AFRL Cymru

SECTION 1 - THE PLAYING FIELD

The plan and markings thereon and the notes relating thereto are part of these Laws.

This above diagram is the maximum dimensions

NOTES

1. The Touch Lines are in Touch, the Touch in-Goal lines are Touch in-Goal, the Goal Lines are in the In-Goal area and the Dead Ball Line is beyond In-Goal.

2. A corner post is placed at the intersection of each goal line and touch line. A corner post is in touch in-goal. Match Officials should at all times ensure that corner posts are correctly positioned.

3. The goal posts are considered to extend indefinitely upwards. It is recommended that the bottom two metres of each upright be padded.

4. For adult games the dimensions should be as near maximum as possible to the dimensions stipulated. Cross-bar three (3) metres long and two (2) metres from ground. Upright to be greater than three (3) metres long recommended four (4) or five (5) metres.

46m 8m 4m 3m 20m 4m 40m Try Line Try Line 8m Line 8m Line Half-way line Dead Ball Line 2

SECTION 2 - GLOSSARY

The terms set out below shall have the meanings assigned to them.

ACCIDENTAL STRIKE when a ball strikes a player who makes no attempt, with hand, body or wheelchair, to play at the ball.

ADVANTAGE allowing the advantage means allowing play to proceed if it is to the advantage of the team which has not committed an offence or infringement.

ATTACKING TEAM is the team which at the time has possession. If a scrum was to be formed on the halfway line the team which last played at the ball before it went out of play is the attacking team and shall restart the game with a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball.

BALL BACK means to complete a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball from where the ball was kicked after it has entered touch on the full.

BEHIND when applied to a player means, unless otherwise stated, that the central axle of the ‘pushing’ wheels are behind the position in question. Similarly, “in front” implies the central axle of the ‘pushing’ wheel. When applied to a position on the field of play, “behind” means nearer to one’s own goal line than the point in question. Similarly, “in front of” means nearer to one’s opponents’ goal line.

BLIND SIDE means the side of the play-the-ball nearer to touch (see Open Side).

CHARGING DOWN is blocking the path of the ball with hands, arm or body as it rises from an opponent’s kick.

CONTROLLED RESTART is specific to Wheelchair Rugby League and replaces aPLAY-THE BALL running game scrum. The referee will allow the defending team to set a defensive line and the game will be restarted when the Referee calls ‘Play’

CONVERTING A TRY is the act of kicking a goal following the scoring of a try.

CORNER POST is a post placed at the intersection of each touch line and goal line. The post shall be of non-rigid material and shall be not less than 1.25m. high. The corner posts are in touch in-goal.

DEAD BALL means that the ball is out of play.

DEFENDING TEAM is the team opposing the attacking team (see above).

DISABLED PLAYER is a player with a disability and will wear an arm band for identification. (see Non-Disabled Player)

DROP GOAL sometimes referred to as a Field Goal, is a goal scored by propelling the ball on the full, over the crossbar, by drop kicking (see Drop Kick) it.

DROP KICK is a kick (see Kick) whereby the ball is dropped from the hands (or hand) and is struck immediately it rebounds from the ground. The ball must strike the ground point first

Section 2. Glossary (Continued)

DROP-OUT means a drop kick (see Drop Kick) from between the posts or from the centre of the 8m line when bringing the ball back into play.

DUMMY is the pretence of passing or otherwise releasing the ball while still retaining possession of it.

FIELD OF PLAY is the area bounded by, but not including, the touch lines and goal lines.

FORWARD means in a direction towards the opponents’ dead ball line.

FORWARD PASS is a throw towards the opponents’ dead ball line (see section 10).

FOUL PLAY refers to the types of Misconduct specified in Section 15 – Law 1(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e).

FREE KICK is the kick (see Kick) awarded to a team which kicks into touch from a penalty kick. The kick is taken four (4) metres in from touch opposite the point of entry into touch and the ball may be kicked in any manner in any direction. A goal cannot be scored from it, nor can ground be gained by kicking into touch on the full.

FULL TIME means the end of the game.

GENERAL PLAY refers to all aspects of play after a match has been started or re-started by a Place Kick, Drop-Out, Penalty Kick or Free Kick

GOAL see Section 6.

GROUNDING THE BALL means;

(a) Placing the ball on the ground with hand or hands or

(b Exerting downward pressure on the ball with hand or arm, the ball itself being on the ground or

HALF TIME means the end of the first half of the game.

HANDOVER is the surrendering of the ball to the opposition after a team has been tackled the statutory number of successive times (Section 11 Law 6)

IN-GOAL see Plan (Section 1).

IN POSSESSION means to be holding or carrying the ball.

KICK means imparting controlled motion to the ball with any part of the arm, from forearm to hand, with a closed fist.

Section 2. Glossary (Continued)

KICK OFF see Section 8

KNOCK-ON means to knock the ball towards the opponents’ dead ball line with hand, arm or wheelchair while playing at the ball.

