LAW 16. FAIR-CATCH (MARK)

(a) A player makes a fair-catch when, in his twenty-two metres area or in his In-goal, he cleanly catches the ball direct from a kick, other than from a kick-off, by one of his opponents and at the same time he exclaims 'Mark'. A fair catch may be obtained even though the ball on its way touches a goal post or crossbar.

(b) A free kick is awarded for a fair-catch.

(1) The free kick must be taken by the player making the fair-catch, unless he is injured in so doing. If he is unable to take the kick within one minute a scrummage shall be formed at the mark. His team shall put in the ball.

(2) If the mark is in In-goal, any resultant scrummage shall be five metres from the goal line on a line through the mark.

Note-: (i) If an opponent unfairly charges the catcher in the playing area after the referee has blown his whistle for a fair catch, a penalty kick shall be awarded.

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