Hand-off's

I don't mean to the extent of rugby players, but is this actually allowed when you have possession of the ball?

I always thought it wasn't but whenever I watch Kaka play he always seems to have his arms up to stop players from getting close to him and he gets away with it.

Can anyone enlighten me with this?

Not too sure about the specifics of this.

I was under the impression that it was OK to a certain extent from the point of view of balance, etc, but actually pushing or holding someone at a distance wasn't allowed.

Obviously there is a certain amount of leniency in the modern game, as players often pull one another's shirts and so on to gain an advantage.

I think referees are allowed to use their discretion, so long as both players are doing it equally then they seem to generally allow play to continue, unless an unfair advantage is gained.

Other than that, shoulder to shoulder contact is obviously OK.

Anyone do any refereeing or know the rules better than us could confirm or clarify this?

Yeah, it's just the fact that continuously in the Confed Cup he was just putting his arms up, almost pushing off players and I have no idea how he gets away with it, other players don't seem to do it!

I'd just nip the git on the triceps; without doubt, the sorest part of the body to get nipped on. It sounds a bit girly (only a wee nip) but it always worked for me in situations like that and when someone's standing in 'the wall'.

Try it on yourself - it hurts hurts like F**k.