2016 LAW TRIALS - 13.3, 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 KICK OFF AND RESTART

[Ian_Cook]

Proposal
Adopt the Seven-a‐side Variations for Kick off sanctions i.e. Free kick at the centre of the halfway line. The scrum alternative (Law 21.4a) option is not available at this free kick.

Justification
To eliminate poor kick-offs, to increase the time that the ball is in play, to eliminate delays that are caused by scrums, to promote enjoyment for participants and to promote entertainment for spectators. On average between 3/5minutes are wasted during the game when the current options are taken. i.e. time consumption from option being taken then formation of scrum on half way line.

 

[crossref]

This doesn't appeal to me... I love the ritual of asking for options and "scrum please" from the props

 

[Dickie E]

I like this proposal but I don't like this bit:
[LAWS]The scrum alternative (Law 21.4a) option is not available at this free kick.[/LAWS]

Why on earth not?

 

[Rushforth]

Because

to increase the time that the ball is in play, to eliminate delays that are caused by scrums

 

[ChrisR]

I'm with crossref. Isn't the "ball in play" when it's in the scrum?

 

[Dickie E]

Because

then why not expand it to all FKs and PKs? Why pick one at random? Just makes life more complex.

 

[OB..]

Laws 13.3, 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 do not refer to restart kicks. When will this fact sink in?

PS If they do actually intend to include them now, it will be interesting to see what they say about who controls the timing of a restart kick.

 

[crossref]

I am with Dickie, either FK's are convertible to scrums, or they aren't.