlines. These lines are not part of the field of play.
The Playing Area is the field of play and the in-goal areas (as shown on the plan). The touchlines, touch-in-goal lines and dead ball lines are not part of the playing area.
The Playing Enclosure is the playing area and a space around it, not less than 5 metres where practicable, which is known as the perimeter area.
In-goal is the area between the goal line and the dead ball line, and between the touch-in-goal lines. It includes the goal line but it does not include the dead ball line or the touch-in-goal lines.
"The 22" is the area between the goal line and the 22-metre line, including the 22-metre line but excluding the goal line.
The Plan, including all the words and figures on it, is part of the Laws.
1.1 SURFACE OF THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE
(a) Requirement. The surface must be safe to play on at all times.
(b) Type of surface. The surface should be grass but may also be sand, clay, snow or artificial grass. The game may be played on snow, provided the snow and underlying surface are safe to play on. It shall not be a permanently hard surface such as concrete or asphalt. In the case of artificial grass surfaces, they must conform to IRB Regulation 22.
1.2 REQUIRED DIMENSIONS FOR THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE
(a) Dimensions. The field of play does not exceed 100 metres in length and 70 metres in width. Each in-goal does not exceed 22 metres in length and 70 metres in width.
(b) The length and breadth of the playing area are to be as near as possible to the dimensions indicated. All the areas are rectangular.
(c) The distance from the goal line to the dead ball line should be not less than 10 metres where practicable.
1.3 LINES ON THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE
(a) Solid Lines
The dead ball lines and touch-in-goal lines, both of which are outside the in-goal areas;
The goal lines, which are within the in-goal areas but outside the field of play;
The 22-metre lines; which are parallel to the goal lines;
The half-way line which is parallel to the goal lines;
The touchlines, which are outside the field of play.
(b) Broken Lines
The 10-metre lines, which run from one touchline to the other, are 10 metres from each side of the half-way line and parallel to it; and the 5-metre lines, which run from one 5-metre dash line to the other, are 5 metres from and parallel to the touchlines.
The 15-metre lines, which link the 5-metre dash lines, are 15 metres from and parallel to the touchlines.
(c) Dash Lines
(i) Six dash lines, each being l metre long, 5 metres from and parallel to each goal line positioned 5 metres and 15 metres from each touchline and in front of each goal post.
(ii) Two dash lines, 5 metres long, 15 metres from each of the touchlines, which start at the goal line and end at the 5-metre dash line.
(iii) One dash line of 0.5 metre long intersects the center of the half-way line. All the lines must be suitably marked out according to the Plan.
1.4 DIMENSIONS FOR GOAL POSTS AND CROSSBAR
(a) The distance between the two goal posts is 5.6 metres.
(b) The crossbar is placed between the two goal posts so that its top edge is 3.0 metres from the ground.
(c) The minimum height of the goal posts is 3.4 metres.
(d) When padding is attached to the goal posts the distance from the goal line to the external edge of the padding must not exceed 300mm.
1.5 FLAG POSTS
(a) There are 14 flag posts with flags, each with a minimum height of 1.2 metres above the ground.
(b) Flag posts must be positioned at the intersection of touch-in-goal lines and the goal lines and at the intersection of the touch-in-goal lines and the dead ball lines. These eight flag posts are outside the
in-goal area and do not form part of the playing area.
(c) Flag posts must be positioned in line with the 22-metre lines and the half-way line, 2 metres outside the touchlines and within the playing enclosure.
1.6 OBJECTIONS TO THE GROUND
(a) If either team has objections about the ground or the way it is marked out they must tell the referee before the match starts.
(b) The referee will attempt to resolve the issues but must not start a match if any part of the ground is considered to be dangerous.
The Plan
Law 2 The Ball
2.1 SHAPE
The ball must be oval and made of four panels.
2.2 DIMENSIONS
Length in line 280 - 300 millimetres
Circumference (end to end)740 - 770 millimetres
Circumference (in width)580 - 620 millimetres
2.3 MATERIALS
Leather or suitable synthetic material. It may be treated to make it water resistant and easier to grip.
2.4 WEIGHT
410 - 460 grams
2.5 AIR PRESSURE AT THE START OF PLAY
65.71-68.75 kilopascals, or 0.67-0.70 kilograms per square centimetre, or 9.5-10.0 lbs per square inch.
