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Line-outs - scenario is that in a line out, the lifters?

Line-outs - scenario is that in a line out, the lifters hold the jumper up for a lengthy time - is there a law or regulation covers this? Should the lifters/jumper be allowed to do this or should he be lifted and lowered immediately upon receipt of the ball? Thanks

Drew SagarReferee, Canada

2 answers

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Drew

Have a look at the free website "irblaws.com" as this will not only clearly set out the laws for you but also gives videos to demonstrate the issues. Here are the main laws relating to your question:

Law 19:10

(d) Lifting and supporting. Players may assist a team-mate in jumping for the ball by lifting and supporting that player providing that the lifting and/or supporting players do not support the jumping team-mate below the shorts from behind or below the thighs from the front.
Sanction: Free Kick on the 15-metre line

(e) Pre-gripping is permitted. Players who are going to lift or support a team-mate jumping for the ball may pre-grip that team-mate providing they do not pre-grip below the shorts from behind and below the thighs from the front.
Sanction: Free Kick on the 15-metre line

(f) Jumping, supporting or lifting before the ball is thrown. A player must not jump or be lifted or supported before the ball has left the hands of the player throwing in.
Sanction: Free Kick on the 15-metre line

(g) Lowering a Player. Players who support a jumping team-mate must lower that player to the ground as soon as the ball has been won by a player of either team.
Sanction: Free Kick on the 15-metre line

I hope this helps you.

Simon

Drew SagarReferee, Canada

Simon, Thanks ... My mistake, I simply missed the appropriate paragraph and appreciate the answer. Drew