On 1st May 2008 the iRB Council decided to trial a number of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) in the Northern Hemisphere in the 2008/2009 season.

The ELV’s relating to the playing of the game cover corner flags, taking the ball into your own 22, pulling down the maul and the offside lines at the scrum. The ELVs will apply to Elite (including international matches played in the Northern Hemisphere) and Community Rugby. The Laws of the Game, unless specifically amended by the ELVs, remain unaltered.

The ELVs summarised (full details can be found on the RFU website rfu.com)

Assistant referees (touch-judges)
Assistant referees can assist referees in any manner required when appointed by a match organiser

Post and Flags around the field
The corner posts are no longer considered to be in touch in-goal except when a ball is grounded by a player against the post

Lineout and throw
If a team puts the ball back into their own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch by that team there is no gain of ground and the lineout will be formed opposite the point from where the ball was kicked.

A quick throw may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team's own goal-line. There is no restriction on the maximum number of players who can participate in a lineout from either side subject to a minimum of two.

The first receiver from a lineout (usually the scrum-half) must stand at least two metres away from the lineout

The player in opposition to the player throwing in the ball (usually the hooker) may stand in the area between the 5 metre line and touch line but must be 2 metres away from the lineout

Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in

The lifting of lineout jumpers is permitted

Maul
Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down

The reference in the Laws to heads and shoulders to be not lower than hips is removed.

If a Maul becomes unplayable the team not in possession at the star of the Maul receives a free-kick

Scrum
The offside line at a scrum will be 5 metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum

Scrum halves must be in close proximity to the scrum (as present Law) or must retreat 5 metres.

Sanctions
For all offences other than offside, not entering through "the gate", and Foul Play, the sanction will be a free-kick

If the ball is unplayable at a breakdown the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a free-kick