What can a team do with a penalty in rugby sevens?

• Where: at the mark, or anywhere behind it on a line through the mark.
• Without delay: "A penalty or free-kick must be taken without delay."
• The kick in sevens: "The kicker may punt or drop-kick the ball but may not place-kick it."
• Any direction: the ball may be kicked in any direction and must travel a visible distance. The kicker may then play it again.
• A scrum instead: "A team awarded a penalty may instead choose a scrum."
• At goal: a penalty goal is worth three points. In sevens it must be a drop kick, taken within 30 seconds of the team saying so.
• Ten metres: "the opposing team must immediately retreat 10 metres towards their own try line", or to the try line if nearer.
• Still retreating: opponents who have not got back 10 metres may not take part, even if the kick is taken quickly.
• Delaying: an opponent who delays the kick or throws the ball away concedes a second penalty 10 metres further on.
• A free-kick: for lesser offences. Opponents may charge as soon as the kicker moves to kick.
• No goal from a free-kick: the team cannot score a dropped goal until the ball is next dead or an opponent has played it or tackled the carrier.
• Near the line: an offence within five metres of a try line is taken five metres out.

The glossary has the penalty, the free-kick, the penalty goal, the scrum, the kick and the offside entry.

A penalty has to be worth something in every part of the pitch, so the team is given choices: points, territory or the ball in hand. The 10-metre retreat is what makes the quick tap dangerous, and in sevens it is the usual choice, because seven defenders moving backwards cannot cover the width.