Rugby League Rules - Darryl's Rugby League Page

	A.R.L. Rule Changes	Super League Rule Changes
	Rule 1 : If the ball is kicked from inside a team's 40 metre line and finds touch inside the opponent's 20 metre line (not on the full) the kicking team will be given the scrum feed. Reason : This rewards kickers and prevents players from slowing down play, by watching kicks roll into touch.	Rule 1 :A player can pick up or catch the ball, that would normally just roll into touch, and run the ball back (without kicking or passing) and be awarded another tackle. The seventh tackle rule. Reason : To stop fullbacks and wingers watching the ball roll out from kicks.
	Rule 2 : Where the ball finds touch from a kick off or a 20 metre restart or a goal line drop out (not on the full), the kicking team will be given the scrum feed. Reason : This rule forces players to play at the ball and creates more opportunity for variety in the kick off.	Rule 2 : The kick off to restart play after a score would go to the team that scored. Reason : This is to assist the team who has just had a try scored against them.
	Rule 3 (same as Super League) : The defending team would be awarded the scrum feed when a player doesn't deliberately play at a ball kicked or passed at him that then deflects into touch. Reason : You shouldn't suffer a possession loss unless you actually play at the ball (as in a charge down).	Rule 3 (same as A.R.L.) : The defending team would be awarded the scrum feed when a player doesn't deliberately play at a ball kicked at him that then deflects into touch. Reason : You shouldn't suffer a possession loss unless you actually play at the ball (as in a charge down).
	Rule 4 (same as Super League) : Stealing of the ball would be legal in a one on one tackle, provided the ball is stolen prior to the tackle being completed. Reason : The player in possession must be responsible for protecting the football. This stops a second or third player coming in just to steal the ball.	Rule 4 (same as A.R.L.) : Stealing of the ball would be legal in a one on one tackle, provided the ball is stolen prior to the tackle being completed. Reason : The player in possession must be responsible for protecting the football. This stops a second or third player coming in just to steal the ball.
	Rule 5 (same as Super League) : The marker is not allowed to strike for the football in a play the ball situation. The ball must be played backwards. Reason : To both speed up and tidy up the play the ball area.	Rule 5 (same as A.R.L.) : The marker is not allowed to strike for the football in a play the ball situation. The ball must be played backwards. Reason : To both speed up and tidy up the play the ball area.
	Rule 6 : Players from the team in possession of the ball are no longer required to retire five metres from the play the ball but need to retire behind their own dummy-half. Reason : This eliminates confusion over last year's "mouse trap" play used by St George last year.	Rule 6 : Australian Super League has opted for unlimited interchanges in the domestic competition. Six interchanges from four players would be allowed in International matches. Reason : This is intended to speed up the game by ensuring fresh players on the field at all times.
	Rule 7 : The referee will take time off for cautions. Reason : This is to stop things cutting into the playing time.	Rule 7 : Scrums would be set 20 metres in field instead of the current 10 metres. Reason : This will allow greater scope for set plays.
	Rule 8 : The half is required to feed the ball into the tunnel - not the centre of the tunnel Reason : This is what really happens.	Rule 8 : A player is not allowed to play the ball forward after a tackle (even when there is no marker) Reason : To tidy up the play the ball area.
		Additional Changes The twenty metre (attacking) zones at each end of the field will be coloured red -Red Zone. an automatic two year ban for any player testing positive to anabolic steroids. A second offence by a player would attract an automatic life ban.