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The following rules were added prior to the 1996 European Super League season. I'll update the full document accordingly when I get the official version from the RFL:
A limited number of terms used in these rules are defined differently, though correctly, from their common usage so please check the glossary to avoid confusion!
1) The Playing Field
2) A
Glossary of Rugby League Terms
3) The Ball
4) The Player and Players' Equipment
5) Mode of Play
6) Scoring - Tries and Goals
7) Time-Keeping
8) The Kick-Off and Drop-Out
9) Touch and Touch-In-Goal
10) Knock-On and Forward Pass
11) The Tackle and Play-The-Ball
12) The Scrum
13) The Penalty Kick
14) Off-Side
15) Players' Misconduct
16) Duties of Referees' and Touch Judges
3.1) The game shall be played with an oval air-inflated ball, the out-casting of which shall be of leather or other material approved by the International Board, and nothing shall be used in its construction which might prove dangerous to the players.
3.2) The dimensions shall be:
Preferred Minimum Maximum ----------------------------------------------- Length 28cm 27cm 29cm Longest Circumf' 74cm 73cm 75cm Widest Circumf' 59cm 58cm 61cm Weight 410g 380g 440g
3.3) The Referee shall blow his whistle immediately he notices that the size and shape of the ball no longer comply with the Laws of the Game.
4.1) The game shall be played by two teams each consisting of not more than 13 players.
4.2) Each team shall inform the Referee, prior to the commencement of the game, the names of up to four substitutes and may choose from any of those players to make four interchanges.
4.3) For ease of identification it is permissible for players' clothing to bear numbers (1 to 13 with additional numbers for the substitutes), the numbers normally relating to the positions of the players in their respective teams, these positions being referred to by name as set out hereunder:
Backs 1. Full-back
2. Right wing threequarter
3. Right centre threequarter
4. Left centre threequarter
5. Left wing threequarter
6. Stand-off or Five-eighth
7. Scrum-half or Half-back
Forwards 8. Open-side prop forward
9. Hooker
10. Blind-side front row forward
11. Second-row forward
12. Second-row forward
13. Loose forward
NB - The concept of squad numbers is earmarked for a possible introduction in the future. This means that players will be identified by numbers rather than positions. This system already exists in English Premier League Soccer and in Australian Rugby League.
4.4a) A player shall not wear anything that might prove dangerous to other players.
b) A player's normal gear shall consist of a jersey of distinctive colour and/or pattern (preferably numbered), a pair of shorts, stockings of distinctive colour and/or pattern and studded boots or shoes.
c) Protective clothing may be worn provided it contains nothing of a rigid nature.
d) The Referee shall order a player to remove any part of his equipment which might be considered dangerous and shall not allow the player to take any further part in the game until the order is obeyed. The player shall retire from the playing field to remove the offending item if the start of the game would otherwise be delayed.
e) The colours of the jerseys worn by competing teams shall be easily distinguishable and, if, in the opinion of the Referee similarity between the jerseys might affect the proper conduct of the game he may, at his discretion, order either team to change jerseys in accordance with the rules governing the competition in which the game is played.
f) Studs on boots or shoes shall be no less than 8mm diameter at the apex and, if made of metal, shall have rounded edges.
5.1) The object of the game shall be to ground the ball in the opponents' in-goal to score tries and to kick the ball over the opponents' cross-bar to score goals.
5.2) The captains of the two teams shall toss for choice of ends in the presence of the Referee. The team of the captain losing the toss shall kick-off to start the game.
5.3) Once play has started any player who is on-side or not out of play can run with the ball, kick it in any direction and throw or knock it in any direction other than towards his opponents' dead-ball line.
5.4) A player who during play is holding the ball may be tackled by an opposing player or players in order to prevent him from running with the ball or from kicking or passing it to one of his own team.
5.5) A player who is not holding the ball shall not be tackled or obstructed.
6.1) A try shall count four points. A conversion goal or penalty goal shall count two points. A drop goal during play shall count one point.
