Law Amendment Trials for Spring Tests 2012
The following Law amendments have been approved for global trial by the IRB Council. The implementation dates are the start of the Northern Hemisphere season at or around September 1st 2012 and the start of the Southern Hemisphere season at or around January 1st 2013.
It is not intended that a Union should implement the trial Law amendments mid season or mid competition.
Unions will be given the opportunity to provide both quantitative and qualitative feedback on the trials.
Law Amendment Trials
Law 3 : Number of Players - The Team
3.4 Players nominated as substitutes
International teams permitted to nominate up to eight replacements
3.4 Players nominated as substitutes (Seven-a-side)
Sevens variation for replacements /substitutes - effective June 1 2012
Law 4 : Players' Clothing
GPS monitors may be worn
4.2 Special additional items for women
Female players allowed to wear tights
4.3 Studs
Specific sole configuration approved for trial
Law 6 : Match Officials
6.A.6 Referee consulting with others
Extension to the jurisdiction of the TMO
Law 9 : Method of Scoring
9.B.1 Taking a conversion kick
Conversions to be completed within 90 seconds of try
Law 12 : Knock-on or Throw forward
12.1 The outcome of a knock-on or throw forward
Quick throw-in after knock-on or throw forward
Law 16 : Ruck
16.7 Unsuccessful end to a ruck
Five seconds to play the ball from the back of the ruck
Law 19 : Touch and Lineout
19.2 Quick throw-in
Position of thrower at quick throw-in
Law 20 : Scrum
20.1 Forming a scrum
Changed scrum engagement sequence
Law 21 : Penalty and Free Kicks
21.4 Penalty and free kick options and requirements
Lineout alternative
