Experimental Law Variations for 2008
Premier Rugby (1st to 4th Grade) will be played under all of the ELVs published by the IRB. The purpose of the ELVs is to provide more continuity of play and to simplify the laws so that there are less penalties and stoppages.
Super 14 is being played under selected ELVs only. The ELVs which effect Super 14 relate to taking the ball back into the 22 metre area, the offside line at the scrum, the offside line at the tackle and the sanctions for offences.
Find below a brief summary of the entire ELV suite to be applied to Premier Rugby in 2008.
Inside the 22 Metre Line
If a team puts the ball back into its own 22 metre area the ball can no longer be kicked out on the full.
Lineout
At a quick throw in the ball may be thrown backwards towards the throwers goal line. It cannot be thrown forward however. The non throwing hooker does not have to stand between the touchline and the 5 metre line. He can join the lineout if he wishes. Neither team dictates the numbers in the lineout. There is no limit to the maximum a team puts into the lineout but they must have a minimum of 2. If a lineout throw is not straight, a free kick is awarded to the non throwing team.
Tackle/Ruck
Arriving players must approach the tackle from their goal line side and be parallel to the touch line (through the gate). When a tackle occurs there are offside lines and players must retire behind those offside lines. The offside lines are parallel to the goal lines through the hindmost part of the hindmost player of each team at the tackle. If the ball becomes unplayable at the tackle/ruck, the side that did not take the ball into contact is awarded a free kick. Players may use their hands in the ruck to win the ball.
Maul
Defending players may collapse a maul. If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul is awarded a free kick. Truck and trailer is no longer an offence provided it is formed from an existing maul.
Scrum
The offside line for players who are not participating in the scrum is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.
Kick Offs and 22 Metre Drop Outs
For any infringements which occur at the kickoff or 22 metre drop out, the sanction is a free kick.
Sanctions
Penalties are awarded for offside, not through the gate and foul play (including repeated and deliberate infringements). For all other offences the sanction is a free kick.