In Arena Rugby, the rules of the game remain unchanged but matches are played in an indoor arena, making it a variation of Rugby Union or Rugby Sevens. The sport was created in the United States to appeal to the American market.
History of Arena Rugby
Arena Rugby is a variation of the traditional rugby union game, played indoors on a smaller field with modified rules.
The game is designed to be played in arenas or sports halls, and typically features six players per team instead of the traditional 15. The smaller field size and fewer players result in a faster-paced and more dynamic game. The main difference between Arena Rugby and traditional Rugby is the size of the field, as well as the number of players. it’s a sport that starts with A character. In Arena, Rugby games are played on a field that is 40 meters wide and 60 meters long, with only 6 players per team. The field is surrounded by a net that prevents the ball from going out of bounds, and the goals are similar to those used in indoor soccer.
As for the rules, the game is played with a smaller ball, and the scoring system is different, with teams earning one point for a try and two points for a conversion. Arena Rugby is a relatively new sport and is not as popular as traditional Rugby Union or Rugby League. However, it has gained a following in some countries and is played at a grassroots level in several countries.
Rules of Arena Rugby
Arena Rugby, also known as Indoor Rugby or Indoor 7s, is a modified version of traditional rugby that is played in an indoor arena or on a smaller enclosed field. Here are the general rules of Arena Rugby:
- Field and Teams:
- Arena Rugby is typically played on a smaller field than traditional rugby, usually indoors or on a smaller enclosed pitch.
- Each team consists of seven players on the field at a time, with substitutions allowed throughout the game.
- Scoring:
- The objective is to score tries (touchdowns) by grounding the ball in the opposition’s in-goal area or by kicking the ball through the goalposts.
- Tries are worth 5 points.
- Conversion kicks are taken from a designated spot and are worth 2 points if successful.
- Gameplay:
- Arena Rugby is a fast-paced game with continuous action.
- The ball can be passed in any direction, and players can run with the ball, kick it, or offload it to a teammate.
- Tackles are made by touching the ball carrier with both hands, and the ball carrier must immediately release the ball.
- There are no rucks or mauls, and the game generally has a non-contact or minimal-contact approach to ensure player safety.
- Scrums may be used to restart the game after minor infractions or when the ball becomes unplayable.
- Set Pieces:
- Lineouts: When the ball goes out of bounds, a lineout is formed with players from each team contesting for the ball. The team that did not touch the ball last throws it into the lineout.
- Kickoffs: The game starts with one team kicking the ball to the opposing team, who then attempts to receive and advance the ball.
- Timing and Fouls:
- Arena Rugby games are usually played in shorter halves or quarters to maintain the high-intensity nature of the sport.
- The rules regarding fouls and penalties may vary depending on the specific competition or league. Common penalties include high tackles, obstruction, offside, and deliberate knock-ons.
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Equipment and Rules of Arena Rugby
Arena Rugby Pitch
- Overall Dimensions = 200′ x 85-100′ (61m x 26-30m).
- In-Goal Areas = 25′ (4.6m).
- 10′ (3m) wide goals with a 10′ (3m) height above the ground.
- 4′ (1.2m) sideline barriers may be used to promote business sponsorships.
The Ball
- The ball is the size of 5 Rugby Union balls.
- At its widest point, it measures 11–12″ (27–30cm) long and 23–24″ (58–60m) in diameter.
- Weighs 410–460 g (14–16 oz) and is inflated to 9.5–10.0 psi.
Timing Rules
- A 10-minute break in the middle of each 20-minute half.
- A shot clock of 40 seconds applies to both advancing to midfield and scoring while the ball is in possession.
- Each team gets 2 timeouts per half.
- Each team has one 5-minute timeout per period, with each team getting one.
Players & Positions of Arena Rugby
- All teams must have a minimum of three and a maximum of eight reserves on the field.
- Positions = 2 Props, Hooker, Scrum-Half, Fly-Half, center, Fullback
- Unlimited substitutions are permitted for all teams; on-the-fly substitutes are used.
Ball Movement
- Running and passing are the only ways to progress the ball.
- Only backward or lateral passes are allowed.
- “Live” balls that rebound off the field’s padded walls are bouncing.
- A player must immediately release or pass the ball if he or she falls to the ground with it or on it because doing so makes the ball unplayable.”
Kicking
- The conceding squad starts with the squad that just scored.
- All kicks must be done with a place kick or drop kick, and the ball must be kicked off from the try line. Because of the size of the playing field, punting is prohibited.
- The kicking side must offer a 5yd empty zone until a member of the receiving side has control of the ball when a ball lands in the field of play.
- Any kickoff that goes out of bounds or strikes an overhead building (i.e., At the 10-yard line or wherever it went out of bounds, whichever is more beneficial to the receiving team, a scoreboard will be erected.
Tackling the sports
- Only a player who has the ball may be tackled or obstructed.
- The tackler must attempt to wrap their arms around the player being tackled in order to complete the tackle; all tackles must be below the shoulders.
- It is not permitted to tackle or interfere with a player who isn’t in possession of the ball.
- It is not permitted to push, shoulder-charge, or trip.
- When the player in possession is held on the ground and must play the ball (release, pass, or if he crosses the try line grounding the ball), both players must roll away.
- Unless they are effectively tackled by an opponent, players are not allowed to go to the ground.
Rugby Union A player may not be tackled from behind. tackles from the side, below the waist, and above the ankle must be legal. When both players are lying on their backs, it is customary for one of them to pick up the ball if it has been kicked off in a direction that would have put him in danger if he had retained possession.
Final Word
You should know the basic rules of rugby union. These include the following. In this case, whichever player picks up the ball must try to run with it as quickly as possible either toward his team’s end or toward a neutral area nearer to his own.