6.2) The game shall be won by the side scoring the greater number of points. If both sides score an equal number of points, or if both sides fail to score, then the game shall be drawn.
6.3) A try is scored when:
a) A player first grounds the ball in his opponents' in-goal,
provided that he is not in touch or touch-in-goal or on or over the dead-ball-line.
b) Opposing players simultaneously ground the ball in the in-goal
area provided that the attacking player is not in touch or touch-in-goal
or not on or over the dead-ball line.
c) A tackled player's momentum carries him into the opponents'
in-goal where he grounds the ball even if the ball has first touched the
ground in the field-of-play but provided that when the ball crosses the
goal-line the player is not in touch or touch-in-goal or on or over the
dead-ball line.
d) The Referee awards a penalty try which he may do if, in his
opinion, a try would have been scored but for the unfair play of the defending
team. A penalty try is awarded between the goal-posts irrespective of where
the offence occurred.
e) An attacking player carrying the ball comes into contact
with the Referee or Touch-Judge or an encroaching spectator in the opponents'
in-goal and play is thereby irregularly affected.
6.4) The try is awarded:
a) Where grounded as in 6.3a or 6.3b
b) Where it first crosses the goal-line if scored as in 6.3c
c) Between the posts if a penalty try
d) Where contact took place if scored as in 6.3e
6.5) Only the Referee may award a try but he may take into consideration the advice given by Touch-Judges and in-goal judges before arriving at his decision. He shall signal that a try has been scored by pointing to where the try has been awarded but should only do so after looking at the two Touch-Judges and in-goal judge to ensure they are not reporting a prior incident.
6.6) A goal is scored if the whole of the ball at any time during its flight passes over the opponents' cross-bar towards the dead-ball line after being kicked on the full by a player (and not touched in flight by any other player) in any of these circumstances:
a) By a place-kick after a try has been scored and counts two
points.
b) By a place-kick or a drop-kick when a penalty kick has been
awarded and counts two points.
c) By a drop-kick during play from any position in the Field-of-Play
and counts one point..
6.7) A kick at goal after a try may be taken from any point on an imaginary line drawn parallel to the touch-line in the Field-of-Play and through the point where the try was awarded. A kick at goal from a penalty kick may be taken from the mark or from any point on an imaginary line drawn from the mark towards the kicker's own goal-line and parallel to the touch-line.
6.8) When a kick at goal is being taken following a try, the opposing players shall stand outside the field-of-play. Players of the kicker's team must be behind the ball.
When a kick at goal is being taken from a penalty kick, the opponents shall retire to their goal-line or not less than 10m from the mark.
It is illegal to attempt to distract the attention of a player who is kicking at goal.
6.9) For the purpose of judging a kick at goal, the goal-posts are assumed to extend indefinitely upwards.
6.10) When a kick at goal is being taken, the Referee shall assign one Touch-Judge to each post. If a Touch-Judge is of the opinion that a goal has been scored he shall raise his flag above his head. If the kick is unsuccessful he shall wave his flag in front of him and below the waist. If there is no disagreement between the Touch-Judges their decision shall be accepted. In the event of disagreement, the Referee shall decide.
7.1) The game shall normally be of 80 minutes duration. At half-time there shall be an interval of five minutes, but this may be extended or reduced by the Referee.
7.2) A team shall defend one in-goal for the first half of the game and then change ends for the second half.
7.3) If time expires in either half when the ball is out of play or a player in possession is tackled and has not risen to his feet, the Referee shall immediately blow his whistle to terminate play. If the ball is in play when time expires, the Referee shall terminate play when next the ball goes out of play or a player is tackled but time shall be extended to allow a penalty kick or a kick at goal to be taken, in which case the half is terminated when the ball goes out of play or a tackle is effected, unless a further penalty is awarded, in which case time is again extended for the kick to be taken.
