~Basics~
A rugby game is divided into two - 40 minute halves. Each half starts with a kickoff, where the ball is placed in the middle of the field, and one team kicks to the other. The objective is to carry the ball past the opponent's goal line, or kick it through her goal posts. Rugby features almost continuous play. Stoppages occur only when a player is injured, when points are scored, if the ball crosses the boundaries of the field, or when there is a restart of play resulting from a rules violation. In rugby, there are 15 players per side. This is divided into 8 forwards and 7 backs. The forwards have to try and get the ball from their opponents [so they are the ones smashing, shoving and kicking!]. The backs try to run and/or pass the ball up field and score. This is usually done by set plays called by the Fly Half [ #10 on her jersey ]. There is one other aspect that makes rugby unique: the ball must be passed parallel to or backwards toward your goal line. This means, to advance, a player will "take-on" an opponent 1 v. 1 while trying to score. The Laws of the Game are designed to provide for this confrontation, which is exciting for player and fan alike. In order to stop a team from scoring, the opposing team can tackle the ball carrier. Simply put, they grab her and bring her to the turf [a player can only tackle someone who actually has the ball and no blocking is allowed!]. This is followed by a race to pick up the ball, and again run to the opponent's goal line to score. Note: in the above description, when someone is tackled, normally the forwards have to come to pick up the ball. With both team's forwards there, it ain't an easy task! So the forwards of both sides try and shove each other *away* from the ball, leaving the ball for their ScrumHalf [ #9 on her jersey] to pick up and pass to the backs. When these situations occur, either a ruck or a maul has transpired; respectively, this is when the ball is on the turf or when the player who was tackled managed to stay on her feet. NB: If a player falls on the turf, she must let go of the ball. Usually, they'll place it on their side of the field, making it easier for the forwards to get. When the ball goes out of bounds, a line out is formed. This is when players line up parallel to one another, while the team who has possession sends a player to throw it in. Both teams jump and try to recover the ball, and play then continues. If a minor violation of the rules occurs, the referee will award a 'scrum'. This is when the forwards of both teams lock up, and the scrumhalf puts the ball in the middle. Then both teams try to push each other and use their feet to kick the ball backwards for their scrumhalf to get for her side.

~Scoring~ A team can score in 4 ways: a try, a conversion, a penalty goal, or a drop- goal. : A try: This is when the player of one team manages to carry the ball over the opponent's goal line. The team who scores is rewarded 5 points, and a chance to 'convert' A conversion: This occurs after a player has scored a try, she is given a chance to kick the ball between the opponent's goal post. If she does so successfully, her team is awarded another 2 points along with the 5 from the try scored. A penalty goal: This is when a player kicks the ball between the opponent's goal post after being awarded a penalty by the referee. Her team is awarded 3 points for a 'penalty goal'. A drop-goal: This is when a player decides instead of trying to score a try, she will kick the ball between the opponent's goal post while in the middle of a play. Her team is awarded 3 points for a 'drop-goal'.

~Violations~ All the following are illegal, and therefore against the rules of rugby. When the referee calls them, either a scrum, or a penalty-kick is awarded to the non-offending side: A high tackle: This is very straightforward. A tackle must hit below the shoulder. A forward pass: This is also straightforward. It occurs when a player throws the ball forwards to his teammate. A knock-on: This happens when a player drops the ball forward. A cheap shot: Punching, kicking, poking eyes, karate chops, and anything like that.

Last reviewed by Amanda Colton, Webmaster. Christine Pulice, President, Women's Rugby Club. Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1009. Telephone: 570-372-3791.