General. Providing other Rules do not apply, the team with the ball is entitled to six (6) touches prior to changing possession with the opposing team.
Changeover Procedure. Following the sixth touch or the loss of possession due to any other means, players of the team losing possession are to hand, or pass the ball to the nearest opposition player, or place the ball on the ground at the mark without delay. Attacking players who request the ball are to be given the ball. Players are not to delay the changeover procedure.
RULING - A penalty awarded to the non-offending team ten (10) metres forward of the mark for the change of possession or penalty.
Ball to Ground. If the ball is dropped to the ground a change of possession results. The mark for a change of possession is where the ball first pitches or where the attacking player dropped or passed the ball, whichever is of greater advantage to the team gaining possession.
Mishandled Ball. If a player mishandles the ball and providing the ball does not go to ground, play is to continue.
Intercepts. Intercepts by onside defending players are allowed. Following an intercept, play continues until the first touch is effected, a touchdown is scored, or a stoppage occurs as a result of other actions.
Should a touch be effected on a player in possession while the ball may not be physically in the hands (e.g. while juggling or trying to maintain control), the touch is to count.
Providing the same player retrieves the ball prior to it going to ground, any knock forward resultant from an intercept is allowed.
Referees are to be aware of players deliberately attempting to delay play during normal changeover procedures.
If a ball contacts the ground while still under the control of a player (e.g. falling over) a change of possession DOES NOT result and play is to continue.
Players may intercept behind the defending scoreline. If a player in possession is touched or effects a touch whilst on or behind their defending scoreline the touch counts and play is restarted with a Rollball five (5) metres forward of the scoreline from where the player was touched.
A player in possession while attempting to score a touchdown touches the ground with the ball (but does not release it) short of the scoreline.
No touch count: Play on. - Rule 7; Referee Note B.
After a player scores a touchdown should they have to pick up the ball and give it to the opposition?
It is not compulsory for the scorer to pick up the ball and hand it to the opposition. If directed to do so by the referee the player must comply BUT this direction should only be given if the opposition players have not chased and are near halfway waiting for the restart.
A 'dead-heat' for say a defender attempting an intercept and an attacking player trying to catch the ball. Who gets possession?
Unless the defender clearly has their hands on the ball first then the attacking team is deemed not to have lost possession.