SOUTHLAND WIDE RUGBY CLUB COMPETITION RULES - 2019 SEASON Ratified by Rugby Southland Advisory Committee 11/03/2019 - Sporty.co.nz
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SOUTHLAND WIDE RUGBY
CLUB COMPETITION
RULES
2019 SEASON
Ratified by Rugby Southland Advisory Committee 11/03/2019
1Table of Contents
1. Control: ............................................................................................................................................. 6
2. Laws of the Game: ............................................................................................................................ 6
3 Competitions:.................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Premier Grade will commence Saturday 23rd March. ............................................................................6
3.2 The Senior competition will encompass the following divisions............................................................6
3.3 Premier - Walter Galbraith Shield and Ack Soper Shield Competition Formats ....................................7
Pool 1 ..............................................................................................................................................................7
3.3.1 Bonus Points Credited in Round 1 to be Carried Over to Round 2.....................................................7
Premier Division .................................................................................................................................................7
3.3.2 Scrum Variations - Premier Grade First Five Rounds Only .................................................................8
3.3.3 Scrum – Front Row Numbers – All Grades Including Secondary School ............................................8
3.4 Division 1 – Gerald Dermody Competition Format ................................................................................9
3.5 Division 2 – Naming TBA Competition Format .................................................................................... 10
3.6 Presidents Grade ................................................................................................................................. 11
3.7 Other Southland wide Grades: ............................................................................................................ 11
3.8 Playing of Competitions....................................................................................................................... 11
3.9 Promotion/Relegation ......................................................................................................................... 11
4 Team Entries: .................................................................................................................................. 11
4.1 Team Entry Dates ................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Under 18 Players Playing in Senior Competitions ............................................................................... 11
5 Transfers: ........................................................................................................................................ 12
5.1 Players Transferring Clubs Between Seasons ...................................................................................... 12
5.2 Players Transferring Clubs Inside Seasons........................................................................................... 12
5.3 Students Playing in Senior Competitions............................................................................................. 12
5.4 Overseas Players .................................................................................................................................. 12
5.5 Transfer Sanctions ............................................................................................................................... 13
6 Player Registrations: ....................................................................................................................... 13
6.1 Online Registrations ............................................................................................................................ 13
6.2 Additional Player Registrations ........................................................................................................... 13
6.3 Unregistered Player Sanctions............................................................................................................. 13
6.4 Gender ................................................................................................................................................. 13
7 Re-grading - Senior: ..................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Senior Grade ........................................................................................................................................ 13
7.2 Academy and Contracted Players........................................................................................................ 13
7.3 Semis and Finals (Player Eligibility) ...................................................................................................... 14
7.3.1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
27.3.2 ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.3.3 ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.4 Higher Graded Players ......................................................................................................................... 14
7.5 Regrades (Secondary School and Below) ............................................................................................ 14
7.6 Regrades Secondary Schools and Below (Semis and Finals) ............................................................... 15
7.7 University Students.............................................................................................................................. 15
7.8 Two Teams in the Same Grade ............................................................................................................ 15
7.9 .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
7.10 Borrowing of Players – Semi’s and Finals ............................................................................................ 16
8 Age Grade Dispensations: .............................................................................................................. 16
8.1 Age Grade Competitions (Specific Age) ............................................................................................... 16
8.2 Under 14 and Under 15 Grades ........................................................................................................... 16
8.3 Under 17 and Under 18 Grades ........................................................................................................... 16
8.4 List of Dispensated Players .................................................................................................................. 16
8.5 Dispensation Forms ............................................................................................................................. 16
8.6 Ineligible Players .................................................................................................................................. 17
8.7 Semis and Finals (Dispensated Players) ............................................................................................... 17
8.8 Team Sheet .......................................................................................................................................... 17
8.9 Positional Dispensated Player ............................................................................................................. 17
8.10 Primary School (Year 8 and Down) ...................................................................................................... 17
8.11 Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................ 17
9 Team Numbers: .............................................................................................................................. 18
9.1 Number of Players in Team ................................................................................................................. 18
9.2 Jersey Numbers ................................................................................................................................... 18
10 Team Sheet / Results:.................................................................................................................. 18
