Referees Corner With Jim Scardanas

The Rogue had a discussion with leading Referee Jim Scardanas the other day and the subject of the tackle and when a maul exists came up. Jim was quick to point out that there seems to be quite a bit of confusion amongst Illawarra Rugby followers and participants in regard to this whole area of play.

When is a tackler required to release the ball carrier? When does a maul commence and what is required of the players from that point on? It can get a bit confusing and considering that the whole thing can develop very quickly, is it any wonder that we hear plenty of comments such as “make him release him”.

Here’s a bit of an explanation from the man himself: If a player in a one on one tackle, and maybe with a tackle assist there as well, gets down on one knee then YES he must be released or a penalty will ensue. However if a maul has formed and that same ball carrier goes down on one knee in the maul, his opponents do not have to release him at all, in fact it is in their best interests to hold him up because if the maul ceases going forward on the second occasion a turnover will result.

Here it is important to define a maul: “a Maul begins when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carriers team mates bind on the ball carrier. A Maul therefore consists, when it begins, of at least three players, all on their feet; ie the ball carrier and one player from each team. All players involved must be caught in or bound to the maul and must be on their feet and moving towards a goal line. Open play has ended”. (Rugby Union Laws of the Game, Law 17 Maul 2017)