The contemporary pattern of tries scoring more points was established in 1893, with three points awarded for a try and two for a punt. The amount of points awarded for a successful try climbed to four in 1971 and five in 1992. Penalties have been worth three points since 1891. (they had previously been worth two points). Field goals have been given the same value as penalties since 1895.
Before this time, different values were assigned to tries and penalty kicks. A try scored before opponents touched the ball earned its owner seven points, while six points were awarded for a conversion kick. In addition, there was a drop goal that could be taken from either side of the field after a try had been scored. This valuable attempt increased a player's score from three to ten points.
In 1894, it was decided that any player who was on the field when his team scored a try would also get credit for any subsequent conversions made by his side. This rule is still in place today.
Finally, in 1911, it was decreed that if a player was not involved in a try but went over the sideline to help him teammates, he would not be penalized. Today this is known as "helping a teammate up".
These are the only changes that have been made to the point system over time. It is important to remember that the purpose of the game has not changed; it is still played for fun.
Several reasons contributed to these changes. The try was worth three points in 1972, four in 1972, and five in 1991. Better pitches, a far more user-friendly ball, and lighter apparel and boots assist the modern player. The goal of rule revisions has always been to make the game more open and appealing.
The amount of points granted for a try was raised by one point, from one in 1890 to two in 1891, and then to three in 1893. This remained unchanged for the next 78 years, until the value for a test was increased to 4 points on an experimental basis for two years in 1971, and then approved in 1973.
Two points A try (5 points) is scored when the ball is touched to the ground in the opponent's try zone. The conversion kick (2 points): Following a successful try, a team can add two more points by kicking the ball through the goal posts. Invalid shots at goal (0 points)
There is no limit on how many times a player can score a try, provided that he has not kicked the ball out of play. If a player scores a try and then kicks the ball out of play, he cannot further score points with this try.
In rugby sevens, a penalty try can be awarded for an infringement that would not result in a penalty under regular rugby rules. For example, if a player is pulled down in his own in-goal area, this would normally be penalized at least 10 meters from the try line. However, if this player gets up again before being tackled or passes the ball, the referee may award a penalty try. This means that the player who was pulled down will get another chance to score a try without any time penalties applied.
A drop-out occurs when a player is removed from play due to injury or expulsion. Unless the player leaves the field injured, he must either return to play or be replaced. If a replacement player comes onto the field before a drop-out has been removed, he too becomes ineligible until the end of the match.
The match is drawn if the amount of points is equal or if no goal is kicked or attempted. "A goal is only scored when it is kicked from a try." Penalty kicks were later implemented, allowing teams harmed by illegal play to kick for goal and gain points if successful. The "Fair catch" (mark) was introduced in October 1888. This allowed the referee to stop play if he felt a player had not caught the ball properly, enabling him to check whether it was a free-kick or a penalty kick.
In response to complaints that the game was becoming too physical, goal-kicking was introduced in 1897. Prior to this time, any point scored during play was awarded by raising your arm above your head while shouting "Touch!" Now coaches encourage their players to score goals because it adds excitement to the game. Coaches also believe that it gives their team an advantage by giving them a quick way to cut down field time.
Today, most football codes include goal-kicking as part of their standard set of rules because it increases the level of excitement during games and makes them more appealing to viewers and fans.
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