A tackle is completed when the ball carrier is held and brought to the ground by the tackler. If a player is merely knocked over then they are not considered to be tackled and they may get back up and continue playing. If a tackle is made above the shoulders, or if a player does not make an attempt to wrap their arms around the player (i.e. shoulder charging), or otherwise tackles dangerously, then the tackler will be penalized. The penalty may include suspension during the game (“sin bin”), or removal from the game.
When a ball-carrier is tackled they must release the ball immediately. Holding onto it will result in a penalty. Any player coming into the tackle area must come from the back of the tackle area (the side closest to their own goal line), and must be on their feet before playing at the ball. The tackler must be back on his feet before playing the ball. If any player enters the tackle area and does not remain on their feet the referee may penalize them.
After a tackle there are two scenarios that can occur. A ruck occurs when the ball is on the floor and there is at least one player from each team in contact with each other over the ball. The ball cannot be handled in a ruck; instead the ball must be rucked backwards by players using their feet. Players must join a ruck from behind the hindmost foot of the hindmost player otherwise they will be offside and penalized.
A maul is formed when there are three players, all on their feet; the ball carrier and one person from each team. Players must also join a maul from behind the hindmost foot or be offside. A player must bind onto a ruck or maul using their whole arm, placing a hand on the ruck or maul is not sufficient and may be penalized.
