LAW 1 - THE GROUND
1.4 DIMENSIONS FOR GOAL POSTS AND CROSSBAR

• (a) The distance between the two goal posts is 5.6 metres.
• (b) The crossbar is placed between the two goal posts so that its top edge is 3.0 metres from the ground.
• (c) The minimum height of the goal posts is 3.4 metres.
• (d) When padding is attached to the goal posts the distance from the goal line to the external edge of the padding must not exceed 300mm.

4.3 STUDS

• (a) Studs of players’ boots must conform with the IRB Specifications (Regulation 12).
• (b) Moulded rubber multi-studded soles are acceptable provided they have no sharp edges or ridges.

4.4 BANNED ITEMS OF CLOTHING

• (i) A player must not wear a single stud at the toe of the boot

LAW 7 - MODE OF PLAY
PLAYING A MATCH

• A match is started by a kick-off.
• After the kick-off, any player who is onside may take the ball and run with it.
• Any player may throw it or kick it.
• Any player may give the ball to another player.
• Any player may tackle, hold or push an opponent holding the ball.
• Any player may fall on the ball.
• Any player may take part in a scrum, ruck, maul or lineout.
• Any player may ground the ball in in-goal.
• A ball carrier may hand-off an opponent.
• Whatever a player does must be in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

LAW 9 - METHOD OF SCORING

9.A.1 POINTS VALUES

• Conversion Goal. (2 points) When a player scores a try it gives the player’s team the right to attempt to score a goal by taking a kick at goal; this also applies to a penalty try. This kick is a conversion kick: a conversion kick can be a place kick or a drop kick.
• Penalty Goal.  (3 points) A player scores a penalty goal by kicking a goal from a penalty kick.
• Dropped Goal. (3 points) A player scores a dropped goal by kicking a goal from a drop kick in general play. The team awarded a free kick cannot score a dropped goal until the ball next becomes dead, or until an opponent has played or touched it, or has tackled the ball carrier. This restriction applies also to a scrum taken instead of a free kick.

9.A.2 KICK AT GOAL - SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

• (a) If after the ball is kicked, it touches the ground or any team-mate of the kicker, a goal cannot be scored.
• (b) If the ball has crossed the crossbar a goal is scored, even if the wind blows it back into the field of play.
• (c) If an opponent commits an offence as the kick at goal is being taken, but neverthless the kick is successful, advantage is played and the score stands.
• (d) Any player who touches the ball in an attempt to prevent a penalty goal being scored is illegally touching the ball. Sanction: Penalty kick

9.B.1 TAKING A CONVERSION KICK

• (a) The kicker must use the ball that was in play unless it is defective.
• (b) The kick is taken on a line through the place where the try was scored.
• (c) A placer is a team-mate who holds the ball for the kicker to kick.
• (d) The kicker may place the ball directly on the ground or on sand, sawdust or a kicking tee approved by the Union.
• (e) The kicker must take the kick within one minute from the time the kicker has indicated an intention to kick. The intention to kick is signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or the player makes a mark on the ground. The player must complete the kick within the minute even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: The kick is disallowed if the kicker does not take the kick within the time allowed.

9.B.2 THE KICKER’S TEAM

• (a) All the kicker’s team, except the placer, must be behind the ball when it is kicked.
• (b) Neither the kicker nor a placer must do anything to mislead their opponents into charging too soon.
• (c) If the ball falls over before the kicker begins the approach to kick, the referee permits the kicker to replace it without excessive delay. While the ball is replaced, the opponents must stay behind their goal line. If the ball falls over after the kicker begins the approach to kick, the kicker may then kick or attempt a dropped goal. If the ball falls over and rolls away from the line through the place where the try was scored, and the kicker then kicks the ball over the crossbar, a goal is scored. If the ball falls over and rolls into touch after the kicker begins the approach to kick, the kick is disallowed. Sanction: (a)-(c) If the kicker’s team infringes, the kick is disallowed.

9.B.3 THE OPPOSING TEAM

• (a) All players of the opposing team must retire to their goal line and must not overstep that line until the kicker begins the approach to kick or starts to kick. When the kicker does this, they may charge or jump to prevent a goal but must not be physically supported by other players in these actions.
• (b) When the ball falls over after the kicker began the approach to kick, the opponents may continue to charge.
• (c) A defending team must not shout during a kick at goal. Sanction: (a)-(c) If the opposing team infringes but the kick is successful, the goal stands. If the kick is unsuccessful, the kicker may take another kick and the opposing team is not allowed to charge. When another kick is allowed, the kicker may repeat all the preparations. The kicker may change the type of kick.