LOOSE BALL is when during play the ball is not held by a player

MARK is the point at which a penalty kick or free kick is awarded or a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball is awarded.

NON-DISABLED PLAYER is a player without a disability (see Disabled Player)

OBSTRUCTION the illegal act of impeding an opponent who does not have the ball.

OFFSIDE as applied to a player means that he/she is temporarily out of play and may be penalised if he/she joins in the game (see Section 14).

ON SIDE means that a player is not offside.

ON THE FULL means the ball is kicked over a given line without first bouncing.

OPEN SIDE means the side the play-the-ball further from touch (see Blind Side)

PASS is the throw of a ball from one player to another.

PENALISE is to award a penalty kick (see Kick) against an offending player.

PENALTY KICK see Section 13.

PLACE KICK is to kick (see Kick) the ball after it has been placed on the kicking tee for that purpose.

PLAYER refers to player and the chair.

PLAYING AREA is the area enclosed by the fence, or other such line of demarcation, which prevents the encroachment of spectators.

PLAYING FIELD is the area bounded by, but not including, the touch lines and dead ball lines.

PLAY-THE-BALL is the act of bringing the ball into play after a tackle or after a referee awards a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball

PUNT is a kick (see Kick) whereby the ball is dropped from the hand or hands and is kicked before it touches the ground.

REBOUND see Accidental Strike.

RICOCHET see Accidental Strike.

Section 2. Glossary (Continued)

RUCK is the area, at the play-the-ball, between the player playing the ball and the marker.

TACKLE see Section 11.

TOUCH DOWN is the grounding of the ball by a defending player in his/her own in-goal.

TOUCH IN-GOAL see Section 9.

TRY see Section 6.

UPRIGHT TACKLE is where the player in possession is effectively tackled without being de-tagged. The referee calls ‘held’ when progress is stopped. Play re-started when referee calls ‘play’. i.e. a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball

ZERO TACKLE where a breach occurs and possession changes hands, the following tackle will be a zero tackle notwithstanding that the team gaining possession may have gained a territorial advantage.

SECTION 3 - THE BALL

Shape and Construction 1. The game shall be played with an oval air-inflated ball the out casing of which shall be of leather or other material approved by the International Board. Nothing shall be used in its construction which might prove dangerous to the players.

Size and Weight 1. The dimensions of the ball shall be those approved by the International Board Size 4, deflated by 10% (8-9psi).

Ball deflated 2. The Referee shall blow his/her whistle immediately he/she notices that the size and shape of the ball no longer comply with the Laws of the Game.

NOTES

Colour of the Ball 1. In senior competitions the ball shall be light in colour so that it can be more easily seen by spectators.

Ball bursts 2. If the ball bursts as a player is taking a place kick at goal, he/she should be allowed another kick. If a player grounds the ball for a try and then it is noticed that the ball has burst the try should be allowed. Otherwise, if the ball bursts, play is stopped, the ball is replaced and a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball is awarded to the team last in possession at the point where the ball bursts.

SECTION 4 - THE PLAYER AND PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

1. The game shall be played by two teams each consisting of not more than five (5) players on the field at any one time. A maximum of two (2) non-disabled and three (3) disabled players are allowed on the field at any one time.

In a case where a sin-bin, dismissal or injury reduces the number of players on a team, there must only be a difference of two (2) players between teams.

Substitutes 2. (a) Each team may nominate a maximum of five (5) replacements before the start of the game. Their names along with those of the players must be given to the referee before the start of the game. A maximum of twelve (12) interchanges will be allowed from the ten (10) named players Substitutions shall be sanctioned by the Referee or by an official appointed to oversee the substitution process.

2. (b) Where a player is bleeding, the Referee shall direct him/her to leave the field for attention in which event he/she may be replaced. This replacement counts for the purpose of 2 (a) above.

2. (c) Mechanical failure may require a substitution. This replacement counts for the purpose of 2 (a) above.

Number of Players 3. For ease of identification, players’ clothing should be individually numbered.

NOTES

Substitutes 2. (a) A player other than a player who is replacing an injured player who has left the field cannot be substituted during a play-the-ball except when play is stopped because of injury. If a substitution is effected when a kick at goal is to be taken, the substitute shall not be allowed to take the kick.

2. (a) If a player is sent to the sin-bin or dismissed, then the equality of the team needs to be maintained for duration of the dismissal

Late Arrival 2. (a) The laws relating to the replacement of players apply also to any player who, arriving late for the game, wishes to join in the play after the game has started.

Section 4. The Players and Players’ Equipment (continued)

Players’ Equipment 3. (a) A player shall not wear anything that might prove dangerous to other players.

(b) A player’s normal gear shall consist of a numbered jersey of distinctive colour

(d) All non-disabled players are required to be strapped into their chair (lap, knees and ankles)

Dangerous Equipment 4. (e) The Referee shall order a player to remove any part of equipment which might be considered dangerous and shall not allow the player to take any further part in the game until the order is obeyed. The player shall retire from the playing field to remove the offending item if the start or restart of the game would otherwise be delayed.

