The word "ruling" refers to a decision or a judgment made by a person or a group of people that has authority or power over others. It is a way of settling a dispute or establishing what should be followed or done. Full definition
Or establish a set of rules for when it's safe to purchase a new investment, such as a particular stock price - to - earnings threshold. (businessinsider.com)
He's just applying a different set of rules in his decision making process. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)