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LAW 1. GROUND
The field-of-play is the area as shown on the plan, bounded by, but not including, the goal lines and touch lines.
The playing area is the field-of-play and In-goal.The playing enclosure is the playing area and a reasonable area
surrounding it.The Plan, including all words and figures thereon, is to take effect as part of these Laws.
The Terms appearing on the Plan are to bear their apparent meaning and to be deemed part of the definitions as if separately
included.
(1) All lines shown on the plan must be suitably marked out. The touch lines are in touch. The goal lines are in In-goal.
The dead-ball line is not in In-goal. The touch-in-goal-lines and corner posts are in touch-in-goal. The goal posts are to
be erected in the goal lines. The 22 metre lines are in the 22 metre areas.
(2) The game must be played on a ground of the area (maximum) shown on the plan and marked in accordance with the plan.
The surface must be grass-covered or, where this is not available, clay or sand provided the surface is not of dangerous hardness.
(3) Any objection by either team about the ground or the way in which it is marked out must be made to the referee before
the first kick off. If teams cannot agree as to the safety of the ground the referee will decide whether the game may begin.
If there is any doubt as to the safety of the ground the referee will not allow the game to begin until the ground has been
made safe.
LAW 2. BALL
(1) The ball when new shall be oval in shape, of four panels and of the following dimensions:
Length in line ..............................280 to 300 mm
Circumference (end on) ......................760 to 790 mm
Circumference (in width) ..................580 to 620 mm
Weight ..................................... 400 to 440 gms
Note:- (i) The ball, at commencement of play, should have a pressure at sea level of 91/2-10lbs per square inch or 0.67-0.70
kilograms per square centimetre.
(2) The dimensions of the ball may be reduced only for younger schoolboys.
(3) Balls may be specially treated to make them resistant to mud and easier to grip. The casings need not be of leather.
Note:- (ii) It is permissible to have spare balls available during a match, but a team may not gain or attempt to gain
an unfair advantage through their use or by changing them.
LAW 3. THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND THE REPLACEMENT OF PLAYERS
Number of Players in a Team
(1) A Team shall comprise:
(a) no more than fifteen players on the playing area
(b) a number of players for replacement / substitution as authorised by the Laws of the Game.
(2) When a Union authorises matches to be played with fewer than fifteen players per team, the Laws of the Game shall
apply except that there will be no fewer than three players per team in the scrummage at all times.
Note:- (i) Seven-a-Side games are covered by the standard set of variations adopted for this type of game.
(3) Any objection by either team as regards the number of players in a team may be made to the referee at any time but
objections shall not affect any score previously obtained.
Nomination of players for replacement / substitution.
(4) For International matches a Union may nominate up to seven replacements/substitutes.
For other matches the number of replacements / substitutes is the responsibility of the Union having jurisdiction over
the match provided they otherwise comply with the Laws of the Game.
Nominated players and replacements / substitutes of a team.
(5) A team must include suitably trained / experienced players as follows:
(a) if a team nominates 16, 17 or 18 players it must have at least four players who can play in front row positions;
(b) if a team nominates 19, 20, 21 or 22 players, it must have at least five players who can play in front row positions.
UNDER 19 VARIATION: Add a new Section 13
5 (c) if a team nominates 22 players, it must have at least six players who can play in the front row and there must
be replacement cover for the loose head prop, hooker and tight head prop;
(d) if a team nominates more than 22 players it must have six players who can play in the front row in order that
there is replacement cover for the loose head prop, hooker and tight head prop and there must be three players who can play
in lock positions.
Injured Player and his Replacement
(6) An injured player should stop playing and be replaced as follows:
(a) On the account of a bleeding or open wound the player must leave the playing area until such time as the bleeding
is controlled and the wound is covered or dressed; the replacement of the player is temporary but, if he is unable to resume
playing, the replacement becomes permanent.
