Laws

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The Object of the Game is that two teams of fifteen, ten or seven players each, observing fair play according to the Laws and a sporting spirit, should by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball score as many points as possible, the team scoring the greater number of points to be the winner of the match.

The Laws of the Game, including the Standard Sets of Variations for Under 19 Rugby and for the Seven-a-Side Game are complete and contain all that is necessary to enable the game to be played correctly and fairly. Nevertheless, in a complex game where so many diverse situations can arise, the Board finds it necessary to instruct all concerned as to the meaning and effect of some of the Laws, and to add emphasis to duties which the Laws place on the referee. This is all the more necessary because lack of uniformity in referees' decisions is bad for the game.

These instructions and Notes, are, therefore, issued by the Council of the International Rugby Football Board so that all concerned in every country may follow a consistent and uniform practice.

It is the duty of Unions to ensure that the Game at every level is conducted in accordance with disciplined and sporting behaviour. This principle cannot be upheld solely by the referee; its observance also rests on Unions, affiliated bodies and clubs.

The following terms have the meaning assigned to them:

Beyond or Behind or In front of any position implies "with both feet", except when unsuited to the context.

Binding means grasping firmly another player’s body from the shoulder to the hips, with the whole arm from hand to shoulder.

Dead means that the ball is for the time being out of play. This occurs when the referee blows his whistle to indicate a stoppage of play or when an attempt to convert a try is unsuccessful.

Defending Team means the team in whose half of the ground the stoppage of play occurs and the opponents of the defending team are referred to as "the Attacking Team".

Gender: All references in these Laws to persons involved in the Game shall be construed as applying to both the masculine and feminine genders.

Kick. A kick is made by propelling the ball with the leg or foot (except the heel), from the knee to toe inclusive. If the player is holding the ball, he must propel it out of his hands, or if it is on the ground, he must propel it a visible distance.

Drop Kick. A drop kick is made by letting the ball fall from the hand (or hands) to the ground and kicking it at the first rebound as it rises.

Place Kick . A place kick is made by kicking the ball after it has been placed on the ground for that purpose.

Punt. A punt is made by letting the ball fall from the hand (or hands) and kicking it before it touches the ground.

Mark. The mark is the place at which a free kick or penalty kick is awarded.

Line Through the Mark (or Place). Except where specifically stated otherwise, the words "a line through the mark" or "a line through the place" always means a line parallel to the touch line.

Union means the controlling body under whose jurisdiction the match is played and in the case of an International Match it means the International Rugby Football Board or a Committee thereof.

Other definitions are included in and have effect as part of the Laws.