LAW 10 - FOUL PLAY

• (o) Late-charging the kicker.
• A player must not intentionally charge or obstruct an opponent who has just kicked the ball. Sanction: The non-offending team may choose to take the penalty kick either at the place of infringement, where the ball lands or or where it was next played.
• Place of infringement. If the infringement takes place in the kicker’s in-goal, the penalty kick is taken 5 metres from the goal line in line with the place of infringement but at least 15 metres from the touchline. The non-offending team may also choose to take the penalty where the ball lands or is next played before landing and at least 15 metres from the touchline.
• Where the ball lands. If the ball lands in touch, the mark for the optional penalty kick is on the 15-metre line, in line with where it went into touch. If the ball lands, or is next played before landing, within 15 metres of the touchline, the mark is on the 15-metre line opposite where the ball landed or was played. If the ball lands in the in-goal, in touch-in-goal, or on or over the dead ball line, the mark for the optional penalty kick is 5 metres from the goal line, in line with the place where the ball crossed the goal line and at least 15 metres from the touchline. If the ball hits a goal post or crossbar, the optional penalty kick is awarded where the ball lands on the ground.
  

LAW 13 - KICK-0FF AND RESTART KICKS
DEFINITIONS

• The kick-off occurs at the start of each half of the match and at the beginning of each period of extra time.
• Restart kicks occur after a score or a touch down.

13.1 WHERE AND HOW THE KICK-OFF IS TAKEN

• (a) A team kicks off with a drop kick which must be taken at or behind the centre of the half way line.
• (b) If the ball is kicked off by the wrong type of kick, or from the incorrect place, the opposing team has two choices:
• To have the ball kicked off again, or
• To have a scrum at the centre of the half way line and they throw in the ball.

13.2 WHO TAKES THE KICK-OFF AND RESTART KICK

• (a) At the start of the game, the team whose captain elected to take the kick after winning the toss will kick off, or the opposing team if the winning captain elected to choose an end.
• (b) After the half-time interval, the opponents of the team who kicked off at the start of the game kick off.
• (c) After a score the opponents of the team who scored restart play.

13.3 POSITION OF THE KICKER’S TEAM AT A KICK-OFF

• All the kicker’s team must be behind the ball when it is kicked. If they are not, a scrum is formed at the centre. Their opponents throw in the ball.

13.4 POSITION OF THE OPPOSING TEAM AT A KICK-OFF

• All the opposing team must stand on or behind the 10-metre line. If they are in front of that line or if they charge before the ball is kicked, it is kicked off again.

13.5 KICK-OFF OF 10 METRES

• If the ball reaches the opponents’ 10-metre line or reaches the 10-metre line and is blown back, play continues.

13.6 KICK-OFF OF UNDER 10 METRES BUT PLAYED BY AN OPPONENT

• If the ball does not reach the opponent’s 10-metre line but is first played by an opponent, play continues.

13.7 KICK-OFF OF UNDER 10 METRES AND NOT PLAYED BY AN OPPONENT

• If the ball does not reach the opponent’s 10-metre line the opposing team has two choices:
• To have the ball kicked off again, or
• To have a scrum at the centre of the half-way line and they throw in the ball.

13.8 BALL GOES DIRECTLY INTO TOUCH

• The ball must land in the field of play. If it is kicked directly into touch the opposing team has three choices:
• To have the ball kicked off again, or
• To have a scrum at the centre and they have the throw-in, or
• To accept the kick. If they accept the kick, the lineout is on the half way line. If the ball is blown behind the half way line and goes directly into touch, the lineout is at the place where it went into touch.

13.9 BALL GOES INTO THE IN-GOAL

• (a) If the ball is kicked into the in-goal without having touched or been touched by a player, the opposing team has three choices:
• To ground the ball, or
• To make it dead, or
• To play on.
• (b) If the opposing team grounds the ball, or if they make it dead, or if the ball becomes dead by going into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, they have two choices:
• To have a scrum formed at the centre, and they throw in the ball, or
• To have the other team kick off again.
• (c) If they opt to ground the ball or make it dead, they must do so without delay. Any other action with the ball by a defending player means the player has elected to play on.

13.10 DROP-OUT
DEFINITIONS

• A drop-out is a drop kick taken by the defending team. The drop-out may be taken anywhere on or behind the 22-metre line.
• A drop-out is used to restart play after an attacking player has put or taken the ball into the in-goal, without infringement, and a defending player has made the ball dead there or it has gone into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line.

13.11 DELAY IN DROP-OUT

• The drop-out must be taken without delay.
• Sanction: Free Kick on the 22-metre line.

