1. Touch Lines Run the Outside Perimeter of the Rugby Pitch
Rugby touch lines are painted on the perimeter of the field (also known as the pitch). They run from dead ball line to dead ball line and cross the try line on each end of the field. Seen another way, the rugby touch line is the side line on either long side of a ruby pitch. The touch lines go past each try line (goal line), ending at the end of the field at the dead ball line.
2. Length of Touch Lines Depends on Rugby Codes, Fields
In rugby league code, the touch lines are 112 to 122 meters long, with the disparity depending on the distance of the dead ball line from the try line. The two goals are always 100 meters apart. On rugby union fields, the touch lines are up to 144 meters long, again depending on the length of the zone behind the try line; try line to try line is also 100 meters.
3. Rugby Touch Lines Mark Out of Bounds
The rugby ball is considered in touch (that is, out of bounds) when it contacts or crosses the line of touch, or when a player with the ball crosses or touches the touch line.
4. Player's Feet Determine if the Ball Is in Touch
When a player holding the ball has one foot in the field and one in touch, the ball is in touch. However, if both of the player's feet are in the field and the ball is in his arms over the touch line, the ball is still in bounds and out of touch. In this case, the player may bring the ball back into the field. When a rugby player leaps to catch the ball, his feet must both land in the playing field to keep the ball out of touch.
5. Line Outs Bring the Ball Back Into Play After Crossing Touch Lines
A throw-in, or line out as it is termed in rugby, returns the ball to play after it has gone in touch (out of bounds). The throw-in is initiated by a member of the opposite team of the player who knocked or carried the ball into touch. When the culprit is unclear, whichever team is on the attack takes the line out. Whoever is doing the throw-in stands where the ball went into touch, and he must stay in touch when throwing the ball. He is required to throw the ball straight in, and the ball must go at least 5 meters perpendicular to the line of touch before it hits the ground or contacts another player.
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