Revised Laws and wording for 2011

[smartcooky]

The following have been added to the Laws this year

DEFINITIONS:

Hand-off: An action taken by a ball carrier to fend off an opponent by using the palm of the hand.

Added to pin down a definition for a fend/hand-off, which has always been part of the game, but not previously defined.


LAW 5: TIME

5.2 HALF-TIME
After half-time the teams change ends. There is an interval of not more than 15 minutes. The length of the interval is decided by the match organiser, the Union or the recognised body which has jurisdiction over the game. During the interval the teams, the referee and the touch judges may leave the playing enclosure

Amended to allow all matches to have a 15 minute half time break. Previously, only matches below test match level were allowed.


LAW 7: MODE OF PLAY

A ball carrier may hand-off an opponent.

Added to specifically allow a player to hand-off as part of the game.


LAW 10.4 DANGEROUS PLAY OR MISCONDUCT

(f) Playing an opponent without the ball. Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in possession of the ball must not hold, push or obstruct an opponent not carrying the ball.

Part in red added to specifically rule that a hand off is not or foul play per se.

(j) Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground whilst that player’s feet are still off the ground such that the player’s head and/or upper body come into contact with the ground is dangerous play.

The word "first" has been removed from the last line (it used to say "come into contact with the ground first is dangerous play.") This considerably tightens Law around spear tackles. If the tackler "LIFTS" the ball carrier off the ground, that player must not allow the tackled player's head/shoulders to hit the ground at all. Dump tackles will be fine as they do not involve standing and lifting the ball carrier.

As I have said previously, the iRB means to remove this type of tackle from the game, even if it has to do so piecemeal. It wont be long before lifting an opponent at all will simply be illegal.


LAW 18: MARK

18.2 The kick is awarded at the place of the mark. If the mark is made in the in-goal, the kick is awarded 5 metres from the goal line in line with where the mark was made.

This is an attempt to clarify a Law, which they have completely stuffed up. Previously, this Law read;

The kick is awarded at the place of the mark.

which is not consistent with Law 21, that states Free Kicks awarded in-goal (which is what a Mark is) were to be taken in the field of play on the 5m line.

What they intended was for the kick to be taken on the 5m line in line with the mark, but it is perfectly possible to interpret this Law as meaning the kick is taken 5m inside the in-goal.
One wonders if they actually have anyone read this stuff before they publish

LAW 21: PENALTY AND FREE KICKS

21.2 (b) When a penalty or free kick is awarded in in-goal, the mark for the kick is in the field of play, 5 metres from the goal line, in line with the place of infringement.
Sanction: Any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum 5 metres from the goal line in line with the mark. The opposing team throws in the ball.

This just rewording for clarification. They should have used this wording in Law 18.2

21.4 (f) Kick taken in the in-goal. If a player retires into in-goal to take a penalty or free kick awarded in the field of play and a defending player by foul play prevents an opponent from scoring a try a penalty try is awarded.

Your guess is as good as mine on this one. I have no idea what they are thinking of. I can only assume that is is to do with offside players if the kick is taken quickly, and badly. Previously this Law only applied if the kick was "awarded" in goal.

21.4 (g) Out of play in the in-goal. If a player retires into in-goal to take a penalty or free kick awarded in the field of play and following the kick the ball goes into touch-in-goal, or on or over the dead ball line, or a defending player makes the ball dead before it has crossed the goal line, a 5-metre scrum is awarded. The attacking team throws in the ball.

and

(g) Free kick taken in the in-goal. If a free kick has been awarded and the player retires into in-goal to take it and the opponents charge and prevent the kick from being taken, a 5-metre scrum is ordered. The attacking team throws in the ball. If a free kick is taken in the in-goal, an opponent who legitimately plays it there can score a try.

Same as for 21.4 (f). Previously these Laws only applied if the kick was "awarded" in goal.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Interesting about the halftime break
Wonder if many televised matches will up their break
Hopefully not, I hate massive breaks


Thanks for the post-up!