(Summary is to highlight modifications, if any, of “The Laws of the Game” 7 a side and U-19 variations.)

 

SCORING POINTS - A team scores points by scoring TRYs AND CONVERSIONS(not applicable during TRY). The best result is from scoring a TRY. If you can ground the ball over your opponents' goal line you get FIVE (5) POINTS for your team. For U14 and older, the try scoring team also gets a chance to add another TWO (2) POINTS by CONVERTING a place kick (a placed kick from the ground) through the field posts and above the crossbar. Where goal posts are present and age rules permit, drop goals and successful penalty kicks at goal are worth three (3) points.

NOTE: MATCHES WILL HAVE NOT HAVE POSTS IN WHICH CASE THERE WILL BE NO CONVERSION KICKS, PENALTY KICKS NOR DROP GOALS.

 

KICKOFFS AFTER TRY SCORED – Team that scored will kick to non-scoring team. This insures both sides have access to playing offense as opposed to one team dominating play.

 

STOPPING THE TEAM FROM SCORING - All opposing players on the field can stop his target getting over their goal-line by tackling or pulling flag and stopping movement of the ball. When a player is tackled and held he must do something immediately … either play the ball or release it.

 

MAULS & RUCKS – Mauls and rucks (U13 and older) are contested with referees whistling quickly when play breaks down. NO BRIDGING in rucks. Players stay on their feet, with their hips lower than their heads, in a position to fully support their weight. Breakdowns stopped for safety will result in a scrum to the team in last clear possession.

 

PASSING THE BALL - There is no limit as to how many times the ball is passed from one player to another but at no time can the ball be passed forward or fumbled forward with the ball touching the ground.

 

KICK - The attacking team may kick in general play (U13 and older only) and attempt to regain the ball, only if the players contesting the ball are behind the kicker when it is first kicked.

 

LOSING POSSESSION - When a player fails to catch a ball cleanly and knocks it forward the end result is a scrum with the opposing team controlling the feed of the scrum into the middle. A team also loses possession when the ball is kicked, carried over or crosses the touchline (sideline), causing play to be restarted with a lineout.

 

SCRUM - Is when the three (3) forwards from each side form opposing rows, face each other and then pack down and lock heads. Props each bind firmly with one arm around their hooker and the hooker with arms binding firmly around each prop. In all binds the hands will be at or below the level of the armpit. The referee will talk the players through the sequence of  “CROUCH, BIND, SET.” The referee will then instruct the Scum Half to release (or feed) the ball into the middle of the scrum where the two packs of forwards push (age rules permitting) against each other to control the direction and the outcome of the ball. The 5 meter offside line applies for U13 through u16s … 3 meter offside line for U10’s and U12’s. Wheeling of a scrum is not permitted. Where a push is permitted, it can be no more than one (1) meter.

 

LINE-OUTS – Line outs are used to restart play when the ball has gone in to touch (crosses the touchline and is out of play). The two props from one team stand in a line facing the touchline.

Their opposition matches up with them. When ready, the hooker stands at sideline, and throws in the ball to one of the props. They catch (hopefully) the ball while the scrumhalf waits for a quick pass from the props. The scrumhalf then restarts general play with a run or pass. Remember, when the ball is contested, defenders may go after the ball, though they cannot barge or push an opponent. Opposing props stand one meter from the team throwing in the ball. NO LIFTING!

Offside line of 10 meters for u13’s through u18s … 5 meter offside line for u10s and 12s. Referee should keep one hand raised until line-out has ended.

 

OFFSIDE - If a player is in front of a team-mate who kicks forward, he is offside and must retreat to at least 10 meters from where the kick will land. In general play, a player must approach the ball from his team’s side. Players offside at the kick only become onside when overtaken by the kicker or another player who was onside at the time of the kick.

 

FOUL PLAY - High tackles (contact with the neck or head) are not allowed, and incur a penalty. When tackling an opposing player, the tackler must not lift and drop nor spear (lead with the head) the opponent. Impeding or blocking a man when he hasn't got the ball is a penalty. Cursing will not be permitted and players who curse will be penalized, sidelined or both.