Rules of the Rugby Game

Game Length and Field

• A rugby game consists of two halves, each lasting 40 minutes. A normal-sized rugby field, otherwise known as a pitch, should measure 110 yards long, or 100 meters, and 75 yards wide, or 70 meters. End zones can vary in length, between 10 and 22 meters. Behind each end zone, there are goal posts that are similar in size to American football goal posts, for kick attempts during the game.

Ball Movement

• Rugby is a game with constant motion and fast-paced action. Players may run with the ball, choose to pass it, or kick it forward. Players continue to run until they are tackled, when they must release the ball to another teammate so play can immediately resume. When passing on the run, a player must only pass the ball to a teammate who is either behind him or vertical to him. When kicking, a player must kick the ball forward, where it is then up for grabs by either the offensive or defensive team.

Scoring

• Players may score in a number of ways in rugby. A "try," worth five points, is when a player crosses the opposition's goal line into the end zone. A "conversion," worth two points, follows a successful try and is when a player kicks the ball through the goal posts 10 meters directly behind the point where he crossed the goal line. A "penalty kick," worth three points, is an option for a team if the opposition has committed a penalty. The player must kick the ball from the point of the foul or anywhere in a direct line behind the point of the foul. Lastly, a "drop goal," worth three points, can be taken at any point on the field during any point of the game. It occurs when a player attempts to kick the ball through the goal posts behind the end zone.

Tackling, Rucks, Mauls

• Only players who are carrying the ball may be tackled. A defensive player may tackle an opponent at the waist or below. A tackle above the waist may be subject to a penalty. Once an offensive player is tackled, he must release the ball backward to a teammate so play may resume. A "ruck" occurs when possession of the ball becomes unclear. Both sides come together and engage in a sort of pushing match in an attempt to free the ball to one side or the other. A ruck only ends once the ball emerges from the middle. A "maul" is similar to a ruck. When a tie-up of possession occurs while the players are still on their feet, about two to three players from each team come together and attempt to push their teammates forward to gain possession of the ball.

Restarts

• If the ball goes out of bounds, a player from the defensive team will throw the ball into what is called a "line-out." In a line-out, a player from each team is lifted into the air as the player throwing the ball in bounds throws it in a straight line between the two raised players. Both players make an attempt at the ball and play immediately resumes. A "scrum" is a restart used after a penalty. It is similar to a ruck The non-offending team will roll the ball into the middle of both sides, which are pushing against one another in order to gain possession of the ball. Players attempt to hook the ball with their feet and push it back to a teammate waiting to pick the ball up in order to resume play.