Lineout To Maul- Valke Rugby Referees Society

Valke Rugby Referee Society

Referees training WEBsite

Referee

for the better.

Lineout and maul objectives

Here are some key points for attackers to keep in mind at the lineout:

Set up the lineout quickly without unnecessary huddles. If there is a delay, give a warning, and then award a free kick if necessary.
The throw-in must be credible and fair, (NB! Contest of defense)
Access to jumper in the lineout.
Players must stay in their designated lanes during the lineout.
Do not stop play if the attacking team is ready to play.

Here are some key points for defenders to keep in mind at the lineout:

Compete fairly and credibly for the ball in the air.
Do not throw the jumper across the lineout.
The contest can only begin once the jumper is on the ground.
If the attacking team forms a maul, defenders may immediately attempt to sack it.
Defenders cannot both drive and sack the maul - they must pick one method.
Supporters of the maul cannot be sacked at any stage.
Defending the maul with hands around the legs is illegal.
Defenders are not allowed to pull opposition players in a maul.

Key Notes

1. Legal Sack

Legal sack constitutes a tackle, not a maul
Teams may either sack the jumper immediately and not whilst still in the air, or drive, not both
The lineout will be deemed over if the sack is legal

2. Receiver Positioning

Receivers must be 2m away from the lineout
Receiver may enter the lineout before the ball leaves the hooker’s hands if another player in the lineout takes up the position of the receiver
Peeling away is not sufficient for the player to take up the receiver's position
Receiver may join and participate in the lineout once the ball has left the hooker's hands

May not pull players in a maul