CANADA – REFEREE’s GUIDE to GAMEPLAY

The following is a guide to how rules will in general be officiated by the Referee:

In General -Because of the speed of play, the quick transitions, and the desire for the Referee to not interfere in play, the Referee will not be able to see every infraction. Let that sink in. Accept that what you see as an obvious infraction may not be seen by the Referee and play on. Play the whistle. Complaining in the moment doesn’t help your case, however at a break in action you may respectfully point out what you see as a repeated infraction and ask for a Referee’s interpretation. We are here to have fun! Please remember that… -Due to the nature of Touch Rugby, play is subject to constant interpretation of the rules using a Referee’s judgment. The Referee’s goal is not to whistle every infraction as it happens but to ensure fair and consistent play and calls throughout the game for both teams. i.e. if BOTH team’s are consistently only allowing 2 meters from scrimmage, the Referee may allow play to continue. -Sportsmanship is EVERYBODY’S best friend. If you feel you were touched by 2 hands and the Referee didn’t see it, please call it. Both teams will appreciate the sportsmanship (and so will the Referee). If you knock the ball on and it’s not called, let the Referee know etc. -Respect the Referees. We are doing this because we like rugby and want to help the game. We aren’t doing this to get rich. Imagine the game with no Referee. Have fun.

With all that being said, here is a more detailed description at what our refs are looking for:

Kickoffs Offense -Once a try is scored against you, you are free to run up with your team to restart play. -Don’t pass the ball forward. -If you are making substitutions, make them behind the halfway line behind the ball. -You do NOT need to tap the ball to restart on kickoffs. -The first offensive player to pickup the ball is not considered a HALF and is eligible to score a try without passing.

Offense -Once you score a try, drop or place the ball. Do not throw the ball into the soccer net (this will result in the nullification of the try). - To score a try, the ball simply has to cross the line. Once the ball crosses the line, you may drop the ball. However- please do not DIVE (you can reach) over the line as this only welcomes unnecessary contact from other players that might lead to injury. -Once the try is scored, all defensive players must retreat behind the halfway line. Until ALL 5 defensive players are behind the halfway line, they may not. If any players advance prior to this, then they are offside and are subject to a penalty. An offside player cannot make a and hence an offensive player can ignore that tackle. Typically the Referee will call “Advantage” or “No tackle” on an offside player. -Once you have 5 players behind the halfway line OR the Offense advances the ball past the halfway line, the defensive players are put onside except any trailing defensive players who haven’t crossed halfway. -If you are making substitutions, those players must enter at the halfway line for them to be eligible. This is to prevent the defense from getting an unfair advantage.

Tackles Offense -A tackle occurs if you are touched by 2 hands by the SAME player. If you aren’t sure you were tackled you may keep running and wait for the Referee’s whistle to let you know you were tackled. The Referee will then indicate the mark. -Typically the Referee will signify the tackle by calling TOUCH and the number of the attempt. -If you run 3 meters past where you were touched and put the ball straight down, the Referee will interrupt play with a whistle, and ask you to reset the mark to 3 meters back. If however you run 3 meters and roll the ball back 3 meters, or stop and place the ball where you were tackled, play can continue uninterrupted. -ANOTHER player can then restart play by picking the ball up and running or passing. This player is considered the SCRUM HALF for that play only, and if tackled prior to passing, is subject to a turnover. The SCRUM HALF cannot score a try -Offensive OBSTRUCTION will be called if an offensive player gets between the ball carrier and the defense AND PREVENTS A TACKLE (i.e. play on if no tackle is impeded). -The Referee will allow a touch and pass if you run within a step after a tackle and pass the ball. However in exchange for this any ball you lose control of after a tackle UNLESS SLAPPED OUT OF YOUR HANDS by the defense will be considered a turnover.

Defense -Once a player has been tackled, all defensive players must retreat approximately 3 meters from the line of scrimmage. Remember- play to the referee’s interpretation and retreat after each touch. As above, the line of scrimmage is where the tackle was made. -In general if you are standing still you are likely to be offside. You are more likely to get the benefit of the doubt if you are actively retreating. If you are closer to 3 meters of the ball when play restarts, even out on the wing, you are OFFSIDE. The Referee will typically allow the offense the opportunity to gain Advantage. If you are in an OFFSIDE position, a defensive player’s tackle is considered invalid and the offense may keep running. If the offense advances the ball 10 meters, advantage is gained. -Defensive players are asked not to police the placement of the ball, it is up to the Referee to ensure the offense is not advancing the ball too far after the tackle. -Defense may not advance until the ball is PICKED UP. Touching the ball is not an invite to advance.

Turnovers After any turnover such as 1) a dropped ball, 2) 6 touches, or 3) a knock-on, play MUST be restarted with a tap and go. -The Referee will indicate the mark so look to them. -The offense can restart play at, OR behind, the mark with a tap and go (either on the ground or from the hands). -This player is NOT considered a SCRUM HALF and if touched will not result in a turnover, but considered touch #1. This player however is NOT able to score on turnovers mentioned above unless the ball is intercepted in the air. The reason play is restarted with a tap and go is so that the defense knows where the offside line is and knows when they may begin to advance. -If you fail to restart with a tap and go, the Referee will whistle and ask you to try again.

Penalties -If your team is called for an infraction the referee will blow the whistle and indicate the mark. A fresh set of downs is awarded to the non-offending team. Defensive players must retreat 3 meters from the mark. The offense can restart play at OR behind the mark with a tap and go (either on the ground or from the hands). The same rules apply as if this were a turnover ball. If this player is touched it is considered touch #1. This player must pass before scoring.

Abuse -VERBAL or PHYSICAL abuse of the Referee or another player is not tolerated. Nor is unsportsmanlike conduct. It’s ok to be competitive but try to have fun. Infractions may be subject to yellow or red cards or further supplementary discipline.