10.1 Complete Team Sheet Information ..................................................................................................... 18
10.2 Forward Completed Team Sheet to Rugby Southland ........................................................................ 18
10.3 Front Row Player Information on Team Sheet .................................................................................... 19
11 Match Venue and Times: ............................................................................................................ 19
11.1 Match Start Time ................................................................................................................................. 19
11.2 Re-scheduling of Games ...................................................................................................................... 19
11.3 Completing Game Change Request Form ........................................................................................... 19
11.4 Fixtures played Under Lights ............................................................................................................... 19
11.5 Venues ................................................................................................................................................. 20
11.6 Grounds and Barriers........................................................................................................................... 20
Sanction/s ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
12 Defaults: ........................................................................................................................................... 21
312.1 Teams Defaulting ................................................................................................................................. 21
12.2 Non Defaulting Team .......................................................................................................................... 21
13 Abandonment of Games: ................................................................................................................. 21
13.1 Ground and Weather:.......................................................................................................................... 21
13.2 Conduct................................................................................................................................................ 22
13.3 Injury Stoppage/Lighting Failure ......................................................................................................... 22
13.4 Cancellation of Scheduled Rounds ...................................................................................................... 22
14 Pre-Season Games & Games not played as per the draw: ............................................................... 22
14.1 Pre Season Games ............................................................................................................................... 22
15 Non Attendance of Referees: ........................................................................................................... 23
15.1 No Referee ........................................................................................................................................... 23
15.2 Replacement Referee .......................................................................................................................... 23
16 Protests/Complaints: ........................................................................................................................ 23
16.1 Protests ................................................................................................................................................ 23
17 Competition Points (All Grades): .................................................................................................... 24
17.1 Flag Points............................................................................................................................................ 24
18 Matches: ........................................................................................................................................... 24
18.1 Match Balls .......................................................................................................................................... 24
19 Programmes: .................................................................................................................................... 24
19.1 Team Programmes............................................................................................................................... 24
20 Semi Finals: ................................................................................................................................ 25
20.1 Team Ratings ....................................................................................................................................... 25
20.2 Venues ................................................................................................................................................. 25
20.3 Unregistered or Ineligible Players ....................................................................................................... 25
20.4 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time ............................................................................................... 25
21 Finals: .......................................................................................................................................... 26
21.1 Venues ................................................................................................................................................. 26
21.2 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time ............................................................................................... 26
22 Disciplinary: ................................................................................................................................ 26
23 General: ....................................................................................................................................... 27
23.1 Amalgamated Teams ........................................................................................................................... 27
23.2 Amalgamation of Clubs........................................................................................................................ 28
23.3 Provincial Players ................................................................................................................................. 28
23.4 Similar Colours ..................................................................................................................................... 28
23.5 Sponsorship ......................................................................................................................................... 29
24 Disputes: ..................................................................................................................................... 29
25 Fines: ........................................................................................................................................... 29
26 Blue Card Concussion Initiative: ................................................................................................ 30
4RSAC – Rugby Southland Advisory Committee
YRC – Youth Rugby Council
COM – Community Operations Manager
CRA – Community Rugby Administrator
5SOUTHLAND WIDE RUGBY CLUB COMPETITION
AND ASSOCIATED COMPETITIONS IN SOUTHLAND
RULES
1. Control:
All matches including non-competition games shall be under the control of Rugby Southland and all
entries shall be subject to its approval. Rugby Southland Advisory Committee (RSAC) work co-
operatively with Rugby Southland to assist with the delivery and development for all levels of rugby
in Southland including:
• Classifying clubs, teams and players
• Scheduling dates, times and venues
• Dealing with questions arising from competition formats and games
• Making decisions in the best interests for rugby and the rugby community in southland
Note: This is a live document and with approval from Rugby Southland and in the interest of
Southland Rugby amendments may be made at any time. Changes to these rules will be notified
to Clubs by Rugby Southland.
