The rolling rugby maul, which has become a feature of the modern game and been branded as an ‘ugly football’ tactic, can be put down to the tackle.
The knee-jerk reaction is to call for changes to the rules, but the rules are not at fault. The problem is in the way the rules are applied by the umpires.
Let’s simplify the rule, remove the need for interpretation, make a few minor tweaks and voila, no more rolling mauls, less congestion, more reward for skill, and a more open and attractive game for everyone suddenly appears.
To begin, the rule itself.
“A tackle shall be rewarded with a free kick when a player who has taken possession of the football and has had prior opportunity to dispose of the football is restrained by another player and, within five seconds, fails to legally dispose of the football by a kick or handball.”
It then follows, assuming there is no other infraction such as a high tackle or push in the back, a player tackled without possession of the ball is awarded a free kick. A player tackled immediately on taking possession of the ball but before having any opportunity to dispose of the ball shall not be penalised.
If the ball is knocked loose, it shall be play on. If the ball is pinned to the player it shall be a ball up.
A player tackled, having had prior opportunity to make a legal disposal, and has the ball knocked free or otherwise gives up possession, except through a legal kick or handball which shall be deemed to have dropped the ball and a free kick awarded.
A player tackled having had prior opportunity to make a legal disposal and has the ball pinned to him shall be deemed to be holding the ball and a free kick awarded.
The only new part of the rule I would suggest, to eliminate the maul forever is a player tackled, whether or not that tackle remains standing or takes players to ground, shall only be tackled by one player. If a teammate of the tackled player joins the tackle, this shall be deemed to constitute holding the ball and a free kick awarded. If a teammate of the tackling player joins the tackle, this shall be considered an illegal tackle and a free kick awarded to the tackled player.
The tackle of a player who is deemed to have had prior opportunity for disposal shall be deemed complete after five seconds of restraint in which no legal disposal is effected.
There you have it. Simple, clear, only one minor rule change needed. What do you think Roarers?
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