2.6 SPARE BALLS
Spare balls may be available during a match, but a team must not gain or attempt to gain an unfair advantage by using them or changing them.
2.7 SMALLER BALLS
Balls of different sizes may be used for matches between young players.
Law 3 Number of Players - The Team
DEFINITIONS
A Team: a team consists of fifteen players who start the match plus any authorised replacements and/or substitutes.
Replacement: a player who replaces an injured team mate.
Substitute: a player who replaces a team mate for tactical reasons.
3.1 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE PLAYING AREA
Maximum: each team must have no more than fifteen players on the playing area.
3.2 TEAM WITH MORE THAN THE PERMITTED NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Objection: at any time before or during a match a team may make an objection to the referee about the number of players in their opponentsí team. As soon as the referee knows that a team has too many players, the referee must order the captain of that team to reduce the number appropriately. The score at the time of
the objection remains unaltered.
Penalty: Penalty at the place where the game would restart.
3.3 WHEN THERE ARE FEWER THAN FIFTEEN PLAYERS
A Union may authorise matches to be played with fewer than
fifteen players in each team. When that happens, all the Laws of
the Game apply except that each team must have at least five
players in the scrum at all times.
Exception: matches between teams of seven-a-side are an
exception. These matches are covered by the seven-a-side
variations to the Laws of the Game.
3.4 PLAYERS NOMINATED AS SUBSTITUTES
For international matches a Union may nominate up to seven
replacements/substitutes. For other matches, the Union with
jurisdiction over the match decides how many
replacements/substitutes may be nominated.
A team can substitute up to two front row players and up to five
other players. Substitutions may only be made when the ball is
dead and with the permission of the referee.
3.5 SUITABLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED PLAYERS IN THE FRONT ROW
(a) The table below indicates the numbers of suitably trained and
experienced players for the front row when nominating different
numbers of players.
Number of Players Number of Suitably Trained and Experienced Players
15 or less 3 players who can play in the front row
16, 17 or 18 4 players who can play in the front row
19, 20, 21 or 22 5 players who can play in the front row
(b) Each player in the front row and any potential replacement(s)
must be suitably trained and experienced.
(c) When 19, 20, 21 or 22 players are nominated in a team there must
be five players who can play in the front row to ensure that on the
first occasion that a replacement hooker is required and, on the
first occasion that a replacement prop forward is required, the
team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
(d) The replacement of a front row forward must come from suitably
trained and experienced players who started the match or from the
nominated replacements.
3.6 SENT OFF FOR FOUL PLAY
A player sent off for foul play must not be replaced or substituted.
For an exception to this Law, refer to Law 3.13.
3.7 PERMANENT REPLACEMENT
A player may be replaced if injured. If the player is permanently
replaced, that player must not return and play in that match. The
replacement of the injured player must be made when the ball is
dead and with the permission of the referee.
3.8 THE DECISION FOR PERMANENT REPLACEMENT
(a) When a national representative team is playing in a match, a
player may be replaced only when, in the opinion of a doctor, the
player is so injured that it would be unwise for that player to
continue playing in that match.
(b) In other matches, where a Union has given explicit permission, an
injured player may be replaced on the advice of a medically
trained person. If none is present, that player may be replaced if
the referee agrees.
3.9 THE REFEREEíS POWER TO STOP AN INJURED PLAYER FROM CONTINUING
If the referee decides - with or without the advice of a doctor or
other medically qualified person - that a player is so injured that
the player should stop playing, the referee may order that player
to leave the playing area. The referee may also order an injured
player to leave the field in order to be medically examined.
3.10 TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT
(a)When a player leaves the field to have bleeding controlled and/or
have an open wound covered, that player may be temporarily
replaced. If the player who has been temporarily replaced does not
return to the field of play within 15 minutes (actual time) of
leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent and
the replaced player must not return to the field of play.
(b) If the temporary replacement is injured, that player may also be
replaced.
(c) If the temporary replacement is sent off for foul play, the replaced
player may not return to the field of play.
(d) If a temporary replacement is cautioned and temporarily
suspended, the replaced player may not return to the field of play
until after the period of suspension.
3.11 PLAYER WISHING TO REJOIN THE MATCH
(a) A player who has an open or bleeding wound must leave the
playing area. The player must not return until the bleeding is
controlled and the wound has been covered.
