Rugby League Rules

Objective of Rugby League is similar to that of any football game, to score more points than the opponents within the given timeframe.
The ground where Rugby League is played is called a pitch and there are some rules and regulations related to the size of pitch.
The game is divided into two halves of forty minutes and is played in a pitch which is usually 65x120 meters in dimension. The game is very similar to that of Rugby Union except that there is a difference in number of players and some game rules.
Rugby League uses an oval shaped, air inflated ball and there are some specific regulations about its dimensions. The ball's length should be 28cms with a weight of 410 grams. Compared to Rugby Union, there are less players and both teams should not have more than thirteen players in each mach. (Compared with fifteen in Rugby Union).
Each team is allowed to make four interchanges but the teams should inform referee in advance about the substitute players. Any change in this will not be accepted after the game starts.

There is a number code that should be followed which includes 13 numbers plus additional numbers for substitutes. The numbers bear a code and this is used by referees, and spectators to identify the role of each player. The association of number to each player is described below.
1. Number One - Player with number one jersey is Full-Back
2. Number Two - Player with number two jersey is right wing three quarter. Similarly, player number 3, 4 and 5 also represents three quarters at different sides on the pitch.
3. Player Number seven is usually scrum half.
4. From player number ten to thirteen, the players are hooks on various directions.
Since rugby league is a game where players come very close each other and most often physical contacts can be dangerous. Due to this, any harmful objects are not allowed in the pitch.
The referee can ask to remove any object that can cause harm to other players and such objects should be removed immediately once the order is issued. Similar to Rugby union, touching the ground with the ball gives highest points.
The game's thrill and suspense is revolved around this strategy. After halfway line, the pitch is divided into four parts - goal area being the last one. Scoring can be done only on goal area and this is where the golly stands.

Rugby League is ideal for players who are physically fit and fast because this is a very fast paced game. However, players with different size can play the game but their role will be changed.
The role of each player is determined based on this location and duties. Only strong players are allowed to carry out certain roles. Tossing is used to determine the first person to kick off the ball. Once the team is selected the player should kick off the ball from half line.
The rule is that the ball should pass at least ten meter from the kick off point and to make sure of this, there is a line which is commonly called ten meter line.
Goal area is the most crucial area and each team has players to defend opponent team's players from entering this area. To make sure of this, players usually change their positions and this is where the game's suspense lies. The teams are allowed to take breaks in between but the length of break should not exceed twenty minutes.
The team that defends ball entering to their court is called defending team while the team that carries the ball and tries to attack is called attacking team. Based on a team's physical and team abilities, the attacking and defending team can vary. Sometimes, the defending team can gain power and turn into an attacking team.
While the defensive team tries to prevent the attacking team from entering their goal area, they also try to get a hold on the ball and strike back. If the defending team is very planned and strategic, they can change the game's direction in favor of them. Try gives more points and the highest point one can earn by try is four points.
The ball must be placed with a considerable pressure and there are certain rules to be followed while making a try. Try is usually very difficult as the opponent players will not let the player touch the ground with ball.
Since the player who attempts for try gets trapped between opponent players, the ball can be taken away from him and the game's direction can be changed again.

There are instances where a player takes a try first and kick the ball through goal post and scoring two more points. Even though this is very rare, a player can make 6 points in a single go by following this practice.
If a team commits a foul, the opponent team will be awarded with a penalty. Tackling is a very important game trick that is used in rugby league. A team can create a tackle in front of a player who is carrying the ball or kicking it off.
Since running with a ball is usually very difficult, the player will usually try to pass the ball to his fellow team members by kicking off. By forming a tackle, the opposition team can try to prevent this move and get their hands on balls.
There are some restrictions in forming a tackle. A team is not allowed to form a tackle in goal area but the tackle can be formed in the area between goal line and the ten meter line from half way line.
If a player gets inside the tackle, he is permitted to play the ball by standing straight and at this point, the opposite team is not permitted to get involved.
Once the player decided to play the ball from the tackle, none of the players are allowed to be closer than ten meters to the opponent except two players who are known as markers.
Since only these two are closer to the player, the player gets a chance to kick off the ball through their legs.
Drop goal is a major factor while playing rugby league as point can be made by kicking the ball. Undoubtedly, Rugby League is a great game and this is why there are millions of fans for this game all over the world.