SUMMARY OF KEY RULES

• Play starts and restarts at the centre with a tap ball - defenders must retreat 10m whenever a tap ball is taken

• 6 players are allowed on the field at any one time (with up to 8 substitutes off the field (substitution can take place at any time)

• A try is scored by grounding the ball on, or behind, the try-line. One point is awarded

• A touch occurs when minimal contact is made between a player in possession of the ball and a defending player and includes: contact on the ball, hair or clothing

• When touched, the player in possession must place the ball on the ground at the exact point of the touch. Play is re-started by a roll ball. The ball may not roll more than a metre. A player may not perform a roll ball unless touched. If the ball is placed away from the point of the touch then a penalty results ("off the mark")

• The player picking up the ball (the dummy half) may run, but if touched a changeover occurs. The half may not score and a changeover will be awarded if this occurs

• After 6 touches without score, possession changes. The attacking team begins play with a roll ball

• During a roll ball, all defending players must retire to the onside line set by the referee (7m). The defending team cannot move forward until play restarts, nor interfere with play whilst retreating. A restart occurs the moment the ball is tapped (for a tap) or when the half touches the ball (for a roll ball). Players may not delay the game by deliberately delaying a roll ball

• If an attacking player, when making a quick start, is touched by an offside defender, the referee may call for play to continue or award a penalty

• When a roll ball is taken within 7m of the scoreline, the defending players must retreat with both feet to behind their try line before they can make the touch

• If the ball is dropped or if a player crosses the sideline before a touch is made, a change of possession will occur

• A penalty is awarded for infringements including: forward pass, offside play, performing a roll ball over/off the mark, claiming a touch when none was made, using more than minimum force to make a touch, interfering with the roll ball and passing the ball once touched. When a penalty is awarded, the referee will give the mark where the tap ball must be taken and set the onside line for the defence (10m)

• If the defending team unsuccessfully intercepts the ball or it is intentionally knocked down, the attacking team restarts their possession ("six more")

• No obstruction, excessive contact, verbal abuse or foul play will be tolerated. A penalty will be awarded in such cases and players can be removed from the field. Serious or continual foul play of any nature will result in the player being sent off without a replacement