Rugby vs. Football
Major Differences Between Rugby Union and NFL Football
Information on Rugby Union rules are from www.irb.com/lawregulations/index. All rights in IRB's site and contents are owned by the IRB.
Information on NFL rules are from www.nfl.com/rulebook/digestofrules. NFL and the NFL shield design are register trademarks of the National Football League.
The Field
The first difference between rugby union and NFL Football is the size of the playing field.
Rugby
Football
Length (scoring line to scoring line)
100 m (109.4 yards)
100 yards (91.4 m)
Width (between out of bounds lines)
70 m (76.6 yards)
53.3 yards (48.8 m)
The rugby field is 9.4% longer and 43.4% wider - combined they create a playing field that is 57% larger than the football field!
Rugby Union Field Football Field
Field Markings
Notice that the markings on the field are different for the two sports? That is related to the way the games are played. In football, each yard is marked on the field as the offensive team's advance is measured against the yardage. In rugby, the lines are used for kickoffs, for putting the ball back in play via a line-out and for more advanced kicking rules.
Horizontal lines in Rugby Union, from one end to the other are as follows: Dead ball line, Goal line, 22-meter, 10-meter, Half way line, 10-meter (2), 22-meter (2), Goal line (2) and Dead ball line (2).
Horizontal lines in NFL Football are End line, Goal line, a yard line for 98 of the 100 yards between the Goal lines, Goal line (2), and End line (2).
Vertical lines in Rugby Union are Touch line, 5-meter, 15-meter, 5-meter (2), 15-meter (2), and Touch line (2).
Vertical lines in NFL Football are Sideline, Hashmarks (70 feet, 9 inches from each Sideline), and Sideline (2).
Goal Posts
Another difference in the playing field is the size and location of goal posts. The posts are on the scoring line (try line) in rugby union, but are on the end line in football; see the following chart:
Rugby
Football
Type
Dual Post
Single Standard Post
Location
Scoring (Try) Line
End Line
Width Between Posts
5.6 m (18.4 feet)
18.5 feet (5.64 m)
Height to top of crossbar
3 m (9.8 feet)
10 feet (3.05 m)
The Ball
Although similar in shape, the ball shape for the two games is different as dictated by the style of play. Rugby has no forward passes and a lot of kicking, while football has a lot of forward passing and limited kicking - the rugby ball is longer, fatter, and more round.
Rugby
Football
Length
280-300 mm
10 7/8- 11 7/16 inches(276-290 mm)
Circumference (end to end)
740-770 mm
27 3/4-28 1/2 inches(705-724 mm)
Circumference (width)
580-620 mm
20 3/4-21 1/4 inches(527-540 mm)
Weight
410-460 g(14.5-16.2 oz)
Unavailable
Regulation Air Pressure
9.5-10.0 lbs
Unavailable
Players
On game day, the number of players available for rugby and football differ greatly. In Rugby Union, each team may dress up to 22 players per game, while in the NFL, the team roster is 53 players deep. This is a misleading comparison for the sports, as the professional rugby clubs in Europe will carry 30 to 40 players on their first team, with several lower level sides where developing players can be moved up if needed, while the roster number is set by NFL rules to keep teams competitive. This is just one example of the basic structural difference in the traditional American and European professional sports models.
On the Field
In Rugby Union, each team has 15 players on the field at any time, while in the NFL each team has only 11 on the field during play. There are more players on the field in rugby, but don't forget that the playing field is almost twice as big.
Positions
The nature of the games dictate the various positions for Rugby Union and NFL Football. In Rugby Union, the scrum (discussed later) requires 8 players from each team. These 8 players are known as the forwards. The other 7 players are backs - Scrum Half, Fly Half, 2 Centers, 2 Wings, and a Fullback.
In addition, the jersey number a player wears also corresponds to their position. Numbers 1 through 15, the First XV as they are often called, are the starting players. Subs will generally wear numbers 16 through 22, although there are no specific rules governing substitute numbers.
In NFL Football, there are numerous offensive and defensive formations, but in general there are 5 Offensive Linemen, 1 Quarter Back, 1 Tight End, 2 Running Backs, and 2 Wide Receivers on Offense, with 4 Defensive Linemen, 3 Linebackers, 2 Cornerbacks, and 2 Safeties on Defense.
In football there are also regulations regarding the number that players of a certain position are allowed to wear. For example, only linemen are allowed to wear numbers 60-79. During their careers, players will typically have a number for the duration of their tenure with a given team.
