Rugby is a sport with two teams, each consisting of 15 players. The objective of the game is to score as many points as possible by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball to the end zone. Here are the five main rules of rugby:
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No Forward Passing: The ball must not travel forward when released from a players hands. If the ball is thrown or knocked forward by a player with the ball in hand, a scrum is awarded to the opposition. If the recipient of a legal pass fumbles the catch and the ball is knocked forward and then connects with the ground or another player, it is deemed a foul, called a knock-on.
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No Blocking: There is no blocking to assist your runner. A team can pitch the ball back and forth to each other as many times as they wish.
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Offside: A player must always stay behind the ball if they plan on receiving a pass. The ball and the player on your team with the ball must always be ahead of you in relation to the opposing goal line. If you are not behind the player and the ball, then you are liable to be penalized and turn over possession to the other team.
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No Foul Play: Punching, elbowing, kicking, headbutting, tripping, etc., are considered foul play and not permitted.
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Scoring: Points can be scored by touching the ball to the ground in the opponents end zone (try), kicking the ball through the opponents goalposts (conversion), or kicking the ball through the opponents goalposts after a penalty (penalty goal).
These are the five main rules of rugby, but there are many other rules that govern the sport. It is important to note that rugby is a physical sport, but players are expected to play with respect for their opponents and avoid foul play.