Similar Colours 4. (f) The colours of the jerseys worn by competing teams shall be easily distinguishable and, if in the opinion of the Referee similarity between the jerseys might affect the proper conduct of the game he/she may, at his/her discretion, order either team to change jerseys in accordance with the rules governing the competition in which the game is played.

NOTES

Inspect Equipment 4. (e) Match Officials should inspect players’ equipment before the start of the game: e.g. Wheelchairs bumpers and wheel anti tip are in place, players are correctly strapped into their chairs (lap, knees and ankles, disability permitting) and the playing kit has the Velcro and tags in the correct position. This does not relieve the player of the responsibility of ensuring that nothing of an offending nature is attached to the player.

Colours 4. (f) Referees should inspect the colours to be worn by the teams before the players enter the field of play so that, if a change necessary, the start of the game is not delayed.

Teams must differentiate the colour of tags and shirts

The tags must differ in colour for each team

Clubs not wearing their registered colours should be reported to the appropriate authority by the Referee unless the reason for not doing so is self-evident or known beforehand.

SECTION 5 - MODE OF PLAY

Object 1. The object of the game shall be to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal to score tries (see Section 6) and to kick the ball over the opponents’ cross bar to score goals (see Section 6).

Start of Play 2. The captains of the two teams shall toss the coin in the presence of the Referee. The captain winning the toss shall decide to either kick-off or choose which end his/her team shall defend. The losing captain shall take the other of the alternatives.

Mode of Play 3. (a) Once play has started any player who is on-side or not out of play can travel with the ball, kick it in any direction and throw or knock it any direction other than towards his/her opponents’ dead ball line (see Section 10 for Knock-on and Forward Pass).

(b) All players are to wear two tags, one on each shoulder at all times

Tackling 4. A player who during play is holding the ball may be tackled by an opposing player or players in order to prevent him/her from travelling with the ball or from kicking or passing it to one of his/her own team (see Section 11 for Tackle).

Obstruction 5. A player who is not holding the ball shall not be obstructed (see Section 15).

NOTES

Charge 5. If two players are travelling side by side near to and towards the ball it is permissible for chairs to come into contact

SECTION 6 - SCORING – TRIES AND GOALS

Value 1. A try shall count four (4) points.

Try and Goal A conversion goal or penalty goal shall count two (2) points. A drop goal during play shall count one (1) point.

Deciding winners 2. (a) The game shall be won by the team scoring the greater number of points. If both teams score an equal number of points, or if both teams fail to score, then the game shall be drawn.

Try – How scored 3. A try is scored when;

(a) A player first grounds the ball, with the hand or hands, in his/her opponents’ in-goal, provided that his/her chair is not in touch or touch in-goal or on or over the dead ball line.

(b) Opposing players simultaneously ground the ball in the in-goal area provided that the attacking player is not in touch or touch in-goal or on or over the dead ball line.

NOTES

Impaired / 3. (a) Where a player’s movement is restricted, Restricted Mobility touching anywhere on the wheel with the ball is permissible. Both pushing wheels must be within the in-goal area.

Picking up in in-goal 3. (a) Picking up the ball is not grounding it and a player may pick up the ball in his/her opponents’ in-goal in order to ground it in a more advantageous position.

Ball on goal line As the goal lines themselves are in-goal a try can be scored by an attacking player grounding the ball on the goal line, but not at the foot of the posts in the field of play.

Incorrectly grounding When an attacking player fails to ground the ball correctly, play continues unless stopped for some other reason e.g. a knock-on or the ball goes dead.

Release after grounding A try should not be disallowed because the player who correctly grounds the ball fails to retain it.

Referee unsighted The Referee should not disallow a try because he/she was not in a position to see the grounding of the ball.

Section 6. Scoring – Tries and Goals (continued)

Penalty Try (c) The Referee may award a penalty try if, in his/her opinion, a try would have been scored but for the unfair play of the defending team. A penalty try is awarded between the goal posts irrespective of where the offence occurred.

Touching Referee/Others (d) If an attacking player carrying the ball comes into contact with the Referee or another Match Official or an encroaching spectator in the opponents’ in-goal and play is thereby irregularly affected.

Position of Try 4. The try is awarded;

(a) Where grounded is scored as in 3(a) and 3(b) above.

(b) Between the posts if a penalty try 3(c)

Referee – Sole Judge 5. Only the Referee, may award a try, but the Referee may take into consideration advice given by other Match Officials before arriving at his/her decision. He/she shall signal that a try has been scored by pointing to where the try has been awarded but should only do so after looking at the Match Officials to ensure they are not reporting a prior incident.

