Super League set for major six again and play the ball rule changes

[josie andrews]

A raft of significant rule changes are coming to Super League 2024

A number of significant on-field rule changes will be implemented ahead of the 2024 season, with changes to the six again rule and the play the ball among the headline changes.

Rugby League Live can reveal that from next season, a team will concede a regulatory penalty, rather than a six again, for any offence that takes place in the opposition's own 40-metre area. As an example, if a defender is too slow at releasing a player when the attacking team is within 40 metres of their own try line, a penalty shall be called, rather than a six again, as has been the case in recent years. Set restarts will be given in the remaining area of the field.

The change has been made to stop teams from purposely holding down at the start of a tackle count, which allows the defensive line to take shape at the expense of having to make one extra tackle. It is a rule change that will likely be well received by supporters, who have regularly voiced their annoyance when the tactic has been used by teams.

But it is one of several changes that have been made, all with a focus on cleaning up the ruck from next season. Moving forward, there will be a clampdown on incorrect play the balls with players now being warned that they must make a genuine attempt to touch the ball with their foot.

From next year, players must regain their feet and have no other body part in contact with the ground. It is the ball carrier's responsibility to not place the ball on the defender and make a genuine attempt to contact the ball on their foot.

It is one of a number of changes implemented to make rucks easier to adjudicate for the match officials, which have become increasingly difficult to police in recent seasons. Markers must now stand directly opposite the attacker and the second marker must stand immediately behind the first marker, which will stop the second marker from defending from several steps behind.

And in another notable change, defenders must now immediately release the ball carrier once they are tackled and cannot be touched until the ball is in play. The rule has been implemented to stop additional defenders from entering the ruck once a player is on the floor. It is expected that as a result, there will be fewer arms in the ruck, again making it easier for the officials to have a clearer view.


It is hoped that collectively, the rule changes will give referees greater clarity on what is happening at rucks and when a team is offside or not square at the marker. The defensive line will only be allowed to move once the ball carrier has touched the ball with their heel. While the new rules will allow teams to play the ball quicker, the speed of the ruck isn't expected to be impacted severely as players will now take longer to play the ball as a result of the new interpretation. Research has shown that playing the ball correctly takes 0.4 seconds longer on average than it does under current rulings.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... x-28163480

[Wiganer Ted]

I like the change to the six again rule. Overdue IMO.

It's not too difficult to see what they trying to achieve with the new ruck rules. Whether it is successful or not will depend on the players, coaches and match officials.

No mention of the Captain's Challenge. We've been informed discussions are taking place and hopefully that will be brought in next season.

[fozzieskem]

Glad the six again is on the way out it had run it's course for my money

[nathan_rugby]

A raft of significant rule changes are coming to Super League 2024

A number of significant on-field rule changes will be implemented ahead of the 2024 season, with changes to the six again rule and the play the ball among the headline changes.

Rugby League Live can reveal that from next season, a team will concede a regulatory penalty, rather than a six again, for any offence that takes place in the opposition's own 40-metre area. As an example, if a defender is too slow at releasing a player when the attacking team is within 40 metres of their own try line, a penalty shall be called, rather than a six again, as has been the case in recent years. Set restarts will be given in the remaining area of the field.

The change has been made to stop teams from purposely holding down at the start of a tackle count, which allows the defensive line to take shape at the expense of having to make one extra tackle. It is a rule change that will likely be well received by supporters, who have regularly voiced their annoyance when the tactic has been used by teams.

But it is one of several changes that have been made, all with a focus on cleaning up the ruck from next season. Moving forward, there will be a clampdown on incorrect play the balls with players now being warned that they must make a genuine attempt to touch the ball with their foot.
Fine

From next year, players must regain their feet and have no other body part in contact with the ground. It is the ball carrier's responsibility to not place the ball on the defender and make a genuine attempt to contact the ball on their foot.
Fine

It is one of a number of changes implemented to make rucks easier to adjudicate for the match officials, which have become increasingly difficult to police in recent seasons. Markers must now stand directly opposite the attacker and the second marker must stand immediately behind the first marker, which will stop the second marker from defending from several steps behind.
Wasn’t this already the rule?

