Gridiron Rugby League: Making rugby league work for American football fields

Gridiron Rugby Rules

Here is a video that describes the basics of rugby league as known throughout the world:

It is encouraged that those new to rugby league watch NRL and SuperLeague games when they can.

In 2009, SuperLeague games were seen on espn3.com. NRL playoff games were on SpikeTV.

Currently only a few regional sports networks carry NRL.

Games can also be seen on the Internet on a pay-per-view basis on One World Sport.

It is also strongly suggested to check these links out on understanding how the game is played:

Playing rugby league Rugby league terms

Gridiron Rugby is a variant of rugby league. It is played on an American football field (or "gridiron" football, hence the name "gridiron rugby").

11-a-side (as opposed to 13-a-side as you have normally seen in League games).
Must use approved rugby league ball.
Field is 100 X 53 yards with 10 yard end zones (as opposed to 100 X 68 meters with end zones anywhere from 5-11 meters in "traditional" League).
15 minute quarters. 12 minute intermission. Clock stops at all whistles and restarts when play resumes. Clock does not move on conversions. Quarter does not end until possession ends.
Overtime 10 minutes after a three minute break, no "sudden death."
Goalposts shall be the same currently used in American football. On conversions, kickers shall kick from goal line (10 yards out), or as far as needed back based on angle.
Teams must field 15-18 players.
Six forwards, five backs.
Goal line drop outs kicked from middle of end zone line, in between imaginary line from goal posts.
50/20 rule in effect. Any ball kicked from behind 50 yard line, lands in bounds, and then goes out of bounds between the 20 yard line and the goal line goes to the kicking team. (Many football fields have logo on 50 yard line and/or yellow line due to soccer played as well, for easy identification. Many fields already have 20 yard line with special coloring to easily identify).
Eight substitutions in the first half, eight in the second half, unlimited at start of second half or overtime. Substitutions only at stoppages in play but not used to hold up play.
If player is substituted for due to illegal play (for example, a high tackle), free substitution. Also free substitution if that player returns.
Scrums are five-a-side, with sixth attacking player feeding ball in.
10 yards distance (or goal line) on restarts, penalties, and tackles.

Toss-ins only have to be done to a player around the numbers on the football fields.

No high tackles (above the armpits), and no shoulder charging.

4 points for a try, 2 points for a goal (conversion after the try, or a successful penalty kick at goal), 1 point for a drop goal.
3-0-1 scoring system.

For high school and recreational play, the following rules should apply:

10 minute quarters. 12 minute intermission. Clock stops at all whistles and restarts when play resumes. Clock does not move on conversions.
Unlimited substitutions in the first half, eight maximum second half, unlimited at start of second half or overtime. Substitutions only at stoppages in play but not used to hold up play.
10 yards distance (or goal line) on restarts and penalties, 5 yards distance (or goal line) after tackles.
Overtime five minutes after a three minute break. No "sudden death."

At all levels, all fighting is banned. The facilities used are likely owned by taxpayers, and we will play only due to their generosity.

The game is physical enough with fair tackles. Unethical physical play and fighting will be severely sanctioned.