Law 14 Ball on the Ground - No Tackle

DEFINITIONS

This situation occurs when the ball is available on the ground and a player goes to ground to gather the ball, except immediately after a scrum or a ruck. It also occurs when a player is on the ground in possession of the ball and has not been tackled. The Game is to be played by players who are on their feet. A player must not make the ball unplayable by falling down. Unplayable means that the ball is not immediately available to either team so that play may continue. A player who makes the ball unplayable, or who obstructs the opposing team by falling down, is negating the purpose and Spirit of the Game and must be penalised. A player who is not tackled, but who goes to ground while holding the ball, or a player who goes to ground and gathers the ball, must act immediately.

14.1 PLAYERS ON THE GROUND

(a) A player with the ball must immediately do one of three things:

• Get up with the ball

• Pass the ball

• Release the ball.

Sanction: Penalty kick

 (b) A player who passes or releases the ball must also get up or move away from it at once.

Sanction: Penalty kick

 (c) A player without the ball must not lie on, over, or near the ball to prevent opponents getting possession of it.

Sanction: Penalty kick

(d) A player on the ground must not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent.

Sanction: Penalty kick

14.2 PLAYERS ON THEIR FEET

(a) Falling over the player on the ground with the ball. A player must not intentionally fall on or over a player with the ball who is lying on the ground.

Sanction: Penalty kick

 (b) Falling over players lying on the ground near the ball.A player must not intentionally fall on or over players lying on the ground with the ball between them or near them.

Sanction: Penalty kick

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