1. Infringements Result in Rugby Penalty Kicks
Deliberate infringements, or breaking of the rules, by a player or players results in a penalty kick being awarded to the nonoffending team. The referee cannot award a penalty kick in response to a nondeliberate action, such as a late tackle when the tackling player didn't realize the other player had just passed the ball. If the referee judges an infringement to be unintentional, he will not award a penalty kick to the other side. However, penalty kicks are the primary way that infringements are penalized by the referee.
2. Many Possible Infringements in Rugby Union
Neglecting to let go of the rugby ball after being tackled and a tackling player holding onto his opponent after tackling are both cause for a penalty kick. Leaving your feet in ruck and entering a ruck or scrum from the side are also cause for penalty. There are other scrum infringements that result in a penalty kick for the other side: connecting incorrectly with the opposing team or with teammates in the scrum, purposely collapsing a scrum and violent play during one. Teams are also awarded penalty kicks when an opposing player obstructs a tackle or tackles a player not in possession of the ball. There is a certain amount of leeway left up to the referee, who can call a penalty kick for any action he deems deliberate and "contrary to good sportsmanship."
3. Penalty Kicks Awarded at Place of Infringement
The place of infringement is where a penalty kick is awarded, and the penalty kick must be taken at that location. However, if the penalty kick is within 5 meters of the opposing team's goal, the penalty is moved back until it is 5 meters away from the line.
4. Player Choose How to Take a Penalty Kick
Rugby penalty kicks may be taken in a variety of ways at the discretion of the kicking player. The player may drop the ball down to his foot, tap it up to his arms and carry it forward. Called a tap penalty, this makes sense when done quickly and in the face of a disorganized or unfocused retreating team that won't react quickly enough to stop his action. A kick to touch is used to increase the chances of scoring. The player kicks the ball to the touch and is awarded a throw if that would be more advantageous than a kick in the current position. A penalty kick at goal, when successful, secures 3 points for the kicking team. If the player misses, but the ball stays on the field, play carries on. If the ball goes out, a drop-out is taken by the opposing team.
5. Injured Team Can Choose Scrum Instead of Kick
The team awarded a penalty kick has the option to scrum instead of kicking. A team will usually choose this option if they are at a disadvantage when kicking, for example, when the opposing team returns all kicks. If the awarded team performs better in the pack than their opponents, choosing scrum makes sense in some cases.
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