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71 results returned for field of play
Definitions
s where specified laws, protocols and regulations should be used. F Field of play The area between the try lines and the touch lines. Those lines are not part of the field of play. Flyin ... e-kicked or drop-kicked over the opponents’ cross-bar from the field of play. Goal line See Tr ... l and shouting “mark”. Mark of touch An imaginary line in the field of play at right angle
Playing Charter
e and teamwork. What this charter does is to give the game a checklist against which the mode of pla ... h on and off the field. The charter covers the basic principles of rugby as they relate to playin ... h honesty and fair play Conduct The legend of William Webb Ellis, who is credited with first pickin ... e of fair play so essential to the game’s ongoing success and survival. Old-fashioned tradition
Implementation of the 20minute red card replacement in elite rugby - August 2025
l play incidents may be referred for off-field review during the 10-minute yellow card perio ... d, the Team of 3 on the pitch, led by the Referee, will decide all foul play outcomes on the fiel ... s, not all elite fixtures will have a Television Match Official (TMO) or a Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO) appointed to enable an off-field review process to be used. The 20-minute red card replacemen
Uncontested Scrums - March 2020
n on the field of play for the team which caused the introduction of uncontested scrums. See also:&nbs ... w the hooker to come on to the field to play. The team plays with 13 players for the remainde ... d. The TH and the two nominated players must return to the field to play. The game continue ... d before the TH prop (HIA) is cleared to play. The following applies: The team cannot field a suitabl
Uncontested Scrums - December 2017
r to come on to the field to play. The team plays with 13 players for the remainder of the temporar ... d. The TH and the two nominated players must return to the field to play. The game continues with conteste ... e the TH prop (HIA) is cleared to play. The following applies: The team cannot field a suitabl ... e a player. If the TH prop is cleared to play within the allowed time the player must return to the fiel
2026-06 Community Tackle Height law wordings approved
r is in open field play. Note: The phrase "open field play" reflects the trials where low speed, pick and g ... p; Tackle - Law 14 Principle A tackle can take place anywhere in the field of play the playing are ... l to be available for play immediately. Subsequent tackle laws only apply in the field of pla ... e an opponent above the relevant sanction line while either player is in open field play Matc
3 Team
r leaves the field of play and may be temporarily replaced. The injured player returns to play as soo ... n to the field of play within 15 minutes (actual time) of leaving the playing area, the replacement become ... o requires an HIA: a. Leaves the field of play; and b. Is temporarily replaced (even if al ... n temporarily replaced. If the player is not available to return to the field of play after 12 minute
13 Players on the ground in open play
r on the ground in the field of play, without the ball is out of the game and must: a. Allow opponents who are not on the ground to play or gain possession of the ball. Sanction: Penalty. b. Not play the bal ... p with the ball; or Sanction: Penalty. b. Play (but not kick) the ball; or Sanction: Penalty. c. Releas
2025-04 Minor law amends to protect medical staff and add minimum perimeter areas
e introducing minimum perimeter areas around the field of play. This gives clarity to stakeholder ... e not appropriately covered the Match Day Doctor (MDD), Time-keeper or Foul play Review Officer (FPRO). By making some minor amends, on-field sanctions and/or misconduct charges can now be applie ... l, a time-keeper, foul play review officer, and/or independent match day doctor, and, in sevens, tw
Tag Rugby
e to use other surfaces provided they are suitable for purpose. 1.2 Dimensions of the field of play Matc ... r the field of play when the substituted player has left the field of play. 3.4 Sent off for foul pla ... d has taken place, or the ball has been carried out of the field of play. If time expire ... r team gains an advantage in the field of play the referee awards a ruck ball to the team that las
Shape of the Game: Reinforcement of current law - March 2024
r carriers could enter the field of play to two moments in each half. After initial feedback, this was amended in January 2023, with water carriers being able to enter the field of play following tries. Law 6.29 : The following may enter the playing area provided they do not interfere with pla ... g up play away from a tackle/ruck, there are a number of existing laws which we remind al
