Barley varieties show variation in their erectness of growth, varying from vertical (erect) to horizontal (prostrate). This trait is scored during national varietal registration trials, as described by UPOV guidelines: "Plant: Growth Habit" (UPOV character 1. Scores: 1 = erect; 3 = semi-erect, 5 = intermediate, 7 = semi-prostrate, 9 = prostrate). The trait is assessed visually from the attitude of the leaves and tillers.
see http://www.upov.int/test_guidelines/en/list.jsp