7.4) Extra time shall be added to each half to compensate for time wasted or lost from any cause. The Referee shall be the sole judge of extra time. He shall inform the respective captains of how much extra time is to be played and shall keep a written record of same except where these duties have been delegated to a timekeeper.
7.5) If the continuance of play endangers an injured the Referee may stop the game. If, when the game is stopped, a player is in possession of the ball the game shall be recommenced by that player playing-the-ball. Otherwise play shall be restarted with a scrum at the point where the ball was stopped the team then in possession or last in possession having the loose head and the put-in.
8.1) The kick-off is a place kick from the centre of the half-way line. The team which loses the toss for choice of ends kicks-off to start the first half of the game and their opponents kick-off to start the second half. When points have been scored, the team scoring the points shall restart the game.
8.2) The game is restarted with a place kick from the centre of the 22m line if:
a) An attacking player last touches the ball before it goes out
of play over the dead-ball line, or into touch-in-goal except from a penalty
kick or from a kick-off from the centre of the half-way line.
b) An attacking player infringes in the in-goal area. In the
event of a deliberate breach by an attacking player a penalty kick is awarded
5m in the field-of-play in line with where the breach was committed.
c) A defending player, in his in-goal, takes a kick in general
play from an opponent on the full.
The ball may be kicked in any direction and is immediately in play. Opposing players shall retire 10m from the 22m line and shall not advance until the ball has been kicked. Defending players shall not advance in front of the ball before it is kicked. Any deliberate offence by either team shall incur a penalty to be awarded at the centre of the 22m line.
8.3) If the ball goes dead in-goal from a penalty kick (not necessarily a kick at goal) the game is restarted with a drop-out by a defending player from the centre of the 22m line.
8.4) The game is restarted with drop-out by a defending player from the centre of his goal-line if:
a) A defending player last touches the ball before it goes over
the dead-ball line or touch-in-goal.
b) A defending player accidentally infringes in the in-goal
area.
c) A defending player touches down in the in-goal area.
d) A defending player in possession is tackled in the in-goal
area.
e) A defending player kicks the ball into touch on the full
from his own in-goal.
f) The ball or a defending player carrying the ball touches
the Referee, a Touch-Judge, or an encroaching spectator in the in-goal
area and play is thereby irregularly affected.
g) The ball goes over the dead-ball line or into touch-in-goal
other than on the full from a kick-off from the centre of the half-way
line without being touched by or touching a defending player.
8.5) See Law 8.2c re ball caught on the full before being made dead in-goal.
8.6) A player who kicks-off or drops out shall be penalised if he:
a) Advances in front of the appropriate line before kicking the
ball.
b) Kicks the ball on the full over the touch-line, touch-in-goal
line, or over the dead-ball line.
c) Kicks the ball so that it fails to travel at least 10m forward
in the field-of-play.
d) Kicks the ball other than in the prescribed manner.
8.7) Any other player shall be penalised if he:
a) Wilfully touches the ball from a kick-off or drop-out before
it has travelled 10m forward in the field-of-play.
b) Runs in front of one of his own team who is kicking-off or
dropping-out.
c) Approaches nearer than 10m to the line from which the kick
is being taken when an opponent is kicking-off or dropping-out.
8.8) A penalty kick resulting from any offence at the kick-off shall be taken from the centre of the half-way line
Any penalty kick resulting from the restarting of play from the 22m line shall be taken from the centre of that line.
A penalty kick resulting from any offence at the drop-out from between the posts shall be taken from the centre of the line drawn parallel to and 10m from the goal-line.
9.1) The ball is in touch when it or a player in contact with it touches the touch-line or the ground beyond the touch-line or any object on or outside the touch-line except when a player, tackled in the field-of-play, steps into touch as he regains his feet, in which case he shall play-the-ball in the field-of-play.
The ball is in touch if a player jumps from touch and while off the ground touches the ball. The ball is not in touch if during flight it crosses the touch-line but is knocked by a player who is off the ground after jumping from the field-of-play.
