Glossary of rugby league terms

This list of rugby league terms is a general glossary of the terminology used in the sport of rugby league football. The sport has accrued a considerable amount of jargon to describe aspects of the game.^[1] Many terms originate from the Laws of the Game.^[1] A number of aspects of the game have more than one term that refers to them.^[1] Different terms have become popularly used to describe an aspect of the game in different places with notable differences between the northern and southern hemispheres.

Where words in a sentence are also defined elsewhere in this article, they appear in italics.

Contents:

Top · 0–9 · A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

0–9

<dfn>10-metre law</dfn>

Every time a player is tackled, all defenders, apart from a maximum of two markers, have to retreat 10 metres from the play-the-ball area.

<dfn>18th man</dfn>

A player selected as a back-up to the official 17 man squad for a game. The 18th man may be called in to the team if one of the 17 players is injured or ill prior to the start of the match.

<dfn>20 metre restart</dfn>

The 20 metre line is used to re-start the game in certain circumstances:

The phrase "20 metre re-start" is most commonly used to refer to an optional kick. (One of those options is to tap on the 20 metre line and run the ball.)
A 20m line drop out is taken by the defending team if the ball goes dead in their in-goal from any kind of penalty kick by their opponents.^[2]

<dfn>40/20 rule</dfn>

If a player standing no more than 40 metres away from his own try line manages to a kick a ball in general play which bounces in the field of play then goes into touch inside his opponents, 20-metre area, his side gets the head and feed at the scrum.

A

<dfn>Above the horizontal</dfn>

One determinant of a dangerous tackle. Defenders lifting an attacking player off the ground to the point when their feet are higher than their head. Lifting a player this way can be a precursor to the outlawed spear tackle.

<dfn>Advantage</dfn>

"Advantage" is the period of time after an infringement, in which the non-offending side have the opportunity to gain sufficient territory or tactical opportunity to negate the need to stop the game due to the infringement. The referee will signal advantage with their arm out horizontally, toward the non-infringing team. If no tactical or territorial advantage is gained, the referee will whistle, and give the decision that had been delayed. If sufficient advantage is gained, the referee will call "advantage over", and play will continue. The Advantage Law allows the game to flow more freely, and not stop for every minor infringement.

<dfn>Advantage line</dfn>

It is an imaginary line across the pitch when there is a breakdown in open play, i.e. a play-the-ball, scrum. Advancing across the advantage line represents a gain in territory. Also called the "gain line".

<dfn>Ankle tap</dfn>

Main article: Ankle tap

An ankle tap, also referred to as a tap-tackle, may be used as a last resort by a defender chasing the attacking player carrying the ball if that player is about to evade them and a conventional tackle is not possible. If the defender is not able to get close enough to the ball-carrier to wrap their arms around them in a conventional tackle, they may still be able to dive at the other player's feet and, with outstretched arm, deliver a tap or hook to the player's foot (or feet) causing the player to stumble. At speed, this will often be sufficient to bring the ball-carrier down and may sufficiently delay the attacker for a defender to complete the tackle or for the defending team to organise their defence.

<dfn>Around the corner kicking</dfn>

See: Round the corner kicking

B

<dfn>Ball and all</dfn>

A type of tackle that prevents the player being tackled being able to offload the ball to a team mate for them to carry on the attack before the tackle has been completed. This type of tackle involves preventing the player being tackled from being able to move their arms effectively.

<dfn>Ball-carrier</dfn>

The player in possession of the ball.

<dfn>Ball-carrying arm</dfn>

An instance in which a tackle can be judged to be complete is when the attacking player's ball-carrying arm is touching the ground at the same time that a defending player is in contact with the attacker.

<dfn>Ball back</dfn>

Main article: Ball back

If the ball enters touch, then play is restarted by a scrum at the point where the ball left the field of play. However, if the ball is kicked into touch without first bouncing inside the field of play (on the full). In this case, the scrum is taken from level with the place from where the ball was kicked from. The ball is given back to the team who did not kick it out of bounds; ball back is waived in certain circumstances:

If a side elects to kick a penalty into touch
If the kick took place from behind the 40m line and cleared the 20m line before going out of play (the 40/20 rule).

<dfn>Banana kick</dfn>

A medium-range kick performed in general play that goes to off to the side of the kicker rather than in front, for chasers further afield. The aim of the banana kick is to be less predictable than conventional kicks and is named such thus as the rise and fall of the ball is in a curve like that of a banana.

