Law 13: Players on the Ground in Open Play

Law 13's principle: the game is played only by players who are on their feet.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13, Principle · richiamo

They must immediately get up with it, play it (but not kick it), or release it.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applicazione

Players who go to ground with the ball must act immediately. Sanction: penalty.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · richiamo

Once the ball is played or released, players on the ground must immediately move away or get up.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.2 · applicazione

Failing to get up, play or release the ball at once is sanctioned by a penalty.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applicazione

It covers players on the ground in open play; rucks, mauls and the tackle have their own laws.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13 · richiamo

The same duties apply whether or not an opponent is near.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applicazione

A player who goes to ground to gather the ball must immediately get up, play it (not kick it) or release it.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applicazione

Release or play first, then get up or move away, both immediately.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1-2 · richiamo

Getting up and passing are allowed; kicking from the ground is not.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · richiamo

A player on the ground without the ball is out of the game.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3 · richiamo

They must allow opponents who are not on the ground to play or gain possession.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3a · richiamo

A player on the ground without the ball must not tackle or attempt to tackle. Sanction: penalty.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3c · applicazione

Players on their feet without the ball must not fall on or over players on the ground who have it or are near it.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.4 · applicazione

A player on the ground without the ball must not play it.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3b · richiamo

The rule protects players on the ground who have the ball or who are near it.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.4 · richiamo

Out of the game while on the ground: they must not play the ball or stop opponents playing it.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3 · applicazione

Feet count as playing the ball.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3b · applicazione

Back on their feet, they are in the game again.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3 · richiamo

Getting up and moving away are expected; playing the ball is not allowed.

Fonte: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.2-3 · richiamo