Rugby Positions Football Positions (Defense Shown on Top)
Substitutions
This is a major difference in the two sports and also results in the typical athletes looking different physically, and having different levels of raw strength versus conditioning and fitness; speed is an important factor in both games.
Barring injury subs, Rugby Union only allows 7 seven subs for the entire game, while in Football unlimited subs are allowed. Additionally in Rugby Union, if a player receives a yellow card or red card, that player cannot be substituted. This results in the penalized team playing with a man down for either 10 minutes or for the remainder of the game, depending on the offense. In Football, even if a player is ejected, teams are still allowed to play with a full 11 man side.
In both games, substitutions can only be made when the ball is out of play. In Rugby Union, specific permission from the referee must be granted before the sub is allowed on the field. In NFL Football, there are specific rules concerning the timing and administration of substitutions which may result in a penalty to the infracting team.
Time of Play
A Rugby Union match has two 40 minute halves, plus time lost, extra time and special conditions. The clock runs for the duration of play. Time lost is added for injuries, replacing clothing, substitutions, and referee consulting with assistant refs or other officials. Half time lasts for not more than 15 minutes. If time expires and the ball is not dead, play continues until the next time the ball becomes dead. Extra time, or Over Time, is permitted if authorized by the match organizer, but only in a knock-out competition. A typical rugby game takes under two hours to complete.
A NFL Football game has four 15 minute quarters, with a 2 minute break between periods and a 12 minute halftime. The clock stops for various reasons during play, but there is a 40 second maximum interval allowed between each play (on the play clock, the game clock does not have to run). Each team is allowed three time outs each half where the game clock can be stopped. A typical NFL football game takes over three hours to complete.
Referees and Officials
A referee is a person of authority in a sporting contest who is responsible for presiding over the game from a neutral point of view, and at the same time provide on the fly decisions to enforce the rules of the sport. Love them or hate them, officials are part of the game.
Rugby Union games have one Referee, and two Touch Judges or two Assistant Referees. Unless appointed by the match organizer, each team provides a person to be a touch judge; Assistant Referees are only used in high level league games. The Referee is the sole judge of fact and of Rugby Law during a match. The touch judge or assistant referee remains in touch (out of bounds), except when judging a kick at goal, and raise their flag when the ball goes into touch. Assistant Referees have the additional role of reporting offenses, dangerous play, or misconduct to the Referee.
In contrast, NFL Football has a cadre of 7 officials on the field for each play, each with their own roles and areas of responsibility. There is a Referee, who is the head official for the game, as well as an Umpire, Head Linesman, Line Judge, Field Judge, Side Judge, and Back Judge. Any of the officials can throw a yellow flag, signaling a penalty, on any play.
Both games have numerous penalties and referee signals to show the nature of the infraction. However, because of the free flowing nature of a rugby game, the Referee does not take the time to announce to the spectators the actual infraction as is done in football. The actual cause of a penalty during a Rugby game is not always known to all.
A document showing all of the official signals in Rugby Union can be found here.
Playing the Game
Both Rugby and Football have the same objective - to score more points than your opponent before time expires. Both games start with a Kickoff, however, the method in which the game is played varies greatly. First, let's recap Football.
FOOTBALL
THE FIRST DOWN
All progress in a football game is measured in yards. The offensive team tries to get as much "yardage" as it can to try and move closer to the opponent's end zone. Each time the offense gets the ball, it has four downs, or chances, in which to gain 10 yards. If the offensive team successfully moves the ball 10 or more yards, it earns a first down, and another set of four downs. If the offense fails to gain 10 yards, it loses possession of the ball. The defense tries to prevent the offense not only from scoring, but also from gaining the 10 yards needed for a first down. If the offense reaches fourth down, it usually punts the ball (kicks it away). This forces the other team to begin its drive further down the field.
MOVING THE BALL - The Run and the Pass
A play begins with the snap. At the line of scrimmage (the position on the field where the play begins), the quarterback loudly calls out a play in code and the player in front of him, the center, passes, or snaps the ball under his legs to the quarterback. From there, the quarterback can either throw the ball, hand it off, or run with it.
THE RUN
There are two main ways for the offense to advance the ball. The first is called a run. This occurs when the quarterback hands the ball off to a running back, who then tries to gain as many yards as possible by eluding defensive players. The quarterback is also allowed to run with the ball.
THE PASS
The other alternative to running the ball is to throw it. Or as they say in football, pass it! Usually, the quarterback does the passing, though there are times when another player may pass the ball to confuse the defense. Actually, anyone on the offensive team is allowed to pass the ball as long as the pass is thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. A pass is complete if the ball is caught by another offensive player, usually the "wide receiver" or "tight end." If the ball hits the ground before someone catches it, it is called an incomplete pass.
