On 9 May 2024, World Rugby Council agreed to law changes in three areas covering: The following are the areas of law with the new law wording. They come into effect on 1 July 2024. From that date, they will be reflected in World Rugby’s digital law content. Offside in front of a kicker Rationale: Teams… Continue reading Law Changes for July 2024
Tackle Height Changes Explained
NEW TACKLE HEIGHT LAW: 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders, or tackling or attempting to tackle an… Continue reading Tackle Height Changes Explained
2024-25 USA Game Management Guidelines
These Game Management Guidelines are created upon the principles and spirit of the game, to clarify law application and to provide all rugby participants direction, and a foundation for the game to be played. This is published and distributed by USA Rugby.
Global Law Trials adopted for MidSouth Rugby Ref Society
50:22 Kick from inside own half, bounces into touch inside opponents’ 22m area Kicking team gets the lineout throw Quick throw is possible Cannot be taken back into the 50 and immediately kicked If you take back, must be a tackle/ruck/maul/touched by opponent [Just like a 22-meter mindset, some of us may verbally say “taken… Continue reading Global Law Trials adopted for MidSouth Rugby Ref Society
Technical Zones Explained
The technical zone is crucial for player safety, event organization, and spectator enjoyment. It is easy to mark the areas with a rope/divider, cones, pain, and good communication amongst all participants. The following are features of an adequate technical zone: The technical zone is defined as the space in front of the rope/barrier between the 10 m… Continue reading Technical Zones Explained
Referee Coaching Reports
The Midwest Rugby referee Society referee development committee, chaired by Billy Koval and assisted by to Tim Enos and Dan Frankenfeld, have published a referee coaching report. This report aids in communication between the referee and coach, and also documents a referee’s progression, when compared across games and seasons. In order to advance from C3… Continue reading Referee Coaching Reports
Decision-making Framework for High Tackles
Context (March 2021) Player welfare drives World Rugby’s decision making for zero tolerance of foul play, especially where head contact occurs. The focus must be on the actions of those involved, not the injury – the need for an HIA does not necessarily mean that there has been illegal head contact. Not all head contacts… Continue reading Decision-making Framework for High Tackles
Effective Referee-player Communication
Much of referee training centers around knowing the laws, knowing where to be to see the game, and being sufficiently fit to transition along the best positions through the game. Early in one’s referee development, communication is limited to “whistle, signal, talk.” It is the all important aspect of signaling and stating why we blew… Continue reading Effective Referee-player Communication