Back to Refereeing HomepageLAW 21. RUCK
A ruck, which can take place only in the field-of-play, is formed when the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team are on their feet and in physical contact, closing around the ball between them.
Rucking is the act of a player who, in a ruck, is using his feet to retrieve or retain the ball without contravening Law 26.
If the ball in a ruck is on or over the goal line the ruck is ended.
(1) Players forming, joining or participating in a ruck must have their heads and shoulders no lower than their hips and be on their feet. A player joining a ruck must bind with at least one arm around the body of a player of his team in the ruck. (F.K.)
Penalty:- Free kick at the place of infringement.
Note:-(i) The placing of a hand on another player is not binding. Binding involves the whole arm, from hand to shoulder.
(2) A player must not:-
(a) return the ball into the ruck, or
(b) take any action while the ball is in the ruck to convey to the opponents that the ball is out of the ruck.
Penalty:- Free kick at the place of infringement.
(c) handle the ball in the ruck except in the act of securing a try or touch-down, or
(d) pick up the ball in the ruck by hand or legs, or
(e) wilfully collapse the ruck, or
(f) jump on top of other players in the ruck, or
(g) wilfully fall or kneel in the ruck, or
(h) while lying on the ground interfere in any way with the ball in or emerging
from the ruck. He must do his best to roll away from it, or
(i) fall on or over the ball emerging from a ruck. (P.K.)
Penalty: For (c) to (i), a penalty kick at the place of infringement.
For Off-side at Ruck see Law 24 C.
Note:- (ii) Players' safety is of primary importance and players should ruck for the ball and not the players on the ground. Players rucking for the ball should attempt to step over other players lying on the ground and should notintentionally step on them. Players must ruck in close proximity to the ball.
(3) When the ball in a ruck becomes unplayable a scrummage shall be ordered and the ball put in by the team moving forward immediately prior to the stoppage. When neither team was moving forward or when the referee is unable to determine which team was moving forward prior to the stoppage the ball shall be put in by:
(a) the team moving forward immediately before the formation of the ruck; or
(b) if no team was moving forward, the ball shall be put in by the attacking team.
Note:-(iii) Before whistling for a scrummage the referee should allow a reasonable time for the ball to emerge from the ruck particularly if either team is moving forward. If the ruck becomes stationary or in the opinion of the referee the ball will probably not emerge from the ruck without delay, he should order a scrummage.
For Off-side at Ruck see Law 24 C.
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