(b) A player who leaves a match because of injury or any other reason
must not rejoin the match until the referee permits the player to
return. The referee must not let a player rejoin a match until the
ball is dead.
(c) If the player rejoins the match without the refereeís permission,
and the referee believes the player did so to help that playerís team
or obstruct the opposing team, the referee penalises the player for
misconduct.
Penalty: A penalty kick is awarded at the place where play
would restart.
3.12 SUBSTITUTED PLAYERS REJOINING THE MATCH
If a player is substituted, that player must not return and play in
that match even to replace an injured player.
Exception 1: a substituted player may replace a player with a
bleeding or open wound.
Exception 2: a substituted player may replace a front row player
when injured, temporarily suspended or sent off.
3.13 FRONT ROW FORWARD SENT OFF OR TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED OR INJURED
(a) If after a front row player has been sent off or during the time a
front row player is temporarily suspended, and there are no further
front row players available from the nominated team, then
uncontested scrums will be ordered. It is not the responsibility of
the referee to determine the suitability of trained front row
replacements nor their availability, as this is a team responsibility.
(b) After a front row player is sent off or during the time a front row
player is temporarily suspended the referee, upon awarding the
next scrum, will ask that player's captain whether or not the team
has another player on the field of play who is suitably trained to
play in the front row. If not, the captain chooses any player from
that team who then must leave the field of play and be replaced by
a suitably trained front row player from the teamís replacements.
The captain may do this immediately prior to the next scrum or
after another player has been tried in the front row.
(c) When a period of temporary suspension ends and a front row
player returns to the field of play, the replacement front row player
leaves the field of play and the nominated player who left the field
of play for the period of the suspension may resume playing in the
match.
(d) Furthermore, if, because of sending off or injury, a team cannot
provide enough suitably trained front row players, the match
continues with uncontested scrums.
(e) An uncontested scrum is the same as a normal scrum, except that
the teams do not compete for the ball, the team throwing in the
ball must win it, and neither team is allowed to push.
Law 4 Players Clothing
DEFINITIONS
Players' clothing is anything players wear.
A player wears a jersey, shorts and underwear, socks and boots.
Detailed information relating to the permitted specifications for
clothing and studs maybe found in IRB Specifications
(Regulation 12).
4.1 ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF CLOTHING
(a) A player may wear supports made of elasticated or compressible
materials which must be washable.
(b) A player may wear shin guards which conform with IRB Specifications (Regulation 12).
(c) A player may wear ankle supports worn under socks, not extending
higher than one third of the length of the shin and, if rigid, from
material other than metal.
(d) A player may wear mitts (fingerless gloves) which must conform to IRB Specifications (Regulation 12).
(e) A player may wear shoulder pads which must bear the IRB Approval Mark (Regulation 12).
(f) A player may wear a mouth guard or dental protector.
(g) A player may wear headgear which must bear the IRB Approval Mark (Regulation 12).
(h) A player may wear bandages and/or dressings to cover or protect any injury.
(i) A player may wear thin tape or other similar material as support and/or to prevent injury.
4.2 SPECIAL ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR WOMEN
Besides the previous items, women may wear chest pads which
must bear the IRB Approval Mark (Regulation 12).
4.3 STUDS
(a) Studs of playersí boots must conform with the IRB Specifications
(Regulation 12).
(b) Moulded rubber multi-studded soles are acceptable provided they
have no sharp edges or ridges.
4.4 BANNED ITEMS OF CLOTHING
(a) A player must not wear any item that is contaminated by blood.
(b) A player must not wear any item that is sharp or abrasive.
(c) A player must not wear any items containing buckles, clips, rings,
hinges, zippers, screws, bolts or rigid material or projection not
otherwise permitted under this Law.
(d) A player must not wear jewellery such as rings or earrings.
(e) A player must not wear gloves.
(f) A player must not wear shorts with padding sewn into them.
(g) A player must not wear any other item which does not conform
with the IRBSpecifications for such clothing (Regulation 12).
(h) A player must not wear any item that is normally permitted by
Law, but, in the refereeís opinion that is liable to cause injury to a player.
(i) A player must not wear a single stud at the toe of the boot.
(j) A player must not wear communication devices within that
playerís clothing or attached to the body.
(k) A player must not wear any additional item of clothing that does
not conform to IRB Regulation 12.
4.5 INSPECTION OF PLAYERS' CLOTHING
(a) The referee or the touch judges appointed by or under the
authority of the match organiser must inspect the playersí clothing
and studs for conformity to this Law.
