The International Rugby Board's Laws of the Game empower the referee to stop play or even stop the match altogether. These rules outline the circumstances under which the referee can stop play or end the game. What happens after the referee stops play depends on the reason for the stoppage.
Time Frame
A rugby match consists of two 40-minute halves for a total of 80 minutes. The clock runs continuously, but the referee can add additional time for any stoppages in play. The IRB's Laws of the Game require that any lost time be made up for in the same half in which it was lost. The rules further state that the referee has the power to stop the match at any time if he believes continuing would be dangerous.
Identification
Law 6 of the IRB's Laws of the Game covers match officials and outlines the referee's duties. Section 6.A.8 states that the blow of the referee's whistle signals a stop in play or the end of a match. The referee has the power to stop play at any time during a rugby game.
Stopping Play
IRB rules state that the referee can stop play because of player injuries or when an official reports foul play. Law 5.4, which governs lost time in a rugby match, states that the referee also can allow time for players to repair or replace badly torn clothing or to re-tie boot laces. If a player has been injured and continuing the action of the game would be dangerous, the referee must blow the whistle and bring play to a stop. If continuing a match for any reason would be dangerous, IRB laws require the referee to blow the whistle and end play.
Effects
When referees stop a rugby match because of a player injury, medical personnel may enter the field of play, known as the pitch, to give treatment or remove the injured player. When play stops because of an injury and there has been no rules violation, the referee restarts play by ordering a scrum. The team that last had possession of the ball throws it into the scrum. When a match stops because of a foul, the referee restarts play by awarding the required penalty, such as a penalty kick.
Caution
During unusually hot or humid weather, the IRB allows the referee to stop play for players to take one water break each half. This break should be no longer than one minute and should be taken after a score or when the ball is out of play.
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