Instructions and Notes of The Laws
The Laws of the Game are complete and contain all that is necessary to enable the game to be played correctly and fairly. Nevertheless, in a complex game where so many diverse situations can arise, the Board finds it necessary to instruct all concerned as to the meaning and effect of some of the Laws, and to add emphasis to duties which the Laws place on the referee. This is all the more necessary because lack of uniformity in referees' decisions is bad for the game.These instructions and Notes are, therefore, issued by the International Rugby Football Board so that all concerned in every country may follow a consistent and uniform practice.
It is the duty of the referee (Law 6A 3) to apply fairly the Laws of the Game without any variation or omission. Equally, the referee is obliged to follow the instructions and guidelines herein laid down by the International Board.
Dead means that the ball is for the time being out of play. This
occurs when the referee blows his whistle to indicate a stoppage
of play or when an attempt to convert a try is unsuccessful.
Defending Team means the team in whose half of the
ground the stoppage of play occurs and the opponents of the
defending team are referred to as "the Attacking Team."
Kick. A kick is made by propelling the ball with the leg or
foot (except the heel), from knee to toe inclusive. If the player
is holding the ball, he must propel it out of his hands, or if it is
on the ground, he must propel it a visible distance.
Drop Kick. A drop kick is made by letting the ball fall from
the hand (or hands) to the ground and kicking it at the first
rebound as it rises.
Place Kick. A place kick is made by kicking the ball after it
has been placed on the ground for that purpose.
Punt. A punt is made by letting the ball fall from the hand (or
hands) and kicking it before it touches the ground .
Mark. The mark is the place at which a free kick or penalty
kick is awarded.
Line Through the Mark (or place). Except where
specifically stated otherwise, the words "a line through the mark" or
"a line through the place" always means a line parallel to the
touch line.
Union means the controlling body under whose jurisdiction
the match is played and in the case of an International Match it
means the International Rugby Football Board or a Committee
thereof.
Other definitions are included in and have effect as part of
the Laws.
Declaration of Amateurism
The game is an amateur game. No one is allowed to seek or
receive payment or other material reward for taking part in the
Game.
DEFINITIONS
Beyond or Behind or In Front of any position
implies "with
both feet," except when unsuited to the context.
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