(b) The referee has power to decide at any time, before or during the
match, that part of a playerís clothing is dangerous or illegal. If the
referee decides that clothing is dangerous or illegal the referee
must order the player to remove it. The player must not take part
in the match until the items of clothing are removed.
(c) If, at an inspection before the match, the referee or a touch judge
tells a player that an item banned under this Law is being worn,
and the player is subsequently found to be wearing that item on
the playing area, that player is sent off for misconduct.
Penalty: A penalty kick is awarded at the place where play is
restarted.
4.6 WEARING OTHER CLOTHING
The referee must not allow any player to leave the playing area to
change items of clothing, unless these are bloodstained.
Law 5 Time
5.1 DURATION OF A MATCH
A match lasts no longer than eighty minutes plus time lost, extra
time and any special conditions. A match is divided into two
halves each of not more than forty minutes playing time.
5.2 HALF TIME
After half time the teams change ends. There is an interval of not
more than 10 minutes. The length of the interval is decided by the
match organiser, the Union or the recognised body which has
jurisdiction over the game. During the interval the teams, the
referee and the touch judges may leave the playing enclosure.
5.3 TIME KEEPING
The referee keeps the time but may delegate the duty to either or
both the touch judges and/or the official time-keeper, in which
case the referee signals to them any stoppage of time or time lost.
In matches without an official time-keeper, if the referee is in
doubt as to the correct time the referee consults either or both the
touch judges and may consult others but only if the touch judges
cannot help.
5.4 TIME LOST
Time lost may be due to the following:
(a) Injury. The referee may stop play for not more than one minute
so that an injured player can be treated, or for any other permitted
delay.
The referee may allow play to continue while a medically trained
person treats an injured player in the playing area or the player
may go to the touchline for treatment.
If a player is seriously injured and needs to be removed from the
field of play, the referee has the discretion to allow the necessary
time to have the injured player removed from the field-of-play.
(b) Replacing players' clothing. When the ball is dead, the referee
allows time for a player to replace or repair a badly torn jersey,
shorts or boots. Time is allowed for a player to re-tie a boot-lace.
(c) Replacement and substitution of players. Time is allowed
when a player is replaced or substituted.
(d) Reporting of foul play by a touch judge. Time is allowed
when a touch judge reports foul play.
5.5 MAKING UP FOR TIME LOST
Any playing time lost is made up in the same half of the match.
5.6 PLAYING EXTRA TIME
A match may last more than eighty minutes if the Match
Organiser has authorised the playing of extra time in a drawn
match in a knock-out competition.
5.7 OTHER TIME REGULATIONS
(a) In international matches, play always lasts eighty minutes plus lost time.
(b) In non-international matches a Union may decide the length of a match.
(c) If the Union does not decide, the teams agree on the length of a
match. If they cannot agree, the referee decides.
(d) The referee has the power to end the match at any time, if the
referee believes that play should not continue because it would be dangerous.
(e) If time expires and the ball is not dead, or an awarded scrum or
lineout has not been completed the referee allows play to continue
until the next time that the ball becomes dead. If time expires and
a mark, free kick or penalty kick is then awarded, the referee allows
play to continue.
(f) If time expires after a try has been scored the referee allows time
for the conversion kick to be taken.
(g) When weather conditions are exceptionally hot and/or humid, the
referee, at his discretion, will be permitted to allow one water break
in each half. This water break should be no longer than one
minute. Time lost should be added on at the end of each half. The
water break should normally be taken after a score or when the ball
is out of play near the half way line.
Law 6 Match Officials
DEFINITIONS
Every match is under the control of Match Officials who consist of the Referee and two Touch Judges.
Additional persons, as
authorised by the match organisers may include the referee and/or
reserve touch judge, an official to assist the Referee in making decisions
by using technological devices, the time keeper, the Match Doctor, the
team doctors, the non-playing members of the teams and the ball persons.
6.A. REFEREE
6.A.1 APPOINTING THE REFEREE
The referee is appointed by the match organiser. If no referee has
been appointed the two teams may agree upon a referee. If they
cannot agree, the home team appoints a referee.
6.A.2 REPLACING THE REFEREE
If the referee is unable to complete the match, the refereeís
replacement is appointed according to the instructions of the
match organiser. If the match organiser has given no instructions,
the referee appoints the replacement. If the referee cannot do so,
the home team appoints a replacement.