2. Laws of the Game:
All games including non-competition games shall be played under the laws of the game and in
accordance with the NZR Domestic Safety Law Variations where applicable. Any changes to these
shall be notified to Clubs by Rugby Southland.
3 Competitions:
3.1 Premier Grade will commence Saturday 23rd March.
Division 1, Division 2, and Presidents Grade will commence Saturday 30th March.
3.2 The Senior competition will encompass the following divisions.
• Premier - Walter Galbraith Shield and Ack Soper Shield Competitions
• Division 1 - Gerald Dermody Shield Competition
• Division 2 – Naming TBA
• Presidents – Naming TBA
63.3 Premier - Walter Galbraith Shield and Ack Soper Shield Competition Formats
Teams: (Teams ranked below from 2018 results)
Pool 1 Pool 2
1 - Marist 2 - Pirates Old Boys
3 - Woodlands 4 - Blues
5 - E.N.C (BaBa’s) 6 - Star
2 - Midlands 1 - Wyndham
4 - Edendale 3 - Waikaka
6 - Te Anau 5 - Riversdale
Structure:
• 12 Teams
• 2 Pools of 6
• First Game – Saturday 23rd March
• 1 Full Round Robin within each pool (5 weeks)
• After 1 Full Round Robin the competition will split (Bonus points credited from round 1 to be
carried over to round 2 as per rule 3.3.1)
• Walter Galbraith Shield, top 3 teams from each pool on points from the Round Robin
• Ack Soper Shield, bottom 3 teams from each pool on points from the Round Robin
• Then 2 Full Rounds Home and Away (10 weeks)
• Semi Finals (both pools) 6th July
o 1v4
o 2v3
• Galbraith Shield and Soper Shield Finals 13th July
3.3.1 Bonus Points Credited in Round 1 to be Carried Over to Round 2
Premier Division
• Both pools of 6 teams will carry over bonus points from round 1 (full round) into round 2
• Teams finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each pool from round 1 will be credited 6, 4, 2 bonus points
to carry over into round 2 (Walter Galbraith Shield Round)
• Teams finishing 4th, 5th and 6th in each pool from round 1 will be credited 6, 4, 2 bonus points
to carry over into round 2 (Ack Soper Shield Round)
o E.G. 1st place from each pool = 6 bonus points, 2nd place from each pool = 4 bonus
points and 3rd place from each pool = 2 bonus points – (Galbraith Shield Pool)
o E.G. 4th place from each pool = 6 bonus points, 5th place from each pool = 4 bonus
points and 6th place from each pool = 2 bonus points - (Ack Soper Shield Pool)
73.3.2 Scrum Variations - Premier Grade First Five Rounds Only
For player safety, scrum variation rules will apply as follows:
• Full International Scrum Law applies when two 2018 Premier teams play each other or when
two 2018 Division 1 teams play each other
• A variation of the Scrum law will apply when a 2018 Premier and 2018 Division 1 team play
each other - The three NZ DSLV scrum restrictions that will apply include:
o Maximum 1.5 metres push. A team in a scrum must not push the scrum more than
1.5 metres toward the opponents goal line – Sanction Free Kick
o Ball must be released from the scrum. A player must not intentionally keep the ball in
the scrum once the players team has heeled the ball and controls it at the base of the
scrum – Sanction Free Kick
o No Wheeling beyond 45 degree. A Team must not intentionally wheel a scrum –
Sanction Penalty Kick
• Unless this season’s team coach (re 2018 Division 1 team) contacts the opposing team coach
(re 2018 Premier Team) then the DSLV rule applies for that game (therefore contact is only
made when the coach wants to change to International Law)
o Change to international law is too be confirmed between the two coaches at least 48
hours prior to the start of the game
o The coach initiating the change is to contact Rugby Southland of the decision – Rugby
Southland will inform the referee of the change
o Unless agreed to by both team captains and the match referee the decision option
cannot be changed
• Full International scrum law (Law 20) will apply after the pools split into top and bottom six
3.3.3 Scrum – Front Row Numbers – All Grades Including Secondary School
The table below indicates the number of suitably trained and experienced players available for the
front row when nominating different numbers of players to make up the team.
