Definition
Striking the ball with your foot to send it forward for teammates to chase or gain territory, a key way to advance the ball when passing backwards is the rule; this includes types like punts, grubbers, or drop kicks, with strict offside rules applying to teammates ahead of the kick. Note: We only code kicks when they occur in open play. Do not code penalty kicks as normal kicks.
How to Code
Step 1: Identify that an open play kick has occurred. Use your rugby knowledge and the definition above to recognise when a kick has occurred.
Step 2: Label the kick. Press "1" (Home Team Possession) > Press "K". Enter the distance that the ball travelled. Identify the player who made the kick and enter the jersey number. Press Enter. Ensure the timestamp accurately matches the moment the kick was taken.
Important to Remember
Q: What is open play kicking?
A: Open play kicking is striking the ball with the foot during open play (not like penalties/conversions), typically to gain territory or space.
Q: When do you code an open play kick?
A: Code an open play kick when the ball is kicked.
Q: Do you code an open play kick from inside the team’s own 22m line?
A: Yes. Always code it if it goes directly into touch (no bounce).
Q: Do you code an open play kick from outside the team’s own 22m line and directly goes into touch?
A: No. Do not code it, because the lineout is brought back to the kick location (so the kick doesn’t produce the same territorial outcome unless the lineout is brought to where the ball landed then you have to code it).
Q: What if the kick happens and then an infringement is called while the ball is in the air?
A: Do not code the kick. Since play is brought back to the mark of the infringement, the kick is effectively nullified and does not need to be coded.
Q: Do I code a kick that bounces before going into touch?
A: If the lineout is brought to where the ball went into touch then it should be coded, if it was brought back to where the kick happened, do not code the kick.
Q: Do I code penalty kicks as normal open play kicks?
A: No. Penalty kicks are kicks at the goal and should not be coded as open play kicks.
Q: What types of kicks are included in the definition?
A: The definition includes punts, grubbers, and drop kicks in open play. All of them are just kicks.
Q: How do I judge whether the kick was inside or outside the 22m?
A: Use the 22m line markings and flags on the touchline. Identify the kicker’s position at the moment of contact with the ball, then apply the inside/outside 22 rule.
Q: Where can I reference pitch markings for kick distance and lines?
A: Use World Rugby’s ground/pitch markings reference: https://passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-game/laws-by-number/1-the-ground/.
Q: If the Kick is caught in the air at the 22m area of the Opp's Team, and they called for a "mark", do we still need to code the Kick?
A: Yes, the Kick needs to coded.