About Rugby
The object of the game is to score as many points as possible by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding an oval ball in the scoring zone at the far end of the field. Grounding the ball, which must be done with downward pressure, results in a try (worth five points). After a try, a conversion may be attempted by a place kick equal to two points. Points may also be scored from a drop kick in general play (worth 3 points), and a penalty kick (worth 3 points).
The ball may not be passed forward (although it may be kicked forward). Players may not be tackled without the ball. Play only stops when a try is scored, the ball goes out of play, or an infringement occurs. When the ball goes out it is thrown back in at a line-out where the opposing “forwards” line up and jump up for the ball. Infringements result in a penalty, free kick, or scrum. In a scrum the opposing forwards bind together in a unit and push against the other forwards, trying to win the ball with their feet.
In rugby there is no separate defensive and offensive unit. This means that every player has an opportunity to run, pass, and kick the ball, as well as play defense and tackle the opposition.