• Scoring: A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area, worth one point. 

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• The Touch: Defenders must make minimal contact with the ball carrier's body, clothing, or the ball itself, followed by calling "Touch!" to stop playing. 

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• Roll Ball: The touched player must immediately place the ball on the ground at the spot of the touch and step over it or roll in backwards through his/her legs. A teammate (the dummy-half) picks it up to restart play. 

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• Possession: The attacking team has a maximum of six touches (phases) to score.  Failure to score within six touches results in a turnover.

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• Knock-ons: (dropping the ball forward or hitting it forward with the hand/arm so it touches the ground or another player) results in an immediate change of possession (turnover). Play restarts with a roll ball (not a penalty tap) for the defending team, who become the new attackers.

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• Passing: The ball must always be passed backwards or sideways; forward passes result in a penalty. 

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Defensive and Offside Rules:

• Retreat: After a touch, all defending players must retreat at least 5 meters behind the mark of the touch. 

• Onside: Defenders cannot move forward until the dummy-half has touched the ball at the roll ball. 

• Penalties: Infringements such as offside play, forward passes, or touching the dummy-half before they play the ball result in a 10-meter penalty.  The attacking team taps the ball with their foot from the mark to restart play

 

No Contact: Physical tackling, blocking, or obstruction is strictly prohibited. Intentional contact results in a penalty or sin-binning.

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Sidelines:

• Out of Play: The ball or a player in possession touching/crossing the sideline results in an immediate Change of Possession. 

• Restart Method: Play resumes with a Roll Ball for the non-offending team. 

• Restart Position: Taken 5 meters infield from the exit point.

• Exception (Touch First): If a defender makes a legal touch before the player crosses the line, the touch counts.  Play continues with a standard Roll Ball at the mark; possession is not lost. 

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Scoring:

• A try (touchdown) is worth:

  • 1 point if scored by a man.

  • 2 points if scored by a woman/girl.

  • No conversions or additional scoring plays.

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General Rules & Conduct:

• Respect, sportsmanship, and fair play are mandatory. Captains are responsible for team behavior.

• Referees’ decisions are final.

• All players must wear appropriate footwear (no metal studs/cleats that damage the field).

• Any serious misconduct may result in player ejection or team disqualification.

 

Have fun, support Redding Rugby, and good luck!

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For questions: Contact Jake on 408 012 0475.

 

All proceeds support Redding Rugby equipment, travel, and development.