In rugby, a charge down occurs when a player blocks an opponents kick by charging towards them and getting in the way of the ball. The ball may travel forward after a charge down, but it is not considered a knock-on or throw forward according to Law 12 of the Laws of Rugby Union. This is because the laws specifically exclude a charge-down that happens immediately following a kick from being called a knock-on or throw forward. The opportunity for charge-downs adds an extra attacking dimension to the game and allows players to compete for possession, which is a key component of rugby union.