When did raking get outlawed?

Question

I personally liked raking someone who didn't release the ball when tackled. Now I learn I can't do that anymore. Why?

Answer 1

as far as i know it is still allowed just not on the head and joints and as long as its to remove a player who is blocking the ball from coming out. but it is great to hear the cries of pain

Answer 2

The reason for it is that in January of this year (2007) it was unanimously voted to crack down on racking because the referee societies felt that it was getting too dangerous for some players. Now raking hasn't been made illegal just less potent. The procedure for raking now is as follows

If you want to rake a player then you have to get the referee's attention, then show him your studs over the player you want to rake and the referee will tell you if you are allowed to do it or not.

I do think raking is a good thing, pure because it speed the game up by preventing killing of the ball.

Answer 3

It's still legal in most unions...it may have been outlawed in your specific union/league though.  In most it is allowable provided it isn't the face, or joints if they are intentionally blocking release.  If they were trying to roll away when you did it this may have been the reason for the call.

Answer 4

Raking is still allowed in these parts. It's those darn noisy leaf blowers that are outlawed.