Lesson 4: Key Rules and Fouls

Rugby has clear rules that keep the game fair and safe. Here are the most important ones for beginners. **Core Rules:** - **Forward Pass:** You can ONLY pass the ball sideways or backward — never forward. Breaking this gives the other team a **scrum**. - **Knock-on:** Dropping or fumbling the ball forward is a knock-on — also results in a **scrum** for the other team. - **Offside:** Players must stay behind the ball or risk being offside and interfering with play — a **penalty kick** is awarded. - **The Tackle:** When a ball-carrier is brought to the ground, the tackler must release immediately. Players must enter the breakdown area through **"the gate"** (from behind the ball). - **Ruck:** When both teams contest the ball on the ground — players cannot use their **hands** to pick the ball out. - **Maul:** When the ball-carrier is held up off the ground by teammates and opponents. **Fouls and Cards:** - **Yellow Card:** The player sits in the **sin-bin for 10 minutes** - **Red Card:** The player is **sent off**; in MLR, a replacement may enter after 20 minutes - **High or dangerous tackles** are treated especially seriously and can result in cards