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Offside

What are the Offside Laws pertaining to Scrum Half at Scrum Time?

Rugby CoachCoach

2 answers

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Grant

Here are the laws relating to the scrum half offside at the scrum. You can find these and more laws at IRBLaws.com

(c) When a team has won the ball in a scrum, the scrum half of the opposing team is offside if that scrum half steps in front of the ball with either foot while the ball is still in the scrum. Sanction%3A Penalty kick

(d) The scrum half whose team does not win possession of the ball must not move to the opposite side of the scrum and overstep the offside line. For that scrum half that runs through the hindmost foot of that playerâs team in the scrum.
Sanction%3A Penalty kick
(e) The scrum half whose team does not win possession of the ball must not move away from the scrum and then remain in front of the offside line. For that scrum half that runs through the hindmost foot of that playerâs team in the scrum.
Sanction%3A Penalty kick
(f) Any player may be scrum half, but a team can have only one scrum half at each scrum.

Sanction%3A Penalty kick on the offside line

PhilipCoach, Ireland

Hi,

Simonâs answer is correct and to the letter of the law. That said, I know that referees might give me a slap across the wrist for saying this â but when your players know the law, donât forget that not all referees interpret the laws in the same way and therefore Iâd say you should talk to your players about not only reading the game, but reading the referee â it may be that they let your SH do more that they expect - or maybe less. However, best not to test the limits inside your own red zone. Also - your approach to coaching depends on the age group you're working with and the level they are playing at. While my own players will do their best to play the game with an eye to the referee and how they see the laws - I would also say that it's important to play to the spirit of the laws, even when the referee is not too sure.