OBSTRUCTION - is the illegal act of impeding an opponent who does not have the ball. (Section 2, Glossary, page 6)
Obstruction - 5. A player who is not holding the ball shall not be tackled or obstructed. (See Section 15). (Section 5, Mode of Play, page 11).
Definition of misconduct - 1. A player is guilty of misconduct if he:….
(j) deliberately obstructs an opponent who is not in possession. (Section 15, Misconduct, page 38).
Obstruction after kick - (j) A common form of obstruction occurs when a player, after kicking the ball forward, is tackled or impeded by an opponent. However, a tackler cannot be expected to delay making a tackle because the player in possession might decide to kick the ball. The onus is on the kicker to get his kick in before his opponent commits himself to the tackle. (Section 15, Misconduct, note on page 38).
Obstructing
– offside player
– after knock-on It is illegal to obstruct any opponent not in possession, even one who is offside or one who is endeavouring to get to the ball after it has been knocked on or thrown forward. (Section 15, Misconduct, Note on page 40).
When to blow whistle - 8.1 The Referee must carry a whistle which he shall blow whistle to commence and terminate each half of the game. Except for these occasions the blowing of the whistle shall temporarily stop the play. The Referee shall blow the whistle: ….
(e) when play is irregularly affected by the ball or the player carrying the ball coming into contact with the Referee, a Touch Judge, or with any person not taking part in the match or with any object which should not normally be on the playing field.
(f) when any irregularity, not provided for in these Laws, occurs and one team unjustifiably gains an advantage (Section 16, Duties of Referee and Touch Judges, page 43).
Mutual Infringement 8.1(e) and (f) - Where play is irregularly affected in the field of play, the Referee shall re-start play with a scrum with the attacking team (i.e. with territorial advantage) to receive the loose head and feed. The Referee is the sole judge of what constitutes a mutual infringement, and whether or not play has been irregularly affected. Contact between a defender and Referee may not constitute a mutual infringement. (Section 16, Duties of Referee and Touch Judges, Note on page 43).
