Miscellaneous

Article 1 – Required Distance

After the ball has become dead after a kick off, the team in possession shall have 3 attempts (downs) to gain the required distance of 10 yards (10 metres). It may be advanced by carrying it, kicking it, or throwing it. In specific cases, a 1st down may be awarded even though Team A has not gained the required distance.

If, in the series of downs, Team A has not gained the required 10 yards (10 metres), the ball shall be awarded to the opponents as 1st down at the point where the ball becomes dead. If the required distance is gained, downs begin again. Exception (9.4.2 (Continuity of Downs))

Exceptions:

Team A foul before loss of possession on:

• a) 3rd Down Kick Team B have the option to:
  • 1. Require Team A to repeat the 3rd down after the penalty application from PLS, or
  • 2. Scrimmage the ball as 1st down at the point where it became dead in their possession after the kick.
• b) 3rd Down Running or Forward Pass Play Distance gained, Team A shall repeat the 3rd down after the penalty application from PLS
• c) 3rd Down Running or Forward Pass Play Distance not gained.
  • Loss of Ball at
    • PBD - running or completed forward pass.
    • PLS – incomplete forward pass.
• d) Exception (9.4.2 (F) (Continuity of Downs))

Note: Unnecessary Roughness and Rough Play penalties are applied in addition to other penalties, or to distance gained (Rule 8, Section 1, Article 4 (Definitions)).

Article 2 – Measurement

In measuring for 1st down, the forward point of the ball, not its centre, shall be the determining point, and before measuring, the ball shall be rotated so that its long axis is parallel to the sidelines.

A touchdown cannot be awarded as a result of this rotation.

When Team A has failed to gain the required distance, and the ball is awarded to B, the Referee shall reverse the ball, so that the forward point is facing in the opposite direction.

Article 3 – Tandem Buck

A teammate shall not help the ball carrier by grasping, pulling, pushing or charging into him/her to assist forward progress.

Article 4 – Holding Hands, Locking Arms

Team A players may not hold hands or lock arms in making a block.

Team B players may not hold hands or lock arms in an effort to break up interference protecting the ball carrier.