Clarification 7-2002
Ruling in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
| Clarification | 7-2002 |
|---|---|
| Union / HP Ref Manager | FPR |
| Law Reference | 13 |
| Date | 2002-10-01 |
Request
The FPR (Portuguese Rugby Union) has requested a ruling with regard to the following question:
According to Law 13.9, if the ball goes directly into touch at the kick-off (or restart kick), the opposing team has 3 choices:
• to have the ball kicked off again
• to have a scrum at the centre and they have the throw -in, or
• to accept the kick
If they accept the kick, the lineout is on the half-way line. If the ball is blown behind the half-way line and goes directly into touch, the lineout is at the place where it went into touch. At the kick -off or at a restart kick, team A kicks the ball directly into touch, without the ball ever having crossed or reached the opposing team's 10-metre line.
Does team B still have the 3 options available in Law 13.9, or does Law 13.8 prevail?
It was our understanding and interpretation of the Law that the opposing team (team B, in this case) would always have the 3 options available, especially if, due to the effect of the wind or due to a terrible kick, or any other reason, the ball was blown/went directly into touch behind the half-way line. The throw-in would be at the place where the ball crossed the touch-line / where the ball went into touch. Could you please clarify this situation?
Ruling of the designated members of the Rugby Committee
Law 13.9 is not influenced by the ball not travelling 10 metres. If the ball goes directly into touch, the opposing team have the three options in Law. The fact that the ball did not go ten metres is immaterial.