Number of Players Minimum number of suitably trained and experienced players
15 or less Three players who can play in the front row
16, 17 or 18 Four players who can play in the front row
19, 20, 21 or 22 Five players who can play in the front row
• A suitably trained and experience front row forward may start the match in another position
• When 19, 20, 21 or 22 players are nominated in a team there must be five players who can
play in the front row to ensure that:
o On the first occasion that a replacement hooker is required the team can continue to
play safely with contested scrums
o On the first occasion that a replacement prop is required the team can continue to
play safely with contested scrums
83.4 Division 1 – Gerald Dermody Competition Format
Teams: (Numbers beside teams indicate division rankings from 2018 results)
7 - Mossburn
8 - Waiau Star
1 - Blues Dev
2 - Star Dev
3 - Pioneer
4 - Wakatipu
5 - Albion
6 - Waikiwi
Structure:
• 8 teams
• First game – Saturday 30th March – no round Duck Shooting weekend (4th May)
• 2 full rounds home and away (14 weeks)
• Semi Final July 13th
o 1v4
o 2v3
• Final July 20th
93.5 Division 2 – Naming TBA Competition Format
Teams: (Numbers beside teams indicate division rankings from 2018 results)
1 - D.L.S
2 - Tokanui
3 - Riverton
4 - Woodlands Dev
5 - Marist Dev
6 - Pirates Old Boys Dev
1 - Bluff
2 – Ohai Nightcaps / Otautau (combines)
3 - Mataura
5 - Bush Pirates
6 - Balfour Lumsden
7 – Collegiate
Blues
Structure:
• 13 Team Competition
• First game – Saturday 30th March – no round Duck Shooting weekend (4th May)
• 1 Full Round Robin (13 weeks)
• After 1 Full Round Robin the competition will split into 3 pools Top 4, Middle 4 and Bottom 4.
• In each pool there will then be Semi Final/Final (2 weeks)
• Semi Finals 13th July
• Semi Finals Top
o 1v4
o 2v3
• Semi Finals Middle
o 5v8
o 6v7
• Semi Finals Bottom
o 9 v 12
o 10 v 11
• Finals 20th July
103.6 Presidents Grade
• Number of teams to be advised
• 2 Full rounds
• First game – Saturday 30th March – no round Duck Shooting weekend (4th May)
• Semi Final July 13th
o 1v4
o 2v3
• Final July 20th
3.7 Other Southland wide Grades:
• There will also be other age grades as determined by team entries down to “A” Grade-
Primary School (inclusive).
3.8 Playing of Competitions
• All competitions will be played dependent on the structure set down by the RSAC.
The RSAC will advise all relevant teams on how their competition will run, for the whole
season as soon as practical prior to the competition starting. This will include; how many
rounds, the format of semi-finals and finals where relevant and whether flag points are
carried over.
3.9 Promotion/Relegation
• Promotion/Relegation – will be by application and to be reviewed by the RSAC. New entry
placements in the Senior competition to be at the discretion of the RSAC.
4 Team Entries:
4.1 Team Entry Dates
• All clubs and schools must supply the CRA with team entries for their Club for all grades by
completing Form A1 and Form A2 as per the Club Competition Manual. The following dates
will apply:
• Premier, Division 1, Division 2 and Presidents
o Monday 18th February
• All Other Southland Wide Grades (as determined by the RSAC)
o Monday 8th April
4.2 Under 18 Players Playing in Senior Competitions
• Clubs of any U18 player playing in a team entered in the senior competition under rule 3.2
must;
o Supply that players completed Form C to the CRA prior to playing any
Competition or pre-season game.
o Be aware of any other option/team for the player to play in.
o Inform - Match Referee must be notified on every occasion that they are
playing.
o RSAC members will sight the player playing and have the right to withdraw the
players consent to play Senior Rugby.