9.2) The ball is in touch-in-goal when it or a player in contact with it touches the touch-in-goal line, or any object on or outside the touch-in-goal lines.
9.3) When a ball has entered touch or touch-in-goal, the point of entry shall be taken as the point at which the ball first crossed the touch or touch-in-goal line.
9.4) If the ball is kicked by or bounces off a player in a forward direction - except in in-goal (section 8.4e) - and it goes into touch on the full, a scrum is formed where contact with the ball was made (but not nearer than 20m to the touch-line or 5m to the goal-line.)
9.5) If the ball us kicked into touch from a penalty kick the game is restarted by placing the ball on the ground 10m infield opposite the point of entry into touch.
9.6) Other than as outlined in 9.4 and 9.5 above, the game is restarted after the ball has gone into touch by forming a scrum 20m in-field opposite the point of entry into touch but not nearer than 5m to the goal-line.
10.1) A player shall be penalised if he deliberately knocks-on or passes forward.
10.2) If, after knocking-on accidentally, the player knocking-on regains or kicks the ball before it touches the ground, a goal-post, a cross-bar or an opponent, then play shall be allowed to proceed. Otherwise play shall stop and a scrum be formed.
10.3) To charge-down a kick is permissible and is not deemed a knock-on.
11.1) A player in possession may be tackled by an opposing player or players. It is illegal to tackle or obstruct a player who is not in possession.
11.2) A player in possession is tackled:
a) When he is held by one or more opposing players and the ball
or the hand or arm holding the ball comes into contact with the ground.
b) When he is held by one or more opposing players in such a
manner that he can make no further progress and cannot part with the ball.
c) When, being held by an opponent, the tackled player makes
it evident that he has succumbed to the tackle and wishes to be released
in order to play-the-ball.
d) When he is lying on the ground and an opponent places a hand
on him.
11.3) Once a player in possession has been tackled it is illegal for any player to move or try to move him from the point where the tackle is effected.
11.4) A player in possession shall not deliberately and unnecessarily allow himself to be tackled by voluntarily falling to the ground when not held by an opponent. If a player drops on a loose ball, he shall not remain on the ground waiting to be tackled if he has time to regain his feet and continue play.
11.5) If a tackled player, because of his momentum, slides along the ground, the tackle is deemed to have been effected where his slide ends.
11.6) If any doubt arises as to a tackle, the Referee should give a verbal instruction to 'play on' or shout 'held' as the case may be.
11.7) A team in possession shall be allowed five successive play-the-balls; but if tackled a sixth time, or there is an infringement by that team after the fifth play-the-ball, which in other circumstances would result in a scrum (other than a scrum following a ball being kicked into touch after landing in the field-of-play), the ball not having been touched by an opponent during the sequence of tackles, the ball shall be brought into play by an opposing player playing-the-ball at the point of tackle or infringement. The play-the-ball for this purpose shall not be counted for the purposes of the tackle count and shall operate as provided for in 11.10.
11.8) A tackled player shall not intentionally part with the ball other than by bringing it into play in the prescribed manner. If, after being tackled, he accidentally loses possession, a scrum shall be formed.
11.9) Once a tackle has been completed, no player shall take or attempt to take the ball from the tackled player.
NB: I've yet to see the exact wording of the new rules concerning the play the ball but Law 11, Paragraph 10 is what I understand them to be.
11.10) The play-the-ball shall operate as follows:
a) The tackled player shall be immediately released and shall
not be touched until the ball is in play.
b) The tackled player shall without delay regain his feet where
he was tackled, lift the ball clear of the ground, face his opponents'
goal-line and drop or place the ball on the ground in front of his foremost
foot.
c) One opponent may take up position immediately opposite the
tackled player.
d) Neither the tackled player nor the player marking him shall
raise a foot from the ground before the ball has been released.
e) When the ball touches the ground it should be heeled backwards
by the tackled player . The ball is in play when it comes clear of the
play-the-ball; i.e. the tackled player and the player marking him.
f) A player of each side, to be known as the acting half-back,
may stand immediately and directly behind his own player taking part in
the play-the-ball and must remain in this position until the ball has come
clear of the two players in the play-the-ball movement.
g) In the case of the attacking team, i.e. those in possession
of the ball, other than the two taking part in the play-the-ball, are out
of play if they fail to retire 5m or more behind their own player taking
part in the play-the-ball or to their own goal-line. In the case of the
defending team, i.e. those not in possession of the ball, other than the
two taking part in the play-the-ball, are out of play if they fail to retire
10m or more behind their own player taking part in the play-the-ball or
to their own goal-line.
