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.
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/
FYI, read, watch, and digest. Above all, have fun this season.
http://www.irblaws.com/crouchbindset
When a maul goes to ground and is not deemed to be collapsed intentionally:
- There is no obligation for any players to release the ball or roll away.
- If the ball is available, play should continue. Availability would constitute that the referee can see the ball and the team in possession are in the process of recycling the ball.
- If the ball is not available, a scrum is awarded to the team that did not have possession of the ball at the commencement of the maul.
Regards
RICHARD EVERY | High Performance Referee Manager | USA Rugby
e: revery@usarugby.org c: 00 +1 773.895.6013
2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 200 | Boulder CO 80302
Referees Society of Virginia 