Goal – How Scored 6. A goal is scored if the whole of the ball at any time during its flight passes on the full over the opponents’ cross bar towards the dead ball line after being kicked by a player (and not touching or being touched in flight by any other player) in any of these circumstances;

(a) by a place kick or a drop kick after a try has been scored and counts two (2) points

(b) by a place kick or a drop kick when a penalty kick has been awarded and counts two (2) points.

Drop Goal 7. A drop goal is scored by a drop kick during play from any position in the field of play and counts one (1) point. A drop goal shall be awarded notwithstanding that the ball touches or has been touched in flight by an opposing player.

NOTES

No goal from kick off, etc. 7. A goal cannot be scored from a kick off, drop-out or a free kick

Section 6. Scoring – Tries and Goals (continued)

Where taken 8. A kick at goal after a try may be taken from any point on an imaginary line drawn parallel to the touch line in the field of play and through the point where the try was awarded. A kick at goal from a penalty kick may be taken from the mark or from any point on an imaginary line drawn from the mark towards the kicker’s own goal line and parallel to the touch line.

Players’ positions 9. When a kick at goal is being taken following a try, the opposing players shall position themselves outside the field of play. Players of the kicker’s team must be behind the ball. When a kick at goal is being taken from a penalty kick, the opponents shall retire to their goal line or not less than four (4) metres from the mark (see Section 13).

Not to distract kicker It is illegal to attempt to distract the attention of a player who is kicking at goal.

Goal Post(s) 10. For the purpose of judging a kick at goal, the goal posts are assumed to extend indefinitely upwards.

NOTES

Advise where to 8. A Match Official should ensure that a kick at goal is place the ball taken from the correct position by advising the kicker beforehand. If the Referee’s advice is ignored by the kicker no goal shall be allowed and the kick shall not be retaken.

Wasting time If a player wastes time when kicking at goal, the Referee may caution him/her or, in an extreme case, dismiss him/her. He/she should not cancel the kick but should allow extra time to compensate for time lost.

Colleague holds ball 9. (a) When a kick at goal is being taken it is if necessary permissible for a teammate of the kicker to hold the ball in position by placing a hand on it.

Kicking tee 9. Kicking tees are permitted for starts of play, restarts after scoring and attempts at goal. Kicking Tees must be no higher than the top of the pushing wheel.

Section 6. Scoring – Tries and Goals (continued)

Judging kicks at goal 11. If a Match Official is of the opinion that a goal has been scored, he/she shall raise his/her flag above his/her head. If the kick is unsuccessful, he/she shall wave his/her flag in front of himself/herself and below the waist. If there is no disagreement between the Match Officials their decision shall be accepted. In the event of a disagreement, the Referee shall decide.

NOTES

Accepting Match 10. If the ball passes near to one upright, the Match Officials decision Official assigned to that upright is in the better position of the two to decide whether the ball has passed inside or outside the post and, in the event of disagreement, the Referee should be more inclined to accept this particular Match Officials decision.

A Match Official should not necessarily remain stationary when the ball is in flight. He/she should move sufficiently to ensure that at all times he/she has a clear view of the ball.

Pretending to kick at goal It shall be misconduct for a player to pretend to kick at goal from a penalty kick and then deliberately kick it elsewhere. Such misconduct shall incur a penalty. Once having informed the Referee of his/her intention to kick at goal from a penalty the kicker shall not do otherwise.

SECTION 7 - TIMEKEEPING

Length of game 1. The game shall normally be of eighty (80) minutes duration.

Interval At half time there shall be an interval of five (5) minutes but this may be extended or reduced.

Changing ends 2. A team shall defend one in-goal for the first half of the game and then change ends for the second half.

End of play 3. If time expires in either half when the ball is out of play or a player in possession has been tackled and the ball has not been played the Referee shall immediately blow his/her whistle to terminate play. If the ball is in play when time expires, the Referee shall terminate play when next the ball goes out of play or a player in possession is tackled but time shall be extended to allow a penalty kick or a kick at goal to be taken in which case the half is terminated when next the ball goes out of play or a tackle is effected, unless a further penalty is awarded in which case time is extended for the kick to be taken.

NOTES

Shortening length of game 1. The duration of the game may be reduced by mutual agreement and if permitted by the rules governing the competition in which the game is played.

Altering interval Clubs wishing to alter the length of the interval should apply to the appropriate authority who will then instruct the Referee accordingly.

Using Timekeeper 3. A timekeeper may be employed to signal half time and full time, in which case the Referee on receiving the timekeeper’s signal, terminates the half in the manner described above.

A timekeeper may also assist the Referee in determining the end of a player’s temporary suspension.

Allow second kick If the ball is kicked into touch from a penalty the non-offending side should be allowed full advantage of the penalty award by extending time to allow play to be resumed with the free kick permitted by the Laws relating to the penalty (see Section 13).

Time off for cautions Where time off applies, time should be taken off in the event of a caution being delivered to a player/players.

Section 7. Timekeeping (continued)

Extra time 4. Extra time shall be added to each half to compensate for time wasted or lost from any cause. The Referee shall be the sole judge of extra time except where these duties have been delegated to a timekeeper.