<dfn>Biff</dfn>

Fighting.

<dfn>Black dot</dfn>

The underside of the crossbar connecting the goal posts will have a marking on it in the centre, usually black in colour, that is referred to a the "black dot".^[3] The black dot can be used as an aid to kickers with their aiming. A player scoring a try in the centre of the goal line or in goal, that is beneath the posts, might be said to have scored "under the black dot".

<dfn>Blindside</dfn>

The narrow side of the pitch in relation to a scrum or a play the ball; the opposite of openside.

<dfn>Blood replacement (obsolete)</dfn>

See: Interchange

<dfn>Bomb</dfn>

See: Up and under

<dfn>Break</dfn>

A breach of the line of defenders by the player in possession of the ball on the attacking team.

<dfn>Bridging (obsolete)</dfn>

Bridging refers to a team linking or binding players together at the play-the-ball into a scrum-like formation.^[4]

<dfn>Broken-time (obsolete)</dfn>

Broken-time payments compensated players for the time they missed from work due to their rugby playing commitments. The use of these payments was one of the issues that led to the schism of rugby football in England. Broken-time payments were the original player payment system of the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895.

<dfn>Bust</dfn>

A bust, or tackle bust, is when a player breaks through an attempted tackle.

C

<dfn>Caution</dfn>

A player who deliberately or repeatedly infringes the laws is cautioned, and shown a yellow card. A cautioned player is suspended from playing for ten minutes.

<dfn>Centre</dfn>

The centres, or 'centre three-quarters', (numbered 3 and 4) are positioned one in from the wings and together complete what is known as the three-quarter line. They are divided into left and right centres.

Usually the best mixture of power and vision, their main role is to try to create attacking opportunities for their team and defend those of the opposition. Along with the wingers, the centres score plenty of tries throughout a season.

<dfn>Changeover</dfn>

Another term for handover.

<dfn>Charge-down</dfn>

The blocking of an attacker's kick as it rises from the foot. Done with outstretched arms and hands, this is not a knock-on.^[5]

<dfn>Checkside punt</dfn>

Main article: Checkside punt

<dfn>Chicken-wing</dfn>

A shoulder lock wrestling technique, often used to slow down the play-the-ball, that places "undue pressure" on joints of players.^[6]^[7] It is punishable under Section 15, Law 1 (i) of the Laws of the Game as it is deemed "contrary to the true spirit of the game".^[7]^[8]

<dfn>Club Call</dfn>

A feature of the Super League play-offs in which the highest ranked team from the regular season table to win their match in the first week of the play-offs will be able to select their opponents for their next game, a qualifying semi-final in week three, from the teams that won their preliminary semi-final in week two.^[9] First used in 2009 for Super League XIV.^[9]

<dfn>Completion rate</dfn>

The percentage of times in possession that a team holds the ball for a full set of six tackles.

<dfn>Conversion</dfn>

D

<dfn>Dead</dfn>

The ball is deemed to be dead if it goes out of play beyond the dead ball line.

<dfn>Dead ball line</dfn>

A boundary located at each end of the playing field. The dead ball line is out of play.

<dfn>Differential penalty</dfn>

A penalty that may not be kicked for goal by the team to which it is awarded.^[10] This kind of penalty is awarded when technical rule breaches (i.e. not foul play or obscene language) are committed during the time a scrum exists.^[11] A differential penalty can be award against any player, whether in the scrum or outside.^[11]

<dfn>Dominant tackle</dfn>

A referee may call "Dominant!" as a player is tackled to indicate the dominance of the defender over the attacking player in possession during the contact between them at the tackle. A dominant tackle is judged to be when the defender makes contact and drives the attacker back in one movement. The dominant tackle call rewards good technique and allows the defender extra time before the attacker must be released to be allowed to play-the-ball.

<dfn>Double movement</dfn>

An illegal movement in the attempt to score a try. An attacking player whose momentum does not allow the ball to reach the try-line or in-goal after their ball-carrying arm touches the ground may not reach out to score if a defender is in contact with them; this is disallowed by interpretation as a "double movement".

<dfn>Downward pressure</dfn>

Downward pressure is one of the several criteria that needs to be met for a try to be awarded by the referee.