THE TACKLE
The defense prevents the offense from advancing the ball by bringing the ball carrier to the ground. A player is tackled when one or both of his knees touch the ground. The play is then over. A play also ends when a player runs out of bounds.
TURNOVERS
While trying to advance the football to the end zone, the offense may accidentally turn the ball over to the defense in one of two ways:
THE FUMBLE
When the ball carrier or passer drops the ball, that's a fumble. Any player on the field can recover the ball by diving on it or he can run with it. The team that recovers a fumble either gets-or retains-possession of the ball.
THE INTERCEPTION
An aggressive defense can regain possession of the ball by catching (intercepting) passes meant for players on the other team. Both fumble recoveries and interceptions can be run back into the end zone for touchdowns.
SCORING
TOUCHDOWN = 6 points
To score a touchdown, the ball must be carried across the goal line into the end zone, caught in the end zone, or a fumble recovered in the end zone, or an untouched kickoff recovered in the end zone by the kicking team.
EXTRA POINT and the TWO-POINT CONVERSION = 1 or 2 points
Immediately following a touchdown, the ball is placed at the opponent's two-yard line, where the offense has two options. Usually the offense will kick an extra point, also called the point after touchdown, conversion, or PAT. If the offense successfully kicks the ball through the goal posts, it earns 1 point. The offense can also score 2points by running or throwing the ball into the end zone in the same manner as you would score a touchdown.
FIELD GOAL = 3 points
If the offense cannot score a touchdown, it may try to kick a field goal. They can be attempted from anywhere on the field on any down, but generally are kicked from inside the defense's 45-yard line on fourth down. For a field goal to be "good", the placekicker (or field goal kicker) must kick the ball through the goal-post uprights and over the crossbar. The defense tries to block the kick and stop the ball from reaching the goal post.
SAFETY = 2 points
A safety occurs when the offensive ball carrier is tackled behind his own goal line.
RUGBY
MODES OF PLAY
Rugby, unlike football, is a continuously flowing game. There are three aspects of the game, which will each be discussed in depth - Open Play, In Contact, and Set Pieces. There are also the concepts of Advantage and Offside.
OPEN PLAY
The term 'open play' refers to any phase in the match where the ball is being passed or kicked between team mates and both teams are contesting for the ball. In open play, the team in possession tries to get the ball to players in space who can make forward progress towards the opposing goal line.
PASSING
In rugby, the ball cannot be passed forward. If a forward pass is made, the referee will stop the game and award a scrum to the defensive team. A brief video explaining how to determine whether a pass goes forward can be found here.
KICKING
If a player chooses to kick the ball, any team mates in front of the ball are offside until they retire behind the kicker, or are put onsides by a player who was behind the kicker at the time of the kick. Additionally, retaining possession of the ball following a kick is challenging. There are several kicking strategies, but most common are a) Kicking into space, b) kicking out wide, and c) kicking to touch. By kicking to space, the kicker or his team mates can run onto the ball without getting tackled. By kicking wide, at an oblique angle to the field, a fast wing or center can run on and catch the ball. By kicking to touch (out of bounds), the kicking team gives up the ball in exchange for field position, and a chance to contest the throw-in from a more advantageous position.
CONTACT
Rugby is a contact sport. Unlike football where the play stops when a Tackle is made, play continues.
THE TACKLE
A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and is brought to ground, i.e. has one or both knees on the ground, is sitting on the ground or is on top of another player who is on the ground. To maintain the continuity of the game, the ball carrier must release the ball immediately after the tackle, the tackler must release the ball carrier and both players must roll away from the ball. This allows other players to come in and contest for the ball in a Ruck, thereby starting a new phase of play. The current rules require that a tackler wrap up his opponent, and simply slamming into the opponent results in a penalty.
THE RUCK
A ruck is formed if the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team who are on their feet close around it. Players must not handle the ball in the ruck, and must use their feet to move the ball or drive over it so that it emerges at the team's hindmost foot, at which point it can be picked up. The ruck is one of the most technical aspects of the game. There is an entire section of rules dealing with play around the ruck. You will often see penalties awarded for foul play in and around the ruck.
THE MAUL
Often seen after a lineout, A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held (but not brought to the ground) by one or more opponents and one or more of the ball carrier's team mates holds on (binds) on as well. The ball must be off the ground. The team in possession of the ball can attempt to gain territory by driving their opponents back towards the opponents' goal line. The ball can then be passed backwards between players in the maul and eventually passed to a player who is not in the maul, or a player can leave the maul carrying the ball and run with it.