115 Transfers:
5.1 Players Transferring Clubs Between Seasons
• Any player who transfers from one club to another within Southland (or from another
New Zealand club) between seasons is NOT required to complete a transfer form. The
player MUST however complete a NZR On Line Player Registration form for their new
Club PRIOR TO PLAYING. Players who have Registration Restricted tags should arrange
with their previous union for these to be removed.
5.2 Players Transferring Clubs Inside Seasons
• Where a transfer is requested within the first 4 weeks of commencement of the
competition, a Transfer Form must be completed and sent to the CRA by 1.00.pm on the
Thursday prior to the next competition game by completing Form D as per the Club
Competition Manual. Rugby Southland must be informed before the transfer can be
formalised. A transfer will not automatically be given.
• Where a transfer is requested after the fourth week of the commencement of the
competition for approval to be given, the transfer form (Form D) must be received by the
CRA and approval given by COM prior to playing for the new Club. A transfer will not
automatically be given.
• Any player who transfers after 25th May will not be eligible to play in the semi-finals, or
finals of any grade. (Refer rule 7.3).
• Any player who has been granted a transfer to play club rugby in another provincial union
after the commencement of the Southland wide competition, is ineligible for a return
transfer (into the Southland wide competition) for a minimum 28 days from approval of
initial transfer.
5.3 Students Playing in Senior Competitions
• Any student that attends a Southland Secondary School which participates in the Southland
Wide Competition must have a clearance from the school before they can play for any Club
by completing Form E and Form C (if under 18 years) as per the Club Competition Manual.
• A Secondary School Student who leaves school at the end of any rugby season does not
require a transfer to play for a Club the following season. They must however, complete an
NZR On line Player Registration Form with their new Club before they can play.
5.4 Overseas Players
• Overseas players, or NZ players returning from overseas playing commitments, must have
a World Rugby International Clearance from their home union or for New Zealand players
returning home, a World Rugby International Clearance from the country from which they
are returning. Any player who has not completed this process will NOT be permitted to
play club rugby until the necessary World Rugby International Clearance has been
obtained. (Form F). It is the players responsibility to ensure that they obtain an
international clearance as per NZR international clearance policy.
• Please Note – All players that intend to play overseas need an international clearance.
Form F needs to be completed and forwarded to CRA at Rugby Southland for processing
prior to leaving NZ preventing delays when trying to play in your new Country.
125.5 Transfer Sanctions
• If a team fields a player in breach of the Transfer or World Rugby Clearance rules, it will
forfeit any competition points which it may have been awarded for the match in which that
player has participated and a monetary fine of $250.00 will be applied to the Club.
6 Player Registrations:
6.1 Online Registrations
• All Clubs/Schools must have all players, coaches and managers in their teams complete NZR
On line registration on their respective Sporty Website prior to the first competition game.
• All Team Coaches and Managers must complete the NZR Online Registration Form and E
Learning course (attached to the Online Registration Form) and attend the COMPULSORY
Rugby Smart/Small Blacks Course.
6.2 Additional Player Registrations
• Any additional Player registrations which occur after the required date must be loaded
and activated in Sporty before the player can play.
6.3 Unregistered Player Sanctions
• Any Club playing unregistered players in the Senior Competition after 20th April, may forfeit
the match and the maximum points (5) may be awarded to the opposing team.
• Any Club/School playing unregistered players in the Junior Competition after 25th of May,
may forfeit the match and the maximum points (5) may be awarded to the opposing team.
• Clubs failing to complete NZR Online registration by the dates outlined in the above points
maybe fined $50 per unregistered player.
6.4 Gender
• As per World Rugby mixed gender rugby guidelines all grades above Under 13 shall be for
single gender only.
