Rules
Duration of the Match
The duration of matches is seven minutes each half, except in the final of the Cup competition when 10 minutes each half is played.
At half time, when the teams change ends, there is an interval of two minutes.
Extra Time
When there is a draw, and extra time is required, the extra time is played in periods of five minutes. After each period the teams change ends without interval. The team that scores points first is immediately declared the winner, without any further play.
Field of Play
The rugby pitch is a flat, rectangular shape with goal posts at each end. The pitch does not exceed 100m in length and 70m in width. Each in-goal (one at each end) does not exceed 22m in length and 70m in width. There should be a 5m perimeter around the entire playing surface for athlete safety. The distance between the two goal posts is 5.6m. The crossbar is placed between the two goal posts so that its top edge is 3m from the ground. The minimum height for the goal posts is 3.4m.
Foul Play
Foul play is anything a person does within the playing enclosure that is against the ’Laws of the Game’. It includes obstruction, unfair play, repeated infringements, dangerous play and misconduct that is prejudicial to the game. A player who breaks the laws of the game could be penalised by awarding the opposite team a penalty kick or a free kick, thereby losing possession of the ball, being temporarily suspended or sent off.
When a player has been cautioned and temporarily suspended in an International match the referee will show the player a yellow card. The period of suspension is two minutes. When a player has been sent off in an International match, the referee will show the player a red card. A player who is sent off does not participate in the remainder of the match and is subject to a disciplinary hearing which will determine any prolonged playing sanction.
Judging
Every match is under the control of the Match Officials who consist of the Referee and two assistant referees plus two in-goal judges.
Points Value
Try - Value 5 points
When the attacking player is the first to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal a try is scored.
Penalty Try - Value 5 points
Awarded when a player would probably have scored a try but for foul play by an opponent. A penalty try is awarded between the goal posts.
Conversion Goal - Value 2 points
When a player scores a try it gives the player’s team the right to attempt to score a goal by taking a kick at goal. This must be a drop kick and be attempted within 40 seconds of scoring the try. This also applies to a penalty try.
Penalty Goal - Value 3 points
A player scores a penalty goal by kicking a goal from a penalty kick.
Dropped Goal - Value 3 points
A player scores a drop goal by kicking a goal from a drop kick in general play. The team awarded a free kick cannot score a dropped goal until the ball next becomes dead, or until an opponent has played or touched it, or has tackled the ball carrier. This restriction also applies to a scrum taken instead of a free kick.