SET PIECE
Known as the 'set piece', Scrums and Lineouts are the methods of restarting play after a stoppage. In the case of the Scrum, the stoppage occurs due to a minor infringement of the Laws (i.e. forward pass or knock on). The lineout is used when the ball goes into touch (out of bounds) on the sideline. In both set pieces, the forwards are concentrated in one area of the field, giving the backs the opportunity to mount an attack in the space created elsewhere.
THE SCRUM
A scrum is formed in the field of play when eight players from each team, bound together in three rows for each team, close up with their opponents so that the heads of the front rows are interlocked. This creates a tunnel into which a scrum half throws in the ball so that front row players can compete for possession by hooking the ball with either of their feet.
The middle player in each front row is the hooker - who 'hooks' the ball back with his feet. The players on either side of the hooker are the props. The left side props are the loose head props. The right side props are the tight head props. The two players in the second row who push on the props and the hooker are the locks. The outside players who bind onto the second or third row are the flankers. The player in the third row who usually pushes on both locks is the No.8. Alternatively, the No. 8 may push on a lock and a flanker.
The scrum is brought together by the referee, who will call "crouch" then "touch". The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop's outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call "pause". Following a pause the referee will then call "engage". The front rows may then engage. The "engage" call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.
Until the ball leaves the scrum half's hands, the scrum must be stationary and the middle line must be parallel to the goal lines. A team must not shove the scrum away from the mark before the ball is thrown in.
THE LINEOUT
The forwards assemble in two lines, perpendicular to the touch line, 1 meter apart. The hooker throws the ball down the corridor between these two lines of players. Because the thrower's team mates know where the throw is likely to go, that team has an advantage in retaining possession. However, with speed of thought and movement, the opposition can contest for the ball and the lineout frequently results in a turnover of possession.
The player who successfully catches the ball can keep it and set up a maul, or can pass to the receiver (a player who stands next to the lineout to wait for such a pass) who then passes to the fly half and on to the back line.
To allow players to catch high throws in the lineout, it is permissible for the catcher to be supported (lifted) by team mates while jumping to catch the ball. Safety is a prime concern here, and any player who is off the ground must be supported until that player returns to the ground. A player may not be tackled while in the air, and holding, shoving or levering on an opponent are all offences punishable with a penalty kick.
ADVANTAGE
The advantage Law allows the game to be more continuous and have fewer stoppages. Sometimes, during a game, an infringement of the Laws may be committed where a stoppage in play would deprive the non-offending team of an opportunity to score.
Even though the Laws state that the non-offending team should be awarded a penalty, free kick or scrum, they are given the opportunity to continue with open play and attempt to score a try. In this instance, the referee will allow play to continue rather than award a penalty.
OFFSIDE
Rugby's offside Law restricts where on the field players can be, to ensure there is space to attack and defend. In general, a player is in an offside position if that player is further forward (nearer to the opponents' goal line) than the team mate who is carrying the ball or the team mate who last played the ball. Being in an offside position is not, in itself, an offense, but an offside player may not take part in the game until they are onside again. If an offside player takes part in the game, that player will be penalized.
Every aspect of the game has different offside rules, but in general there are 3 offside's lines that move throughout the game. The first, and easiest to track, is the ball. Each team should be behind the ball as they are moving it towards the opponent's goal, or in front of the ball in defending their own goal. The other 2 offside lines is the back foot of the last team mate to go into contact. For instance in a ruck, the defense can not move forward beyond the back foot of the last defender in that ruck.
PENALTIES AND FREE KICKS
Infringements of the Laws which have a material and significant impact on the opposition are punished with the award of a penalty kick. If the place where the penalty is awarded is within range of the posts, the team will usually choose to kick for a goal from a place kick. The ball is placed on a kicking tee and the kicker attempts to kick it between the posts and over the crossbar. Three points are awarded for a successful kick.
A team may choose not to kick for goal. Other options include a scrum, a 'quick penalty' to bring the ball into open play, or kicking for touch. Unlike open play, the kicking team retains possession in the resulting lineout.
A Free Kick is awarded for less significant offences. A team may not score points directly from a free kick. A team may opt for a scrum instead of a free kick. On a Free Kick, kicking for touch generally does not happen because the ball will be turned over to the other team.
SCORING
TRY = 5 points
A Try is scored when the ball is grounded (the offensive player must control the ball and touch it to the ground) over the opponent's goal line in the in-goal (end zone) area. A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but for foul play by the opposition.
