IV.

Tackling

Tackling (as in rugby league and American football) is an essential part of the game. A player is tackled when he is carrying the ball and is held by his opponent(s) and brought to the ground, or when he is held and the ball touches the ground. The ball-carrier is brought to the ground if he is held and has one or both knees on the ground or is sitting on the ground, or is on top of another player who is on the ground. A tackled player must pass or release the ball at once. When he is brought to the ground he must attempt to get away from the ball immediately. Any player on the ground after a tackle must get to his feet before he can take any further part in play. After the tackled player has released the ball all other players must be on their feet when they play the ball. No player may wilfully fall on or over a player lying on the ground with the ball in his possession or close to him, and it is illegal for a player to fall over the ball as it comes out of a scrum or ruck.