|
|
Home  Touch Rugby - 2d
SITUATION 14:4
A player takes a quick tap following the awarding of the penalty and the indication by the
referee of the mark. An offside defending player, with their back to the player in
possession, obstructs an onside defender from getting to the ball carrier to effect a touch.
The defender appeals to the referee that the attacking player used the offside defender as
an obstruction.
DECISION
According to paragraph one of Rule 14.1 the attacking player can only be penalised for
obstruction if another team mate from the attacking team aids in preventing the player in
possession from being touched. Paragraph two of Rule 14.1 must only be read in
conjunction with paragraph one, which specifically refers to attacking team players.
Offside defenders should never be penalised if they have their backs turned to the team in
possession, provided they are physically retiring. As to the onside defender who claimed
the obstruction, the referee would simply call "play on".
SITUATION 14:5
The player in possession uses an offside retiring defender as a "shield" preventing him from
being touched by another defending player. Is such action deemed to be an obstruction ?
DECISION
The referee cannot interpret this action as an obstruction, as only an attacking player can
obstruct the player in possession.
N.B. If such actions were allowed, the defending team would constantly claim obstruction
and consequently receive possession as the result of the deliberate action by one of their
offside players.
RULE 15 - PENALTY.
1
General. A penalty is to be awarded for an infringement by any player in
accordance with the rules contained herein.
2
Location of the tap for a Penalty . The mark for a penalty is normally at the
location of the infringement unless otherwise detailed in specific rules. For
infringements which occur on the boundaries, within five (5) metres of the
defending scoreline or outside the field of play, the location of a tap from a penalty
is to be five (5) metres infield (or on the five metre line) from where the
infringement occurred.
3
Method. A method of taking the tap from a penalty is detailed in Rule 6.3. The
ball does not have to be lifted from the ground for the tap. However, the ball must
be at or behind the correct mark prior to the tap being taken. (See Rule 6; Player
Note C).
RULING - A change of possession at the mark.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 40
4
Attacking Team. Players of the attacking team are to be onside at the tap.
RULING - A change of possession at the mark.
5
Defending Team. Players of the defending team are to be onside at the tap as
detailed in Rule 6.4.
RULING - A penalty awarded to the attacking team along a line ten (10) metres directly
forward of the original mark and nearest the infringement.
6
Penalty Touchdown. A penalty touchdown will be awarded if any action by a
player or spectator deemed by the referee to be contrary to the rules or spirit of the
game, prevented the attacking team from scoring a touchdown.
PLAYER NOTES
A.
The player who is to take the tap is required to wait until the referee indicates the
location of the mark before the tap can be taken. However a player may take a
quick tap providing the referee acknowledges such a request and providing the tap
is taken at or behind the correct mark.
B.
For any tap, players may take the ball directly behind the mark up to a maximum of
ten (10) metres.
C.
If a player chooses to Rollball in lieu of a tap, the player who receives the ball is
not deemed to be a half.
REFEREE NOTES
A.
To allow the full advantage of a penalty to be realised there is to be minimum delay
between awarding a penalty and the indication of the appropriate mark.
B.
A player may take the ball back behind the mark up to a maximum distance of ten
(10) metres behind the mark for a tap to allow room to execute a move. In such
cases the defending players must remain not closer than ten (10) metres from the
mark or at the scoreline, whichever is the closest.
C.
If an attacking player effects a touch on an offside defending player (usually
following a quick tap) in an attempt to gain a further penalty, the referee may call
"play on" depending on the actions of the defending player, but only provided the
offside player or team has been warned.
D.
If an offside defending player (whether that player is retiring or not) attempts to
obstruct or effect a touch on an attacking player following a quick tap, the referee
should play the advantage and allow play to continue or award a penalty,
whichever is whichever is of greater advantage to the attacking team.
E.
To ensure control is maintained during a sequence of quick taps, the referee is to
ensure that the location of the mark is correctly indicated.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 41
F.
With regard to awarding a penalty touchdown, a referee is to be sure that a
touchdown would have occurred had it not been for the illegal action of the player
or spectator concerned.
Explanation and Interpretations - Rule 15
SITUATION 15:1
An attacking player in attempting a cut out pass causes the ball to go to ground in a
forward direction. A defending player quickly taps the ball where it landed and plays on.
DECISION
(a)
The referee would award the penalty, indicate the mark and recall the player in
possession to tap the ball on the correct mark. (i.e. from where the ball was thrown).
(b)
If the referee had awarded the penalty and indicated the mark, there would be a
change of possession for the tap being taken on the incorrect mark. Rule 8.2. Rule 15.2;
Player Note A.
SITUATION 15:2
A player in possession passes the ball after being touched and it goes to ground behind
another attacking player. An opponent quickly gathers the ball and taps from the mark
where the ball landed.
DECISION
(a)
The referee would award a penalty, indicate the mark and recall the player in
possession to tap the ball on the correct mark.
(b)
If the referee had awarded the penalty and indicated the mark, there would be a
change of possession for the tap being taken on the incorrect mark. Rule 10.4. Rule 15.2;
Player Note A.
SITUATION 15:3
A player taking a penalty tap rolls the ball as for a Rollball and touches it with their foot.
The receiver of the ball runs and is touched.
DECISION
Touch counts. The receiver is not the half, even if the ball was not played with the foot
SITUATION 15:4
Attacking player taking a tap balks (i.e. goes to take the tap but hesitates) in an attempt to
induce defending players to move forward before he actually taps the ball. What should the
referee do ?
DECISION
Such action is not against the 'spirit of the game' and is allowed. The referee however,
would instruct the player to tap the ball and refusal after the instruction may result in a
change of possession.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 42
SITUATION 15:5
An attacking player receives a penalty two metres from their attacking scoreline. Can the
player with the ball take a quick tap at the mark or does the ball have to be returned to the
five metre line ?
DECISION
Once the referee indicates the mark, the ball may be tapped. It doesn't have to be taken
out to the five metre line. However, if the referee indicates the mark is on the scoreline
(where it should be if the penalty is for offside) the mark is then on the boundaries of the
field, and the ball is required to be taken back to the five metre line. - See Rule 15.2 and
Rule 11 PN C
SITUATION 15:6
A penalty is awarded to the attacking team half a metre from the teams attacking scoreline,
(a defender effected a touch with more than a minimum of force). The player taking the
penalty, taps the ball forward and when the ball reaches the scoreline the player's hand is
placed on the ball and a touchdown is claimed. Provided the player was not touched is the
touchdown legal ?
DECISION
Firstly, the mark for the penalty is dependent on the position of the player in possession at
the time of the hard touch, i.e. half a metre from the attacking scoreline. There are no
other Rules that requires the mark to be moved back to the five metre line in these
circumstances, so the tap was taken on the correct mark. - See Rule 15.2
Secondly, the tap may be taken in any direction and provided it does not travel more than
one (1) metre, in this instance only half a metre, the taking of the tap does not infringe any
Rules. - See Rule 6.3
Thirdly, the ball only needs to be placed on the ground ON or over the scoreline for a
touchdown to be awarded. The ball does not have to be carried to, or over, the scoreline. -
See Rule 4.5. Such an action would constitute a fair touchdown.
SITUATION 15:7
A penalty is awarded to the defending team half a metre from their attacking scoreline, (a
player throws a forward pass only half a metre from their scoreline). The attacking player
taking the penalty, taps the ball forward and when the ball reaches the scoreline the
player's hand is placed on the ball and a touchdown is claimed. Between tapping the ball
and placing the hand on it when it reaches the scoreline the player is touch. Would a
touchdown be awarded.
DECISION
The player taking the penalty is technically in possession once the ball is tapped and as
such a touch would have been effected on the player prior to placing the hand on the ball
on the scoreline. Thus a touchdown would not be allowed.
SITUATION 15:8
An offside defending player, near the scoreline, is called out of play by the referee. The line
is wide open and the defender noticing this knocks the ball out of the attackers hands
whilst still in an offside position. What action should the referee take?
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 43
DECISION
The referee could penalise the defending player and/or send them off, but since the player
was warned they were offside and the scoreline was wide open the better option would be
to award a penalty touchdown and then consider further action against the offending
player - See Rule 15.6
SITUATION 15:9
What happens when a team takes a quick tap before the referee indicates the mark ?
DECISION
A good referee will consider only two options: - Did the tap occur on or behind the mark?
If - YES - Play on; if - NO - Change of possession.
N.B. Pedantic insistence by referees to wait until they are ready is a blight on the game
and should be outlawed by Referees Directors. The same can be said for decision to being
it back and restart the tap on the "next blade of grass". Such actions are not in accordance
with the rules as an incorrect tap - not on the mark - is a change of possession. See Rule
15.3
RULE 16 - ADVANTAGE
1
The principle of advantage to the non-offending team is to apply at all times,
providing some advantage is readily obvious. Once a team is given the advantage
that team does not necessarily forfeit the right to other action as described in these
rules.
PLAYER NOTES
A.
Players should at all times play in accordance with the rules of Touch and allow the
referee to interpret the advantage.
B.
Players who use unnecessary force or whose actions unfairly prevent any other
player from gaining an advantage will be liable to penalty.
Explanation and Interpretations - Rule 16
SITUATION 16:1
A referee awards a touchdown. Lines-person reports a player from the team who was just
scored against. The referee exercises discretion re disciplinary matters and sends the
reported player off for a period of time. How is the match restarted?
DECISION
Because the touchdown was awarded (and the player sent off) the game is recommenced
with a tap to the team who was scored against at the centre of the halfway mark.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 44
SITUATION 16:2
If the referee warns the defending team they are offside, what guide can be used to
determine if advantage is gained?
DECISION
It can be generally accepted that the advantage has been gained once the attacking team
has passed the five (5) metres defensive line (for the Rollball) or the ten (10) metres line
for the tap.
SITUATION 16:3
If the advantage is lost (say dropped ball, forward pass) after the attacking team has
crossed the relevant advantage line can the referee go back and penalise the offending
player?
DECISION
No! Once the advantage line has been reached the referee must allow play to continue.
RULE 17 - DISCIPLINE AND PLAYER MISCONDUCT
1
General. Players who infringe the Rules of Touch are liable to penalty or other
appropriate action according to the seriousness of the infringement. Penalties are to
be awarded in accordance with applicable rules.
2
Frequent Infringements. A Player who continually breaches the playing rules is
liable for dismissal. Team captains are responsible for the conduct of players in
their respective teams and should be aware that undisciplined players are disruptive
to the spirit of the game.
3
Dismissals. Any player may be dismissed as follows:
(a) Period of Time. A player dismissed for repeated infringements or any offence
requiring more than a penalty is to move from the field of play and remain in a
position midway along the team's attacking scoreline and no closer than five (5)
metres to the scoreline. The dismissed player cannot be replaced.
(b) Remainder of match. A player dismissed after any previous `Period of Time'
dismissal, or for an offence such as gross misconduct or a dangerous act is to take
no further part in that match and is to move to and remain not closer then ten (10)
metres from the scoreline. The dismissed player cannot be replaced and that player
shall receive an automatic two (2) match suspension and may incur further penalty
as deemed necessary by the federation of International Touch Judiciary Committee.
4
Striking Officials. Any player who is found guilty of striking and/or assaulting an
official, referee or line judge is liable to disqualification from playing the game of
Touch for life.
5
Disciplinary Reports. Officials are required to submit dismissal reports or any
other reports required in accordance with the governing regulations of Federation
of International Touch.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 45
6
Misconduct. Players guilty of misconduct will be penalised and could be excluded
from the match. Misconduct includes:
>?Continual breaches of the rules;
>?Swearing;
>?Back chatting referees or other match officials;
>?Bad sporting behaviour;
>?Fighting;
>?Using physical force in making a touch;
>?Attacking the head of an opponent;
>?Tripping;
>?Any other action which is not in the spirit of the game.
PLAYER NOTES
A.
A player sent from the field for a period for time is to remain at the midpoint of the
attacking scoreline until recalled by the referee. Such a player is allowed to join his
team mates at halftime.