11.11) The play-the-ball must be performed as quickly as possible. Any player who intentionally delays the bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised.
11.12) If part of the tackled player is on or over the goal-line but the ball is in the field-of-play then the tackled player shall play the ball where it lies. If a player is tackled in an upright position bestriding the goal-line, he is deemed to be tackled in the in-goal area.
12.1) A scrum is formed to restart play whenever play is not being restarted with a kick-off, a drop-out, a penalty kick, or a play-the-ball.
12.2) To form a scrum not more than three forwards of either side shall interlock arms and heads to create a clear tunnel at right angles to the touch-line. The forward in the centre of a front-row (i.e. the hooker) shall bind with his arms over the shoulders of the two supporting forwards. Not more than two second-row forwards on each team shall pack behind their respective front-rows by interlocking arms and placing their heads in the two spaces between the hooker and his front row forwards. The loose forward of each side shall pack behind his second-row forwards by placing his head in the space between them. All forwards must pack with their bodies and legs at right angles to the tunnel and the upper parts of their bodies horizontal. Once the ball has been put in the scrum no other play can lend his weight to it.
12.3) No more than six players on each team shall assist in the formation of a scrum and when the ball is in the scrum no more than seven players of each side shall act as backs.
12.4) It is permissible for the forwards to push once the scrum has been correctly formed, but if it moves an appreciable distance to the disadvantage of any one team before the ball is put in, then the Referee shall order the scrum to be reformed in its original position.
12.5
a) At the scrum the non-offending team shall have the loose head
and the put-in.
b) In the case of a mutual infringement, the attacking team
shall have the loose head and put-in.
12.6)
a) The ball shall be put into the scrum from the Referee's side
by holding it in a horizontal position with a point in each hand and rolling
it along the ground. It must be out into the centre of the tunnel formed
by opposing front-row forwards.
b) The ball shall not be put in before the scrum has been correctly
formed.
c) There shall be no undue delay in putting the ball into the
scrum.
d) The player putting it in shall not hesitate or dummy and
after putting it in shall immediately retire behind his own pack of forwards.
12.7) The scrum-half of the team not having the put-in shall retire behind his last row of forwards. The other players of the side not having the put-in shall retire 10m or more behind their last row of forwards and shall remain there until the ball has emerged correctly from the scrum. All other players, not including the scrum-half putting the ball into the scrum, shall retire 5m or more behind their last row of forwards and shall remain there until the ball has emerged correctly from the scrum.
12.8) When the ball is in the scrum it can only be played with the foot. The front-row forwards shall not advance their feet into the tunnel or have one foot raised before the ball is put in or strike for the ball before the hookers.
A hooker may strike for the ball with either foot once it has contacted the ground in the centre of the tunnel. After the hookers have struck for the ball the other forwards in the scrum may kick or heel the ball.
No player shall wilfully collapse a scrum or wilfully have any part of him other than his feet in contact with the ground.
A player shall not wilfully delay the correct formation of a scrum.
12.9) To be in play, the ball must emerge from between and behind the inner feet of the second-row forwards.
If the ball does not emerge correctly and the fault cannot be attributed to any one team then it should be put into the scrum once again.
12.10) If a scrum is ordered it shall normally be formed where the breach of Laws occurs. If such breach is within 20m of a touch-line or 5m of a goal-line the scrum shall be brought in 20m from the touch-line and 5m from the goal-line.
