RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION NORTH

COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE

NORTH CLUBS NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2015

 Exciting times lie ahead, with the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup only days away, as this Newsletter was being prepared. Will England succeed, and be crowned World Cup Winners? Only time will tell. What is known however, that all Clubs will be eager to take in as many World Cup games as possible, whether by attending matches, or watching on TV.  Many Clubs are arranging special events, centred around the World Cup matches, and several Clubs have already sought guidance as to whether they can alter Kick Off times, or even switch games to a Friday evening or Sunday. The answer to these queries is yes, but League Secretaries need to be consulted first before any arrangements are confirmed.

Specifically, for the 2015-2016 Season, Clubs should take note that all Referees and the North Competitions Committee, are going to take particular notice of the requirements as far as Pitch Management is concerned. Please refer to this Pitch Management chart.

Please note that for Ground and Match Management – failure to comply with requirements (including report by Referee), allows the Organising Committee to impose such penalty as deemed appropriate including a deduction of 5 or more League Points.

 ·         All pitches should be enclosed by a barrier which may be temporary.

•  Inside the barrier – within the enclosure – Touch Judges should be able to run the line without interference or obstacle.
• Inside the barrier –within the enclosure – a technical area for each team.
  • this may be physical in the form of a dugout or shelter or seating
  • this may be a clearly marked box
• If no technical area exists or is marked out – everyone must remain outside the barriers and off the playing enclosure.
• Permitted personnel – allowed within the enclosure during match time – maximum of 4 individuals
  • Team Doctor/ physio/ First aider – clearly identified if possible – info on coat/sweatshirt or tabard
  • Water Carriers maximum of 3 in addition to medic who may also act as a water carrier.
    • Subs can be utilised as water carriers.
    • May also carry the kicking tee.Plus the fourth official appointed by the home club to supervise the playing enclosure.
• Permitted personnel must remain within the technical areas unless allowed onto the enclosure by the referee (during breaks in play for example)
• On other occasions players should come to the touchline to get water.

• ALL REPLACEMENTS COACHES AND OTHER NON-PLAYING STAFF MUST STAY OUTSIDE THE PITCH BARRIER DURING THE MATCH (only allowed onto the pitch at half-time)
• REPLACEMENTS MAY ONLY WARM UP BEHIND THE OPPONENTS IN-GOAL AREA.
•  Players shown a yellow card – temporary suspension – should serve out their suspension adjacent to their technical area – if one is available. Otherwise they should stand between the posts in the in-goal area their team is attacking.
• Players who are dismissed – red card – must leave the playing enclosure and should return to the changing rooms without delay.

When a Club has registered a Player on line, it must send a copy (photocopy, fax or scan) of the signed registration document to the League Secretary within 14 days of the date of signing.

Any Club in default of this requirement will have sanctions applied in accordance with the schedule of fines and penalties currently approved by the Organising Committee. They will also have the Player Registration cancelled until such time as the Organising committee decides.

Enforcement of Regulations for the above have been introduced for the 2015-2016 season.

i.        A Club responsible for causing a match to go to Uncontested Scrums shall be responsible for removing a Player. i.e. “Man Off Rule.”

ii.        A Club shall also be responsible for not exceeding the number of permitted interchanges. i.e. “Rolling Subs.”

If there breaches of the above Regulations, they will result in a   5 point deduction.

Clubs are strongly advised to study the relevant Regulations, found on Pages 228-232 Appendix 2. RFU Handbook 2015-2016.

 All Clubs are yet again reminded that they must adhere to the provisions of Regulation 13.4 Eligibility & Restriction on Players. Rule 13.4.1 (a), (b) and (c). Page 202. RFU Handbook 2015-2016.   

Despite constant reminders to Clubs by the Organising Committee, breaches of this Regulation continue to be the major Offence committed by Clubs.

The key point to remember, is that if a Player does not have Effective Registration at the time of Kick Off in a League and/or RFU Cup Match, then the Player cannot play, or be a Replacement until he is Effectively Registered.

Each Club is responsible for ensuring compliance with this Regulation and must take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance.