Clarification 2-2023

Clarification in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Clarification	2-2023
Union / HP Ref Manager	SARU
Law Reference	13,14
Date	2023-06-12

Request

SA Rugby have documented the increasing trend of the “cannon arm” tactic usually adopted near the goal line in ‘pick and go’ scenarios. The tactic involves a ball carrier gaining possession of the ball and wilfully deciding to extend his non-ball carrying arm forward and to the ground in order to gain an advantageously low height pre-contact position.

“Off feet” and “On feet” as defined in the Laws of the Game definitions section, and Law 13.1 and 14.9 refer to players needing to be on their feet.

The Laws of the game are there to promote fairness and safety for the following reasons:

• Fairness: The ball carrier gains an unfair advantage by intentionally taking himself/herself ‘Off feet,’ supported by a “cannon arm” and gaining a height advantage.
• Safety: Any attempt by the defender to match the ball carrier’s height will likely result in direct head contact.

Defenders who take themselves off feet pre-contact are penalised for, amongst others, safety reasons.

In view of the above, SA Rugby requests a Law Clarification from World Rugby, about whether such actions are within the Laws of the Game.

Clarification of the designated members of the Rugby Committee

The principle of the game, as outlined in Law 13, is that Rugby should be played only by players who are on their feet. That, and the other laws under discussion do not differentiate between attacking or defending players.

Law 13.1 says that players who go to ground with the ball must immediately, get up with the ball, play the ball, or release the ball. Referees should be looking for compliance in this regard from the ball carrier, recognising that they are making these decisions in live match speed without the benefit of slow motion replays.

Beyond that, we, as Designated Members, are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to unintended consequences of ruling specifically either way.

If we determine that this specific tactic is outside of law, then we run the risk of players projecting towards the goal line with their heads and necks at risk and without a way of stabilising themselves safely or naturally. If we rule it is legal, then we run the risk of players planting their arms on the ground and creating a player welfare risk as elbows/shoulders take the force of a legal defence.

We are also concerned about then asking match officials to differentiate between a stabilising action and a propelling action in determining if a try can be awarded.

As World Rugby outlined in the Law Application Guideline in January 2023, “players who put their hands on the floor at tackles, rucks and mauls are subject to sanction, although judgement can be used if the player is using the ground briefly to maintain their own balance and stability.”

By using a hand on the ground, players must then comply with the relevant laws. Failure to do so means they are at risk of sanction if it is identified during live play.