The Knowledge

Here’s a great summary & Aide Memoire concerning Junior Rugby and the law variations that apply when refereeing different age groups (Courtesy of Hampshire Referees Society) Download now!

Click here to view full laws and regulations from IRB website.

Click here to download IRB Law Amendments 2009

Click here to view videos on IRB Law Applications

The following refereeing directives have been issued by the International Rugby Board (July 2010) and are to be implemented at all levels of the game. Their aim is to ensure that there is an equal contest for possession and to allow the game to flow more freely. To assist coaches, referees, players and observers to understand how these law clarifications affect the game, the RFU has put together the below resource of explanations and supporting video examples.

This resource highlights key infringement areas to help develop a common understanding for the 2010/11 season.
Click here to view Latest law clarifications for coaches on the RFU site


Law 11.1(a); Offside from kicks
Law 16.5; Offside at a ruck
Law 10.1(c); Illegal maul formation at line out
Law 10.1(c); Illegal maul formation at restarts
Law 20.1(g); Scrum engagement sequence
Law 20.1(g); Scrum engagement sequence
Law 14; Ball on the ground, no tackle
Law 15; The tackle, not releasing ball/player
Law 15.6(c); Players remaining on feet must play the ball from behind the tackled player
Law 15.6(d); At a tackle, players must play ball from directly behind the ball and tackled player
Law 15.4 (b); Tackler not moving away from the ball and the tackled player
Law 15.7(c); Players falling on or over the players lying on the ground after a tackle

 

UNDER 13-UNDER 19 VARIATIONS

NB Please remember that the ball must be played by the Number 8 or Scrum half without delay.No keeping the ball at No 8s feet.

 

From: David Carrigy, Head of External & Member Relations
Subject: Law Clarification by Designated Members of Rugby Committee: Re uncontested scrums
Date: June 1, 2011
Ruling: 1:2011

 

Regulations concerning change of strip/colours.

Below is the appropriate game regulation from the RFU website which details the responsibilities of the clubs. This does not only apply just at First XV level, but to all levels.

 

RFU website Link: www.rfu.com/TheGame/~/media/Files/2011/The_Game/Regulations/RFU_Regulation_13.ashx  

 

“13.6.3 Kit

 Clash of Colours

 (a) In the event of Clubs having clashing or similar colours:

 (i) at Levels 3 to 5, the away team shall be responsible for changing its colours subject to the satisfaction of the appointed Referee.

 (ii) at Levels 6 and below, the home team shall be responsible for changing its colours subject to the satisfaction of the appointed Referee.

 (iii) in the Cup Competitions, the County Championship Competitions and the U20 Competition, the home team shall be responsible for changing its colours subject to the satisfaction of the appointed Referee.

 (b) In respect of a Cup Competition match played at a neutral venue, the home team will be decided by the toss of a coin at least two days before the match by the Committee in the presence of two independent witnesses.

 Numbering

 (c) The jerseys of Clubs should all be numbered in accordance with any IRB requirements in order to ensure the correct identification of all players and replacements during a match.”

 

IRB LAW CLARIFICATION CONCERNING OFFSIDE AT CHARGE DOWNS