(b) On the account of any other type of injury; if the referee is advised by a doctor or other medically trained person
or for any other reason considers that a player is so injured that it would be harmful for him to continue playing, the referee
shall require the player to leave the playing area. For this purpose the referee may also require a player to leave the field
to be examined medically.
(7) An injured player who has been permanently replaced must NOT resume playing.
(8) The replacement of an injured player may be made on the
following advice:
(a) in matches in which a national representative team is playing, by a medical practitioner only.
(b) in other matches, by a medically trained person, or if a medically trained person is not present, by a request
from the team's captain to the referee.
(9) The replacement of an injured player shall be made only when the ball is dead and with the permission of the referee.
The referee should not permit a player to resume until the ball is dead.
Substituted Players
(10) Up to two substitutes of front row players and up to five substitutes of the other players may be made for any reason
only when the ball is dead and with the permission of the referee.
(11) Players who have been substituted may not re-enter the match even to replace an injured player except in the case
of a player having a bleeding or open wound. or for an injured front row player if no other suitably trained replacement is
available.
(12) In the event of a front row forward being ordered off, the referee, in the interests of safety, will confer with
the captain of his team to determine whether another player is suitably trained / experienced to take his position; if not
the captain shall nominate one other forward to leave the playing area and the referee will permit a substitute front row
forward to replace him. This may take place immediately or after another player has been tried in the
position.
When there is no other front row forward available due to a sequence of players ordered off or injured of both, then the
game will continue with non-contestable scrummages which are the same as normal scrummages except that:
* there is no contest for the ball
* the team putting in the ball must win it
* neither team is permitted to push
* the formation of both teams must be 3-4-1
* if one team is one player short, then its scrummage must be in a 3-4 formation
* if one team is two players short, then its scrummage must be in a 3-2-1 formation
* if one team is three players short, then its scrummage must be in a 3-2 formation.
(13) Players who have been substituted may replace an injured player.
LAW 4. PLAYERS' DRESS
(1) A player's dress consists of jersey, shorts and undergarments,socks and boots.
(2) In addition, and subject to (3) below, a player may also wear:
(a) supports made of elasticated or compressible materials which must be washable;
(b) shin guards provided that no part of the guard exceeds 0.5 cms, and it is covered by non-rigid fabric and worn
under a sock;
(c) ankle supports which may be of rigid material other than metal. Such support may only be used if:it is worn under
a sock does not extend higher than one third of the length of the shin
(d) mitts (fingerless gloves);
(e) shoulder pads made of soft and thin materials and which may be incorporated in an undergarment or the jersey
provided that: the pads shall cover the shoulder and collar bone only
no part of the pads shall be thicker than 1 cm when uncompressed
no part of the pads shall have a density of more than 45 kg per cubic metre
The measurement of thickness and density shall include any other material within which the pads are incorporated and/or
secured to the shoulder.
(f) In the case of women only, chest pads made of soft and thin materials and which may be incorporated as part of a garment
and provided that:
the pads shall cover the shoulder and/or collar bone and/or
chest only; no part of the pads shall be thicker than 1 cm when uncompressed; and no part of the pads shall have a density
of more than 45 kg per cubic metre. The measurement of thickness and density shall include any other material within which
the pads are incorporated and/or secured to
the shoulder.
(g) mouth guard;
(h) headgear made of soft and thin materials and provided that: no part of the headgear shall be thicker than 1 cm
when uncompressed; and no part of the headgear shall have a density of more than 45 kg per cubic metre.
The measurements of thickness and density shall include any other material forming part of the headgear and/or means of
securing.
(i) bandages and/or dressings to cover or protect any injury;
(j) thin tape or other similar material as support and/or to prevent any injury.
