Why Laws, Not Rules
When the original Rugby Football Union was formed in the late 1800's, a committee was created that included three ex-Rugby School pupils to formulate a set of standardized rules. All three being lawyers, they formulated 'laws' instead of 'rules'. Since their formulation, the Laws have changed a great deal and provided the framwork to spawn two other games: American Football and Australian Rules Football.
Basic Laws of Rugby
Starting Play (Kick Off).
The game starts with one team kicking the ball to the other. The concept is the same as in American Football (which developed from Rugby).
Advancing the Ball.
The rugby ball can be moved by carrying it in the hands, or kicking at any time during play, but under no circumstances can the ball be passed or made to go forward by the ball carrier other than by kicking the ball. If the ball is hit or passed forward without it being kicked, it is called a 'knock on' and is an infraction which results in a scrum to the opposition. A player may, however, pass the ball laterally or backwards to another player.
Restarting Play.
A scrum is used to restart the game in a number of situations and involves each team's forwards coming together, by binding together at the shoulders over the 'mark' and trying to hook the ball back to their team's side once the ball is placed in the channel. This is similar to a tip off in basketball with each team a having a chance at winning the ball.
If a ball is kicked or taken out of bounds the ball is restarted by a lineout. This is similar to the soccer throw- in soccer and works on the same principle.
After a scrore, the team that has been scored on always restarts play by kicking to the team that scored the points (except in sevens rugby where the team that scores kicks to the team that was scored on).
Achieving Points.
Five (5) points are attained by crossing the "try-line" and touching the ball to the ground. An additional two (2) points are possible by kicking the ball through the uprights immediately after the try. Unlike American Football, the kicker must place the ball in line where the ball was touched down.
At anytime during play or following a penalty, a player may attempt to kick the ball through the uprights for three (3) points.
The game starts with one team kicking the ball to the other. The concept is the same as in American Football (which developed from Rugby).
Advancing the Ball.
The rugby ball can be moved by carrying it in the hands, or kicking at any time during play, but under no circumstances can the ball be passed or made to go forward by the ball carrier other than by kicking the ball. If the ball is hit or passed forward without it being kicked, it is called a 'knock on' and is an infraction which results in a scrum to the opposition. A player may, however, pass the ball laterally or backwards to another player.
Restarting Play.
A scrum is used to restart the game in a number of situations and involves each team's forwards coming together, by binding together at the shoulders over the 'mark' and trying to hook the ball back to their team's side once the ball is placed in the channel. This is similar to a tip off in basketball with each team a having a chance at winning the ball.
If a ball is kicked or taken out of bounds the ball is restarted by a lineout. This is similar to the soccer throw- in soccer and works on the same principle.
After a scrore, the team that has been scored on always restarts play by kicking to the team that scored the points (except in sevens rugby where the team that scores kicks to the team that was scored on).
Achieving Points.
Five (5) points are attained by crossing the "try-line" and touching the ball to the ground. An additional two (2) points are possible by kicking the ball through the uprights immediately after the try. Unlike American Football, the kicker must place the ball in line where the ball was touched down.
At anytime during play or following a penalty, a player may attempt to kick the ball through the uprights for three (3) points.
15's Rugby
Number of Players: 15 players per side (15-a-side) on the field, 7 reserve players.
Match Duration: Two 40 minute halves, with a 10 minute half time break.
During tournaments, the game is often shortened to 25 or 30 minute halves.
The game as some modifications for U19 and below.
Match Duration: Two 40 minute halves, with a 10 minute half time break.
During tournaments, the game is often shortened to 25 or 30 minute halves.
The game as some modifications for U19 and below.
7's Rugby
Number of Players: 7 players per side (7-a-side) on the field, 5 reserve players.
Match Duration: Two 7 minute halves, with a one minute half time break.
Games are generally played as part of tournament. Shortened games allow for multiple games
within a single day. The halves of final matches are sometimes extended to 10 minutes.
Match Duration: Two 7 minute halves, with a one minute half time break.
Games are generally played as part of tournament. Shortened games allow for multiple games
within a single day. The halves of final matches are sometimes extended to 10 minutes.
10's Rugby
This is an unofficial version of the game generally played following 15's rules, expect there are only 10 players per side and 5 players (per side) are used in the scrum. This form of the game is commonly used when teams do not have enough players to support a 15s squad. This often happens at the youth (u15 and under) levels and in the female divisions.