Try to keep things on the "up and up"!

In tackling situations an official wants to be carefully watching every player engaged in the play. Although many tackles are completed by one individual, there are plenty of instances when it takes two or three guys to bring down a man. Above all, the tacklers must release the ball carrier upon his falling to the ground. In turn, the tackled player is required to let go of the ball upon being tackled, and the players arriving at the ruck are expected to remain standing. An infraction on any of those counts, particularly in the case of a ball carrier not letting go of the ball, should result in a penalty.

By requiring that players stay on their feet in the rucks, an official attempts to make sure that the ball can be played cleanly from the spot of the tackle. It is also an effort to try to minimize injuries. The more players who are lying on the ground, the greater the possibility of a player having his leg rolled up or getting trampled or stepped on. Rugby games in which an official takes an active role in promoting safety are cleaner games, more fun not only for the players but also for those watching.

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