CONVERSION = 2 points
After scoring a try, the team can attempt to add 2 further points by kicking the ball over the crossbar and between the posts from a place in line with where the try was scored. Scoring a try 'between the posts' is ideal because it creates an easy conversion chance.
PENALTY = 3 points
When awarded a penalty after an infringement by the opposition, a team may choose to kick at goal.
DROP GOAL = 3 points
A drop goal is scored when a player kicks for goal in open play by dropping the ball onto the ground and kicking it after it bounces off of the ground.
Major Differences Between Rugby Union and NFL Football
Information on Rugby Union rules are from www.irb.com/lawregulations/index. All rights in IRB's site and contents are owned by the IRB.
Information on NFL rules are from www.nfl.com/rulebook/digestofrules. NFL and the NFL shield design are register trademarks of the National Football League.
The Field
The first difference between rugby union and NFL Football is the size of the playing field.
| Rugby | Football | |
| Length (scoring line to scoring line) | 100 m (109.4 yards) | 100 yards (91.4 m) |
| Width (between out of bounds lines) | 70 m (76.6 yards) | 53.3 yards (48.8 m) |
The rugby field is 9.4% longer and 43.4% wider - combined they create a playing field that is 57% larger than the football field!
Rugby Union Field Football Field
Field Markings
Notice that the markings on the field are different for the two sports? That is related to the way the games are played. In football, each yard is marked on the field as the offensive team's advance is measured against the yardage. In rugby, the lines are used for kickoffs, for putting the ball back in play via a line-out and for more advanced kicking rules.
Horizontal lines in Rugby Union, from one end to the other are as follows: Dead ball line, Goal line, 22-meter, 10-meter, Half way line, 10-meter (2), 22-meter (2), Goal line (2) and Dead ball line (2).
Horizontal lines in NFL Football are End line, Goal line, a yard line for 98 of the 100 yards between the Goal lines, Goal line (2), and End line (2).
Vertical lines in Rugby Union are Touch line, 5-meter, 15-meter, 5-meter (2), 15-meter (2), and Touch line (2).
Vertical lines in NFL Football are Sideline, Hashmarks (70 feet, 9 inches from each Sideline), and Sideline (2).
Goal Posts
Another difference in the playing field is the size and location of goal posts. The posts are on the scoring line (try line) in rugby union, but are on the end line in football; see the following chart:
| Rugby | Football | |
| Type | Dual Post | Single Standard Post |
| Location | Scoring (Try) Line | End Line |
| Width Between Posts | 5.6 m (18.4 feet) | 18.5 feet (5.64 m) |
| Height to top of crossbar | 3 m (9.8 feet) | 10 feet (3.05 m) |
The Ball
Although similar in shape, the ball shape for the two games is different as dictated by the style of play. Rugby has no forward passes and a lot of kicking, while football has a lot of forward passing and limited kicking - the rugby ball is longer, fatter, and more round.
| Rugby | Football | |
| Length | 280-300 mm | 10 7/8- 11 7/16 inches(276-290 mm) |
| Circumference (end to end) | 740-770 mm | 27 3/4-28 1/2 inches(705-724 mm) |
| Circumference (width) | 580-620 mm | 20 3/4-21 1/4 inches(527-540 mm) |
| Weight | 410-460 g(14.5-16.2 oz) | Unavailable |
| Regulation Air Pressure | 9.5-10.0 lbs | Unavailable |
Players
On game day, the number of players available for rugby and football differ greatly. In Rugby Union, each team may dress up to 22 players per game, while in the NFL, the team roster is 53 players deep. This is a misleading comparison for the sports, as the professional rugby clubs in Europe will carry 30 to 40 players on their first team, with several lower level sides where developing players can be moved up if needed, while the roster number is set by NFL rules to keep teams competitive. This is just one example of the basic structural difference in the traditional American and European professional sports models.
On the Field
In Rugby Union, each team has 15 players on the field at any time, while in the NFL each team has only 11 on the field during play. There are more players on the field in rugby, but don't forget that the playing field is almost twice as big.
Positions
The nature of the games dictate the various positions for Rugby Union and NFL Football. In Rugby Union, the scrum (discussed later) requires 8 players from each team. These 8 players are known as the forwards. The other 7 players are backs - Scrum Half, Fly Half, 2 Centers, 2 Wings, and a Fullback.
In addition, the jersey number a player wears also corresponds to their position. Numbers 1 through 15, the First XV as they are often called, are the starting players. Subs will generally wear numbers 16 through 22, although there are no specific rules governing substitute numbers.
