Rugby Rules & Regulations

Rugby came about in 1823. The rules came from the basics of soccer and have developed from there. The game itself is much rougher. The first change was that the ball was allowed to be handled. At one point, the Northern Rugby Union and Rugby Football Union became at odds, mainly due to class differences. Because of this, there are now two types of Rugby and the Northern Rugby Union is called the Rugby League.

  1. Basics

    • Rugby has between 13 to 15 players on each side. Each team tries to score points against the other by bringing the ball to the end of the field into the "in-goal" area past the opposing team. At that point, there are a couple ways to score. A "try" is when the ball is ground in the in-goal area. A "field goal" is scoured by drop-kicking the ball at any time over the bar in the in-goal area. A "conversion" is a kick score after a "try," kind of like an extra point in football. A penalty kick is scored from a kick after a penalty is awarded. There are two 40-minute halves in a game. The players do not have the protection that football players have. There are no shoulder pads and no helmets.

    Pitch or Pass

    • The ball has to be passed backward at all times and can be done as often as needed between players. If the ball is dropped, it is considered a penalty and the other team is awarded the ball. A penalty is also given if the ball is pitched forward by any player.

    Ball Control

    • A ruck pile happens during a tackle when everyone piles on to gain control of the ball. This is a dangerous place to be due to the roughness of the game. With little padding and everyone in a pile, punches get thrown and players get hurt to get at the ball. If the offensive team recovers the ball, then they continue on. There are no downs to say when the other team gets the ball. As long as a team keeps control, they can keep the ball until they score.

    Tackle

    • Every player handles the ball and tackles. There are no categories for different types of players such as linebackers or defensive tackles. If a player is tackled, he has 1 second to drop the ball without receiving a penalty. This is usually when the ruck pile happens. The offensive players pile on to push the defensive players off of their player. More defensive players will pile on to make sure the offensive players don't regain control of the ball. One rule that must be followed is that a player must be on his feet before he picks up the downed ball. A penalty will be given to a player who recovers the ball while still on the ground. Also, penalties will be given to a defensive player that tackles from behind. Tackles must be done from the facing position.

    Differences in the Game

    • There are two types of rugby due to the split in class. The Rugby Union has 15 players on each side while the Rugby League has 13. Union scores five points for a try, three for a field goal and three for a penalty kick; while League is four, one and two. There are an unlimited number of tackles allowed in Rugby Union and six in Rugby League before the ball is turned over.