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of the Laws of Rugby Union.

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Laws Comment

In this part of the web-site I will be commenting on some of the Laws and issues surrounding the Laws. Some comments will of course have my own interpretation of a situation or Law, which is of course what makes them comments. I suppose this is along the lines of a 'blog' and I've included some links to other pages similar to this elsewhere online.

Index of Comments

The Breakdown

The Breakdown

I have to admit a certain amount of sheer laziness with regard to this comment. It is virtually a word for word copy of an account I wrote for my referees' society newsletter. The account was of a Federation Development Squad meeting, so this should be a good insight into the breakdown from a referee's view point (useful for some of you players no doubt!).

So then, the 'breakdown'. What is it? What do we look for? How do we referee it?

The tackle situation (player brought to ground) is the most obvious phase of play associated with the breakdown. The ruck is also fairly universally considered part of the breakdown. However unlike these two, a maul is not usually considered one of the 'breakdown' phases of play.

A referee's priorities at the tackle should be, in this order:

• Tackler; we want him to release, roll away (and get to his feet, especially if he wants to play the ball). He must allow the tackled player to release the ball - consider the situation where an isolated player having made the tackle and having opportunity to take the ball may not want to, so tries to buy a penalty - the hand positions as he goes to play the ball will often be a 'tell tale' sign.

• Tackled player; we want him to play the ball (release it, place it or pass it) and move out of the way if he is in the way.

• Arriving players; we want them to arrive 'through the gate', and importantly, on their feet!

How do referees communicate these things? Well, it is really a matter of personal choice at lower levels, but it must be clear and concise. Importantly, it should only be said once. The tackler will probably be intending to slow the ball down - so a referee slipping into the trap of repeating every command three times is playing into their hands. Once should be enough - the Laws do specify immediately. Referees - penalise if you have to.

One tip for referees is to blow quickly in the opening exchanges of a match. Especially the first time an offence occurs, don't look for the advantage - get in there, award the penalty and let them know exactly what you expect at the breakdown situation - it'll save hassle (and whistling) in the long-run.

Rucks, they will almost inevitably follow on from a tackle. What are we looking for here? We want the ball available, no handling, players on their feet, no side-entry and back feet for off-side lines (including sorting out 'guards'). That's not an exhaustive list either! Makes it sound so easy though...

Other Law/Referee 'Blogs'

Steve Lander (ex-iRB referee)

Nick Priscott (RugbyRefs.com Contributor)

If you've got a relevant blog you would like included, please send me a link!

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