21 In-goal
d), the ball is in touch in the field of play and a lineout is awarded to the opposition. 21. ... h in-goal 21.11 If a team kicks the ball through their opponents’ in-goal from the field of pla ... l in the field of play, that player has taken the ball into in-goal. 21.14 If a player who is on or beyon ... e (or anywhere beyond either) the ball is dead. Depending on how the ball entered in-goal, pla
Law Application Guideline - January 2023
O process is for identifying and ensuring Clear and Obvious offences are dealt with on-fiel ... s to two, and reducing the times they enter the field, has successfully reduced unnecessary stoppage ... e will be amending the Global Law Trial to allow water carriers onto the field when a try is score ... e the field when the medic does so. Negative player action Referees will be asked to be stron
Law changes summary - July 2022
s – Goal Line Drop-out, 50:22, jackler protection, banning pre-bound pods in open play (flying wedg ... r to reduce the frequency of water carriers coming onto the field, and to sanction poor behaviou ... w that have arisen from previous clarifications. The wordings will change on the digital laws conten
Dangerous tackles (high tackles) - February 2011
d is dangerous play. A stiff-arm tackle is dangerous play. A player makes a stiff-arm tackle when using a stif ... t with severely by Referees and all those involved in the off-field disciplinary process. It is recognised of course, as with other types of illegal and/or foul play, depending on the circumstance
1 The ground
y for international matches. c. Where the length of the field of play is less than 100 metres, the distanc ... s of the playing area are shown in the ground diagram. The ground Dimensions Field of play length In-goal length Width Maximum (metres) 100 22 70 Minimu
Dangerous tackles - October 2026
s contact with the ground as they make a tackle. This will not be deemed to be foul play, providing it is not done dangerously. Law 13.3c: A player on the ground in the field of play, without the bal ... n play, and so in law cannot make, or attempt to make a tackle. This is covered in Law 13 (Players on the ground in open play), and by foul play law if match officials deem the tackle to be reckles
2026-07 Law updates
t. For example - a charge down from the field of play which goes dead, and a ball carrie ... At World Rugby's Council meeting on 17 June 2026 , four of the older Global Law Trials were approved to be moved into full law. The newer law trials remain in play for another season at when they will be reviewed. Therefore the brake foot (for all), and elite rugby water carrie
2026-11 Law change - Hip drop tackles
r is in open field play; or a hip drop tackle . *viewer discretion advised Further wor
Beach Fives Rugby
2 Dimensions The field of play of play should be 31 metres in length and 25 metres in width. Each in-goa ... s which are outside the field of play (where in-goal areas apply The goal lines which are within the in-goal areas but outside the field of play The touch lines which are outside the field of play 1. ... e. If a player is seriously injured and needs to be removed from the field of play, the referee ha
Beach Tag Rugby
t be safe to play on at all times. (b) The surface must be sand. 1.2 Dimensions The field of pla ... e the field of play The touch lines which are outside the field of play 1.4 Objections to the groun ... s to be removed from the field of play, the referee has the discretion to allow the necessary time to have the injured player removed from the field of play. 5.5 Making up time lost: Any playing time los
6 Match officials
s an advantage, play continues. If either team gains an advantage in the field of play, a scrum is awarde ... s on to the field of play as part of their throwing action. ii. When the team not entitled to throw in has don ... s cannot field, or touch a ball while it is in live play. Sanction: Penalty where play would restar ... d. These additional persons must remain in their technical area at all times before entering the field of pla
Beach Touch Rugby
e the field of play The touch lines which are outside the field of play 1.4 Objections to the groun ... r is seriously injured and needs to be removed from the field of play, the referee has the discretion to allow the necessary time to have the injured player removed from the field of play. 5.5 Making up tim ... t in in-goal, the mark for the pass is in the field of play, five metres from the goal line. 21.