<dfn>Drop goal</dfn>

Main article: Drop goal

A drop goal is scored when a player kicks the ball from hand through the opposition's goal, but the ball must touch the ground between being dropped and kicked. It is worth one point.

The team awarded a free kick cannot score a dropped goal until the ball next becomes dead, or until an opponent has played or touched it, or has tackled the ball carrier.

<dfn>Drop kick</dfn>

Main article: Drop kick

A drop kick is when a player kicks the ball from hand and the ball touches the ground between being dropped and kicked. If a drop kick goes through a goal then it results in a drop goal.

<dfn>Drop out</dfn>

Drop out could refer to the following ways of bringing the ball back into play:^[12]

Goal line drop-out, from the goal line.
A drop out from the 20 metre line.

<dfn>Dummy pass</dfn>

An offensive ruse, where the ball carrier moves as if to pass the ball to a team-mate, but then continues to run with the ball himself; the objective is to trick defenders into marking the would-be pass receiver, creating a gap for the ball carrier to run into.^[13]

<dfn>Dummy runner</dfn>

Another offensive tactic; a player on the attacking team runs towards the opposition as if running onto a pass, only for the ball to be passed to another player, carried on by the ball carrier or kicked forwards. As with a dummy pass, this tactic draws defenders away from the ball and creates space for the attacking team

<dfn>Dump tackle</dfn>

Main article: Dump tackle

It is a tackling technique. The tackler wraps his arms around the ball carrier's thighs and lifts him a short distance in the air before forcibly driving him to the ground. The tackler must go to ground with the ball carrier for the tackle to be legal. This technique is useful to completely stop the opponent in his tracks. A dump tackle which drops the ball carrier on his head or neck is known as a spear tackle, and will almost invariably concede a penalty and possibly result in a caution for the tackler.

E

<dfn>Engage</dfn>

An attacking player engages, or attracts, a defender or defenders with the aim of manipulating their defensive position to the advantage of the attacking team.
Markers are required to "engage" at the play-the-ball, meaning they must be in an appropriate proximity to it.

F

<dfn>Face ball</dfn>

See: Cut out pass

<dfn>Facial</dfn>

A defending player in contact with the ball-carrier during or after the completion of a tackle aggressively and illegally touching the face of the ball-carrier with their hand or forearm. There may be different motivations for this action, such as wanting to provoke a reaction from the ball-carrier in order to gain a penalty, attempting to establish dominance over their opponent, or as a symptom of frustration.

<dfn>Falcon</dfn>

Main article: Falcon (sport)

An instance of the ball coming into contact with a person's head.

<dfn>Feed</dfn>

See: Loose head and feed

<dfn>Feeding the scrum</dfn>

To roll the ball into the scrum.^[14]

Technically, the ball should enter the scrum via the tunnel formed by the front row forwards of the two teams binding together, with both teams able to strike for the ball, but a relaxed application of the rule is practised. The relaxed application allows players to roll the ball more directly into their team's side of the scrum thus reducing the chances of the other team successfully striking for the ball and gaining possession of it.

"Feeding!" is an ironic accusation sometimes called out by spectators of a game in response to a player taking advantage of the modern application of the rule.

<dfn>Fend</dfn>

Fending is the action by the ball carrier of repelling a tackler using his arm, also known as a "hand off". For the action to be legal, the ball carrier's arm must be straight before contact is made; a shove or "straight-arm smash", where the arm is extended immediately before contact or on contact, is illegal and classed as dangerous play.

<dfn>Field goal</dfn>

(obsolete) A type of goal scored by kicking a loose ball over the cross bar and between the posts that was abolished from the Game in 1950.^[15]
After the 1920s, in Australia and New Zealand, another name for drop goal.^[15]^[16]

<dfn>Field of play</dfn>

G

<dfn>Gain line</dfn>

See Advantage line

<dfn>Ger 'em onside</dfn>

"Ger 'em onside",^[19] or "gerrumonside", is a corruption of "get them onside" shouted to match officials in some northern England accents. The term is used predominantly to express dissatisfaction with the distance back from the play-the-ball that the referee has taken the defending players.

<dfn>Go</dfn>

In competitions under some authorities, the referee will call "Go" to tell the defensive line that they may advance after an attacker has played the ball. This call is intended to reduce stoppages to deal with offside offences by defenders. This call may be used by the referee as part of a sequence: "Move, hold, go".

