I have been asked to clarify a situation regarding when the ball is “in play” after a ruck. This revolves around the scrum half putting his hands on the ball.
I want to get all referees on the same page here, so this is how we will adjudicate this matter.
A player, usually the scrum half, can put one hand on the ball without the ball being considered “in play”. This gives him time to size up his options before making his attack.
If he puts two hands on the ball it is now considered ‘in play’ and the opposing scrum half may play the ball or make a tackle.
On page 169 of the Law Book, under Chapter 3.1.6:
The scrum half (or other player performing this role at the ruck) is allowed, in pursuit of making the ball available, to place one hand on the ball while it is in the ruck.
Once the scrum half places two hands on the ball, the ball is considered to be out of the ruck and the ruck has ended.
Opponents of the scrum half in the ruck may not interfere with the scrum half’s clearance of the ball.
Gerry FitzGerald
Referee Development Officer, South Rugby Referees Association
VP & RDO, Florida Rugby Referees Association
OK, we have an iterpretation/application of the Scrum Half. Taking it a step beyond, consider the ball on the ground and other areas of potential inconsistency, before the scrum half gets there
1. What is the law regarding the player who has been tackled, he places the ball back and as his team bind over him, he keeps one hand on the ball to “steady it” while the scrum half gets in position to play the ball.
Technically a penalty, hands in the ruck? or allowed because he has made the ball available, is not impeding or preventing a defender from playing the ball and the play is judged “positive.” We certainly have in consistency in this area.
2. Similarly a player is tackled, supporting player binds over (not bridging which we know is illegal”????) and pushes the ball back between his legs with his hand. Playing the ball on the floor in a ruck? or does it depend on weather a defender is yet bound on, so making it a ruck.
Martin
Posted by: at January 29, 2004 07:08 AMThe scrum half with the ball MUST be allowed time to clear it before he gets hit.
No if’s, ands or buts. It’s the Law.
Gerry FitzGerald
Referee Development Officer, South Rugby Referees Association
VP & RDO, Florida Rugby Referees Association
n reply to Martin’s excellent questions.
1. What is the law regarding the player who has been tackled, he places the ball back and as his team bind over him, he keeps one hand on the ball to “steady it” while the scrum half gets in position to play the ball.
Technically a penalty, hands in the ruck? or allowed because he has made the ball available, is not impeding or preventing a defender from playing the ball and the play is judged “positive.” We certainly have in consistency in this area.
The key word here is “positive play”. If the team in posession of the ball are driving forward as they usually are, then we play on. If the player on the ground with his hand on the ball PREVENTS an opponent from playing the ball then, penalty. Referees are looking for teams to do something constructive during all phases of play. If it is destructive then it will be penalised.
2. Similarly a player is tackled, supporting player binds over (not bridging which we know is “illegal”????) and pushes the ball back between his legs with his hand. Playing the ball on the floor in a ruck? or does it depend on weather a defender is yet bound on, so making it a ruck.
You are talking about the “long body ruck” here. This is allowed providing the player on the ground with the ball between his legs does not prevent an opponent, who is on his feet, from playing the ball. If a ruck forms above this play then the player on the ground can not play the ball anymore for fear of penalty for playing the ball in a ruck. Remember it only takes one player from each side to bind together to for a ruck.
Gerry FitzGerald
Referee Development Officer, South Rugby Referees Association VP & RDO, Florida Rugby Referees Association
Gerry,
I don’t think that your interpretation to Point 2 is what Martin is asking.
If you watch the current RWC games you will see what Martin is talking about - a player is tackled and presents the ball. A subsequent player arriving at the breakdown often uses his hand to move the ball back between his legs as the ruck begins to form.
In the RWC games they are not calling it hands in the ruck. This appears to fall under your “positive” interpretation, as the clean out of
opposition is usually in progress and there is no impeding of opposition players.
Peter Craig
Iron Horse RFC