7 Re-grading - Senior:
7.1 Senior Grade
• All Senior Grade teams, shall be classified as being one grade. This is to provide for regular
interchange of players between teams, with the exception of those players who fall under
Rule 7.2.
• Players in combined teams, may only return to play for the club team to which they are
registered.
• This rule applies for round robin play only. For semi-final and final eligibility, please refer to
sections 7.3 and 7.4.
7.2 Academy and Contracted Players
• Academy Players and Southland Contracted Players are not eligible to interchange as per
the above rule. The COM of Rugby Southland is in possession of the list of these players.
137.3 Semis and Finals (Player Eligibility)
7.3.1 For a player to be eligible to play in the semi-finals or final of the Southland wide Club
Competition, that player must be solely and continuously registered for community rugby
with Rugby Southland or one of the clubs/schools in Southland in the current and / or
previous season.
Sub Rule 7.3.1 will not apply to players who meet the requirements of Rule 7.3.2.
7.3.2 Players not solely and continuously registered for Community Rugby with Rugby Southland,
or one of the Southland wide competition clubs or schools in the previous and / or current
seasons, including International and Super Rugby Players must be registered and playing club
rugby in Southland on or before Saturday 25th May, 2019 to be eligible to play in the Semi
Final or Final of their respective grade. (The intent of this rule is that the player will
continuously play beyond the 25th May, 2019 being the remainder of the round robin)
7.3.3 Any player who is granted a transfer after Saturday 25th May, 2019 is ineligible to play in the
Semi Finals or Final of any Southland wide Competition. Sub Rule 7.3.3 over rides both 7.3.1
and 7.3.2.
7.4 Higher Graded Players
• When a player has been named on a higher grade team sheet on 4 or more occasions, to
then be eligible to play in a lower graded semi or final, they need to have been named
(and played) on the lower graded team sheet on at least 50% of scheduled competition
matches during round-robin play. Similarly, for any player to play in any grade after the
completion of the premier regular season, 29th June 2019, they must have already been
named on the team sheet of that team for more than 50% of that grades regular season –
including players in combined teams
• Teams who are defaulted to, will be entitled to count the match as having been played as
scheduled for the purpose of eligibility, provided that they forward a team sheet for that
match to the CRA following the default.
7.5 Regrades (Secondary School and Below)
• For all grades Secondary and below, if a player has appeared on the Team Sheet 4 or more
times for a higher graded team, they will be deemed to be a higher graded player. This
player cannot return and play for his original grade unless they are re-graded. Applications
for a re-grade must be submitted on Form G to the CRA by noon on the Thursday prior to
Saturday games, or 48 hours prior for other games for approval to be given prior to
returning to the original grade. Flag points may be deducted from any team abusing this
rule.
147.6 Regrades Secondary Schools and Below (Semis and Finals)
• There shall be no new re-grades approved for teams who have qualified for semi-finals and
finals matches.
• Under the Domestic Safety law Variation the NZ Half Time Rule will apply to all levels of
domestic rugby below but not including Secondary School 1st XV or Under 18 grades.
Therefore, players who appear on an Under 18 or Secondary 1st XV team sheet and who
constantly play (off the bench) for 15 minutes or less may play for a lower grade team,
providing the player is age eligible. Any decision to allow player movement between the
two grades will be made by the COM in discussion with the YRC Chairperson.
7.7 University Students
• University students (UNI after their name on the team sheet) may play at club rugby level
for a club in their home residential district during their academic vacations, but must be
registered on the NZR database. The COM at Rugby Southland MUST be notified prior to
such a player taking the field under these circumstances.
7.8 Two Teams in the Same Grade
• Any Club or School, who has more than one team in the same grade, cannot play players
between these teams, except under Rule 7.9.
