knockon

Knockon, often written as knock-on, is a term used primarily in rugby union and rugby league to describe an illegal forward motion of the ball. It occurs when a player moves the ball forward with the hand or arm and it subsequently touches the ground or another player before being recovered by the attacking team. The incident typically stops play and results in a change of possession.

In rugby union and rugby league, a knock-on is usuallyRestarted with a scrum to the opposing team at the place where the ball was knocked forward. The exact restart can vary depending on the code and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Referees may also apply the advantage rule, allowing play to continue if the team that was fouled could gain a meaningful benefit before the knock-on is called.

The term is commonly used to describe a basic handling error and is among the most frequent causes of stoppages in matches. Players and coaches often emphasize proper ball handling and awareness to avoid knock-ons, especially during fast play, kick returns, and set-pieces.

Beyond sport, knock-on is also used in everyday language to describe a secondary or cascading effect triggered by an initial event. For example, a delay in one part of a supply chain can create knock-on effects that disrupt downstream production.

Etymology and history: the phrase derives from the idea of the ball being knocked forward, with the concept having long-standing usage in rugby. The term has since entered broader usage to denote indirect consequences in various systems and discussions.