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More Rules
A singular, all-powerful referee oversees each match. Talking back to the ref is simply not tolerated. To assist with handling and kicking the ball is slightly larger and more ovoid than an American football. A match is played out in two 40-minute halves, with a ten-minute half time to regroup. Only the referee is allowed on the pitch and he keeps time. In the past there were no stadium clocks in rugby. Now these do exist but the referee remains the sole judge of time. Complete matches usually begin and end in the span of just ninety minutes. Stoppages are permitted for injuries only. As match play moves past full time, the referee may allow play to continue until a turnover or a score occurs. Up to six substitutes are allowed, but once subbed for, a player may not return. One exception to this rule is if a player receives a blood injury, they have to leave the field of play for treatment, and are replaced by a player from the bench of substitutes. However, once patched up, they may return to the field of play and the replacement player has to return to the bench. Medical staff and water carriers are now allowed on the field. Plat continues until an infringement or a score occurs, not a 'turnover'. Aside from selecting substitutions, and offering a few moments of critique and direction at half-time, a rugby coach has absolutely no mechanism for input into the game once it has begun. He generally takes a seat in the stands. The selected team captain is solely responsible for conferring with the referee, and directing strategic plays. The match is continuous, with all players committed to running, passing, kicking and tackling for the full eighty minutes.
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