In NFL Football, there are numerous offensive and defensive formations, but in general there are 5 Offensive Linemen, 1 Quarter Back, 1 Tight End, 2 Running Backs, and 2 Wide Receivers on Offense, with 4 Defensive Linemen, 3 Linebackers, 2 Cornerbacks, and 2 Safeties on Defense.
In football there are also regulations regarding the number that players of a certain position are allowed to wear. For example, only linemen are allowed to wear numbers 60-79. During their careers, players will typically have a number for the duration of their tenure with a given team.
Rugby Positions Football Positions (Defense Shown on Top)
Substitutions
This is a major difference in the two sports and also results in the typical athletes looking different physically, and having different levels of raw strength versus conditioning and fitness; speed is an important factor in both games.
Barring injury subs, Rugby Union only allows 7 seven subs for the entire game, while in Football unlimited subs are allowed. Additionally in Rugby Union, if a player receives a yellow card or red card, that player cannot be substituted. This results in the penalized team playing with a man down for either 10 minutes or for the remainder of the game, depending on the offense. In Football, even if a player is ejected, teams are still allowed to play with a full 11 man side.
In both games, substitutions can only be made when the ball is out of play. In Rugby Union, specific permission from the referee must be granted before the sub is allowed on the field. In NFL Football, there are specific rules concerning the timing and administration of substitutions which may result in a penalty to the infracting team.
Time of Play
A Rugby Union match has two 40 minute halves, plus time lost, extra time and special conditions. The clock runs for the duration of play. Time lost is added for injuries, replacing clothing, substitutions, and referee consulting with assistant refs or other officials. Half time lasts for not more than 15 minutes. If time expires and the ball is not dead, play continues until the next time the ball becomes dead. Extra time, or Over Time, is permitted if authorized by the match organizer, but only in a knock-out competition. A typical rugby game takes under two hours to complete.
A NFL Football game has four 15 minute quarters, with a 2 minute break between periods and a 12 minute halftime. The clock stops for various reasons during play, but there is a 40 second maximum interval allowed between each play (on the play clock, the game clock does not have to run). Each team is allowed three time outs each half where the game clock can be stopped. A typical NFL football game takes over three hours to complete.
Referees and Officials
A referee is a person of authority in a sporting contest who is responsible for presiding over the game from a neutral point of view, and at the same time provide on the fly decisions to enforce the rules of the sport. Love them or hate them, officials are part of the game.
Rugby Union games have one Referee, and two Touch Judges or two Assistant Referees. Unless appointed by the match organizer, each team provides a person to be a touch judge; Assistant Referees are only used in high level league games. The Referee is the sole judge of fact and of Rugby Law during a match. The touch judge or assistant referee remains in touch (out of bounds), except when judging a kick at goal, and raise their flag when the ball goes into touch. Assistant Referees have the additional role of reporting offenses, dangerous play, or misconduct to the Referee.
In contrast, NFL Football has a cadre of 7 officials on the field for each play, each with their own roles and areas of responsibility. There is a Referee, who is the head official for the game, as well as an Umpire, Head Linesman, Line Judge, Field Judge, Side Judge, and Back Judge. Any of the officials can throw a yellow flag, signaling a penalty, on any play.
Both games have numerous penalties and referee signals to show the nature of the infraction. However, because of the free flowing nature of a rugby game, the Referee does not take the time to announce to the spectators the actual infraction as is done in football. The actual cause of a penalty during a Rugby game is not always known to all.
A document showing all of the official signals in Rugby Union can be found here.
Playing the Game
Both Rugby and Football have the same objective - to score more points than your opponent before time expires. Both games start with a Kickoff, however, the method in which the game is played varies greatly. First, let's recap Football.
FOOTBALL
THE FIRST DOWN
All progress in a football game is measured in yards. The offensive team tries to get as much "yardage" as it can to try and move closer to the opponent's end zone. Each time the offense gets the ball, it has four downs, or chances, in which to gain 10 yards. If the offensive team successfully moves the ball 10 or more yards, it earns a first down, and another set of four downs. If the offense fails to gain 10 yards, it loses possession of the ball. The defense tries to prevent the offense not only from scoring, but also from gaining the 10 yards needed for a first down. If the offense reaches fourth down, it usually punts the ball (kicks it away). This forces the other team to begin its drive further down the field.
While trying to advance the football to the end zone, the offense may accidentally turn the ball over to the defense in one of two ways:
THE FUMBLE
When the ball carrier or passer drops the ball, that's a fumble. Any player on the field can recover the ball by diving on it or he can run with it. The team that recovers a fumble either gets-or retains-possession of the ball.
