Auckland Rugby League
Referees Association

SECTION 1

1.0 - STARTS OF PLAY

1.1 - THE KICK OFF

1.1.1 - Play is started from the centre of the halfway line with a place kick. The team winning the toss has the option of choosing which end of the file to defend, or alternatively may elect to kick off to commence play. The team that did not kick off to commence the first half will kick off to commenced the second half.

1.1.2 - If a person other than a player is invited to kick-off, after the ball has been kicked, the play is restarted from the centre of the half-way with another kick in the normal manner.

1.2 - RE-STARTS OF PLAY

Halfway Line

1.2.1 - After points have been scored, the non-scoring team will restart play with a place kick from the centre of the halfway.

20 Metre Line

The game is restarted with a kick at the centre of the 20 metre line in the following circumstances;

1.2.2 - The ball crosses the dead-ball line or touch in-goal line off an attacking player except when it is from a penalty kick or kick-off from the halfway line.

1.2.3 - The ball crosses the dead-ball line or touch in-goal line after accidentally striking a defending player.

1.2.4 - When an attacking player accidentally infringes in goal (e.g. knock-on).

1.2.5 - When a player is in his own in-goal and catches a kick in general play from the opposition on the full.

The game is restarted with a drop-kick at the centre of the 20 metre line in the following circumstances;

1.2.6 - When the ball crosses the dead-ball or touch in-goal line from an attempted penalty kick.

Goal Line

The game is restarted with a drop kick at the centre of the goal-line in the following circumstances;

1.2.7 - The ball crosses the dead-ball line or touch in-goal line, other than on the full, from a kick-off from the centre of the half way line.

1.2.8 - The ball goes over the dead-ball line or touch in-goal line off a defending player, after he deliberately plays at the ball.

1.2.9 - A player commits an accidental breach in his own in-goal area.

1.2.10 - A player forces the ball in his own in-goal area.

1.2.11 - A player is tackled in his own in-goal area.

1.2.12 - A player kicks the ball into touch on the full from his own in-goal area other than from a restart of play.

1.2.13 - The ball or a defending player carrying the ball touches the Referee, a Touch Judge or a spectator in the in-goal area and irregularly effects play.

1.3 - Requirements At Starts and Re-starts

1.3.1 - Kick-Offs from the half-way line and drop-outs from the goal-line and 20 metre line are required to travel at least 10 metres forward and must land in the playing field to be in play. Hitting the post or cross bar in flight does not neutralise the offence.

1.3.2 - Opposing players are to retire at least 10 metres from where the kick is being taken and shall not advance until the kick has traveled the required distance.

1.3.3 - At a 20 metre restart, the ball does not have to be released, but must come into contact with the foot and the ball may be kicked in any manner or direction.

1.3.4 - A 20 metre restart cannot be used to make ground. If the ball is kicked into touch or over the opponent’s dead ball line, or touch in goal line, play is restarted by a scrum with the loose and feed to the non kicking side at the point of the kick.

1.3.5 - If the ball bounces into touch from a kick-off, restart of play after points have been scored, 20 metre drop kick or goal line drop-out, the kicking side has the loose head and feed to the scrum. If the ball bounces dead in goal, then a goal line drop out restarts play.

1.4 - Penalties At Starts and Re-Starts Of Play

1.4.1 - A penalty kick from any offence at the kick-off will be taken from the centre of the half way line.

1.4.2 - Any penalty kick from the re-starting of play from the 20 metre line will be taken from the centre of the 20 metre line.

1.4.3 - A penalty kick from the drop-out from the goal-line shall be taken 10 metres out from the centre of the goal-line.

A player who kicks-off, takes a 20 metre drop-out, or goal line drop-out will be penalised if he;

1.4.4 - Moves in front of the appropriate line before kicking the ball.

1.4.5 - Kicks the ball on the full over the touch-line, touch in-goal line or over the dead-ball line.

1.4.6 - Fails to kick the ball 10 metres forward in the field of play.

1.4.7 - Kicks the ball in a way which is contrary to that required, i.e., not a place kick at the kick-off or not a drop-kick from a drop-out.

Any player shall be penalised if he;

1.4.8 - Moves in front of the appropriate line before the ball has been kicked.

1.4.9 - Is within 10 metres of the line and willfully interferes with play when the opposition is kicking-off or dropping-out.

Accidental interference shall result in a scrum set in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.

1.4.10 - Intentionally touches the ball before it has traveled 10 metres forward from a kick-off or drop-out.