Recommencing play 5. (a) If the continuance of play endangers an injured after injury player the Referee may stop the game. If, when the game is stopped, a player is in possession of the ball the game shall be recommenced by that player playing-the-ball with a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball.

(b) If a player in possession is injured in a tackle and unable to play-the-ball and play has been stopped, play shall be resumed by a colleague playing the ball at the point where the injured player was tackled.

(c) If a player in possession is injured in a tackle and unable to play-the-ball the Referee may without stopping the game, provided he/she is satisfied that continuance of play would not endanger the injured player, direct a colleague of the injured player to play-the-ball, Controlled Restart Play-the Ball, at a point four (4) metres in-field from the point where the player was injured.

NOTES

Signal extra time 4. If a timekeeper is employed, the Referee shall signal that extra time is being allowed by raising both arms whereupon the timekeeper stops his/her watch and starts it again when the Referee waves one arm above his/her head to signal play is about to recommence.

Reduce stoppages 5. The Referee should endeavour to reduce stoppage to a minimum. Injured players should be removed from the playing field to receive attention as quickly as possible, taking into account the gravity and nature of the injury. Treatment to an injured player, by not more than one attendant, may be permitted while play proceeds if, in the opinion of the Referee, such treatment is not likely to interfere with play.

The attendant shall not place anything on the ground likely to interfere with play, or carry anything of a rigid nature likely to cause injury in the event of a rapid switch in play causing an unforeseen collision.

SECTION 8 - THE KICK OFF AND DROP-OUT

Kick off 1. The kick-off is a place kick from the centre of the halfway line. The team which loses the toss for choice of ends kicks off to start the first half of the game and their opponents kick off to start the second half.

When points have been scored, the team against which the points have been scored shall kick off to restart the game. Possession at the Controlled Restart Play-the Ball goes to the non-kicking side when finding touch other than on the full. It should be noted that the law applies all restarts.

Restarting Play at eight (8) 2. The game is restarted with a Controlled Restart metres – with a Controlled Play-the Ball from the centre of the eight (8)Restart Play-the- Ball metre line if:

(a) An attacking player last touches the ball before it goes out of play over the dead ball line or into touch in-goal except from a penalty kick (see Law 3), or from a kick off from the centre of the halfway line (see 4(g) and 6(b) below).

(b) An attacking player infringes in the in-goal area. In the event of a deliberate breach by an attacking player a penalty kick is awarded four (4) metres in the field of play in line with where the breach was committed (see Section 13).

(d) The ball goes over the dead ball line or into touch in-goal other than on the full from a kick off from the centre of the halfway line.

Opposing players shall retire four (4) metres from the eight (8) metre line and shall not advance until the ball has been kicked. Attacking players shall not advance in front of the ball before it is kicked. Any deliberate offence by either team shall incur a penalty to be awarded at the centre of the eight (8) metre line.

NOTES

V.I.P Kicks-Off 2. If a person other than a player is invited to ‘kick-off’, the ball after being kicked shall be brought back to the centre of the halfway line and the game shall then commence in the normal way as described above.

Intentional Breach In-Goal 2. (b) If a defending player in his/her own in-goal is penalised for intentional breach of the law, the penalty is awarded in the field of play, four (4) metres from the goal line and opposite where the breach occurred (see Section 13, Law 1).

Section 8. The Kick off and Drop-out (continued)

Restarting Play at eight (8) 3. If the ball goes dead in the opponents’ in-goal from metres – With Drop-Out a penalty kick (not necessarily a kick at goal) theafter Unsuccessful Penalty game is restarted with a drop-out by a defending player from the centre of the eight (8) metre line.

Drop-out from Goal line 4. The game is restarted with a drop-out by a defending player from the centre if his/her goal line if:

(a) A defending player last touches the ball before it goes over the dead ball line or into touch in-goal.

(b) A defending player accidentally infringes in the in-goal area.

(d) A defending player in possession is tackled in the in-goal area.

(e) A defending player kicks the ball into touch on the full from his/her own in-goal.

(f) A defending player kicks or passes the ball in his/her own in-goal and the ball accidentally strikes an opponent and goes into touch in-goal or over the dead ball line.

(g) The ball or a defending player carrying the ball touches the Referee, a Match Official or an encroaching spectator in the in-goal area and play is thereby irregularly affected.

(h) Where a kick is made dead by a defending player straddling the dead ball line or touch in-goal line.

Ball Caught In-Goal 5. See Law 2 (c) of this section re ball caught on the full before being made ‘dead in-goal’.

Offences Incurring 6. A player who kicks off or drops-out shall be penalised Penalties – Kicker if they:

(a) Advances in front of the appropriate line before kicking the ball.

(b) Kicks the ball on the full over the touch line, touch in-goal, or over the dead ball line.

(d) Kicks the ball other than in the prescribed manner.

