dead-ball line
Plural
dead-ball lines
1
the boundary line at each end of the rugby field where the ball is considered out of play
The dead-ball line in rugby is the boundary line at each end of the field. When the ball crosses this line, it is considered out of play. If a player carries or kicks the ball over the dead-ball line, it stops the play, and the game restarts with a specific procedure, such as a goal kick or a scrum, depending on how the ball went out of bounds. This line helps define the end of the playing area and ensures the game remains within a defined space.
- The player kicked the ball over the dead-ball line.
- The referee signaled a lineout after the ball crossed the dead-ball line.
- He tackled the opponent just short of the dead-ball line.
- The ball bounced into touch behind the dead-ball line.
- The kick went out on the full, crossing the dead-ball line directly.