Calling the mark is a great way of relieving the pressure in defence when the opposition are on the attack inside the 22-metre line.

It was introduced to give protection to full-backs and other players trying to catch high up-and-under kicks in pressure situations.

A player can only make the mark when they catch a high ball inside their own 22 metre or In-goal area.

As they catch the ball they shout "MARK" at the top of their voice.

If they catch the ball cleanly, the referee will give that player a free-kick on the spot where they caught the ball.

Only the player who has called for the mark can take the kick.

They then have the chance to clear their lines, much to the relief of the rest of the team.

One thing to note - a mark cannot be called when a player catches the ball direct from kick-off.

Ruck

Maul

Knock on

Forward pass

22m drop out

5m scrum

Mark

Tackle

Obstruction

Sin-bin