REFEREE NOTES
A.
The referee is the sole judge of time in relation to dismissed players.
B.
A referee is required to advise the team captain as to the reason for a player's
dismissal.
C.
Referees must submit a written report on players sent from the field for the
remainder of the match.
D.
Referees may suggest to captains to replace infringing players for the remainder of
the match otherwise the player may be sent off and suspended and the team
reduced in playing numbers.
ADMINISTRATOR NOTES
A.
Besides the constitutional authority empowered to the Federation of International
Touch these rules also provides for:-
i)
Powers for the General Committee and/or Executive Committee to make
appropriate by-laws or regulations.
ii)
Power to inquire into and deal with any act.
iii)
Powers to be given to a Judiciary.
iv)
Power to alter Tournament Rules for the benefit of the Sport and/or the
safety of the participants.
B.
Coaches and officials deemed guilty of misconduct will be reported to the
appropriate officials and be liable to disciplinary action.
Explanation and Interpretations - Rule 17
SITUATION 17:1
In Rule 17.3 (b), what is the definition of a two (2) match suspension from all matches
conducted by any Touch Association?
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 46
DECISION
Two (2) matches refers to the period of time it takes for two matches to be completed by
the team in the division from which the player was suspended. A bye does not count as a
match completed.
The balance of the statement refers to the player being ineligible to play in ANY
competition in ANY Affiliate or competition under the auspices of the Australian Touch
Association.
SITUATION 17:2
A player plays men's open on Monday night, mixed open on Tuesday night and over 30's
on Wednesday night. He is sent from the field of play for the remainder of the game on
Monday night and incurs a two match suspension. His men's team has a bye next week.
When he can resume playing?
DECISION
He is suspended from the other games in week 1, ALL the games in weeks 2 and 3 and the
men's open game only in week 4. Two weeks is the period of time it usually takes for the
team the player was suspended from, to play two games. If a team fails to qualify for the
semi-finals and the player is suspended during the last game of the competition, that player
is eligible to play after the second game (i.e., the final or grand final) as if that team had
won both the semi and the following game.
SITUATION 17:3
Can a player appeal against an automatic two match suspension?
DECISION
Yes. Unless an Association's constitution specifically denies it, a player may appeal to the
Executive of an Association against an automatic two match suspension.
SITUATION 17:4
An interceptor proceeds downfield, remains in the field of play one metre from the
scoreline, turns around to face the defenders, and waits for a defender to come near then
places the ball on or over the scoreline. Is this misconduct?
DECISION
No - Allow Touchdown.
SITUATION 17:5
A defending player calls for the ball and the attacking player instinctively passes to the
player. What action can the referee take ?
DECISION
Such a situation is not gamesmanship but misconduct (against the spirit of the game) and
subject to penalty or other action. See Rule 17.6.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 47
SITUATION 17:6
The attacking team throws a big pass which 'accidentally on purpose goes well out over
the sideline after the fifth touch has been made, as a ploy to slow down the changeover
procedure. What can the referee do ?
DECISION
Until the sixth touch is made or the ball goes to ground, there is no change over procedure
that can come into effect, therefore the rules governing it cannot apply. If the referee sees
this trend in the game he could warn the offending team that it is considered misconduct
and therefore subject to penalty or other action .- See Rule 17.6
SITUATION 17:7
A player is sent from the field for a period of time. Whilst standing behind the teams
attacking scoreline the player is yelling encouragement and/or coaching hints to his
players. Is such action allowed ?
DECISION
Provided there is no interference with the opposition team, the player is allowed to
encourage / coach his team mates from his position. The fact he is suspended from the
field and is not allowed to be involved in the game, (as opposed to being dismissed for the
whole game), is sufficient penalty. - See Rule 17 PN A
RULE 18 - THE REFEREE, LINE JUDGES AND TOUCHDOWN
ZONE OFFICIALS
1
Manner of Appointment. The appointment of all referees, line judges or
touchdown zone officials for all International matches sanctioned by the Federation
will be made by the Executive of the Federation upon advice from the Technical
Panel.
