One team start/restarts the match from the centre of the field with a free pass.

When a try is scored, the non-scoring team starts at the centre of the field with a free pass.

When the referee calls “Play”, the player taking the pass starts with the ball on the ground, moves the ball slightly forward using the side of their foot, picks up the ball in two hands and passes the ball backwards to a member of their own team.

The opposition team must remain five metres back from the free pass. They cannot start moving forward until the ball leaves the hands of the player taking the free pass.

A free pass is also used to restart play on any turnover of possession, or at any other time that play has halted and needs to be restarted.

If the ball is carried out of the field of play, the game is restarted with a free pass to the nonoffending side. Free passes cannot take place less than five metres from the try line. The free pass is taken from the point where the ball went out.

A free pass is also awarded to the non-offending team when their opposition infringes the rules, such as a forward pass, an offside or for not returning the flag to the ball-carrier.

When a player knocks the ball to the ground towards the opponents’ try line, a free pass is awarded to the non-offending team unless an advantage can be played.

There is no kicking of any kind in Rippa Rugby.

To complete a ‘rip’ one of the two flags from the ball-carriers belt must be removed. The only person who can be ripped is the ball-carrier.

The ripper stops, holds the flag above their head and shouts “RIP!”

The ball-carrier must then pass the ball immediately (within three strides is a good guideline). He or she does not have to stop, return to the mark or roll the ball between their legs.

Remember, six rips in a row leads to a turnover in possession.

After the ball-carrier has passed the ball the ripper must hand the flag back to the player who then reattaches it to their belt before they rejoin play.

If either of these players doesn’t adhere to this, they will be penalized and a free pass awarded against them at the place of the infringement.

Offside only occurs at the rip. When a rip is made, all

Not stopping the game when an infringement happens is called ‘advantage’. Referees should play ‘advantage’ to the non-offending team if there is any chance that they may get the ball.

The referee should call ‘advantage’ followed by ‘play on’. If no advantage occurs play restarts with a free pass.

If the ball-carrier goes to ground or a player dives on the ball, a free pass is awarded to the opposition. Players can dive for a try or dive on the ball for a try.

Make sure you have a whistle, know these basic rules and try to play advantage wherever possible.

1. Shout “Pass!” when a rip has been made.
2. Blow the whistle when and only when play is to stop.
3. Signal to the team who is starting with a free pass by pointing with an outstretched arm towards that team

If a player accidentally loses a flag when they have the ball, stop the game, replace the ribbon and restart with a free pass.

If a player is 'ripped' before the try line and they don't pass before they get over the line, they restart play five metres out from the try line with a free pass.

If a player goes to ground with the ball, except in a try-scoring movement, play restarts with a free pass awarded to the opposition.

​​​​​​​If the ball gets dropped during a pass but is not knocked on, play can continue. However players must pick up the ball from a standing position​​​​​​​