IRB's tackle ruling
The tackle remains a nettle on the rugby field. The IRB has been returning to basics in the application of the law and now gives a ruling to help with the applications of the law, one which, it seems, will be a perennial problem.
The IRB responded to a request for clarification by the Irish Rugby Football Union. The clarification is given by way of a ruling by the IRB’s committee which deals with such matters, called the Designated Members. Rulings of this nature are not law but have the effect of law.
The short version of this is that a person standing and bringing a ball carrier must release the ball carrier as soon as he is brought to the ground and he may play the ball again as per law 15.6 (c) which means “through the gate”.
Request from the IRFU
The IRFU request a Ruling related to Law 15.6 (c) as follows:
“Law 15.6 (c) was introduced in 2009, and the stated purpose was to write into Law Ruling No. 13 of 2003, and Nos. 3 and 8 of 2004.
We are of the firm opinion that 15.6 (c) does not reflect accurately these Rulings:
• The Rulings clearly deal with an opponent of a tackled player, who remains on his feet, and is on the tackled player’s side of the tackle. This player must release and re-enter from his own side.
• This is the only requirement within these Rulings in relation to a player on his feet who is an opponent of the tackled player.
• The Rulings also state that players can play the ball if they have come from their own side, and are on their feet. There is no requirement within the Rulings for a player, who has always been on his side of the tackle,
to release the ball.
• As written 15.6 (c) is inclusive of all players on their feet, and this does not meet the objective of the Rulings.
Furthermore, Law 15.6 (c) is anomalous and in contradiction with several other sections within the totality of Law 15 – particularly 15.5 (b) and 15.6 (b).
We ask the Designated Members to consider the above observations and to determine if a re-write (or clarification) of 15.6 (c) is necessary so it reflects correctly and accurately the Rulings No. 13 of 2003, and Nos. 3 and 8 of 2004,
and to remove the current anomaly in Law.
In view of the recent focus and discussions in relation to this Law, we would also ask that this request is treated with the utmost urgency.”
Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
In the Designated Members opinion the Law amendment, Law 15.6 (c) reflects the Rulings 13 – 2008, 3 and 8 2004. In order to clarify the situation the Designated Members’ comments are included below.
A player who is brought to the ground when carrying the ball is a tackled player. (Definition)
A player who goes to ground when tackling a player is known as a tackler. (Definition)
A player who brings a player to ground who is carrying the ball is not a tackler (Definition), however, this player has completed a tackle.
A tackler must release the tackled player (Law 15.4 (a)).
The tackled player must pass or release the ball (Law 15.5 (b)).
The tackled player may release the ball by putting the ball on the ground in any direction (Law 15.5 (c)).
The tackled player may release the ball by pushing the ball along the ground (Law 15.5 (d)).
However, if opposition players who are on their feet attempt to play the ball, the tackled player must release the ball (Law 15.5 (e)).
Players arriving at a tackle may play the ball providing they are on their feet (Law 15.6 (b)).
Players who were attached to the player who is tackled and who remain on their feet must release the player and the ball (Law 15.6 (c)) and then may play the ball in accordance with Law 15.6 (b).
Law Ruling 8 of 2004 stated that the players who are not tacklers are covered by Law 15.7 (c) (2008 Law) and those players can only play the ball if they approach from behind the ball and from directly behind the tackled player or the tackler closest to those players’ goal-line.
The Laws concerned are as follows:
15.4 THE TACKLER
(a) When a player tackles an opponent and they both go to ground, the tackler must immediately release the tackled player.
Sanction: Penalty kick
15.5 THE TACKLED PLAYER
(b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it. That player must also get up or move away from it at once.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(c) A tackled player may release the ball by putting it on the ground in any direction, provided this is done immediately.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(d) A tackled player may release the ball by pushing it along the ground in any direction except forward, provided this is done immediately.
Sanction: Penalty kick
(e) If opposition players who are on their feet attempt to play the ball, the tackled player must release the ball.
Sanction: Penalty kick
Law 15.6 OTHER PLAYERS
(b) After a tackle any players on their feet may attempt to gain possession by taking the ball from the ball carrier’s possession.
(c) Players in opposition to the ball carrier who remain on their feet who bring the ball carrier to ground so that the player is tackled must release the ball and the ball carrier. Those players may then play the ball providing they are on their feet and do so from behind the ball and from directly behind the tackled player or a tackler closest to those players’ goal line.
Sanction: Penalty kick
Law 15.7 FORBIDDEN PRACTICES
(c) No player may fall on or over the players lying on the ground after a tackle with the ball between or near to them.
Sanction: Penalty kick
