Watson's ELV simplifications

The ELVs are due to change in South Africa on 1 June. André Watson, South Africa’s manager of referees, has written down a ten-point checklist in point form. There are changes.

These are changes from and similarities to what is being played in the Vodacom Cup, clubs and schools.

Most noteworthy is that there is no off-side line at the tackle and hands are not allowed to be used at rucks.

Most of the differences concern what the referee’s decision will be.

1. Assistant Referees  –  Yes

2. Cornerposts  –  Yes

3. Carry over 22 metres-line  –  Yes

4. Quick throw-in –  Yes

5. Incorrect throw at line-out  –  No

6. –  No Restriction on line-out numbers  –  Yes

7. Receiver a line-out to be 2 metres from line-out  –  Yes

8. Opposition ‘hooker’ to be 2 metres from 5-metre Line  –  Yes

9. Pre-Gripping Is Allowed  –  Yes

10. Lifting the jumper in line-out is allowed  –  Yes

11. Off-side at tackle  –  No

12. Hands  on ball in ruck  –  No

13. Unplayable at tackle/ruck –  free kick  –  No

14. Only 2 penalty kicks at tackle (entry and foul play)  –  No

15. Unfair play to be added to Law 15 (tackle)  –  No

16. Heads/shoulders may be lower than hips  –  Yes

17. May pull maul down (if part of maul)  –  Yes

18. Unplayable at maul  – free kick to opposition  –  No

19. 5m off-side line at scrum –  Yes

20. Scrum-half off side lines  –  Yes

21. Incorrect kick at kick-off and restart  –  No

22. All sanctions to be  free kicks except for off side and foul play  –  No