What counts as foul play, and how long is a sin-bin?
Rule- International
- IRL
- Wheelchair rugby league
- Laws of the Game
- All ages
- 2026
- Players
Misconduct under the Laws includes:
- striking another player
- intentional, reckless or careless contact with an opponent's head or neck in a tackle
- touching, pushing, pulling, holding or grabbing an opponent's wheelchair at any time
- pushing, pulling, holding or grabbing an opponent's clothing or body, including a ball carrier trapping a tackler's hands or arms to stop tag removal
- driving in with both hands on the wheels, using the chair as a force and making no attempt to complete the tackle
- deliberately and continuously breaking the Laws, offensive or obscene language, disputing a referee's decision, or behaving contrary to the true spirit of the game
- deliberately obstructing an opponent who does not have the ball
If two players travel side by side near and towards the ball, it is permissible for their chairs to come into contact.
Guidance: a sin-binned player serves a five minute suspension and then returns. A dismissed player serves a ten minute suspension but cannot return to the field. A different player may return to the field to maintain the integrity of the match.
Updated 24 Oct 2026