LAW 1. GROUND

The field-of-play is the area as shown on the plan, bounded by, but not including, the goal lines and touch lines. The playing area is the field-of-play and In-goal.The playing enclosure is the playing area and a reasonable area surrounding it.The Plan, including all words and figures thereon, is to take effect as part of these Laws.The Terms appearing on the Plan are to bear their apparent meaning and to be deemed part of the definitions as if separately included.

(1) All lines shown on the plan must be suitably marked out. The touch lines are in touch. The goal lines are in In-goal. The dead-ball line is not in In-goal. The touch-in-goal-lines and corner posts are in touch-in-goal. The goal posts are to be erected in the goal lines. The 22 metre lines are in the 22 metre areas.

(2) The game must be played on a ground of the area (maximum) shown on the plan and marked in accordance with the plan. The surface must be grass-covered or, where this is not available, clay or sand provided the surface is not of dangerous hardness.

(3) Any objection by either team about the ground or the way in which it is marked out must be made to the referee before the first kick off. If teams cannot agree as to the safety of the ground the referee will decide whether the game may begin. If there is any doubt as to the safety of the ground the referee will not allow the game to begin until the ground has been made safe.

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