Law 12.6 Kick off

[gettingTooOldToPlay]

Hi,
Ruling that caught everyone out at a recent game:

Kick off to start the match landed before 10m line, no defenders moved, and did not touch the ball. The ball bounced beyond the 10m line, and was then picked up by an attacking player who ran on and scored. The referee stated that the ball crossed the 10m line before it was played, and therefore legal.

Law 12.6 states: "The ball must reach the 10-metre line". This doesn't state that it must reach the 10m line without touching the ground first, although that is the common interpretation.

I've searched for opinion on this but not come across anything, hence my post. I would welcome your thoughts on the wording of the law, and interpretation of it...

Thanks!

[OB..]

Hi,
Ruling that caught everyone out at a recent game:

Kick off to start the match landed before 10m line, no defenders moved, and did not touch the ball. The ball bounced beyond the 10m line, and was then picked up by an attacking player who ran on and scored. The referee stated that the ball crossed the 10m line before it was played, and therefore legal.

Law 12.6 states: "The ball must reach the 10-metre line". This doesn't state that it must reach the 10m line without touching the ground first, although that is the common interpretation.

I've searched for opinion on this but not come across anything, hence my post. I would welcome your thoughts on the wording of the law, and interpretation of it...

Thanks!

It's a common misconception that the ball has to cross the 10m while still in the air. As you rightly say, that is not the case. Well done the referee (I hope he shouted "Play on" when it was clear players were expecting a different decision).

The receiving side do not even need to wait for the ball to reach the 10m line - they can go and get it. As long as they don't knock on in the process, the game continues.

[Marc Wakeham]

THe referee was correct. The ball must reach the line (although the receiving side can "accept" a short kick). It did. Play on. It can be a good tactic to "grubber" the drop kick, depending on conditions.

[gettingTooOldToPlay]

lt can be a good tactic to "grubber" the drop kick, depending on conditions.

Doing a grubber that qualifies as a drop kick would be interesting, although I'm sure must be possible...!

[gettingTooOldToPlay]

The receiving side do not even need to wait for the ball to reach the 10m line - they can go and get it. As long as they don't knock on in the process, the game continues.

I've played in many (and watched in many more) games where the receiving side actually call "leave it" when it's clear that the ball will fall short - that would clearly be a poor option if the ball ultimately bounced over the 10m line...

[Marc Wakeham]

Doing a grubber that qualifies as a drop kick would be interesting, although I'm sure must be possible...!

As long as the ball hits the ground before being kicked. Practice it!

[didds]

award the try. ball crossed the 10m line before being played.

didds

[didds]

As long as the ball hits the ground before being kicked. Practice it!

yeah - not overly difficult. Keep the chest over the ball at impact and "stub" the kick with the instep hitting the ball half way up - ish not near the lower point.

done with a running team mate just before (s)he arrives beside you (ie he is onside) and kept dead straight it can be a useful surprise tactic. You only get away with it once per game (or even opponents over time!) mind.

didds

[crossref]

Doing a grubber that qualifies as a drop kick would be interesting, although I'm sure must be possible...!

Didn't Japan start one of their games with that? against Ireland perhaps?
You also see it in sevens where there might be some space

[Dickie E]

note too that if ball goes 10 then is blown back, that is play on