12.11) If a penalty kick is awarded relating to a scrum offence and the scrum has wandered from its original position, the mark is where the scrum was first formed.
12.12) If the ball emerges correctly from the scrum it is in play even if the scrum has wheeled. Any forward can detach himself from the scrum to gather or kick the ball. Any back can similarly play it provided he remained behind the scrum until the ball emerged.
13.1) A penalty kick shall be awarded against any player who is guilty of misconduct provided that this is not to the disadvantage of the non-offending side. Unless otherwise stated, the mark is where the offence occurs. If misconduct occurs in touch, the mark shall occur 5m from the touch-line in the field-of-play and opposite where the offence occurred or, in the case of obstruction, where the ball next bounces or is caught in the field-of-play, or 5m opposite the point of entry if the ball enters touch on the full, or 5m from the goal-line if the ball crosses the goal-line on the full, whichever is to the greater advantage to the non-offending side. If the offence is committed by a defender in his own in-goal or an attacker in his opponents' in-goal, the mark is taken 5m into the field-of-play opposite where the offence occurred. In the event of further misconduct by the offending side, the Referee shall advance the mark once only 10m towards the offending teams' goal-line.
13.2) A player may take a penalty kick by punting, drop-kicking, or place-kicking the ball from any point on or behind the mark and equidistant from the touch-line. Other than when kicking for goal, the ball may be kicked in any direction after which the ball is in play.
13.3) Players of the kicker's side must be behind the ball when it is kicked. Players of the team opposing the kicker shall retire to their own goal-line or 10m or more from the mark towards their own goal-line and shall not make any attempt to interfere with or distract the attention of the kicker. They may advance after the ball has been kicked.
13.4) If the ball is kicked into touch without touching any other player the kicking team shall restart play with a free kick. Opposing players shall retire 10m from the point of entry into touch or to their own goal-line.
13.5) No player shall deliberately take any action which is likely to delay the taking of a penalty kick.
13.6) If the kick is not taken as stated or if a player of the kicker's team infringes, a scrum shall be formed at the mark
13.7) When the Referee penalises a player he must explain the nature of the offence.
13.8) If the penalty is awarded for an offence by the attacking team in the opponents' in-goal are the mark shall be 5m in the field-of-play where the offence occurred. For an offence in the in-goal by the defending team which incurs a penalty, the mark is in the field-of-play 5m from the goal-line and opposite where the offence occurred, except for foul play against a try scorer (see 13.9 below)
13.9) If a player fouls an opponent who is touching down for a try, a penalty kick at goal shall be taken from in front of the goal-posts after the attempt to convert the try. After the kick has been taken the ball shall be deemed dead and play shall be restarted from the half-way line. This Law applies to the period during which the ball is touched down for a try and not to any subsequent period.
13.10)
a) If a player fouls an opponent who is attempting a drop-goal, a penalty kick shall be awarded in front of the goal-posts.
b) If the attempt at drop goal is successful, a kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick and play restarted from the centre of the half-way line irrespective of the outcome of that kick.
c) If the attempt at drop goal is unsuccessful, the penalty kick can be taken in any manner provided for in the Laws and play restarted according to the outcome of that kick.
14.1) A player is off-side except when he is in his own in-goal if the ball is kicked, touched or held by one of his own team behind him.
14.2) An off-side player shall not take any part in the game or attempt in any way to influence the course of the game. He shall not encroach within 10m of an opponent who is waiting for the ball and shall immediately retire 10m from any opponent who first secures possession of the ball.
14.3) An off-side player is placed on-side if:
a) An opponent moves 10m or more with the ball.
b) An opponent touches the ball without retaining it.
c) One of his own side in possession of the ball runs in front
of him.
d) One of his own side kicks or knocks the ball forward and takes up a position in front of him in the field-of-play.
e) He retires behind the point where the ball was last touched by one of his own team.