Section 8. The Kick off and Drop-out (continued)

Other Players 7. Any other player shall be penalised is they:

(a) Wilfully touches the ball from a kick off or drop-out before it has travelled four (4) metres forward in the field of play.

(b) Travels in front of one of his/her own team who is kicking off or dropping out.

(c) Approaches nearer than four (4) metres to the line from which the kick is being taken when an opponent is kicking off or dropping out.

Penalties – Where Taken 8. A penalty kick resulting from an offence at the kick-off shall be taken from the centre of the halfway line. Any penalty kick arising from the restarting of play from the eight (8) metre line shall be taken from the centre of that line.

A penalty kick resulting from any offence at the drop-out from between the posts shall be taken from the centre of the line drawn parallel to and four (4) metres from the goal line.

NOTES

Players not Retiring Four 6. (a) If a kick to start or restart play is taken quickly

(4) Metres and the opposing players have not had adequate opportunity to retire four (4) metres, they may be penalised if they wilfully interfere with play before the ball travels four (4) metres forward. If such interference is accidental a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball awarded to the non-offending side, but if the offending player has had adequate opportunity to retire four (4) metres his/her offence must be assumed to be deliberate.

Ball hits post (b) Hitting the post or cross bar in flight does not negate the breach.

SECTION 9 - TOUCH AND TOUCH IN-GOAL

Ball in touch 1. The ball is in touch when it or a player in contact with it touches the touch line or the ground beyond the touch line or any object on or outside the touch line except when a player, tackled in the field of play, rolls into touch as he/she positions his/her chair in which case he/she shall play-the-ball in the field of play.

Touch In-Goal 2. (a) The ball is in touch in-goal when it or a player in contact with it touches the touch in goal line, or any object on or outside the touch in goal line.

Dead In-Goal 2. (b) The ball is dead in-goal when it or a player in contact with it touches the dead ball line or any object on or outside the dead ball line.

Points of Entry 3. When a ball has entered touch or touch in-goal, the point of entry shall be taken as the point at which the ball first crossed the touch or touch in-goal line.

NOTES

Player not ‘Object’ 1. & 2. A player is not considered to be an “object”. For example, the ball is not in touch when the player in possession, himself/herself being in the field of play is in contact with another player who is in touch.

Ball Dead 1. Where the ball which is stationary in the field of play or the in-goal area comes in contact with a player in touch, touch in-goal or over the dead ball line, the ball is deemed to have been made dead by that player.

Corner Post Touch In-Goal 2. A corner post placed at the intersection of a touch line and a goal line is in touch in-goal if the ball touches it when no one is in possession. If a player carrying the ball comes into contact with the corner post during general play, then they are not touch in-goal. It is a duty a Match Official to replace a corner post which is displaced during the game.

3. See Section 8. No.4 (e) in respect of kicking into touch on the full from in goal.

Section 9. Touch and Touch In- Goal (continued)

Ball Back 4. If the ball is kicked by or bounces off a player in a forward direction (except from in-goal – Section 8 Law.4 (e) and it goes into touch on the full, a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball is awarded to the non-offending team where contact with the ball was made except after the fifth play-the-ball (but not nearer than four (4) metres to the touch line or four (4) metres to the goal line) – (see Section 12).

Touch from Penalty 5. If the ball is kicked into touch from a penalty kick the game is restarted by a free kick four (4) metres in-field opposite the point of entry into touch (see Section 13).

Play-the-ball on the Four 6. Other than as outlined in points, 4 and 5 above, the(4) Metre Line game is restarted after the ball has gone into touch by a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball awarded to the non-offending team four (4) metres in-field opposite the point of entry into touch but not nearer than four (4) metres to the goal-line – (see Section 12).

7. In all aspects of general play, a player who does not deliberately play at the ball (e.g. ricochet or rebound) will not be disadvantaged by a consequent restart of play when the ball has gone dead or into touch.

NOTES

Ball Dead in Touch 4. Where the ball which has bounced or has been passed in the field of play or the in goal area comes into contact with a player in touch, touch in-goal or over the dead ball line, the ball is deemed to have been made dead or taken into touch by that player. Where the ball is played at from a kick that has not bounced in the field of play by a player who has at least one wheel on the touch line or in touch in-goal line then the ball is deemed to have been made dead or taken into touch by the kicking team

SECTION 10 - KNOCK-ON AND FORWARD PASS

Deliberate 1. A player shall be penalised if he/she deliberately knocks on or passes forward.

Accidental 2. If, after knocking-on accidentally, the player knocking-on regains or kicks the ball before it touches the ground, a goal post, cross bar or an opponent, then play shall be allowed to proceed. Otherwise play shall stop and a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball is awarded to the non-offending team except after the fifth play-the-ball.

Charge-down 3. To charge-down a kick is permissible and is not a knock-on.

Heading the Ball 4. It is illegal to head the ball in a forward direction.