(3) The following are strictly prohibited:
(a) any item which is contaminated by blood;
(b) any item which is sharp or abrasive;
(c) any item containing buckles, clips, rings, hinges, zippers, screw, bolts or rigid material or projection not otherwise
permitted
under this Law;
(d) jewellery such as rings and earrings;
(e) gloves;
(f) shorts with padding sewn into them;
(g) any item, save where permitted by Law 4 (2) (e), (f) or (h) of which any part is thicker than 0.5 cm when uncompressed
or which has a density of more than 45 kg per cubic metre;
(h) any item which, in the referee's opinion, and whether due to it not being an item permitted by Law 4 or, where
permitted, because of its condition, is such as to be liable to cause injury to any player.
(4) Any boot worn by a player must conform to the following:
(a) studs most conform to British Standard BS6366 1983 or an equivalent standard;
(b) studs must be:
securely fastened to the sole of the boot
no longer than 18 mm, measured from the sole
a minimum diameter at the base of the stud of 13 mm
a minimum diameter at the top of the stud of 10 mm
where secured by an integral washer, that to have a minimum diameter of 20 mm not worn as a single stud at the
toe of the boot
(a) moulded rubber multi-studded soles must have no sharp edges or
ridges;
(5) As from 1st January 1999 an item not bearing the authorised mark of the IRB shall be presumed to be not in conformity
with the requirements of this Law.
(6) In order to ensure conformity with this Law, a referee or a touch judge appointed in accordance with Law 6 (b) 6 must:
(a) not permit any player whose dress or additional items worn are not in conformity with this Law, to commence the
match; or
(b) ensure that if any player is found during any match to be wearing an item which does not conform to this Law
then the player shall be ordered off the field-of-play under Law 26 (2) (a).
Notes: (i) Any player requiring or wishing to wear any dressing, protection, padding or support or such like material
other than that specified within this Law should not be permitted to play in a match.
(ii) The referee must not permit any player to leave the playing area in order to change an item of dress unless
these are bloodstained.
LAW 5. TOSS, TIME
No-side is the end of a match.
(1) Before a match begins the captains shall toss for the right to kick-off or the choice of ends.
(2) The duration of play in a match shall be such time not exceeding eighty minutes as shall be directed by the Union
or, in the absence of such direction, as agreed upon by the teams or, if not agreed, as fixed by the referee. In international
matches two periods of forty minutes each shall be played,except for Under 19 matches when two periods of up to thirty-five
minutes each shall be played and no extra time is permitted if this total then exceeds seventy minutes.
Note:- (i) The term "not exceeding eighty minutes" excludes any extra time which the Union may direct or authorise
to be played in the case of a drawn match in a knock-out competition.
(3) Play shall be divided into two halves. At half time the teams shall change ends and there shall be an interval of
not more than ten minutes. The duration of the interval shall be decided by the Union or the recognised body having jurisdiction
over the game. During the interval the teams, the referees and the touch judges may leave the playing enclosure.
(4) A period not exceeding one minute shall be allowed for treatment of an injury to a player or for any other permitted
delay. A longer period may be allowed only if the additional time is required for the removal of an injured player from the
playing area.
Playing time lost as a result of any such permitted delay or of any delay in taking a kick at goal or of any delay due
to the substitution of a player shall be made up in that half of the match in which the delay occurred, subject to the power
vested in the referee to declare no-side before time has expired.
Note:-(ii) The referee must make up time lost through any delay in taking a kick at goal. This applies whether or not
the referee considers the delay to be "undue delay" on the part of the kicker. Playing time lost should begin from
40 seconds after the player has indicated his intention to kick at goal. The referee must also make up time lost through any
delay related to Law 6B(6).
A. Referee
(1) There shall be a referee for every match. He shall be appointed by or under the authority of the Union or, in case
no such authorised referee has been appointed, a referee may be mutually agreed upon between the teams or, failing such agreement,
he shall be appointed by the home team.
(2) If the referee is unable to officiate for the whole period of a match a replacement shall be appointed either in such
manner as may be directed by the Union or, in the absence of such direction, by the referee or, if he is unable to do so,
by the home team.
(3) The referee shall keep the time and the score, and he must in every match apply fairly the Laws of the Game without
any variation or omission, except only when the Union has authorised the application of an experimental law approved by the
Council.