12 Kick-off and restart kicks
s. b.A team kicks the ball through their opponents’ in-goal from the field of play and it goe ... s forward in the opponents’ in-goal. d. The ball is charged down from the field of pla ... t kicks are used to resume play. 12.1 All kick-offs and restart kicks are drop kicks. Sanction: The no ... d, their opponents restart play on or behind the centre of the half-way line. Sanction: The no
XRugby
r of players during a match at any time. Players entering the field of play must do so at the half-way line after the replaced player has left the field of play. Tackle The tackler must grasp the bal ... y player issued with a yellow card leaves the field of play until the next try is score ... s increasingly busy lifestyles Increasing the opportunities to play sevens, building on the increase
Touch Rugby
e to use other surfaces provided they are suitable for purpose. 1.2 Dimensions of the field of play Matc ... s an advantage, play continues. If either team gains an advantage in the field of play, the refere ... l, the mark for the penalty kick is in the field of play, five metres from the goal line. Match organisers may decide to vary this distance according to the size of the field of play. 21.3 The opposing tea
10 Offside and onside in open play
Principle The game is played only by players who are onside. Offside and onside in open play 10.1 A player is offside in open play if that player is in front of a team-mate who is carryin ... s the offside line. An offside player must not interfere with play. This includes: a. Playing the bal ... y be penalised, if that player: a. Does not make an effort to retreat and interferes with pla
15 Ruck
h is on the ground. Forming a ruck 15.1 A ruck can take place only in the field of play. 15.2 A ruc ... y. 15.14 Players may play the ball with their feet, provided they do so in a safe manner. 15.15 Players on the ground must attempt to move away from the ball and must not play the ball in the ruc ... o is, or was part of the ruck may not play an opponent who is near it (within 1m), and who is attempting to pla
18 Touch, quick throw and lineout
Principle The field of play has side boundaries known as touchlines. When play reache ... t are both outside the field of play. Sanction: Option of lineout or scrum. 18.5 A quick thro ... g in the field of play or hitting an opponent or the referee). Where the ball reache ... d the touchline. The thrower must not step into the field of play until the ball has been thrown. Sanctio
8 Scoring
r. 8.6 If the ball has crossed the crossbar and the wind blows it back into the field of play, the scor ... a). 8.8 The kicker: a. Takes the kick in the field of play on a line through the place wher ... g the ball Penalty try 8.3 A penalty try is awarded between the goal posts if foul pla ... r scores a dropped goal by kicking a goal from a drop-kick in open play. 8.29 The team awarde
20 Penalty and free-kick
Principle Penalties and free-kicks are awarded to restart play after infringements. Location of a penalty or free-kick 20.1 The mark for a penalty or free-kick must be in the field of pla ... e. In the field of play, five metres from the try line, in line with the place of infringement. 20. ... t Location of penalty or free-kick While the ball is in play excluding a late charge afte
14 Tackle
d in the tackle must ensure a fair contest and allow the ball to be available for play immediately. Subsequent tackle laws only apply in the field of play. Requirements for a tackle 14. ... n: Penalty. d. Be on their feet before attempting to play the ball. Sanction: Penalty. e. Allow the tackled player to release or play the ball. Sanction: Penalty. f. Allow the tackled playe
16 Maul
f the ground. Forming a maul 16.1 A maul can take place only in the field of play. 16. ... e the ball in a reasonable time. Sanction: Scrum. Ending a maul 16.16 A maul ends and pla ... s unplayable. Sanction: Scrum. b. The maul collapses (not as a result of foul play). Sanction: Scru ... L 16.18 A player who is, or was part of the maul may not play an opponent who is near it (withi
9 Foul play
e (see law 14.1 ) while either player is in open field play. Sanction: Penalty. 9.14 A player mus ... Principle A player who commits foul play must either be cautioned or shown a yellow car ... e player must not intentionally obstruct an opponent or interfere with play. Sanction: Penalty. 9. ... g the opportunity to play the ball, other than by competing for possession. Sanction: Penalty. 9.
Maul - June 2026
n of the ball, or pushing/driving to gain or defend field position. This guideline reinforce ... e lines – Maul A maul in open play Law 16.4 : Each team has an offside line that runs paralle ... l ahead of the ball, or remains ahead of the hindmost foot at the maul, is offside. Mauls in open play For mauls formed in open play, the philosophy that a maul is a contest for possession shoul
19 Scrum
s in A knock forward in the field of play or throw forward, apart from at a lineout. In the scru ... Principle The purpose of a scrum is to restart play with a contest for possession after a mino ... s in from the mark of touch. The non-offending team. Offside in open play (scrum optio ... r an opponent's kick in open play. In the scrum zone at the point nearest to place of maul. The tea
Clarification 4-2005
n return to the field of play before the temporary suspension period for player No. 3 ends, providing the team has only 14 players on the field. Ruling 2 Player No. 6 can return to the field of pla ... m player No. 6 leaves the field to allow a replacement front row player (No.17) to take the field. During the time of the temporary suspension, player No.7 leaves the field (blood, or injury). Can playe
Clarification 6-2005
s of the Rugby Committee Player No. 6 can return to the field of play at the end of the temporary suspension of player No. 3. Player No. 17 cannot return to the field of play until his/her temporar ... B indicates that player 6 may return to the field at the end of the temporary suspension of player 3, but does not clearly indicate when player 3 can return to the field. Can it be clarified whe
Clarification 1-2004
w player is sent from the field of play. At the next scrum a suitably trained front row replacement take ... s not return to the field of play with 15 minutes (actual time) of leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent and the replaced player must not return to the field of play. If howeve ... n to the field of play at the time the next scrum is awarded after the sending off.
Clarification 1-2002
n to the field-of-play within 15 minutes of leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent and the replaced player must not return to the field of play. Ruling of the designated members of the Rugb ... n a player leaves the field to have bleeding controlled and/or have an open wound covered, that player ma