NOTES

Direction of Pass 1. The direction of a pass is relative to the player making it and not to the actual path relative to the ground. A player moving towards his/her opponents’ goal line may throw the ball towards a colleague who is behind him/her but because of the thrower’s own momentum the ball travels forward relative to the ground. This is not a forward pass as the thrower has not passed the ball forward in relation to himself. This is particularly noticeable when a travelling player makes a high, lobbed pass.

Controlled Restart Play- A forward pass in a passing movement is invariablythe Ball for Forward Pass caused by misjudgement and is rarely a deliberate offence. Play is restarted with Controlled Restart Play-the Ball awarded to the non-offending team after an accidental infringement.

Penalty for some If the Referee is of the opinion that a player in giving a Forward Passes player in giving a forward pass must have been well aware that the catcher was in front of him then the Referee is justified in ruling that the ball has been deliberately thrown forward.

Ball Bounces Forward If the ball is passed correctly but bounces forward, there is no infringement and play should continue.

Knock-On over Goal-Line After a player, from the field of play, knocks on into his/her opponent’s in-goal area and he/she or a colleague touches down, play is restarted with a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball awarded to the non-offending team where the knock-on occurred, except after a play-the-ball subject to Section 12, Law 10.

SECTION 11 - THE TACKLE AND PLAY-THE-BALL

Tackle Player in Possession 1. A player in possession may be tackled by an opposing player or players. It is illegal to tackle or obstruct a player who is not in possession.

When Tackled: 2. A player in possession is tackled:

Tags Removed (a) When one (or both) tag(s) are removed by a defender(s)

Upright (b) When they can make no further progress and cannot part with the ball.

Referee calls held when progress is stopped. Play re-started with a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball.

A single defender may not remove both tags in a single tackle. A penalty should be awarded.

Prevents the Defender (d) When the ball carrier is moving and raises thefrom Reaching a Tag ball above shoulder height, or leans back in the chair, the referee calls held when progress is stopped. Play re-started with a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball

No Tag Situation (e) If the player receives the ball while wearing 1 or no tags, then a subsequent tackle may be made by clearly touching, with an open hand, the arm area from the shoulder to the elbow while calling ‘no tag’.

No Moving of Tackled Player 3. Once a player in possession has been tackled it is illegal for any player to move or try to move him from the point where the tackle is affected.

Verbal Instructions to 4. If any doubt arises as to a tackle, the Referee shouldResolve Doubt give a verbal instruction to “play on” or shout “held” as the case may be. If the referee is of the opinion that the player in possession could not hear the “held” call before passing or moving off with the ball he/she should instruct the player to play-the-ball at the point where the player was when “held” was called unless it occurs after the fifth play-the-ball in which case a handover will apply.

Second Movement 5. When an attacking player is tackled withinafter Tackle easy reach of the goal line he/she should be penalised if he/she makes a second movement to place the ball over the line for a try.

NOTES

Foul Play 1. A player must not touch – push, hold or grab – an opponent’s wheelchair at any time

1. A player must not pull or grab an opponent’s clothing or any part of the body at any time

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-ball (continued)

Sixth Tackle 6. (a) A team in possession of the ball shall be allowed five successive play-the-balls. A handover shall occur AFTER the fifth tackle in the following circumstances.

i.The team is tackled a sixth time.

ii. The team in possession commits an accidental breach for which a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball would be awarded, a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball would be awarded to the non-offending team

iii. A player is tackled in the opponent’s in-goal.

iv. The ball is kicked into touch on the full

The handover will occur either at the point of the sixth tackle or where the handover Controlled Restart Play-the Ball would normally be set – but, in the latter case, not closer than eight (4) metres from touch.

The play-the-ball for this purpose shall not be counted for the purposes of the tackle count and shall operate as provided for in Law 9 of this section.

Kicked Out on Full 6. (b) For the purpose of this Law the point of infringement in the case of a kick into touch on the full shall be the point from which the ball was kicked.

NOTES

Indicating Last Tackle The Referee shall indicate the fifth (5) tackle by raising one arm vertically with fingers and thumb out-stretched and the sixth (6) tackle by blowing his/her whistle, not to stop the game, but as a signal to players that the ball has to be released for the opponents to play-the-ball.

Opponent “Touches” ball By “touching” the ball is meant intentionally playing it with any part of the person when it is not held by an opposing player. A ricochet or rebound does not count as a “touch”.

Charging Down Charging down a kick counts as a “touch”

Cancels Count “Touching” the ball cancels the count of play-the-balls and the next tackle counts as the first of six (6).

Losing Possession If a tackled player loses possession of the ball at the moment of impact with an opponent play shall proceed unless stopped for some other reason, e.g. the ball has been knocked forward.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-ball (continued)

Accidental Breach 6. (c) Where an accidental breach occurs (knock-on, “Zero Tackle” forward pass) and possession changes hands, the following tackle will be a zero tackle, notwithstanding that the team gaining possession may have gained a territorial advantage.

