In rugby football, the penalty is the main disciplinary sanction available to the referee to penalise players who commit deliberate infringements. The team who did not commit the infringement are given possession of the ball and may either kick it towards touch (in which case the ball back rule is waived), attempt a place kick at goal, or tap the ball with their foot and run it. It is also sometimes used as shorthand for penalty goal. Penalties in rugby union The referee signals that he has awarded a penalty to a side by raising his arm at 45 degrees between vertical and horizontal and blowing a blast on his whistle. The arm is raised on the side that won the penalty. Penalties may be awarded for a number of offences, including: Failing to release the ball after being tackled, or the tackling player failing to release the tackled player or doing a dangerous tackle on the other player. Entering a ruck or maul from the side. Leaving one's feet in the ruck. Deliberately collapsing a scrum or illegally collapsing a maul (see ELV). Scrum infringements: not binding properly on an opponent (for prop forwards) or a teammate (for other players); leaving the scrum before the ball has emerged from it; not pushing straight against the opposing pack. Being offside and not making an effort to move to an onside position. Tackling infringements: a high tackle (where contact is made above the shoulders); or a player holding a teammate off the ground. Violent or Foul play: eye gouge, low blow, elbowing, tripping and so forth. Throwing or knocking the ball forwards, or out of play in any direction. Tackling or holding an opponent who is not in possession of the ball. Obstructing an opponent from tackling the ball-carrier (blocking). Not retreating ten metres at a penalty. Contesting or dissenting from a referee's decision, or using abusive language or conduct towards any match official. Any other action the referee considers to be "contrary to good sportsmanship" (such as throwing the ball away while play is stopped in order to prevent a prompt restart, especially if time is close to expiring). Referees may not penalise some of these infringements if in their judgement the offending player had no intent to break the rules (e.g. a marginally late tackle on a player who has just kicked or passed the ball) or if the