The Tackle
A tackle is completed when the ball carrier is held and brought to the ground by the tackler. If a player is merely knocked over then they are not considered to be tackled and they may get back up and continue playing. If a tackle is made above the shoulder, or if a player does not make an attempt to wrap their arms around the player (i.e. shoulder charging) then the tackler will be penalised and may face a spell in the sin-bin. If it considered to be dangerous.
When a player is tackled they must release the ball immediately. Holding onto it will result in a penalty to the opposition. The tackler along with any other player coming into the tackle area must be on their feet before playing at the ball and enter it form the rear of tackle. If any player enters the tackle area and does not remain on their feet they may be penalised by the referee.
After a tackle there are two scenarios that can occur.A ruck occurs when the ball is on the floor and there is at least one player from each team in contact with each other over the ball. The ball cannot be handled in a ruck, instead the ball must be rucked backwards by players using their feet. Players must join a ruck from behind the hindmost foot of the hindmost player otherwise they will be offside and penalised.
A maul is formed when there are three players, all on their feet; the ball carrier and one person from each team.l. Players must also join a maul from behind the hindmost foot or be offside. A player must bind onto a ruck or maul using their whole arm, placing a hand on the ruck or maul is not sufficient and may be penalised.
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