Auckland Rugby League
Referees Association

SECTION 3

3.0 - THE PLAY OF THE BALL

3.1. - PLAYING THE BALL

3.1.1 - The tackled player shall be immediately released and shall not be touched until the ball has been played.

3.1.2 - If any doubt arises as to which player should play the ball (disputed possession) the referee should nominate the team in possession.

3.1.3 - If a player is holding the ball with a hand or arm to some part of his person, then he is “in possession”.

3.1.4 - The tackled player shall without delay regain his feet where he was tackled.

3.1.5 - No part of the tackled player’s person other then his feet should be in contact with the ground when he releases the ball.

3.1.6 - One opponent may take up a position immediately opposite the tackled player known as the ‘marker’.

3.1.7 - The tackled player shall lift the ball clear of the ground, fact his opponent’s goal line and drop or place the ball in front of his foremost foot.

3.1.8 - The ball must be played backwards with the foot and it is clear of the play the ball when it passes behind the heel of the tackled player.

3.1.9 - The marker is not allowed to strike for the ball.

3.1.10 - A player from each team, to be known as the acting half-back, may stand immediately and directly behind his own player taking part in the play the ball.

3.1.11 - The acting half-back must remain in this position until the ball has been heeled backwards and comes clear of the two players in the ball movement.

3.1.12 - Players of the side not in possession other than the marker and the acting half-back are out of play if they fail to retire ten metres from the point at which the ball is played or to their own goal line. They should only be penalised if they intentionally interfere with the play, actively or passively.

3.1.13 - Players of the side in possession other than the player playing the ball and the acting half-back are out of play if they fail to retire behind the point at which the ball is played or to their own goal line.

3.1.14 - If the interference with play is accidental a scrum should be formed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.

3.1.15 - Having retired the distance required a player may not advance until the ball has cleared the play the ball.

3.1.16 - A player who is out of play may take part in the game when the advantage gained by not retiring has been lost.

3.1.17 - The play the ball must be performed as quickly as possible.

3.1.18 - Any player who intentionally delays the bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised.

3.1.19 - If part of the tackled player is on or over the goal line but the ball is in the field of play, the tackled player shall play the ball where the ball lies.

If a player is tackled in an upright position bestriding the goal line he is deemed to be tackled in the in-goal area