Muddy field. Off a ruck, Black work the ball the through their backs. Black #10 passes to Black #12 but Black #12 misses. In the open field without a player within 10m, Black #13 tries to change direction and falls down. The ball bounces right to him. Is it overly pendantic to penalize him if he grabs the ball while on the ground? It was a men's DII team.
Player on the ground
- Thread starter woody
- Start date
Did he act immediately?
I am suggesting that if he did so then I think play on is fair enough.
Whilst we all know the game is to be played by those on their feet the Law expressly provides for a player to go to ground to play the ball - whilst some may say that this is not precisely the same as being there already, I think that is a distinction without a difference.
So long as he acts immediately by getting up with the ball, passing the ball, or releasing the ball then I cannot see a good reason to penalise.
I am suggesting that if he did so then I think play on is fair enough.
Whilst we all know the game is to be played by those on their feet the Law expressly provides for a player to go to ground to play the ball - whilst some may say that this is not precisely the same as being there already, I think that is a distinction without a difference.
So long as he acts immediately by getting up with the ball, passing the ball, or releasing the ball then I cannot see a good reason to penalise.