Back to Refereeing HomepageLAW 10. KICK-OFF
Kick-off is (a) a place kick taken from the centre of the half-way line by the team which has the right to start the match or by the opposing team on the resumption of play after the half-time interval or
(b) a drop kick taken at or from behind the centre of the half-way line by the defending team after the opposing side has scored.
(1) The ball must be kicked from the correct place and by the correct form of kick; otherwise it shall be kicked off again.
(2) The ball must reach the opponents' ten metres line, unless first played by an opponent; otherwise it shall be kicked off again, or a scrummage formed at the centre, at the opponents' option. If it reaches the ten metres line and is then blown back, play shall continue.
(3) If the ball is kicked directly into touch, the opposing team may accept the kick, have the ball kicked off again, or have a scrummage formed at the centre.
(4) If the ball crosses the opposing team's goal line from a kick-off, without touching or being touched by a player, the opposing team has the option of grounding the ball, making it dead, or playing on. If the opposing team grounds the ball or makes it dead or the ball becomes dead by touch-in-goal or by touching or crossing the dead ball line, they will have the option of either having a scrummage formed at the centre of the half-way line, with the put-in, or having the other team kick-off again.
(5) The kicker's team must be behind the ball when kicked; otherwise a scrummage shall be formed at the centre.
(6) The opposing team must stand on or behind the ten metre line. If they are in front of that line or if they charge before the ball has been kicked, it shall be kicked off again.
Notes:- (i) The option in Section (4) must be exercised without delay and if a defending player after gathering the ball in-goal, runs with it or passes it, he has taken the option to play on.
(ii) The use of sand, sawdust or an approved kicking tee is permitted for placing the ball.