Notes:- (i) If the referee is in doubt as to the correct time he should consult either or both of the touch judges. Only
if the information given by them is insufficient may he consult another person.
(ii) Where the referee allows time for delays the time must be made up in the half of the match in which the delay
occurs.
(iii) The referee has power to declare no-side before time has expired if, in his opinion, the full time cannot
for any reason be played or continuance of play would be dangerous.
(iv) Where a player is injured, the referee should not allow more than one minute's delay unless a longer period
is necessary to remove the player, or to give essential treatment on the playing area.
(v) The referee should not allow time for injury if he has reason to believe that a player is feigning injury.
In such circumstances he should order the player to be removed immediately from the playing area and then order play to be
resumed forthwith.
(vi) The referee should, when the ball is dead, allow time for a player to replace or repair a badly torn jersey
or shorts or boots or to re-tie a boot-lace
(4) He must not give any advice prior to the match. During the match
he must not consult with anyone except only
(a) either or both touch judges on a point of fact relevant to their duties, or on matters relating to Law 26(3)",
or
(b) in regard to time.
(5) During a match, the referee is the sole judge of fact and of law. All his decisions are binding on the players. He
cannot alter a decision unless he observes that a touch judge’s flag is raised or before he has received a report
from either or both of his touch judges relating to Section 4 (a).
(6) The referee must carry a whistle and must blow it
(a) to indicate the beginning of the match, half-time, resumption of play after half-time, no-side, a score or a touch-down,
and
(b) to stop play because of infringement or otherwise as required by the Laws.
Notes:- (vii) The referee has power to stop the match at any time by blowing his whistle but he must not do so except
on the occasions indicated in Law 6A (6) which include the following:
(a) when he orders a scrummage;
(b) when the ball has gone into touch or touch-in-goal, or touched or crossed the dead-ball lines;
(c) when the ball has been grounded in In-goal;
(d) when the ball is unplayable;
(e) when he stops play for an offence under Law 26(3) prior to ordering off or cautioning the offender; and in
such a case he must whistle a second time when he awards the penalty try or kick;
(f) when he awards a penalty kick or free kick;
(g) when he allows a fair-catch;
(h) when the ball or a player carrying it has touched him and one team has therefrom gained an advantage;
(i) when a player is injured but only when the ball next becomes dead unless (j) below applies;
(j) when continuation of play would be dangerous, including the collapse of a scrummage.
(viii) The referee should whistle for half-time or no-side as soon as time has expired if the ball be dead or
if the ball be in play when the time has expired, as soon as the ball next becomes dead. If the ball becomes dead after time
has expired
(a) as the result of a try the referee shall allow the kick to be taken and then whistle for half-time or no-side,
or if it be
(b) as the result of a fair-catch, free kick or penalty kick the referee shall allow play to proceed until the
ball next becomes dead.
If time expires after a scrummage or a line-out has been awarded, play must be allowed to continue until the ball next
becomes dead.
(7) During a match no person other than the players, the referee and the touch judges may be within the playing enclosure
or the playing area unless with the permission of the referee which shall be given only for a special and temporary purpose.
Play may continue during minor injuries with a medically trained person being permitted to come on to the playing area
to attend the player or the player going to the touch-line. Continuation of play during minor injuries is subject to the referee's
permission and to his authority to stop play at any time.
At half time the referee shall allow the coach of each team on to the playing area to attend their teams.
Notes:- (ix) If the referee decides to stop play in the terms of Section (7) but without an infringement having occurred
or without the ball being dead, he should restart play with a scrummage and the ball shall be put in by the team last in possession
or otherwise by the attacking team.
(x) The referee should, when necessary, but not before he indicates his permission, allow baggage attendants,
doctors or first-aid personnel other than as provided in Section (7) to enter the playing enclosure and playing area.
(8) (a) All players must respect the authority of the referee and they must not dispute his decisions. They must (except
in the case of a kick-off) stop playing at once when the referee has blown his whistle.
