Back to Refereeing HomepageLAW 18. TACKLE, LYING WITH, ON OR NEAR THE BALL
A tackle occurs when a player carrying the ball in the field-of-play is held by one or more opponents so that while he is so held he is brought to the ground or the ball comes into contact with the ground. If the ball carrier is on one knee, or both knees, or is sitting on the ground, or is on top of another player who is on the ground, the ball carrier is deemed to have been brought to the ground.
(1) (a) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release the ball and get up or move away from the ball.
(b) Any player who tackles an opponent and, in doing so, goes to ground in the same way as the tackled player, must immediately release the tackled player and get up or move away from the tackled player and the ball. He must not play the ball until he is on his feet.
(c) After a tackle any other player must be on his feet when he plays the ball. A player is on his feet if no other part of his body is supported by the ground or by players lying on the ground.
(d) A player who goes to the ground and gathers the ball or with the ball in his possession but who is not tackled must immediately get up on his feet with the ball or pass the ball or release the ball and get up or move away from the ball.
Notes:- (i) The requirement to release the ball allows a player to put the ball on the ground in any direction or to push it along the ground (but not in a forward direction), provided the action is immediate.
(ii) It is not a tackle if the ball carrier is lifted by an opponent so that both his feet are off the ground.
(iii) If a tackled player does not pass or release the ball immediately and the referee is in doubt as to responsibility for failure to pass or release it, he should at once order a scrummage.
(iv) If a tackle occurs in such a position that the tackled player whilste complying with the Law, is able to place the ball on or over the goal line he may do so to obtain a try or a touchdown. In such circumstances an opposing player may attempt to prevent the try or touchdown by pulling the ball from the player in possession, but must not kick the ball.
(v) If a tackle occurs near the goal-line and the ball, having been released by the tackled player, goes into the In-goal, any player of either team may ground the ball and need not be on his feet in these circumstances.
(vi) Danger may arise if a tackled player fails to pass or release or move away from the ball at once or is prevented form doing so. In such cases the referee should not delay in awarding a penalty kick.
(vii) Advantage shall be played only if it occurs immediately.
(2) It is illegal for any player:
(a) to prevent a tackled player from passing or releasing the ball, or getting up or moving away after he has passed or released it,
(b) to pull the ball from a tackled player's possession or attempt to pick up the ball before the tackled player has released it,
(c) while lying on the ground after a tackle to play or interfere with the ball in any way or to tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent carrying the ball,
(d) to wilfully fall on or over a player lying on the ground with the ball in his possession,
(e) to wilfully fall on or over players lying on the ground with the ball between them or in close proximity;
(f) while lying on the ground in close proximity to the ball to prevent an opponent from gaining possession of it; or
(g) while on his feet to charge or obstruct an opponent who is not in close proximity to the ball.
Note:- (viii) Close proximity means within one metre.
Penalty:- Penalty kick at the place of infringement.
(3) A try may be scored if the momentum of a player carries him into his opponents' In-goal even though he is tackled.
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