<dfn>Goal</dfn>

H

<dfn>Haka</dfn>

The haka is a traditional Māori dance performed by the Kiwis, the international rugby league team of New Zealand, immediately prior to international matches. It serves as a challenge to the opposing team.

<dfn>Halfback</dfn>

See Scrum-half.

<dfn>Halfbacks</dfn>

See Halves.

<dfn>Half break</dfn>

<dfn>Halves</dfn>

The halves, also known as half backs and sometimes inside backs,^[20] are the scrum-half (or halfback) and stand-off (or five-eighth) positions. They are named thus as in 19th century rugby football they were positioned at the midpoint between the forwards and the three full backs used during that time.^[21] Originally known as halfway backs in the 19th century, this was shortened in time.^[21]

<dfn>Hand-off</dfn>

See Fend.

<dfn>Handover</dfn>

"The surrendering of the ball to the opposition after a team has been tackled the statutory number of successive times."^[12] After the sixth tackle is completed the handover occurs.^[22] If the team in possession accidentally knocks on or passes forward after the fifth tackle a handover will occur rather than the usual scrum for these breaches; a handover also happens if a team kicks the ball into touch on the full after the fifth tackle.^[22]

Before 1983, at the end of a set of tackles, a scrum had been formed with loose head and feed to the team that had been defending.^[23]

<dfn>Head and feed</dfn>

Short for loose head and feed.

<dfn>Held</dfn>

The referee will call "held" to declare a tackle completed if the ball-carrier is held stationary by defenders.

<dfn>High ball</dfn>

See Up and under

<dfn>High kick</dfn>

See Up and under

<dfn>High shot</dfn>

Another term for high tackle.

<dfn>High tackle</dfn>

A high tackle (or head-high tackle) is a form of tackle where the tackler grasps the ball carrier above the line of the shoulders (most commonly around the neck or at the line of the chin and jaw).

Executed violently or at speed, a high tackle is potentially instantly lethal and, as extremely dangerous play, high tackles are a cause for penalties, and yellow or red cards.

<dfn>Hit-up</dfn>

Australasian term for crash ball.

<dfn>Hold</dfn>

In competitions under some authorities, the referee will tell the defensive line that it is too soon to advance on attackers at the play-the-ball by calling "Hold!". This call may be used by the referee as part of a sequence: "Move, hold, go".

<dfn>Hooker</dfn>

The hooker (numbered 9) is most likely to play the role of dummy-half. In defence the hooker usually defends in the middle of the line against the opposition's props and second-rowers. The hooker will be responsible for organising the defence in the middle of the field. In attack as dummy-half this player is responsible for starting the play from every play-the-ball by either passing the ball to the right player, or, at opportune moments, running from dummy-half. It is vital that the hooker can pass very well. Traditionally, hookers 'hooked' the ball in the scrum. Hookers also make probably more tackles than any other player on the field. The hooker is always involved in the play and needs to be very fit. He needs to have a very good knowledge of the game and the players around him.

<dfn>Hospital pass</dfn>

I

<dfn>In and out</dfn>

A running arc made by an attacking player. Often attempted by fast attacking players once the main line of defending players has been breached when they are left with the last player to beat. The ball-carrier arcs their run further in field, attempting to create indecision in the defender, before turning towards the corner and attempting to reach the goal line first to score a try.

<dfn>In-goal</dfn>

K

<dfn>Kick-in (obsolete)</dfn>

See: Punt-out

<dfn>Kick-off</dfn>

A coin is tossed and the winning captain either chooses which direction his team shall play, or elects to take the kick that starts the game. Both halves of the match are started with a kick off a tee from the centre-point of the halfway line. The kick must cross the opposition's 10-metre line, unless played by a member of the receiving team. The opposition are not allowed to encroach beyond the 10-metre line until the ball is kicked.

If the ball does not travel 10 metres, goes straight into touch, or goes over the dead ball line at the end of the pitch, the opposing will be given a penalty at the centre.

After a score, the game is restarted from the same place under the same restrictions, with the conceding team drop-kicking the ball to the scoring team.