13.12 DROP-OUT INCORRECTLY TAKEN

• If the ball is kicked with the wrong type of kick, or from the wrong place, the opposing team has two choices:
• To have another drop-out, or
• To have a scrum at the centre of the 22-metre line and they throw in the ball.

13.13 DROP-OUT MUST CROSS THE LINE

• (a) If the ball does not cross the 22-metre line, the opposing team has two choices:
• To have another drop-out, or
• To have a scrum at the centre of the 22-metre line. They throw in the ball.
• (b) If the ball crosses the 22-metre line but is blown back, play continues.
• (c) If the ball does not cross the 22-metre line, advantage may apply. An opponent who plays the ball can score a try.

13.14 DROP-OUT GOES DIRECTLY INTO TOUCH

• The ball must land in the field of play. If it is kicked directly into touch, the opposing team has three choices:
• To have another drop-out, or
• To have a scrum at the centre of the 22-metre line, and they throw in the ball, or
• To accept the kick. If they accept the kick, the throw-in is on the 22-metre line.

13.15 DROP-OUT GOES INTO THE OPPONENTS’ IN-GOAL

• (a) If the ball is kicked into the opponents’ in-goal without having touched or been touched by a player, the opposing team has three choices:
• To ground the ball, or
• To make it dead, or
• To play on.
• (b) If the opposing team grounds the ball, or makes it dead, or if the ball becomes dead by going into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, they have two choices:
• To have a scrum formed at the centre of the 22-metre line from where the kick was taken and they throw in the ball, or
• To have the other team drop-out again.
• (c) If they opt to ground the ball or make it dead, they must do so without delay. Any other action with the ball by a defending player means the player has elected to play on.

13.16 THE KICKER’S TEAM

• (a) All the kicker’s team must be behind the ball when it is kicked. If not, a scrum is formed at the centre of the 22-metre line. The opposing team throws in the ball.
• (b) However, if the kick is taken so quickly that players of the kicker’s team who are retiring are still in front of the ball, they will not be penalised. They must not stop retiring until they have been made onside by an action of a team-mate. They must not take part in the game until they have been made onside in this way. Sanction: Scrum at the centre of the 22-metre line. The opposing team throws in the ball.

13.17 THE OPPOSING TEAM

• (a) The opposing team must not charge over the 22-metre line before the ball is kicked. Sanction: Free Kick at the place of infringement.
• (b) If an opponent is on the wrong side of the 22-metre line and delays or obstructs the dropout, the player is guilty of misconduct. Sanction: Penalty kick on the 22-metre line

LAW 18 - MARK

DEFINITIONS

• To make a mark, a player must be on or behind that player’s 22-metre line. A player with one foot on the 22-metre line or behind it is considered to be ‘in the 22’. The player must make a clean catch direct from an opponent’s kick and at the same time shout “Mark”. A mark cannot be made from a kick-off, or a restart kick except for a drop-out.
• A kick is awarded for a mark. The place for the kick is the place of the mark.
• A player may make a mark even though the ball touched a goal post or crossbar before being caught.
• A player from the defending team may make a mark in in-goal.

18.1 AFTER A MARK

• The referee immediately blows the whistle and awards a kick to the player who made the mark.

18.2 KICK AWARDED

• The kick is awarded at the place of the mark. If the mark is made in the in-goal, the kick is awarded 5 metres from the goal line in line with where the mark was made.

18.3 KICK - WHERE

• The kick is taken at or behind the mark on a line through the mark.

18.4 WHO KICKS

• The kick is taken by the player who made the mark. If that player cannot take the kick within one minute, a scrum is formed at the place of the mark with the ball thrown in by the player’s team. If the mark is in the in-goal, the scrum is 5 metres from the goal line, on a line through the mark.

18.5 HOW THE KICK IS TAKEN

• The provisions of Law 21 - Free Kicks - apply to a kick awarded after a mark.

18.6 SCRUM ALTERNATIVE

• (a) The team of the player who made the mark may choose to take a scrum.
• (b) Where the scrum is. If the mark is in the field of play, the scrum is at the place of the mark, but at least 5 metres from the touchline. If the mark is in-goal, the scrum is 5 metres from the goal line on a line through the mark, and at least 5 metres from the touchline.
• (c) Who throws in. The team of the player who made the mark throws in the ball.

18.7 PENALTY KICK AWARDED

• (a) An opponent, whether onside or offside, must not charge a player who has made a mark after the referee has blown the whistle. Sanction: Penalty kick
• (b) Where the penalty kick is taken. If the infringing player is onside, the penalty kick is taken at the place of the infringement. If the infringing player is offside, the penalty kick is taken at the place of the offside line (Law 11 offside and onside in General Play.)
• (c) The penalty kick. Any player from the non-offending team may take the penalty kick.

