Clarification 2-2005

Ruling in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Request

The FFR has requested a ruling with regard Law 6-Match Officials

Law 6 A.12 stipulates for “a ball in the in-goal touched by a non player”. In such situation, the referee considers what would have had occurred after this incident and will blow for a try or a touch in goal where the ball would have been grounded.

However, nothing is stipulated in the event of a person who is not a player touching the ball, intentionally or not, in the field of play or hinders the ball carrier or any other player who is in the position to intervene in the play. Would you please rule on the following scenarios?

1. A person from the technical staff (coach, physio, doctor, water carrier) unintentionally touches the ball or unintentionally hinders the ball carrier or a player in a position to play the ball.

2. A person from the technical staff (coach, physio, doctor, water carrier) intentionally touches the ball or intentionally hinders the ball carrier or a player in a position to play the ball.

3. An exterior element (spectator) unintentionally or intentionally touches the ball or unintentionally or intentionally hinders the ball carrier or a player in a position to play the ball.

4. An exterior element (animal) touches the ball or hinders the ball carrier or a player in a position to play the ball.

Ruling of the designated members of the Rugby Committee

1. The referee shall judge what would have happened next. If either team gain an advantage, play will be brought back for a scrum with the team in possession at the time of the event to have the throw-in.

2. The above scenario in 1. is applied whether it was intentional or unintentional.

3. The referee shall judge what would have happened next. If either team gain an advantage, play will be brought back for a scrum with the team in possession at the time of the event to have the throw-in.

4. The above scenario in 3. is applied.