<dfn>Knock-on</dfn>

It is also called a knock-forward. A knock-on is committed when, in an attempt to play at the ball, a player knocks the ball towards their opponents' dead ball line with their hands or arms and it touches either the ground, or an opposing player.^[26] However, the ball may be knocked back. A knock-on results in a scrum with the put-in to the opposition apart from when a knock-on is committed by a player whose team is on their last tackle, when the result is a handover, and apart from if the opposing team gains possession of the ball, which results begins their set of tackles with a zero tackle.

L

<dfn>Late tackle</dfn>

A late tackle is a tackle executed on a player who has already passed or kicked away the ball. As it is illegal to tackle a player who does not have the ball, Late tackles are penalty offences (referees allow a short margin of error where the tackler was already committed to the tackle) and if severe or reckless may result in yellow or red cards.

If a late tackle occurs after a kick and a penalty is awarded, the non-offending team has the option of taking the penalty where the ball landed.

<dfn>Leagues club</dfn>

A phenomenon in Australian rugby league in which hospitality and gaming venues are operated for the benefit of a rugby league club and its community.^[27]^[28] The football club controls the leagues club through the appointment of board members.^[27] In the past, leagues clubs have provided funds to finance the operation of the sporting club, often due to profits made from poker machines.^[28] In the 2000s political attacks over corporate governance have led to tax changes that have lessened profitability and meant clubs needed to look at widening their revenue streams.^[28]^[29]

<dfn>Limited tackles</dfn>

Limited tackles were introduced in 1966, initially with a four-tackle rule.^[17] After using their tackles, the team in possession must surrender the ball to their opponents. The limit would remain four until an increase to six tackles in 1972 created the six-tackle rule.^[17]

<dfn>Line-out (obsolete)</dfn>

M

<dfn>McIntyre system</dfn>

Main article: McIntyre System

The McIntyre System, or systems because there have been five of them, is a play-off system that gives an advantage to teams or competitors qualifying higher.

<dfn>Mark</dfn>

The mark is the place on the field where the referee awards a penalty kick, free kick or scrum.^[26]

<dfn>Marker</dfn>

The defending team may position up to two of their players, known as "marker(s)" at the play-the-ball opposite the tackled player and the dummy-half from the attacking team.

<dfn>Minor premiership</dfn>

O

<dfn>Obstruction</dfn>

Impeding any opponent who does not have the ball by tackling them or obstructing them.^[26]^[34] The referee will penalise a player obstructing an opponent. A player is not required to move out of the path of another to prevent an obstruction. If two players from opposing teams are running in the same direction towards a loose ball they are permitted to shoulder charge their opponent.^[35]

<dfn>Offload</dfn>

An offload is when a player holding the ball is tackled, but passes the ball to a team mate before the tackle is completed. (A tackle is not considered complete until one of the following occurs: the arm carrying the ball touches the ground while the player is still held by the tackler; the player's forward momentum stops - in other words, he stops moving forward - while still being held by the tackler; or the referee calls "held".) If a player passes the ball legally during a tackle - in other words, if he offloads the ball - it does not count as a tackle in his team's current set of six, and play continues normally.

<dfn>Offside</dfn>

P

<dfn>Pack</dfn>

Refers to the group of forwards of a team.^[26]

<dfn>Pack down</dfn>

To form a scrum.^[26]

<dfn>Parramatta Wall</dfn>

A set-piece move with numerous variations in which attacking players stand side-by-side facing their own goal line while they and their teammates attempt to obscure the ball and confuse the defenders of the opposing team. The move is named after the Parramatta Eels.

<dfn>Pass</dfn>

A pass is to transfer a ball to a teammate by throwing it.^[26] Passes must not travel forward in direction from the hands of the person passing. There are different varieties of pass, including the flat, direct spin pass; the short, close-quarters pop pass; and the floated pass - a long pass which an advancing player can run onto at pace.

<dfn>Pattern</dfn>

<dfn>Penalty</dfn>

R

<dfn>Red zone </dfn>

The area between each goal line and their respective 20 metre lines, i.e. their own quarter, may be referred to as the "red zone".^[39]

<dfn>Ref's call</dfn>

The decision over awarding a possible try having been referred to the video referee for examination may be passed back to the referee on the pitch to make the decision if the video is inconclusive. This rule is not used in the Northern Hemisphere.

<dfn>Rooks</dfn>

Someone who has great knowledge about the sport of Rugby League.