6.A.3 DUTIES OF THE REFEREE BEFORE THE MATCH
(a) Toss. The referee organises the toss. One of the captains tosses a
coin and the other captain calls to see who wins the toss. The
winner of the toss decides whether to kick off or to choose an end.
If the winner of the toss decides to choose an end, the opponents
must kick off and vice versa.
6.A.4 THE DUTIES OF THE REFEREE IN THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE
(a) The referee is the sole judge of fact and of Law during a match. The
referee must apply fairly all the Laws of the Game in every match.
(b) The referee keeps the time.
(c) The referee keeps the score.
(d) The referee gives permission to the players to leave the playing area.
(e) The referee gives permission to the replacements or substitutes to
enter the playing area.
(f) The referee gives permission to the team doctors or medically
trained persons or their assistants to enter the playing area, as and
when permitted by the Law.
(g) The referee gives permission to each of the coaches to enter the
playing area at half time to attend their teams during the interval.
6.A.5 PLAYERS DISPUTING A REFEREE'S DECISION
All players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not
dispute the refereeís decisions. They must stop playing at once
when the referee blows the whistle except at a kick off.
Penalty: Penalty Kick at the place of infringement or where play
would next commence.
6.A.6 REFEREE ALTERING A DECISION
The referee may alter a decision when a touch judge has raised the
flag to signal touch or an act of foul play.
6.A.7 REFEREE CONSULTING WITH OTHERS
(a) The referee may consult with touch judges in regard to matters
relating to their duties, the Law relating to foul play, or timekeeping.
(b) A match organiser may appoint an official who uses technological
devices. If the referee is unsure when making a decision in in-goal
involving a try being scored or a touch down, that official may be consulted.
(c) The official may be consulted if the referee is unsure when making
a decision in in-goal with regard to the scoring of a try or a touch
down when foul play in in-goal may have been involved.
(d) The official may be consulted in relation to the success or
otherwise of kicks at goal.
(e) The official may be consulted if the referee or touch judge is
unsure if a player was or was not in touch when attempting to
ground the ball to score a try.
(f) The official may be consulted if the referee or touch judges are
unsure when making a decision relating to touch-in-goal and the
ball being made dead if a score may have occurred.
(g) A match organiser may appoint a timekeeper who will signify the end of each half.
(h) The referee must not consult with any other persons.
6.A.8 THE REFEREE'S WHISTLE
(a) The referee must carry a whistle and blow the whistle to indicate
the beginning and end of each half of the match.
(b) The referee has power to stop play at any time.
(c) The referee must blow the whistle to indicate a score, or a touch down.
(d) The referee must blow the whistle to stop play because of an
infringement or for an offence of foul play. When the referee
cautions or sends off the offender, the referee must whistle a
second time when the penalty kick or penalty try is awarded.
(e) The referee must blow the whistle when the ball has gone out of
play, or when it has become unplayable, or when a penalty is awarded.
(f) The referee must blow the whistle when the ball or the ball carrier
touches the referee and either team gains an advantage from this.
(g) The referee must blow the whistle when it would be dangerous to
let play continue. This includes when a scrum collapses, or when
a front row player is lifted into the air or is forced upwards out of
a scrum, or when it is probable that a player has been seriously injured.
(h) The referee may blow the whistle to stop play for any other reason
according to the Laws.
6.A.9 THE REFEREE AND INJURY
(a) If a player is injured and continuation of play would be dangerous,
the referee must blow the whistle immediately.
(b) If the referee stops play because a player has been injured, and
there has been no infringement and the ball has not been made
dead, play restarts with a scrum. The team last in possession
throws in the ball. If neither team was in possession, the attacking
team throws in the ball.
(c) The referee must blow the whistle if continuation of play would be
dangerous for any reason.
6.A.10 THE BALL TOUCHING THE REFEREE
(a) If the ball or the ball carrier touches the referee and neither team
gains an advantage, play continues.
(b) If either team gains an advantage in the field of play, the referee
orders a scrum and the team that last played the ball has the throw
in.
(c) If either team gains an advantage in in-goal, if the ball is in
possession of an attacking player the referee awards a try where
the contact took place.
(d) If either team gains an advantage in in-goal, if the ball is in
possession of a defending player, the referee awards a touch down
where the contact took place.
