Forward pass

A forward pass is an illegal pass in rugby codes in which the ball travels toward the opponents’ dead-ball line relative to the passer.

Rugby union: A rugby code in which teams advance an oval ball by carrying, kicking, and passing it. Its forward-pass law distinguishes the ball’s direction from a player’s momentum.
Scrum (rugby): A method of restarting rugby play in which opposing forwards bind together and contest the ball. A forward pass commonly leads to a scrum awarded to the non-offending team.
Backward pass: A pass in which the ball travels toward a team’s own dead-ball line relative to the passer. It is the legal directional opposite of a forward pass.
Dead-ball line: The boundary at each end of a rugby field beyond the in-goal area. The opponents’ dead-ball line provides the reference direction for judging a forward pass.
Rugby league: A rugby code played by two teams of thirteen, with six tackles allowed before possession changes. Its forward-pass law applies the same basic directional restriction in a distinct code.
Knock-on advantage: A rugby advantage played after a knock-on, allowing the non-offending team to continue if it can benefit. Officials may apply advantage after a forward pass and return to the infringement if no benefit follows.
Lateral pass: A pass in which the ball travels sideways, neither toward nor away from a team’s dead-ball line. A sideways pass is not forward merely because the receiver runs ahead.
Touchline: A boundary line running along the sides of a rugby field. It helps define the field’s orientation, distinct from the direction toward the dead-ball line.
Pass (sports): The transfer of a ball from one player to another during a team sport. A forward pass is a restricted kind of pass, judged by its direction.
Try (rugby): The primary scoring method in rugby, awarded when a player grounds the ball in the opponents’ in-goal area. A forward pass during the scoring movement can invalidate a try.

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