Where is the off side line when a ruck is formed

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

David

Here is the Law regarding offside at the ruck:

16.5 OFFSIDE AT THE RUCK

(a) The offside line. There are two offside lines parallel to the goal lines, one for each team. Each offside line runs through the hindmost foot of the hindmost player in the ruck. If the hindmost foot of the hindmost player is on or behind the goal line, the offside line for the defending team is the goal line.

(b) Players must either join a ruck, or retire behind the offside line immediately. If a player loiters at the side of a ruck, the player is offside. Penalty: Penalty Kick

(c) Players joining or rejoining the ruck. All players joining a ruck must do so from behind the foot of the hindmost team-mate in the ruck. A player may join alongside this hindmost player. If the player joins the ruck from the opponents side, or in front of the hindmost team-mate, the player is offside. Penalty: Penalty Kick on the offending teams offside line

(d) Players not joining the ruck. If a player is in front of the offside line and does not join the ruck, the player must retire behind the offside line at once. If a player who is behind the offside line oversteps it and does not join the ruck the player is offside. Penalty: Penalty Kick on the offending teams offside line

Simon