2
The Referee. The referee is the sole judge on matters of fact and is required to
adjudicate on the rules of the game during play. The referee may impose any
sanction necessary to control the match and in particular, award penalties for
infringements against the rules.
3
Authority of Referee. Players, coaches and officials of both teams are under the
control of the officiating referees.
4
Area of Control. The playing area under the control of the referee extends from
the boundaries of the field of play, to an area which covers substitute players and
officials involved in the particular match.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 48
5
Line Judges Touchdown Zone Officials. Line Judges and Touchdown Zone
Officials should be appointed to assist the referee with tasks associated with
sidelines scorelines and touchdown zone lines, and other matters at the discretion
of the referee. Their normal duties include, indicating the ten (10) metres distance
for taps from a penalty, controlling substitutions, matters of backplay and other
advice when sought by the central referee.
PLAYER NOTES
A.
Team captains may respectfully inquire of the referee, matters of varying
interpretation or causes of penalties. Any discussion is to be brief and polite and
must not delay play. Other team members should not talk to the referee.
REFEREE NOTES
A.
Referees must familiarise themselves with grounds, markings and officials prior to
the commencement of matches.
B.
Referees may consult with line judges and/or touchdown zone officials prior to
making decisions.
Explanation and Interpretations - Rule 18
SITUATION 18:1
A penalty is awarded and the coach (and/or player or other team official on the sideline)
shouts abuse and/or other profanities at the referee. What options does the referee have.
DECISION
The referee would award another penalty ten (10) metres forward of the original mark and
may:-
a) halt the game and warn the offender
b) halt the game and send the offender outside the boundary of the playing area
c) dismiss a player from the field in lieu of the offender for a period of time or for
the whole game.
d) Any or all combinations of the above.
e) Report the offending player/official to the organising committee.
SITUATION 18:2
The referee awards a touchdown or penalty and realises they have made an error. Can the
referee reverse his decision and disallow the touchdown or penalty ?
DECISION
The referee can change their minds if they realise they have ruled incorrectly and in fact, in
the interest of fair play to both teams, they should reverse an incorrect decision. The Rules
Book has no exclusions preventing the referee from changing heir minds. See Rules 18.1.
It is noted that once full time has been signalled by the referee any reversal of decisions is
an Administration matter for the controlling Association.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 49
SITUATION 18:3
There is an injured player on the field and the referee notices this but the play moves away
from the area where the injured player is lying so play is allowed to continue. The game
has only several minutes to go with one team leading 3-2. On a change of possession the
leading team deliberately runs the ball into the area where the injured player is lying on the
ground. It is critical for the losing side to score as a draw will allow them into the finals.
What should the referee do ?
DECISION
The prime responsibility of the referee is the safety of the players and if the play could not
be moved forward of the injured player the referee would have to stop the game. Any
protests from the losing team is a matter for the Association's Administration not the
referee.
SITUATION 18:4
The referee sends a player off with only two minutes remaining in a game. When the siren
sounds the referee blows full time without recalling the player to the field of play. Next
week the same teams meet in the Semi Finals and one team refuses to take the field in
protest that the player that was sent off, should not be playing as he should be
automatically suspended for two weeks.
DECISION
At all times the referee is the sole judge of matters of fact. In any situation where the
action of the referee has prejudiced a player, the intent of the referee at the time of making
the decision must always be taken into consideration. In this case if the referee intended
the player be dismissed for a period of time, then the player is allowed to participate in the
semi final. If the intent at the time of the dismissal was to remove the player for the
remainder of the game, then the player incurs a two weeks automatic suspension. See Rule
18.1 and 18.2
SITUATION 18:5
The referee awards a touchdown and is not advised by his line referees of any nfringement.
The game continues and at half time the team scored against protests that the touchdown
was scored by the half. This is confirmed by the line referees who did not (for whatever
reason) bring this to the centre referee's attention at the time.
In line with decision at 18:2 can the referee change his mind.
DECISION
No - once the game has been restarted the option for the referee to change his mind is no
longer available. This would also apply if half or full time was signalled just after the event
and before the game could be restarted
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
? FIT Federation International Touch
END
|
|