7.9 Borrowing of Players – Round Robin Games
• Where a team, club, or school is struggling to put numbers on the rugby field, for safety
reasons, or have less than 15 players, that team, club or school may put a case to the COM
to temporarily borrow players on, a ‘game by game’ basis. The team, club or school can
approach another team, from within Southland, to check availability and then put their
case to the COM. Any decision to allow temporary borrowing of players will be made by
the COM in discussion with the Chairman of RSAC, (where this is of the same person the
discussion will be had with the COM and Vice Chairman of RSAC) on the basis that rugby in
Southland will benefit as a whole and not any individual team, club or school.
• In the event that on the day if 16 registered players to that team are available these players
must be played and any borrowed players omitted.
• A Player temporarily borrowed must be either from a team in the same grade or from a
team in a lower grade.
• Contracted and academy players will not be considered.
157.10 Borrowing of Players – Semi’s and Finals
• Only the Borrowing of front row players will be considered for semis and finals. Where a
team, club, or school is struggling to put front row players on the rugby field, for safety
reasons, that team, club or school may put a case to the COM to temporarily borrow a front
row player/s on, a ‘game by game’ basis – Other positions will not be considered for semis
and finals.
• The borrowed front row player cannot take the field ahead of that teams front row players
unless position specific (e.g. prop for prop or hooker for hooker)
• A known suitably trained and experience front row player who has consistently played in
that teams front row for the current season must remain as a front row player in that team
and cannot be moved into another position (.e.g. number 8) to make way for a borrowed
front row player.
• A Player temporarily borrowed must be either from a team in the same grade or from a
team in a lower grade.
• Contracted and academy players will not be considered.
8 Age Grade Dispensations:
8.1 Age Grade Competitions (Specific Age)
• Players taking part in an Age Grade competition must be under the specified age as at the
1st. January preceding the start of the season. Rugby Southland requires Clubs and Schools
to submit proof of age when making registrations or at any stage during the season.
8.2 Under 14 and Under 15 Grades
• Any team playing in U14 and U15 grade with dispensated players can have only four “over-
age” players in the Squad, with a maximum of two on the field at any one time.
8.3 Under 17 and Under 18 Grades
• Secondary Under 17 and Under 18 grades will be for teenage rugby players over the age of
16. Dispensations/exceptions for Secondary Under 17 and Under 18 grade players will be
assessed on a case by case bases via the YRC Technical Committee.
• Any team playing in the U18 grade with dispensated players can have only six “over-age”
players in the Squad, with a maximum of four on the field at any one time.
8.4 List of Dispensated Players
• A full list of dispensated players in Age Grade competitions shall be available from the YRC
8.5 Dispensation Forms
• All dispensation forms for the year must be completed and returned to Rugby Southland in
the week prior to the commencement of the competition by completing Form H as per the
Club Competition Manual, except for new players arriving at Clubs or Schools after this
date, who must apply to the CRA at Rugby Southland prior to playing.
168.6 Ineligible Players
• Teams playing ineligible players will lose competition points.
• If a dispensated player plays up a grade, their dispensation is automatically revoked.
8.7 Semis and Finals (Dispensated Players)
• Any team that has more dispensated players in their squad than allowed under Rule 8.2
will not be eligible to play in semi-finals and finals, whether or not the dispensated players
actually play.
8.8 Team Sheet
• Any Age Dispensated players must be identified on the Team Sheet with (AD) after their
name.
• Team managers/coaches will meet prior to the game kicking off to confirm any age
dispensated players in their team
8.9 Positional Dispensated Player
• A positional dispensated player may only play in that position.
8.10 Primary School (Year 8 and Down)
• Primary School – “A” Grade is classified as Primary School Students Year 8 and below. No
Secondary School Students are eligible.
8.11 Guidelines
• At the discretion of the YRC, individual circumstances will be treated on a case-by-case
basis.
• Any change to the age dispensation rules to be at the discretion of the Youth Rugby Council.
