12 Kick-off and restart kicks
Principle
Kick-offs are used to start each half of the match or period of extra-time. Restart kicks are used to resume play.
12.1 All kick-offs and restart kicks are drop kicks. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum.
Kick-off
Kick-offs and restart kicks following a score
12.2 Kick-offs are taken on or behind the centre of the half-way line. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum.
12.3 The opponents of the team who kicked off the match start the second half.
12.4 After a team has scored, their opponents restart play on or behind the centre of the half-way line. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum.
12.5 When the ball is kicked:
a. Team-mates of the kicker must be behind the ball. Sanction: Scrum.
b. Opposition players must be on or behind the 10-metre line. Sanction: The kick is retaken.
12.6 The ball must reach the 10-metre line. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum.
12.7 If the ball reaches the 10-metre line but is then blown back or if an opponent plays the ball before it reaches the 10-metre line, play continues.
12.8 If the ball goes directly into touch, the non-kicking team chooses one of the following:
a. The kick being retaken.
b. Scrum.
c. Lineout.
d. Quick-throw.
12.9 If the ball is kicked into the opponents’ in-goal without touching any player and an opponent grounds the ball without delay or it goes dead through in-goal, the non-kicking team has the option of having the kick retaken or a scrum.
12.10 If the ball is kicked into the kicking team’s own in-goal and is made dead by a defending player or it goes dead through in-goal, the non-kicking team is awarded a five-metre scrum.
Other restart kicks (drop-outs)
12.11 Play is restarted with a 22-metre drop-out when an unsuccessful penalty goal or dropped goal attempt is grounded or made dead in in-goal by the defending team, or the ball goes dead through in-goal from one these attempts.
12.12 Play is restarted with a goal line drop-out when:
a. The ball is played or taken into in-goal by an attacking player and is then held up, grounded or otherwise made legally dead by an opponent.
b. An attacking kick, other than a kick-off, restart kick following a score, drop goal, drop-out or penalty attempt, is grounded or made dead in in-goal by the defending team.
c. An attacking player knocks on in the opponents’ in-goal.
| Type of restart kick | Location of kick | Sanction line |
|---|---|---|
| 22-metre drop out | On or behind the defending team’s 22-metre line. | The 22-metre line. |
| Goal line drop-out | On or behind the defending team’s goal line. | The five-metre line. |
12.13 A drop-out:
a. Is taken at the location specified in the table. Sanction: Scrum.
b. Must be taken without delay. Sanction: Free-kick.
c. Must cross the sanction line as specified in the table. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum.
d. Must not go directly into touch. Sanction: The opposing team chooses one of the following:
- The drop-out being retaken; or
- A scrum; or
- A lineout; or
- A quick-throw.
12.14 An opponent must not advance in front of the sanction line before the ball is kicked. Sanction: Free-kick.
12.15 An opponent, who is in front of the sanction line, may not delay or obstruct the drop-out. Sanction: Penalty.
12.16 If the ball crosses the sanction line but is then blown back, play continues.
12.17 If the ball does not cross the sanction line, advantage may apply.
12.18 If a drop-out reaches the opponents’ in-goal without touching any player and an opponent grounds the ball without delay or it goes into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead-ball line, the non-kicking team has the option of having the kick retaken or a scrum.
12.19 The team-mates of the kicker must be behind the ball when it is kicked. Those who are in front of the ball when it is kicked may be sanctioned unless they retire and do not interfere with play until they are put onside by the actions of a team-mate. Sanction: Scrum.
Goal line drop-out