LAW 21 - PENALTY AND FREE KICKS
DEFINITIONS

• Penalty kicks and free kicks are awarded to the non-offending team for infringements by their opponents.

21.1 WHERE PENALTY AND FREE KICKS ARE AWARDED

• Unless a Law states otherwise, the mark for a penalty or free kick is at the place of infringement.

21.2 WHERE PENALTY AND FREE KICKS ARE TAKEN

• (a) The kicker must take the penalty or free kick at the mark or anywhere behind it on a line through the mark. If the place for a penalty or free kick is within 5 metres of the opponents’ goal line, the mark for the kick is 5 metres from the goal line, opposite the place of infringement.
• (b) 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, in line with the place of infringement. Sanction: Any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum 5 metres from the goal line in line with the mark. The opposing team throws in the ball.

21.3 HOW THE PENALTY AND FREE KICKS ARE TAKEN

• (a) Any player may take a penalty or free kick awarded for an infringement with any type of kick: punt, drop kick or place kick. The ball may be kicked with any part of the lower leg from knee to the foot, excluding the knee and the heel.
• (b) Bouncing the ball on the knee is not taking a kick. Sanction: Any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum at the mark. The opposing team throws in the ball.
• (c) The kicker must use the ball that was in play unless the referee decides it was defective. Sanction: Any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum at the mark. The opposing team throws in the ball.

21.4 PENALTY AND FREE KICK OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• (a) Scrum alternative. A team awarded a penalty or free kick may choose a scrum instead. They throw in the ball.
• (b) No delay. If a kicker indicates to the referee the intention to kick a penalty kick at goal, the kick must be taken within one minute from the time the player indicates the intention to kick at goal. The intention to kick is signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or when the player makes a mark on the ground. The player must complete the kick within one minute even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. If the one minute is exceeded, the kick is disallowed, a scrum is ordered at the place of the mark and the opponents throw in the ball. For any other type of kick, the kick must be taken without undue delay.
• (c) A clear kick. The kicker must kick the ball a visible distance. If the kicker is holding it, it must clearly leave the hands. If it is on the ground, it must clearly leave the mark.
• (d) Place kicking for touch. The kicker may punt or drop kick for touch but must not place kick for touch.
• (e) Kicker’s freedom of action. The kicker is free to kick the ball in any direction and may play the ball again.
• (f) Kick taken in the in-goal. If a player retires into in-goal to take a penalty or free kick awarded in the field of play and a defending player by foul play prevents an opponent from scoring a try a penalty try is awarded.
• (g) Out of play in the in-goal. If a player retires into in-goal to take a penalty or free kick awarded in the field of play and following the kick the ball goes into touch-in-goal, or on or over the dead ball line, or a defending player makes the ball dead before it has crossed the goal line, a 5-metre scrum is awarded. The attacking team throws in the ball.
• (h) Behind the ball. All the kicker’s team at a penalty or free kick must be behind the ball until it has been kicked, except the placer for a place kick.
• (i) Kick taken quickly. If the penalty or free kick is taken so quickly that players of the kicker’s team are still in front of the ball, they are not penalised for being offside. However, they must retire immediately. They must not stop retiring until they are onside. They must not take part in the game until they are onside. This applies to all players of that team, whether they are inside or outside the playing area.
• (j) In this situation, players become onside when they run behind the team-mate who took the penalty or free kick, or when a team-mate carrying the ball runs in front of them, or when a team-mate who was behind the ball when it was kicked runs in front of them.
• (k) An offside player cannot be put onside by any action of an opponent. Sanction: Unless otherwise stated in Law any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum at the mark. The opposing team throw in the ball.

21.5 SCORING A GOAL FROM A PENALTY KICK

• (a) A penalty goal can be scored from a penalty kick.
• (b) If the kicker indicates to the referee the intention to kick at goal, the kicker must kick at goal. Once the kicker has made the intention clear, there can be no change of the intention. The referee may enquire of the kicker as to the intention.
• (c) If the kicker indicates to the referee the intent to kick at goal, the opposing team must stand still with their hands by their sides from the time the kicker starts to approach to kick until the ball is kicked.
• (d) If the kicker has not indicated an intention to kick at goal but takes a drop kick and scores a goal, the goal stands.
• (e) If the opposing team infringes while the kick is being taken but the kick at goal is successful, the goal stands. A further penalty is not awarded for the infringement.
• (f) The kicker may place the ball directly on the ground or on sand, sawdust or a kicking tee approved by the Union. Sanction: Unless otherwise stated in Law any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum at the mark. The opposing team throws in the ball.

