Law changes for 2025

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USAR and its member clubs have implemented the new World Rugby Law Changes on January 1: https://usa.rugby/news/world-rugby-law-changes-set-to-implement-on-january-1-20241210

Briefly:

  • Players who were part of a ruck or maul may not play an opponent taking the ball from the ruck or maul.
  • At scrums, the scrum-half of the team not in possession may not go past the center of the tunnel.
  • Conversion kicks must be taken within 60 seconds (down from 90) [the 30 second limit remains for Sevens].
  • Lineouts must be formed within 30 seconds (the same as already in law for scrums.)
  • Play continues on a throw not straight at an uncontested lineout. (And no, it just can’t be thrown to the scrumhalf. An attempt at throwing the ball to a player in the lineout must be made PLUS if ANY player is lifted at any position then that is a contest; “bunny hops” by a single player don’t count as a contest for the ball.)

An update to the USA Game Management Guidelines for the 2024-25 season is available at https://usa.rugby/referee-resources