15.1) A player is guilty of misconduct if he:
a) Deliberately trips, kicks or strikes another player.
b) Attacks the head of an opponent when effecting a tackle.
c) Drops knees first on to an opponent who is on the ground.
d) Uses any dangerous throw when effecting a tackle.
e) Deliberately breaks the Laws of the Game.
f) Uses foul or obscene language.
g) Disputes a decision by the Referee or Touch-Judge.
h) Re-enters the field-of-play without the permission of the
Referee or a Touch-Judge having previously temporarily retired from the
game.
i) Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game.
j) Deliberately obstructs an opponent who is not in possession.
16.1) In all matches a Referee and two Touch-Judges shall be appointed or mutually agreed upon by the contesting teams.
16.2) The Referee shall enforce the Laws of the Game and may impose penalties for any deliberate breach of the Laws. He shall be the sole judge on matters of fact except those relating to touch and touch-in-goal.
16.3) He shall record tries and goals scored during the match.
16.4) He shall be the sole timekeeper except where this duty has been delegated to another person(s).
16.5) He may, at his discretion, temporarily suspend or prematurely terminate a match because of adverse weather, undue interference by spectators, misbehaviour by players, or any other cause which, in his opinion, interferes with his control of the game.
16.6) He shall not allow anyone apart from the players on to the playing field without permission.
16.7) In the event of misconduct by a player, the Referee shall, at his discretion, caution, temporarily suspend for ten minutes, or dismiss the offender.
16.8) The players are under the control of the Referee from the time they enter the playing area until they leave it.
16.9) The Referee must carry a whistle which he shall blow to commence and terminate each half of the game. Except for those occasions the blowing of the whistle shall temporarily stop the play. The Referee shall blow the whistle:
a) When a try or goal has been scored.
b) When the ball has gone out of play
c) When he detects a breach of the Laws of the Game, except
when to stop the play would be to the disadvantage of the non-offending
side.
d) When play is irregularly affected by the ball or the player
carrying the ball coming into contact with the Referee, a Touch-Judge,
or with any person not taking part in the match or with any object which
should not normally be on the playing field.
e) When any irregularity, not provided for with these Laws,
occurs and one team unjustifiably gains an advantage.
f) When a stoppage is necessary in order to enforce the Laws
or for any other reason.
16.10) If the Referee judges on a matter of fact, he shall not subsequently alter the judgement but he may cancel any decision if any prior foul play of which he had no previous knowledge is reported to him by a Touch-Judge.
16.11) The Referee shall accept the decision of a neutral Touch-Judge relating to touch and touch-in-goal play and to kicks at goal.
16.12 Each Touch-Judge shall remain in touch, one on each side of, and near to, the playing field except:
a) When judging kicks at goal and
b) When reporting a player's misconduct which has escaped the
notice of the Referee.
16.13) Each Touch-Judge must carry a flag, triangular in shape, the longest sides being equal and not less than 30cm and the short side being not less than 23cm. The flag must be attached by the short side to a stick, the length of which shall be not less than 45cm.
16.14) A Touch-Judge shall indicate when and where the ball goes into touch by raising his flag and standing opposite the point of entry into touch except in the case of ball back (Law 9.4) when the Touch-Judge must indicate that no ground has been gained by waving his flag above his head accentuating the movements in the direction of the kicker's goal-line.
16.15) If the ball enters touch-in-goal the Touch-Judge shall waive his flag above his head and then point it towards the goal-posts if the ball last touched a defending player, or towards the 22m line if it was last touched by an attacking player.
16.16) Touch-Judges shall assist the Referee in judging kicks at goal.
16.17) When a penalty kick is being taken, the nearer Touch-Judge shall take up a position near the touch-line 10m beyond the mark to act as a marker for the team which is required to retire. He shall waive his flag horizontally in front of him if any player fails to retire 10m.
16.18) In cases where circumstances in connection with the match are likely to be made the subject of official investigation, the Referee and Touch-Judges shall report to the investigating authority only and shall refrain from expressing criticism or comment through other channels.
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