Referees Laws

To clarify a rugby law please choose from the links below or contact our Referee Education Officer Todd Pullar (todd.pullar@orfu.co.nz)

Summary of Law Amendments/Changes for 2011

Law Change

Law 21.2 Change

When a penalty or free kick is awarded in in goal the mark for the kick is in the field of play, 5 metres from the goal line for both sides, in line with the place of infringement

Therefore in the past defenders PK/FK in in goal were taken at the place of infringement whereas now they are on the 5 metre mark in line with the place of infringement

Law 18.2 Mark Kick Awarded

T he kick is awarded at the place of the mark. If the mark is made in the in goal the kick is awarded five metres from the goal line in line with where the mark is made

Therefore last year Marks taken in in goal were at the place of the mark (in goal). Whereas this year these will be taken on the 5 metre line.

Law Amendments Wording

Amend law 5.2

At halftime there is an interval of not more than 15 mins. The length of the halftime break is decided by the match organizer, union, or a recognized body

Amend law 10 4 (f)

Except in a scrum, ruck or maul a player who is not in possession of the ball must not hold, push or obstruct an opponent not carrying the ball

Law 10 4 (j) Spear Tackles

Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground whilst that players feet are still off the ground such that the players head and/or upper body come into contact with the ground is dangerous play.

Law 21.8 (g) Free kick taken in the in-goal.

If a free kick has been awarded and the player retires to in-goal to take it, and the opponents charge and prevent the kick from being taken, a 5-metre scrum is ordered. The attacking team throw in the ball. If a free kick is taken in the in-goal, an opponent who legitimately plays it there can score a try.

Therefore if a player commences to start to take the free kick but is stopped before tapping it, play is stopped immediately and a scrum ordered – no advantage can be played

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Referee Training Guide

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