What you must know

It is common knowledge to those familiar with rugby that players on the attacking team cannot be in front of the ball carrier, but other offsides infractions are not so cut and dried. For example, on kickoffs and penalty kicks, all players must be behind the kicking player. That is one of the most commonly missed offside infractions in the sport.

Before all such kicks, the official should take a couple of seconds and make sure that all players on the kicking team are an acceptable distance behind the kicker. If they are not, warn them of their error, and of the fact that they can be penalized. Most teams with experienced players will take it upon themselves to make sure all players are behind the kicker, but the official may need to get involved as well to ensure the integrity of the rules.

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