6.A.11 THE BALL IN IN-GOAL TOUCHED BY NON-PLAYER
The referee judges what would have happened next and awards a
try or a touch down at the place where the ball was touched.
AFTER THE MATCH
6.A.12 SCORE
The referee communicates the score to the teams and to the match organiser.
6.A.13 PLAYER SENT-OFF
If a player is sent off the referee gives the match organiser a written
report on the foul play infringement as soon as possible.
6.B. TOUCH JUDGES
6.B.1 APPOINTING TOUCH JUDGES
There are two touch judges for every match. Unless they have
been appointed by or under the authority of the match organiser,
each team provides a touch judge.
6.B.2 REPLACING A TOUCH JUDGE
The match organiser may nominate a person to act as a
replacement for the referee or the touch judges. This person is
called the reserve touch judge and stands in the perimeter area.
6.B.3 CONTROL OF TOUCH JUDGES
The referee has control over both touch judges. The referee may
tell them what their duties are, and may overrule their decisions.
If a touch judge is unsatisfactory the referee may ask that the touch
judge be replaced. If the referee believes a touch judge is guilty of
misconduct, the referee has power to send the touch judge off and
make a report to the match organiser.
DURING THE MATCH
6.B.4 WHERE THE TOUCH JUDGES SHOULD BE
(a) There is one touch judge on each side of the ground. The touch
judge remains in touch except when judging a kick at goal. When
judging a kick at goal the touch judges stand in in-goal behind the goal posts.
(b) A touch judge may enter the playing area when reporting an
offence of dangerous play or misconduct to the referee. The touch
judge may do this only at the next stoppage in play.
6.B.5 TOUCH JUDGE SIGNALS
(a)Each touch judge carries a flag or something similar with which to signal decisions.
(b) Signalling result of kick at goal. When a conversion kick or
a penalty kick at goal is being taken, the touch judges must
help the referee by signalling the result of the kick. One touch
judge stands at or behind each goal post. If the ball goes over
the cross-bar and between the posts, the touch judge raises the
flag to indicate a goal.
(c) Signalling touch. When the ball or the ball carrier has gone
into touch, the touch judge must hold up the flag. The touch
judge must stand at the place of the throw in and point to the
team entitled to throw in. The touch judge must also signal when
the ball or the ball carrier has gone into touch-in-goal.
(d) When to lower the flag. When the ball is thrown in, the touch
judge must lower the flag, with the following exceptions:
Exception 1: When the player throwing in puts any part of either
foot in the field of play, the touch judge keeps the flag up.
Exception 2: When the team not entitled to throw in has done
so, the touch judge keeps the flag up.
Exception 3: When, at a quick throw in, the ball that went into
touch is replaced by another ball, or after it went into touch or it
has been touched by anyone except the player who takes the
throw in, the touch judge keeps the flag up.
(e)It is for the referee, and not the touch judge, to decide whether or
not the ball was thrown in from the correct place.
(f) Signalling foul play. A touch judge signals that foul play or
misconduct has been seen by holding the flag horizontally and
pointing infield at right angles to the touchline.
6.B.6 AFTER SIGNALLING FOUL PLAY
A match organiser may give authority to the touch judge to signal
for foul play. If a touch judge signals foul play, the touch judge
must stay in touch and continue to carry out all the other duties
until the next stoppage in play. The touch judge may then enter
the playing area to report the offence to the referee. The referee
may then take whatever action is needed. Any penalty awarded
will be in accordance with Law 10 ñ Foul Play.
AFTER THE MATCH
6.B.7 PLAYER SENT-OFF
If a player has been sent-off following a touch judgeís signal, the
touch judge submits a written report about the incident to the
referee as soon as possible after the match and provides it to the
match organiser.
6.C. ADDITIONAL PERSONS
6.C.1 RESERVE TOUCH JUDGE
When a reserve touch judge is appointed, the refereeís authority
regarding replacements and substitutions may be delegated to the
reserve touch judge.
6.C.2 THOSE WHO MAY ENTER THE PLAYING AREA
The match doctor and the non-playing members of the team may
enter the playing area as authorised by the referee.
6.C.3 LIMITS TO ENTERING THE PLAYING AREA
In the case of injury, these persons may enter the playing area
while play continues, provided they have permission from the
referee. Otherwise, they enter only when the ball is dead.
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Laws of Rugby 1 