(b) A player must when so requested, whether before or during the match, allow the referee to inspect his dress.
(c) A player must not leave the playing enclosure without the referee's permission. If a player retires during a
match because of injury or otherwise, he must not resume playing in that match until the referee has given him permission.
(d) A player who has an open or bleeding wound must leave the playing area until such time as the bleeding is controlled
and the wound is covered or dressed. Such a player may be replaced, on a temporary basis, but if unable to resume playing
the replacement becomes permanent.
Notes:- (xi) The referee must not permit a team or individual players to leave the playing area in order to change jerseys.
(xii) If a player who has retired on account of injury or other reason resumes playing without the permission
of the referee, the referee should impose penalties for misconduct if he considers that the offence was wilful for the purpose
of assisting his team or
obstructing the opponents. If the offence was not wilful
interference and if the offending team gains an advantage the eferee should order a scrummage at the place where the player
resumed playing without permission, and the opposing team shall put in the ball.
Penalty:- Infringement by a player is subject to penalty as
misconduct.
B. Touch Judges
(1) There shall be two touch judges for every match. Unless touch judges have been appointed by or under the authority
of the Union, it shall be the responsibility of each team to provide a touch judge.
(2) A touch judge is under the control of the referee who may instruct him as to his duties and may over-rule any of his
decisions. The referee may request that an unsatisfactory touch judge be replaced and he has power to order off and report
to the Union a touch judge who in his opinion is guilty of misconduct.
(3) Each touch judge shall carry a flag (or other suitable object) to signal his decisions. There shall be one touch judge
on each side of the ground and he shall remain in touch except when judging a kick at goal.
(4) He must hold up his flag when the ball or a player carrying it has gone into touch and must indicate the place of
throw-in and which team is entitled to do so. He must also signal to the referee when the ball or a player carrying it has
gone into touch-in-goal.
(5) The touch judge shall lower his flag when the ball has been thrown in except on the following occasions when he must
keep it raised:-
(a) when the player throwing in the ball puts any part of either foot in the field-of-play,
(b) when the ball has not been thrown in by the team entitled to do so,
(c) When, at a quick throw-in, the ball that went into touch and being made dead, the ball has been touched by anyone
other than the player throwing it in.
It is for the referee to decide whether or not the ball has been thrown in from the correct place.
(6) In matches in which a national representative team is playing and in such domestic matches for which a Union gives
express permission, and where referees recognised by the Union are appointed as touch judges, the touch judges shall report
incidents of foul play and misconduct under Law 26 (3) to the referee for the match.
A touch judge shall signal such an incident to the referee by raising his flag to a horizontal position pointing directly
across the field at a right angle to the touch line. The touch judge must remain in touch and continue to carry out his other
functions until the next stoppage in play when the referee shall consult him regarding the incident. The referee may then
take whatever action he
deems appropriate and any consequent penalties shall be in
accordance with Law 26(3).
Note:- (xiii) After a touch judge has signalled an incident under Law 26(3) he may enter the field-of-play at the next
stoppage to report to the referee.
(7) When a kick at goal from a try or penalty kick is being taken both touch judges must assist the referee by signalling
the result of the kick. One touch judge shall stand at or behind each of the goal posts and shall raise his flag if the ball
goes over the crossbar.
(8) Where a reserve touch judge is appointed, the referee's
authority regarding replacements and substitutions may be delegated to him.
LAW 7. MODE OF PLAY
A match is started by a kick-off, after which any player who is on-side, and provided he does so in accordance with these
Laws may at any time:
* catch or pick up the ball and run with it,
* pass, throw or knock the ball to another player,
* kick or otherwise propel the ball,
* tackle, push or shoulder an opponent holding the ball,
* fall on the ball,
* take part in a scrummage, ruck, maul or line-out,
* ground the ball in In-goal.
Note:- (i) If a player hands the ball to another player of his team without any propulsion or throwing of the ball, this
does constitute a pass.
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