Rugby league law changes: here's what happens if kicker's shot clock runs out
It’s already a pressure job, but goal kickers will have to get their skates on from next season.
New laws impose a one-minute time limit on conversions and penalties as part of an effort to speed up matches. And players will be kicking themselves if they take too long. For conversions, the 60-second shot clock will start as soon as a try is confirmed by the video referee.
On what happens if the time limit isn’t met, RFL head of match officials Phil Bentham explained: “In both situations [conversions and penalties] the opportunity to kick the goal will be lost if the ball isn't kicked - foot contacts ball - before the shot clock expires. If this occurs at a penalty, the ball will be handed over to the opposition for a play-the-ball.”
If the kicking process is disrupted, for example the ball falls off the tee, the shot clock will be stopped and won’t restart, with the kick allowed to take place. The other change will see video referees automatically review all live try decisions, without the game clock being stopped. Time will only be called off if the on-field official indicates ‘no try’ and hands the decision on.