Rugby Basics

Open Field Play

Passing

Players must pass the ball backwards or laterally

Sanction: Dropping, throwing, or tipping the ball forward is a 'Knock-on' resulting in a 'Scrum' for opposing team

Tackling

Players must make contact below the base of opponent's sternum and wrap up

Sanction: Making contact above at or above the shoulders, failing to wrap up, or lifting a ball carrier so that their hips rise above their head results in a penalty, yellow card, or red card

Kicking

Teams may kick the ball at any point during open play

If a team is behind their own 22m line and kicks the ball directly into touch (out of bounds), the other team will get a lineout where the ball goes into touch

If a team is in front of their own 22m line and kicks the ball directly into touch, the opposing team will get a lineout from where the ball is kicked

Rucks

After every tackle, players compete for possession of the ball in a ruck. Whichever team is standing over the ball and has secured the ruck, wins possession of the ball

Sanction: There are many reasons to be sanctioned in a ruck including not releasing the ball carrier, not releasing the ball, being offsides, diving into the ruck or losing your feet, failing to play the ball quickly, etc. Most of the time, breaking a rule in a ruck results in a penalty

Set Pieces

Lineouts

Occur anytime the ball goes into touch (out of bounds) or after certain penalties to restart the game. Both teams line up 5 meters from the sideline and the team with the ball must throw the ball in a straight line between the two teams to allow them to compete in the air for the ball

Sanction: If the ball is not thrown straight, possession is given to the other team

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