Rugby term
Dead-ball line
Definition
The line at each end of the playing area, beyond the in-goal.
The ball is dead if it crosses or touches the dead-ball line.
Related laws
Law 1The GroundDefines the dimensions, markings, goal posts, and flag posts of a rugby field.Law 21In-GoalThe in-goal area is behind each goal-line. Scoring a try requires grounding the ball in the opposition in-goal. This law defines grounding, touch-in-goal, the dead-ball line, and what happens in various situations.
Related terms
Corner postA flag post at each corner where the try line meets the touch-in-goal line.Dead ballThe ball is dead when play has stopped, after the ball crosses the dead-ball line, goes into touch, or when the referee blows the whistle.Drop kickA kick made by dropping the ball and kicking it as it rises from its first bounce.DropoutA drop kick that restarts play after the ball is made dead in in-goal without a score.Field of playThe area of the playing field between the goal lines and touchlines (not including in-goal).Goal lineThe goal line, also called the try line, is the line at each end of the field that a player grounds the ball on or over to score a try.GroundingGrounding means putting the ball on the ground in in-goal with downward pressure, using the hands, arms or the front of the body from waist to neck.Held upWhen a ball carrier in in-goal is held so that they cannot ground or play the ball.