It seems the powers that be in Rugby just can’t let sleeping dogs lie.  New interpretations, definitions, and clarifications on the Rules of the game were recently distributed by IRB via the South African Rugby Referees Association.

Some you may have previously seen or been aware of, some not. The full list is under.

Law 5 Time

Amend Law 5.2 Half Time to read:

After half-time the teams change ends. There is an interval of not more than 15 minutes. The length of the interval is decided by the match organiser, the Union or the recognised body which has jurisdiction over the game. During the interval the teams, the referee and the assistant referees may leave the playing enclosure.

Delete Law 5.2 Paragraph 2

LAW 5 – Date Effective Jan 1, 2011

The Hand-off

Add new Definition:

Hand Off An action taken by a ball carrier to fend off an opponent by using the palm of the hand.

Add new paragraph to Law 7 Mode of Play:

A ball carrier may hand off an opponent.

Amend Law 10 4 (f) to read:

Playing an opponent without the ball. Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in possession of the ball, must not hold, push or obstruct an opponent not carrying the ball.

Laws 21 and 22

Amend Law 21.2 to read

When a penalty or free kick is awarded in in-goal the mark for the kick is in the field of play, 5 metres from the goal line, in line with the place of infringement.

Sanction: Any infringement by the kicker’s team results in a scrum 5 metres from the goal line in line with the mark. The opposing team throws in the ball.Amend 21.4 (f) to read:

Kick taken in the in-goal. If a player retires into in-goal to take a penalty or free kick awarded in the field of play and a defending player by foul play prevents an opponent from scoring a try a penalty try is awarded.

Amend 21.4 (g) to read:

Out of play in-goal. If a player retires into in-goal to take a penalty or free kick awarded in the field of play and following the kick the ball goes into touch-in-goal, or on or over the dead ball line, or a defending player makes the ball dead before it has crossed the goal line, a 5 metre scrum is awarded. The attacking team throws in the ball.

Amend Law 21. 8 (g) to read:

If a free kick has been awarded and the player retires to in-goal to take it and the opponents charge and prevent the kick from being taken, a 5-metre scrum is ordered. The attacking team throws in the ball. If a free kick is taken in the in-goal, an opponent who legitimately plays it there can score a try.

Amend Law 18.2 (Mark) to read:

The kick is awarded at the place of the mark. If the mark is made in the in-goal the kick is awarded five meters from the goal line in line with where the mark was made.

The communication also made mention of the “Spear Tackle” again, but I’m sure we’re all aware of that by now.