<dfn>Round the corner kicking</dfn>

Main article: Round the corner kicking

Round the corner kicking is a style of kicking used for kicking penalties and converting tries.

<dfn>Ruck</dfn>

The ruck is located between the player playing-the-ball and the defending marker.^[14] The ruck exists during the time between a tackle being completed and the subsequent play-the-ball being completed.^[1] The ball cannot be interfered with by the marker whilst it is in the ruck, otherwise a penalty will be issued against that player's team. A penalty is also issued against the attacking team if the player responsible for playing-the-ball, does not play it correctly.

S

<dfn>Second man play</dfn>

A move involving a decoy runner.

<dfn>Second year syndrome</dfn>

Second year syndrome, also called second season syndrome, is a term that may be applied to young players who, having had a successful début season, struggle in their second season. The causes blamed can be varied but a commonly cited one is a failure to develop playing ability further in an era of video analysis by rival teams.

<dfn>Schism</dfn>

Main article: History of rugby league

The term refers to the various splits in rugby football leading to the development of rugby league football.

In 1895, the schism in England, also known as the Great Split,^[40] occurred when, following a meeting at the George Hotel, Huddersfield, the Northern Rugby Football Union was formed by clubs breaking away from the rugby union establishment.
In 1907, a group of New Zealand rugby footballers in secret organised and began a tour of Australia and Great Britain, risking sanctions such as bans from the New Zealand Rugby Union. The tour played a large role in establishing rugby league in both Australia and New Zealand and also gave birth to international rugby league.^[41]^[42] The first game of rugby league played on New Zealand soil was an exhibition by the tourists on their return in 1908.^[42]
In 1907, the New South Wales Rugby Football League was formed in a meeting at Bateman's Crystal Hotel in Sydney just five days before they were due to receive the touring New Zealanders. Players were recruited immediately to the new sport an a schism of rugby football in Australia resulted.

<dfn>Scissors move</dfn>

An attempt to cause a disruption and breach in the defence of the opposing team. The attacking player carrying the ball forward will veer at an angle to their left or right, often drawing with them the defender covering them and sometimes engaging another defender by running towards them.^[13] A team mate of the ball carrier will run across and forward in the other direction just behind the ball carrier, receiving a pass as they cross and then running on towards the point of the disruption in the defence.^[13]

<dfn>Scrum</dfn>

Main article: Scrum (rugby)

<dfn>Scrum-half</dfn>

The scrum half or 'half back' (numbered 7) is the player who directs the game and is usually one of the smaller players on the pitch. The scrum half, along with the stand off together form the "creative unit" of the team. They will control the attack, deciding with their passes how the team attacks and if, when and where the ball is kicked. This player is also responsible for making sure all the other players are in the right position for an attacking move.

<dfn>Second effort</dfn>

A attempt by a defending player who has made a tackle on an attacker to delay the play-the-ball by interfering with the tackled player's attempt to regain their feet. The referee will penalise the attempt if seen.

<dfn>Second row</dfn>

The second row forwards (numbered 11 and 12) The modern day second row is very similar to a centre and is expected to be faster, more mobile and have more skills than the prop and will play amongst the three-quarters, providing strength in attack and defence when the ball is passed out to the wings. Good second-rowers combine the skills and responsibilities of props and centres in the course of the game.

<dfn>See you later</dfn>

A phrase sometimes used in commentary to refer to a hand-off or fend.

<dfn>Shape</dfn>

Refers to the positioning of players. Most often used when talking about the positioning of attacking players when they are supporting the ball-carrier after a break. "Good shape" will usually mean the support players have succeeded in positioning themselves to either side of the player running with the ball to offer offensive passing options.

<dfn>Short side</dfn>

The side of the play-the-ball which has the shorter distance to the touch line.

<dfn>Shoulder charge</dfn>

Two players running side by side for a loose ball may shoulder change one another.
A direct physical challenge by a defending player against the player with the ball. This may be used by a player rather than a tackle. A shoulder charge is most commonly used by forwards in an attempt to establish dominance over the opposing team's forwards.

<dfn>Show and go</dfn>

The show: the player in possession of the ball will attack the defensive line with a stance and holding the ball in front of them in a way so as to create the impression that a pass to a team mate is likely to occur. The defenders may be unwilling to commit themselves to tackling the ball-carrier as to do so would could create an exploitable gap in the line should a pass be made.