Losing Possession - 7. A tackled player shall not intentionally part with Intentionally or Accidently the ball other than by bringing it into play in the prescribed manner. If, after being tackled, he/she accidentally loses possession, a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball shall be formed except after the fifth play-the-ball.

“Stealing” from 8. No ball stealingTackled Player 9. The play-the-ball shall operate as follows.

Release Tackled (a) The tackled player shall be immediatelyPlayer Immediately released, defenders are to disengage, and shall not be touched until the ball is in play.

Restart (b) The tackled player shall without delay face his/her opponent’s goal line, wheels parallel to the touchline, and play-the-ball

Player Marking (c) One opponent may take up the position immediately and directly opposite the tackled player and must not interfere with the play-the-ball.

(d) The tackled player may not play-the-ball before the players effecting the tackle have had time to clear the ruck.

Play-the-ball (e) Play-the-ball is effected by touching the ball on the floor and passing to a team mate.

Play Irregularly Effected (f) The ball hits the roof or an object outside the playing field then it shall be a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball for the non-offending team.

NOTES

9. (a) Both tags must be in place prior to the play-the-ball

Both tags must be in place prior to beginning the downward path of the ball to touch the ground (i.e. affecting the play-the-ball)

9. (b) The Marker cannot re-tackle the ball player

9. (e) Players with restricted movement, identified by an armband, may touch the ball on any part of either pushing wheel.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-ball (continued)

Retire at play-the-ball (g) Players of the side not in possession other than the player taking part in the play-the-ball are out of play if they fail to retire four (4) metres from the point at which the ball is played or to their own goal line. Players of the side in possession other than the player taking part in the play-the-ball must retire behind their players involved in the play-the-ball or to their own goal line.

(h) Having retired the distance prescribed in the preceding paragraph no player of the team not in possession may advance until the ball has cleared the ruck. A player who is out of play may again take part in the game when the advantage gained by not retiring has been lost.

NOTES

Disputed Possession 9. If any doubt arises as to which player should play-the-ball (i.e. possession is disputed) the Referee should call “…’s ball” naming the team in possession.

Accidental Deflection 9. (d) When a tackled player attempts to play-the-ball backwards but accidentally deflects the ball forward, a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball ensues with the non-offending team having the possession

Acting Half-Back 9. (e) Two players take part in the play-the-ball – one (1) attacking & one (1) defending. All other players are onside if they retire the prescribed distances.

No Marker 9. (f) If no marker takes up a position opposite the tackled player the play-the-ball must still be effected by touching the ball on the floor and passing to a team mate.

Penalise Intentional 9. (g) If the ball is played quickly, all players will notInterference necessarily have time to retire the prescribed distance. They should be penalised only if they intentionally interfere with play – either actively or passively.

Accidental Interference 9. (g) If the interference with play is accidental, a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball should be awarded. Interference should not be considered accidental when the player concerned has had opportunity to remove himself from the area in which play is taking place.

Section 11. The Tackle and Play-the-ball (continued)

Speed Essential 10. The play-the-ball must be performed as quickly as possible, in one (1) continuous motion. Any player who intentionally delays the bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised.

Tackling on or Near 11. If a player is tackled with the centre axle of the the Goal-Line ‘pushing’ wheels on or behind the goal line he/she is deemed to be tackled in the in-goal area.

NOTES

Off-Side Player A player who realises he/she is out of play and is Raising Hands near play should raise his/her hands above his/her head. Taking this action does not, however, exonerate him from penalty if he/she interferes with play and the Referee feels that he/she could have avoided such interference.

Indicating Four (4) Metres The Defensive Referee should usually position himself/herself four (4) metres behind the point at which the ball is played as a guide to the team not in possession.

Out of Play: 9. (g) Any player who is in front of the kicker Play-the-Ball in general play is not permitted to advance beyond the point of the play-the-ball until the ball has gone past the off side player.

SECTION 12 - THE SCRUM

All Laws which would result in a scrum are replaced with a Controlled Restart Play-the Ball.

SECTION 13 - PENALTY KICK

When Awarded 1. (a) A penalty kick shall be awarded against any player who is guilty of misconduct (Section 15) provided that this is not to the disadvantage of the non-offending team. Unless otherwise stated, the mark is where the offence occurs. If misconduct occurs in touch the mark shall be four (4) metres from the touch line in the field of play and opposite where the offence occurred or, in the case of obstruction, where the ball next bounces or is caught, in the field of play, or four (4) metres opposite the point of entry if the ball enters touch on the full, or four (4) metres from the goal line if the ball crosses the goal line on the full, whichever is to the greater advantage of the non-offending team. If the offence is committed by a defender in his/her own in-goal or an attacker in his/her opponents’ in-goal, the mark is taken four (4) metres into the field of play opposite where the offence occurred. In the event of further misconduct by the offending team, the Referee shall advance the mark once only four (4) metres towards the offending team’s goal line.

WHEELCHAIR RL Rules

AFRL Cymru