LIFTING IN THE LINEOUT LAW 19.10 (F)

In line with the changes in 'Date of Eligibility' and the alignment of Age Bands, Lifting in the Lineout can now occur at Schools JCT (U16, 1st January) and Ulster Medallion. The lifting should occur with binding or pre-binding on the shorts only.

"If Lifting occurs outside these parameters then it is an offence which is sanctioned by a free kick."
Referees will manage and sanction appropriately.

Binding or Pre-binding ON THE SHORTS

At this stage players may not have the strength or experience to bind on the thighs and therefore more stability would be provided by both lifters taking their grip on the jumper's shorts.

Support on the legs would also move the centre of gravity of the jumper further away from the grips thus increasing in-stability.

Therefore the following recommendations are made:

• The grip adopted should be 'knuckles upward' grip by BOTH lifters.
• This would ensure both lifters would be lifting to the same height; if the lifters adopt different grips this would increase the risk of an imbalanced lift possibly resulting in rotating the player towards the lower support.

Rugby Departments in each of the branches were requested to conduct seminars with both Schools and Youth Coaches during the month of September.

The curriculum of the seminar should follow the Line Out Module for the Level 1 coaching course.

Please note that schools will implement the lifting in the line in competitions from the 1st October 2009.