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Message: <blockquote data-quote="smartcooky" data-source="post: 374451" data-attributes="member: 20605">Its about judgment & timing, and sometimes the referee can get it wrong.In the case where the ball carrier is brought to ground by an opponent, but the opponent is not holding onto him when he hits the ground, e.g. an ankle tap, then no tackle has taken place, and Law 14 applies.<div style="border: 2px solid black; padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 240); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Law 14 BALL ON THE GROUND, NO TACKLEDEFINITIONSThis situation occurs when the ball is available on the ground and a player goes to ground to gather the ball, except immediately after a scrum or a ruck.It also occurs when a player is on the ground in possession of the ball and has not been tackled. The Game is to be played by players who are on their feet. A player must not make the ball unplayable by falling down. Unplayable means that the ball is not immediately available to either team so that play may continue. A player who makes the ball unplayable, or who obstructs the opposing team by falling down, is negating the purpose and Spirit of the Game and must be penalised. A player who is not tackled, but who goes to ground while holding the ball, or a player who goes to ground and gathers the ball, must act immediately. 14.1 PLAYERS ON THE GROUND(a) A player with the ball must immediately do one of three things:• Get up with the ball• Pass the ball• Release the ball.Sanction: Penalty kick</div>In the case where the tackler is still holding the ball carrier as he hits the ground, then its a tackle so Law 15 (The Tackle Law) applies, and if the player gets back up without releasing the ball first, he should be penalised.The problem for the referee is that it can be difficult to judge whether the tackler was still holding on when the ball carrier hit the ground. If they don't see it, they cannot rule it.</blockquote>

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