21.6 SCORING FROM A FREE KICK

• (a) A goal cannot be scored from a free kick.
• (b) The team awarded a free kick cannot score a dropped goal until after the ball next becomes dead, or until after an opponent has played or touched it, or has tackled the ball carrier. This restriction applies also to a scrum taken instead of a free kick.

21.7 WHAT THE OPPOSING TEAM MUST DO AT A PENALTY KICK

• (a) Must run from the mark. The opposing team must immediately run towards their own goal line until they are at least 10 metres away from the mark for the penalty kick, or until they have reached their goal line if that is nearer the mark.
• (b) Must keep running. Even if the penalty kick is taken and the kicker’s team is playing the ball, opposing players must keep running until they have retired the necessary distance. They must not take part in the game until they have done so.
• (c) Kick taken quickly. If the penalty kick is taken so quickly that opponents have no opportunity to retire, they will not be penalised for this. However, they must continue to retire as described in 21.7(b) above or until a team-mate who was 10 metres from the mark has run in front of them, before they take part in the game.
• (d) Interference. The opposing team must not do anything to delay the penalty kick or obstruct the kicker. They must not intentionally take, throw or kick the ball out of reach of the kicker or the kicker’s team mates. Sanction: Any infringement by the opposing team results in a second penalty kick, 10 metres in front of the mark for the first kick. This mark must not be within 5 metres of the goal line. Any player may take the kick. The kicker may change the type of kick and may choose to kick at goal. If the referee awards a second penalty kick, the second penalty kick is not taken before the referee has made the mark indicating the place of the penalty.

21.8 WHAT OPTIONS THE OPPOSING TEAM HAVE AT A FREE KICK

• (a) Must run from the mark. The opposing team must immediately run towards their own goal line until they are at least 10 metres away from the mark for the free kick, or until they have reached their goal line if that is nearer the mark. If the free kick is in a defending teams ingoal area, the opposing team must immediately run towards their own goal line until they are at least 10 metres away from the mark and not nearer than 5 metres from the goal line.
• (b) Must keep running. Even if the free kick is taken and the kicker’s team is playing the ball, opposing players must keep running until they have retired the necessary distance. They must not take part in the game until they have done so.
• (c) Kick taken quickly. If the free kick is taken so quickly that opponents have no opportunity to retire, they will not be penalised for this. However, they must continue to retire as described in 21.8(b) above or until a team-mate who was 10 metres from the mark has run in front of them, before they take part in the game.
• (d) Interference. The opposing team must not do anything to delay the free kick or obstruct the kicker. They must not intentionally take, throw or kick the ball out of reach of the kicker or the kicker’s team mates.
• (e) Charging the free kick. Once they have retired the necessary distance, players of the opposing team may charge and try to prevent the kick being taken. They may charge the free kick as soon as the kicker starts to approach to kick.
• (f) Preventing the free kick. If the opposing team charge and prevent the free kick being taken, the kick is disallowed. Play restarts with a scrum at the mark. The opposing team throw in the ball.
• (g) Free kick taken in the in-goal. If a free kick has been awarded and the player retires into 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 throws in the ball. If a free kick is taken in the in-goal, an opponent who legitimately plays it there can score a try.
• (h) Charged down. If opponents charge down a free kick in the playing area, play continues. Sanction: Any infringement by the opposing team results in a second free kick, awarded 10 metres in front of the mark for the first kick. This mark must not be within 5 metres of the goal line. Any player may take the kick. If the referee awards a second free kick, the second free kick is not taken before the referee has made the mark indicating the place of the free kick.

21.9 CONTRIVED INFRINGEMENTS AT THE PENALTY KICK

• If the referee believes that the kicker’s team has contrived an infringement by their opponents, the referee does not award a further penalty but allows play to continue.

21.10 CONTRIVED INFRINGEMENTS AT THE FREE KICK

• (a) The kicker must not pretend to kick. As soon as the kicker makes a move to kick, the opponents may charge.
• (b) If the referee believes that the kicker’s team has contrived an infringement by their opponents, the referee does not award a further free kick but allows play to continue.

LAW 22 - IN-GOAL
22.8 BALL KICKED DEAD THROUGH IN-GOAL

• If a team kicks the ball through their opponents’ in-goal into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, except by an unsuccessful kick at goal or attempted dropped goal, the defending team has two choices:
• To have a drop-out, or
• To have a scrum at the place where the ball was kicked and they throw in.