And in another notable change, defenders must now immediately release the ball carrier once they are tackled and cannot be touched until the ball is in play. The rule has been implemented to stop additional defenders from entering the ruck once a player is on the floor. It is expected that as a result, there will be fewer arms in the ruck, again making it easier for the officials to have a clearer view.
Surely this was already the rule? Ref calls held and anyone that gets involved after gets penalised? You rarely see players joining in when someone is already on the floor.


It is hoped that collectively, the rule changes will give referees greater clarity on what is happening at rucks and when a team is offside or not square at the marker. The defensive line will only be allowed to move once the ball carrier has touched the ball with their heel.While the new rules will allow teams to play the ball quicker, the speed of the ruck isn't expected to be impacted severely as players will now take longer to play the ball as a result of the new interpretation. Research has shown that playing the ball correctly takes 0.4 seconds longer on average than it does under current rulings.
Heel? Haha how does that work

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... x-28163480

[Mike]

The heal thing might give a load of offside penalties for the first few weeks. The defence is well used to moving up the moment the tackled player looks like their starting to play the ball. I thought it was always once they'd touched it with there foot TBH.

[nathan_rugby]

The heal thing might give a load of offside penalties for the first few weeks. The defence is well used to moving up the moment the tackled player looks like their starting to play the ball. I thought it was always once they'd touched it with there foot TBH.

They probably mean sole of the foot not heel. It’s difficult to play the ball backwards using the heel.

[Blackpool_Pie]

Re after the tackle

I'm assuming they're just being clearer on the rules and will be implementing them more vigorously rather than putting new rules in place.

[Wintergreen]

A raft of significant rule changes are coming to Super League 2024

A number of significant on-field rule changes will be implemented ahead of the 2024 season, with changes to the six again rule and the play the ball among the headline changes.

Rugby League Live can reveal that from next season, a team will concede a regulatory penalty, rather than a six again, for any offence that takes place in the opposition's own 40-metre area. As an example, if a defender is too slow at releasing a player when the attacking team is within 40 metres of their own try line, a penalty shall be called, rather than a six again, as has been the case in recent years. Set restarts will be given in the remaining area of the field.

The change has been made to stop teams from purposely holding down at the start of a tackle count, which allows the defensive line to take shape at the expense of having to make one extra tackle. It is a rule change that will likely be well received by supporters, who have regularly voiced their annoyance when the tactic has been used by teams.About Time

But it is one of several changes that have been made, all with a focus on cleaning up the ruck from next season. Moving forward, there will be a clampdown on incorrect play the balls with players now being warned that they must make a genuine attempt to touch the ball with their foot.

Attempt is to vague. They should be made to touch the ball. Not hard!

From next year, players must regain their feet and have no other body part in contact with the ground. It is the ball carrier's responsibility to not place the ball on the defender and make a genuine attempt to contact the ball on their foot.

It is one of a number of changes implemented to make rucks easier to adjudicate for the match officials, which have become increasingly difficult to police in recent seasons. Markers must now stand directly opposite the attacker and the second marker must stand immediately behind the first marker, which will stop the second marker from defending from several steps behind.Isn't that the current rule/how it always has been?

And in another notable change, defenders must now immediately release the ball carrier once they are tackled and this?and cannot be touched until the ball is in play. The rule has been implemented to stop additional defenders from entering the ruck once a player is on the floor. It is expected that as a result, there will be fewer arms in the ruck, again making it easier for the officials to have a clearer view.


It is hoped that collectively, the rule changes will give referees greater clarity on what is happening at rucks and when a team is offside or not square at the marker. The defensive line will only be allowed to move once the ball carrier has touched the ball with their heel. While the new rules will allow teams to play the ball quicker, the speed of the ruck isn't expected to be impacted severely as players will now take longer to play the ball as a result of the new interpretation. Research has shown that playing the ball correctly takes 0.4 seconds longer on average than it does under current rulings.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... x-28163480

[ian.birchall]

The penalty instead of the 6 again will certainly stimey Stains continual giving away a 6 again penalty when the opposition is on the first tackle.