TOUCH AND IN GOAL DECISIONS

In a recent Super 14 Game you will have noticed that when the ball touched the corner post a lineout was awarded. 

Under the Experimental Law Variations this was the correct decision.  The ball touching the corner post does not make it in touch or touch in-goal.  The key issue is what happens next. If the ball goes into the field-of-play or the in-goal it is still in play (a try may be scored if an attacking player is first to ground the ball in the in-goal).  If after touching the corner post the ball touches the ground outside the touch line, it is in touch and a lineout is awarded.  If the ball touches the ground outside the touch-in-goal line and the ball was kicked by the attacking team, play restarts with an option to the defending team (22m drop out or scrum).

Test your knowledge

1. An attacking player kicks the ball towards his opponents’ goal line.  The ball rolls to within 1 metre of the goal line and stops.  A defending player with one foot in the field of play and one foot in in-goal reaches out, picks up the ball and touches down in the in-goal.  What is your decision?

2. An attacking player kicks the ball from the field-of-play towards his opponents’ goal line.  A defending player with one foot in the field of play and one foot in in-goal catches the ball as it rolls towards him and touches down in the in-goal.  What is your decision?

3. In general play an attacking player kicks the ball from the half-way line into the opponents’ in-goal area.  A defending player standing with one foot in touch-in-goal or over the dead ball line catches the ball on the bounce or on the full or picks up the rolling ball.  What is your decision?

4. An attacking player kicks the ball from the half-way line into the opponents’ in-goal area where it stops one metre from the touch-in-goal line or the dead ball line.  A defending player standing with one foot in touch-in-goal or over the dead ball line picks up the ball.  What is your decision?

5. An attacking player kicks the ball from the half-way line into the opponents’ in-goal area where it stops one metre from the touch-in-goal line or the dead ball line.  A defending player standing with one foot in touch-in-goal or over the dead ball line places his hand on the ball.  What is your decision?

Click here to find the answers

Kim Lees

Referee Education Manager