7s: 50/22, and GLDO
Folks: This will seem bizarre, but there has been a big conflict in the law trials and the 50/22 and the goal line dropout (GLDO) as they apply to 7s. Basically:
- The lawbook (online) shows that the 50/22 and GLDO apply for both 15s and 7s. That’s the way it was played in tournaments after last Summer (Xmas 7s, UofR 7s, etc.).
- However, this is wrong, based on a World Rugby memo (09/10/2021) that (a) no one had seen until recently and (b) cannot be located online. [“No one” = inside or outside of the RSV from what we can determine (at least regionally, if not beyond).]
- Even though this is a World Rugby memo, they NEVER fixed the applicable online laws. That’s supposed to happen sometime soon. [Insert cursing here.]
- Thus, the 50/22 and the GLDO do not apply to 7s.
This has been verified by MARR.
Hurdling/jumping over a tackler
Law clarification: a ball carrier cannot hurdle/jump over a tackler attempting to make a low tackle. A ball carrier may dive to score a try (as long as they are not jumping over a tackler). They can be tackled during this process.
See https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/clarification/2022/3/

James River Xmas 7s 2021
Yesterday’s officiating crew at the James River Xmas 7s, outside of Richmond. The new Xmas 7s jerseys were great (thanks, Chilly and Love Rugby Company!). Also, a thanks to Margy, who got more than enough referees for the day (a rarity!) as well as arranged referee coaching. And… thanks to Jake Porter who hosted the referees’ post tournament gathering.

Game Management Guidelines
The 2021-2022 GMG is available at https://assets.usarugby.org/docs/refereeing/USARR-GMG.pdf
Plus:
RSV AGM – 07/18/2021
Items from the meeting (PDFs)
- Slides (posted 08/09/2021)
- Financial report (posted 08/09/2021)
- Minutes for Annual General Meeting of 07/18/2021 and Special Meeting of 08/09/2021 (posted 08/17/2021)
Global Law Trials
Effective August 1 for 15s and after August 15 for 7s: USA Memo (PDF).