How the ELVs will be applied

The meeting of SANZAR top brass, coaches and referees have produced a document on the application of the experimental law variations which will be used during the Super 14 in 2008. This application has gone out as a Game Management Action Plan.

Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)

1. A hard approach should be taken on tackler’s rolling away and must be first on referee’s “checklist”.

“Rolling Away” definition – towards the sideline and if possible not interfering attacking team’s clean-out. If player is “caught” he must show clear intention to “open up” such that he is lying flat to the ground. The “foetal” position should not be tolerated.

2. During a tackle/ruck, whilst there is a contest for the ball, attackers and defenders must enter through the gate.

3. If the ball is being dug out (after being won), the half-back (scrum-half) cannot be touched until the ball is clearly out of the breakdown. The benefit of any doubt should go to the half-back.

4. At the contest, where a potential steal is apparent, an upward action of lifting should be seen rather than a player just being in a position to lift.

5. Once a tackle is made, the off-side line stems right across the field. Retiring players can only be put on-side once the player in possession runs 5m or kicks the ball. Passing the ball does not put the player on-side. Once the retiring player has returned to the off-side line, he can rejoin play. Once another tackle is made by an on-side player there is a new off-side line.

6. Referees and Coaches will educate players regarding a firm stance taken to players off feet, off-side lines and not rolling away for both sides.

Scrum

1. Engagement sequence (ideally within 4 seconds after the crouch):

CROUCH – Call when all bound, with exception of No.8.
TOUCH – on upper arm and together on the call
PAUSE – Immediately after Touch
ENGAGE – “small gap” to engage. Zero tolerance for early engagement.

2. Back-row players’ not binding on scrum results in a penalty for off-side play. Off-side scrum infringements penalties should be given at the place of infringement. Referees need to apply a stronger management of defensive half-back and back row.

3. Both attacking and defending teams to start 5m behind scrum. Cue for defence is when attackers move inside the 5m or the ball has emerged from the scrum. One touch judge marks each team’s off-side line. Defending half-back must stay within 1m of the scrum and can change back to other side.

4. Both front rows need to go beyond 90?(not back row) for a wheeled scrum. If one team’s scrum stays straight it is not classified as “wheeling” under law. Education/application should follow.

5. The “whip wheel” scrum is Law 10, which is foul play which results in a Penalty.

22m new law / line-out

– Scrum inside 22m or on 22m line a kick out will result in gain in ground.

– Maul formed outside 22m line and taken back in via same maul a kick out will result in no gain in ground.

– A quick throw-in from outside 22m line to a player within 22m, a kick out will result in no gain in ground.

– For a quick throw in there is an option available for player to run back along sideline to inside 22m and throw to player inside 22m, a kick out will result in a gain in ground.

– A FK given outside 22m – if the team opts to take the kick back inside 22m, a kick out will result in no gain in ground.

– Referees and Touch Judges will need to manage players throwing to other players (in a better position) in order to undertake a quick throw in.

– Both the receivers and the defending “hooker” must be clearly identifiable and 2m from the line-out.

Sanctions

– Two types of Referee advantage signals:

1. Scrum or FK advantage = Arm out straight.

2. PK advantage = Arm 45?out + verbal call “Penalty advantage”.

– Quick taps

1. The offending team must immediately place the ball on the ground. The sanction for non-compliance is a FK 10m up field.

2. The offending players must retire 10m.

3. Players taking a quick tap must acknowledge that retiring players will create traffic.

4. Tap kick must be taken correctly and on the mark or a line through the mark.

– “Cynical”, clear and obvious offences should be penalised.