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What is the clear definition of rolling away?

What is the clear definition of "rolling away"? Playing in the SCRFU we've been penalized a few times for the ball carrier (sometimes tackler) not rolling away when they are at the bottom of a pile. Even when raising our hands and not making any play for the ball. We simply can not move from the pile because our leg/head/arm is beneath other players. It seems like a misinterpretation of the rules and their intent to prevent the play from continuing.

Kevin RaymondPlayer, United States of America

1 answer

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Kevin

It is a difficult area both for players and for referees. But it is the tackler who must roll away after making the tackle. The ball carrier must allow the ball to be played after the tackle but can place the ball towards their own side.

It is usually the tackler who is penalised as they prevent the ball being played either by accident or on purpose. The Law is quite clear but usually refs will be able to see if the tackler is trying to get away and cannot. If this is the case then normally, as long as they are not interfering with play, they will be OK but even if they cannot move - if they are stopping the ball being played then it is a penalty against them.

It is therefore the tacklers job (and coaches job to help them realise this) to ensure that as they tackle they also bear in mind not to give away a penalty and so position themselves so they can move away after the tackle.

I have copied the Laws that relate to this area below to help you.

15.4 THE TACKLER

(a) When a player tackles an opponent and they both go to ground, the tackler must immediately release the tackled player. Sanction: Penalty kick

(b) The tackler must immediately get up or move away from the tackled player and from the ball at once. Sanction: Penalty kick

(c) The tackler must get up before playing the ball and then may play the ball from any direction. Sanction: Penalty kick

15.7 FORBIDDEN PRACTICES

(a) No player may prevent the tackled player from passing the ball. Sanction: Penalty kick

(b) No player may prevent the tackled player from releasing the ball and getting up or moving away from it. Sanction: Penalty kick

(c) No player may fall on or over the players lying on the ground after a tackle with the ball between or near to them. Sanction: Penalty kick

(d) Players on their feet must not charge or obstruct an opponent who is not near the ball. Sanction: Penalty kick

(e) Danger may arise if a tackled player fails to release the ball or move away from it immediately, or if that player is prevented from so doing. If either of these happens the referee awards a penalty kick immediately. Sanction: Penalty kick

I hope this helps you

Simon