The go: with indecision created in the defence, the ball carrier will sprint for a weak point in the defensive line.

<dfn>Sidestep</dfn>

An attempt to evade defenders by the attacking player carrying the ball. By stepping to the side, the attacking player is testing the reactions of defenders and hoping gain time and space to advance the ball.

<dfn>Sin bin</dfn>

T

<dfn>Tackle</dfn>

U

<dfn>Umbrella defence</dfn>

The umbrella defence (or "up and in defence") requires that players do not spread across the entire field. The defensive line is particularly vulnerable on the edges around the wings, therefore the best defensive measure in this case is a preventative measure. That is, the aim becomes to prevent the attacking team from going to the wings or to disrupt any passes towards the edge of the field. This requires that defensive players (wingers or centres) on the edge of the defensive line move up faster than those in the middle of the line.

<dfn>Up and in defence</dfn>

See: Umbrella defence

<dfn>Up and under</dfn>

Main article: Up and under

An up and under, also known as a "bomb", is a high short punt onto or behind the defending team. The name "up and under" describes the ball going up into the air while the attacking players rush underneath it towards where it is expected to land.

<dfn>Up the jumper</dfn>

A style of play intended to reduce the chance of attacking players committing errors. This is usually accomplished by limiting passes in number and risk. Often advocated for use by a team in the lead late in the match.

V

<dfn>Voluntary tackle</dfn>

The attacking player in possession is not allowed to "deliberately and unnecessarily" allow themselves to be tackled by falling to the ground when not held by a defender.^[44] This includes times when a player has fallen on a loose ball, in these instances the player must attempt to regain their feet and continue.^[44] Section 11, Law 4 of the Laws of the Game deems the voluntary tackle illegal.^[44]

W

<dfn>Wing</dfn>

The wings or 'wing three quarters' (numbered 2 and 5) are normally the fastest players in a team and play on the far left and right fringes of the field (the wings). Their main task is to receive passes and score tries. The wingers also drop back on the last tackle to cover the left and right sides of the field for kicks while the full back covers the middle.

Z

<dfn>Zam-buk (obsolete)</dfn>

Zam-buk, or zambuk, was a skin-dressing sold in chemists and used by ambulance-men and first aiders at rugby league matches on injured players from the 1900s.^[45] In Australia and New Zealand the term was soon being used to refer to the ambulance-men and first aiders themselves.^[45] The term fell into disuse in the 1970s as ambulance-men and first aiders were replaced by club trainers and others.^[45]

Contents:

Top · 0–9 · A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

References

In-line

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^ RLIF, 2004: 19
^ Balym, Todd (2009-05-19). "Rabbitohs' two points safe despite '14th man' Sandow". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 2011-04-17. http://www.webcitation.org/5y1SggAx7. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
^ "Bridging to be barred". Sydney: Sydney Morning Herald. 1952-03-13. pp. 8. Archived from the original on 2010-03-19. http://www.webcitation.org/5oMLm01bl. Retrieved 20 March 2010.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g RLIF, 2004: 22
^ Richard Bott (2008-04-16). "RFL determined to stop outlawed 'chicken-wing' tackle". Mail Online. Archived from the original on 2011-04-17. http://www.webcitation.org/5y1UAaoOf. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
^ ^a ^b RFL. "Case number: ON/89/09". Disciplinary. Rugby Football League. Archived from the original on 2010-01-29. http://www.webcitation.org/5n9UORpDk. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
^ ^a ^b RLIF, 2004: 38
^ ^a ^b Super League (2009-09-09). "All to play for as Super League gears up for Club Call". Super League. http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15276. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
^ Williams, Daniel (1992-12-11). "NSW to try new scrum rule next season". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 38. Archived from the original on 2010-08-12. http://www.webcitation.org/5rvZdo5lB. Retrieved 2010-08-12.
^ ^a ^b RLIF, 2004: 33
^ ^a ^b ^c RLIF, 2004: 5
^ ^a ^b ^c RLIF, 2004: 40
^ ^a ^b ^c RLIF, 2004: 7
^ ^a ^b Collins, Tony (2010-09-04). "Field goals redux: the pedants are revolting...". Rugby Reloaded. Tony Collins. Archived from the original on 2011-03-29. http://www.webcitation.org/5xYVj02yG. Retrieved 2011-03-29.
^ Fagan, 2007: 393
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Top ten: Rugby league rules, Rugby League World, Aug 2009: 61
^ Bottom ten: Rugby league rules, Rugby League World, Aug 2009: 62
^ Phil Clarke (2009-09-01). "Whistleblowers". Sky Sports. http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12532_5530636,00.html. Retrieved 2009-09-01.
^ "Bennett releases player position guide". National Rugby League. 2010-01-03. http://www.nrl.com/newsviews/latestnews/newsarticle/tabid/10874/newsid/57425/bennett-releases-player-position-guide/default.aspx. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Trueman, Nigel (2006). "Player positions". rugbyfootballhistory.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05. http://www.webcitation.org/5mXj4AF0i. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
^ ^a ^b RLIF, 2004: 25
^ ^a ^b Collins, Tony (2006-04-18). Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (1 ed.). Routledge. pp. 113–114. ISBN 978-0415396158.
^ RLIF, 2004: 2
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d RLIF, 2004: 9
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j RLIF, 2004: 6
^ ^a ^b Davies, Anne; McClymont, Kate (2002-08-24). "Midnight at the Oasis". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/23/1030052976454.html. Retrieved 20 December 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c Davies, Anne; Totaro, Paola (2003-09-27). "A league of their own". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/26/1064083186655.html. Retrieved 20 December 2009.
^ Read, Brent (2008-03-01). "Sydney clubs face profits of doom". The Australian. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sydney-clubs-face-profits-of-doom/story-e6frg7mo-1111115683624. Retrieved 20 December 2009.
^ ^a ^b Warrington Wolves. "The Northern Union". Warrington Wolves. http://www.warringtonwolves.org/HistoryB.ink. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
^ Roy Masters (2005-01-20). "Attacking ploy beaten into submission". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/Attacking-ploy-beaten-into-submission/2005/01/19/1106110816673.html. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
^ Roy Masters (2007-09-20). "Come to grips with the latest ploys … or be prepared to pay the penalty". LeagueHQ. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/come-to-grips-with-the-latest-ploys-8230-or-be-prepared-to-paythe-penalty/2007/09/19/1189881597163.html?page=2. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
^ BBC Sport (2005-09-12). "When is a scrum formed?". BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/rules_and_equipment/4216576.stm. Retrieved 2009-08-11.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f RLIF, 2004: 23
^ RLIF, 2004: 11
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d RLIF, 2004: 18
^ ^a ^b ^c Fagan, Sean (2008-04-01). "Kicking goals: The lost art". rl1908.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-11. http://www.webcitation.org/5miK4Wbgc. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
^ ^a ^b Fagan, 2007: 351
^ Spillane, Debbie (1993-04-17). "No face balls in red zone". The Sun-Herald (Fairfax Digital): pp. 54. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=news930417_0179_8017. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
^ Fagan, Sean (2004-04-24). "Product review: Rugby's Great Split". rl1908.com. http://www.rl1908.com/rugby-league-books/rugby1895.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
^ Coffey, John; Wood, Bernie. The Kiwis: 100 Years of International Rugby League. HLNZ Sport Hardback. ISBN 1869710908.
^ ^a ^b Wiki To Captain All Golds - Prince, Jones and Vagana to play NZRL Press Release, 3 October 2007. Accessed 2009-08-09. Archived 2009-08-11.
^ ^a ^b ^c Slater, Gary (2008-03-17). "Thank heaven for summer rugby". Telegraph. http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/garyslater/4068901/Thank_heaven_for_summer_rugby/. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c RLIF, 2004: 24
^ ^a ^b ^c Fagan, Sean (2007-07-12). "Tracking Down The Zam-Buk". rl1908.com. Archived from the original on 2011-05-23. http://www.webcitation.org/5yuLhPhqV. Retrieved 2009-12-22.

General

RLIF (2004). "The International Laws of the Game and Notes on the Laws". Rugby League International Federation. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05. http://www.webcitation.org/5mYyri5Wv. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
de la Riviere, Richard, ed. (2009), Rugby League World (Brighouse, UK: League Publications) (340) (published 2009-08), ISSN 1466-0105
Fagan, Sean (2007). Dixon, Kim. ed. The rugby rebellion centenary edition: Pioneers of rugby league. Australia: RL1908. ISBN 978-0-9757563-0-0.