THE INTERCEPTION
An aggressive defense can regain possession of the ball by catching (intercepting) passes meant for players on the other team. Both fumble recoveries and interceptions can be run back into the end zone for touchdowns.
SCORING
TOUCHDOWN = 6 points
To score a touchdown, the ball must be carried across the goal line into the end zone, caught in the end zone, or a fumble recovered in the end zone, or an untouched kickoff recovered in the end zone by the kicking team.
EXTRA POINT and the TWO-POINT CONVERSION = 1 or 2 points
Immediately following a touchdown, the ball is placed at the opponent's two-yard line, where the offense has two options. Usually the offense will kick an extra point, also called the point after touchdown, conversion, or PAT. If the offense successfully kicks the ball through the goal posts, it earns 1 point. The offense can also score 2points by running or throwing the ball into the end zone in the same manner as you would score a touchdown.
FIELD GOAL = 3 points
If the offense cannot score a touchdown, it may try to kick a field goal. They can be attempted from anywhere on the field on any down, but generally are kicked from inside the defense's 45-yard line on fourth down. For a field goal to be "good", the placekicker (or field goal kicker) must kick the ball through the goal-post uprights and over the crossbar. The defense tries to block the kick and stop the ball from reaching the goal post.
SAFETY = 2 points
A safety occurs when the offensive ball carrier is tackled behind his own goal line.
RUGBY
MODES OF PLAY
Rugby, unlike football, is a continuously flowing game. There are three aspects of the game, which will each be discussed in depth - Open Play, In Contact, and Set Pieces. There are also the concepts of Advantage and Offside.
OPEN PLAY
The term 'open play' refers to any phase in the match where the ball is being passed or kicked between team mates and both teams are contesting for the ball. In open play, the team in possession tries to get the ball to players in space who can make forward progress towards the opposing goal line.
PASSING
In rugby, the ball cannot be passed forward. If a forward pass is made, the referee will stop the game and award a scrum to the defensive team. A brief video explaining how to determine whether a pass goes forward can be found here.
KICKING
If a player chooses to kick the ball, any team mates in front of the ball are offside until they retire behind the kicker, or are put onsides by a player who was behind the kicker at the time of the kick. Additionally, retaining possession of the ball following a kick is challenging. There are several kicking strategies, but most common are a) Kicking into space, b) kicking out wide, and c) kicking to touch. By kicking to space, the kicker or his team mates can run onto the ball without getting tackled. By kicking wide, at an oblique angle to the field, a fast wing or center can run on and catch the ball. By kicking to touch (out of bounds), the kicking team gives up the ball in exchange for field position, and a chance to contest the throw-in from a more advantageous position.
CONTACT
Rugby is a contact sport. Unlike football where the play stops when a Tackle is made, play continues.
THE TACKLE
A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and is brought to ground, i.e. has one or both knees on the ground, is sitting on the ground or is on top of another player who is on the ground. To maintain the continuity of the game, the ball carrier must release the ball immediately after the tackle, the tackler must release the ball carrier and both players must roll away from the ball. This allows other players to come in and contest for the ball in a Ruck, thereby starting a new phase of play. The current rules require that a tackler wrap up his opponent, and simply slamming into the opponent results in a penalty.
THE RUCK
A ruck is formed if the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team who are on their feet close around it. Players must not handle the ball in the ruck, and must use their feet to move the ball or drive over it so that it emerges at the team's hindmost foot, at which point it can be picked up. The ruck is one of the most technical aspects of the game. There is an entire section of rules dealing with play around the ruck. You will often see penalties awarded for foul play in and around the ruck.
THE MAUL
Often seen after a lineout, A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held (but not brought to the ground) by one or more opponents and one or more of the ball carrier's team mates holds on (binds) on as well. The ball must be off the ground. The team in possession of the ball can attempt to gain territory by driving their opponents back towards the opponents' goal line. The ball can then be passed backwards between players in the maul and eventually passed to a player who is not in the maul, or a player can leave the maul carrying the ball and run with it.
SET PIECE
Known as the 'set piece', Scrums and Lineouts are the methods of restarting play after a stoppage. In the case of the Scrum, the stoppage occurs due to a minor infringement of the Laws (i.e. forward pass or knock on). The lineout is used when the ball goes into touch (out of bounds) on the sideline. In both set pieces, the forwards are concentrated in one area of the field, giving the backs the opportunity to mount an attack in the space created elsewhere.
