The Laws of the Game are formulated by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and circulated by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) in the Laws of the Game Booklet. This booklet can be obtained from the Australian Rugby Union by completing the ARU Resource Order Form.
Laws of the Game
The Laws of Rugby are outlined in the IRB Laws of the Game (including IRB Laws app for iPhone and iPad, including IRB U19 Variations, Seven-A-Side Variations and Referee Signals.
Note: The following Law changes are applicable from 1 March 2013 -
Laws of the Game apply to Sevens Rugby, subject to the following iRB Seven-a-side Variations 2013 (pdf - 142kb).
Laws of the Game apply to the Ten-A-Side game, subject to the following Ten-a-side Variations 2013 (pdf - 118kb).
Australian U19 Law Variations
In addition to the Laws of the Game, the Australian Rugby Union has adopted Australian Under 19 Law Variations applicable to all matches at Under 19 level played in Australia (except International U19 matches), including those games played by visiting touring teams.
The Australian Under 19 Law Variations 2013 (pdf - 287kb) must be read in conjunction with the IRB’s U19 Law Variations 2013 (pdf - 96kb).
TryRugby Kids Pathway Laws
Each game-style of the U6 to U12 TryRugby Kids Pathway has a development skills focus which takes into account the chronological age of the child and their capacity for safe and achievable rugby skill acquisition.
Kids Pathway Laws 2013 (in full) (pdf - 3.5mb)
Kids Pathway U6 to U12 Game Modifications 2013 (link)
Game Management Guidelines (GMG)
The Game Management Guidelines will aid unions in administration and playing of the game in domestic competitions within Australia. The purpose of this document is to ensure that all participants at the community level are aware of the areas of the game which require more specific coaching and/or consistent refereeing.
2013 Game Management Guidelines (pdf - 514kb).
Australian Domestic Law Variations
The attached ARU Memo - 2013 Law Variations (pdf - 225mb) covers four topics:
- Confirmation that the IRB’s Global Law Amendment trials will apply in Australia from 1st March 2013.
- A reminder of the Law Variations adopted in 2010 which will continue in 2013.
- Notification that the Kids Rugby Pathway Laws remain unchanged for 2013.
- A request for Unions and Affiliates to submit any local Law Variations they may seek to play in 2013 to the Laws Advisory Group (LAG).