 |
SP CUP and PNGRFL
COMPETITIONS |
|
Philosophy
The Safeplay Code was developed to emphasise safety and good conduct within the
Game of Rugby League.
The code is designed to provide the best on-the-field environment possible for
the game of Rugby League by actively controlling undesirable actions. The PNGNRL
trusts that players, coaches, and supporters will wholeheartedly embrace the
Code for the benefit of the players and the Game.
|
Important note
It is mandatory that a penalty kick follow any act that transgresses the code of
Safeplay. Action, in addition to a penalty for a breach, ie: sin bin or a
dismissal is at the discretion of the referee. Refer International Laws, Section
13, 1 (a) and Section 15 – Players Misconduct.
|
Tackle Zone
The Code:
Tackles above the armpits are not permitted.
|
Application:
(a) When a ball-carrier is running with an upright posture, any tackle in which
the defender’s arms makes contact above an armpit, constitutes an infringement.
(b) It is an infringement for a defender/tackler to set upon the head or neck
region of a ball-carrier.
(c) A ball-carrier who is diving or running with a “burrowing” or “stooped”
posture can only be “blocked” and tackled down the shoulder and trunk i.e.
underneath, by a defender in front of the ball-carrier.
|
Law book reference:
Section 15, Law 1 (b), Page 38
|
Dangerous Tackles
The Code (Use of Legs):
The tackler’s legs cannot be used to trip or throw.
|
Application:
The use of the legs in a tackle is not permissible. Using the legs (even if the
defender has a hand hold on the ball-carrier) or trip or throw constitutes an
infringement.
|
Law book reference:
Section 15, note to law 1 (a), Page 38
|
The Code (Lifting):
Adopting a crotch hold is misconduct
|
Application:
Adopting a crotch hold i.e. by placing either a hand or arm in the crotch
region, is an infringement regardless.
|
Law book reference:
Section 15, Law 1 (d), Page 38
|
Vicious Palm
The Code:
An attacking player cannot “thrust” out his arm and contact the defender above
the shoulder.
|
Application:
Any attacking player who violently punches or thrusts out his arm or uses an
outstretched stiff arm so that his hand or fist contacts the neck, face or head
of a defender commits an infringement. (This section does not state that a
player cannot legitimately ‘Palm’ the head, neck or face).
|
Law book reference:
Section 15, Law 1 (a) Page 38
|
Slinging
The Code:
The use of the ball-carrier’s arm or Guernsey to sling or swing that player is
prohibited.
|
Application:
A defender who uses the arm or Guernsey of the ball-carrier to sling or swing
that player commits an infringement.
|
Law book reference:
Section 11, Note to Law 1, Page 23
|
Verbal Abuse
The Code:
The use of threatening or denigrating words is not permitted.
|
Application:
Verbal abuse, obscene language and sledging – inclusive of comment or words that
threaten or denigrate an opponent, referee or supporter is an infringement. (It
the individual can not be identified, then the team should be cautioned through
the captain)
|
Law book reference:
Section 15, law 1 (f) page 38
|
Advantage Play
A penalty kick must follow any infringement:
1. If no advantage occurs the penalty is to be awarded immediately
2. If an advantage occurs, the penalty is to be awarded at the break down in
play immediately after the misconduct occurred, (unless a try is imminent) or
where the act of misconduct occurred, whichever is the greater advantage.
3. When a try has been scored in the same play in which the act of misconduct
occurred or in the immediate play thereafter (the imminent factor) the penalty
kick, additional to the conversion, will be awarded in front of the goal posts.
A kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick (place or drop) and play
restarted from the centre on the half-way line irrespective of the outcome of
the kick.
|
Implementing the Safeplay Code
Advertising the code
All supporters, players, coaches and referees should familiarize themselves with
the “Safeplay Code” before the commencement of the season and subsequent
matches. A copy of the “Code: should be available, upon request, to all present
at match venues and training sessions.
|
Referees
Referees are the key to the successful application of the “Safeplay Code”.
Referees must be fully briefed on the detailed working of the “Safeplay Code”.
The most suitable personnel to do this are State appointed Coaching and
Development staff or Referee Co-coordinators.
|
The Coaches
Coaches are the other vital factor in ensuring that the Code is successful. All
coaches must ensure that their players are aware of and fully understand the
“Safeplay Code”.
|
Initial Matches
A pre-match meeting should be held between the match referee, coaches and team
captains, where appropriate (International Law Games) to ensure that all parties
fully understand the Safeplay code.
|