THE SCRUM
A scrum is formed in the field of play when eight players from each team, bound together in three rows for each team, close up with their opponents so that the heads of the front rows are interlocked. This creates a tunnel into which a scrum half throws in the ball so that front row players can compete for possession by hooking the ball with either of their feet.
The middle player in each front row is the hooker - who 'hooks' the ball back with his feet. The players on either side of the hooker are the props. The left side props are the loose head props. The right side props are the tight head props. The two players in the second row who push on the props and the hooker are the locks. The outside players who bind onto the second or third row are the flankers. The player in the third row who usually pushes on both locks is the No.8. Alternatively, the No. 8 may push on a lock and a flanker.
The scrum is brought together by the referee, who will call "crouch" then "touch". The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop's outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call "pause". Following a pause the referee will then call "engage". The front rows may then engage. The "engage" call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.
Until the ball leaves the scrum half's hands, the scrum must be stationary and the middle line must be parallel to the goal lines. A team must not shove the scrum away from the mark before the ball is thrown in.
THE LINEOUT
The forwards assemble in two lines, perpendicular to the touch line, 1 meter apart. The hooker throws the ball down the corridor between these two lines of players. Because the thrower's team mates know where the throw is likely to go, that team has an advantage in retaining possession. However, with speed of thought and movement, the opposition can contest for the ball and the lineout frequently results in a turnover of possession.
The player who successfully catches the ball can keep it and set up a maul, or can pass to the receiver (a player who stands next to the lineout to wait for such a pass) who then passes to the fly half and on to the back line.
To allow players to catch high throws in the lineout, it is permissible for the catcher to be supported (lifted) by team mates while jumping to catch the ball. Safety is a prime concern here, and any player who is off the ground must be supported until that player returns to the ground. A player may not be tackled while in the air, and holding, shoving or levering on an opponent are all offences punishable with a penalty kick.
ADVANTAGE
The advantage Law allows the game to be more continuous and have fewer stoppages. Sometimes, during a game, an infringement of the Laws may be committed where a stoppage in play would deprive the non-offending team of an opportunity to score.
Even though the Laws state that the non-offending team should be awarded a penalty, free kick or scrum, they are given the opportunity to continue with open play and attempt to score a try. In this instance, the referee will allow play to continue rather than award a penalty.
OFFSIDE
Rugby's offside Law restricts where on the field players can be, to ensure there is space to attack and defend. In general, a player is in an offside position if that player is further forward (nearer to the opponents' goal line) than the team mate who is carrying the ball or the team mate who last played the ball. Being in an offside position is not, in itself, an offense, but an offside player may not take part in the game until they are onside again. If an offside player takes part in the game, that player will be penalized.
Every aspect of the game has different offside rules, but in general there are 3 offside's lines that move throughout the game. The first, and easiest to track, is the ball. Each team should be behind the ball as they are moving it towards the opponent's goal, or in front of the ball in defending their own goal. The other 2 offside lines is the back foot of the last team mate to go into contact. For instance in a ruck, the defense can not move forward beyond the back foot of the last defender in that ruck.
PENALTIES AND FREE KICKS
Infringements of the Laws which have a material and significant impact on the opposition are punished with the award of a penalty kick. If the place where the penalty is awarded is within range of the posts, the team will usually choose to kick for a goal from a place kick. The ball is placed on a kicking tee and the kicker attempts to kick it between the posts and over the crossbar. Three points are awarded for a successful kick.
A team may choose not to kick for goal. Other options include a scrum, a 'quick penalty' to bring the ball into open play, or kicking for touch. Unlike open play, the kicking team retains possession in the resulting lineout.
A Free Kick is awarded for less significant offences. A team may not score points directly from a free kick. A team may opt for a scrum instead of a free kick. On a Free Kick, kicking for touch generally does not happen because the ball will be turned over to the other team.SCORING
TRY = 5 points
A Try is scored when the ball is grounded (the offensive player must control the ball and touch it to the ground) over the opponent's goal line in the in-goal (end zone) area. A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but for foul play by the opposition.
CONVERSION = 2 points
After scoring a try, the team can attempt to add 2 further points by kicking the ball over the crossbar and between the posts from a place in line with where the try was scored. Scoring a try 'between the posts' is ideal because it creates an easy conversion chance.
PENALTY = 3 points
When awarded a penalty after an infringement by the opposition, a team may choose to kick at goal.
DROP GOAL = 3 points
A drop goal is scored when a player kicks for goal in open play by dropping the ball onto the ground and kicking it after it bounces off of the ground.