NOTE: Guidelines to Re-grading/Dispensations.
a) Number in the team.
b) Height/weight/experience (Players with Representative experience are unlikely
to receive dispensation).
c) Age.
d) Is rugby available at an appropriate grade if a request for re-grade is declined or
is border-line?
e) The YRC has the right to reassess a player it they are having an obvious
influence on a team performance or if the team numbers increase during the
season.
f) COMMON SENSE.
g) Regrades/Dispensations will not be automatic.
179 Team Numbers:
9.1 Number of Players in Team
• All teams must not strip more than 22 players for any one game – as per Laws of the
Game (Law 3.4).
9.2 Jersey Numbers
• All players must have individually numbered jerseys (1-15), and reserves (16-22), as
applicable. No duplicates are permissible. Teams failing to abide by this rule may lose flag
points and/or incur a fine of $250.
10 Team Sheet / Results:
10.1 Complete Team Sheet Information
• All Team Sheets must be fully completed by the team coach/administrator or manager,
including results, via the Myrugby App – if failure of the new electronic system please revert
to the below points 1 to 6
1. All Team Sheets must be fully completed, including results, managers or coaches signature
and contain names and numbers of all players who may take the field. This must include
the players first name and surname and be legible, nicknames are NOT acceptable.
2. If team sheets are not supplied, or the information supplied does not meet the
requirements of this regulation, the offending team or teams shall forfeit all competition
points earned for that particular match.
3. The opposition shall not receive these points.
4. If both sides fail to comply with this regulation, each side will record a loss.
5. The Coach or Manager signing the Team Sheet is the person responsible to certify the
information is accurate.
6. The referee will be responsible for recording the score and whether there were four (4) or
more tries scored during the match as per rule 17.1(d)
o Coach or Manager to liaise with referee to ensure score and tries scored is correct
10.2 Forward Completed Team Sheet to Rugby Southland
• Using the Myrugby App, when complete and submitted the team sheet will automatically
be received by Rugby Southland – The team sheet is to be completed no later than 48 hours
following the completion of the fixture – if the electronic system fails please revert to the
below points 1 to 4
1. The Team Sheet is to be forwarded by team management to the CRA at Rugby
Southland no later than the Monday afternoon or no later than 48 hours following the
completion of the fixture (whichever is sooner) and be sent via:
2. Email community.rugby@rugbysouthland.co.nz
3. Photo of Team Sheet and Text to 027 3250 631
4. Hard copy delivered to CRA at Rugby Southland
1810.3 Front Row Player Information on Team Sheet
• Team Sheets must indicate the designated front row replacements where
applicable.
• Where a team is unable to provide 15 players (including three trained front rowers)
to start the match, this team shall forfeit the competition points. The match may
still be played
• Each player in the front row and any potential replacement(s) must be suitably
trained and experienced
11 Match Venue and Times:
11.1 Match Start Time
• All Club matches shall start at the time appointed by the RSAC generally on a Saturday.
• Any teams not being on the ground and ready to play at the appointed time shall be
deemed to have defaulted the match unless the RSAC, at its discretion, decides otherwise.
11.2 Re-scheduling of Games
• Games can be re-scheduled by mutual consent between the Clubs involved provided the
COM is notified ten days prior to the game and the COM consents to the change after
consultation. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis inside
ten days.
• On days when Southland is playing at home, games drawn within the Invercargill City
Council area are to be played at a time at least two and a half hours prior to kick off and all
other Senior games in Southland to be drawn so as not to clash with the representative
fixture
11.3 Completing Game Change Request Form
• A Game Change Request can be completed electronically or by hard copy as follows:
o The Game Change Request must be completed ten days prior to the game by
accessing the Sporty Web-site www.sporty.co.nz/southlandrugby and clicking on
the “Game Changes Tab” and completing the electronic form. When complete an
automatic email will generate advising Rugby Southland of the request
o The Game Change Request Form must be completed and sent to the Community
Rugby Administrator ten days prior to the game by completing Form B as per the
Club Competition Manual
• If teams cannot mutually agree then the match must be played as per the official draw
11.4 Fixtures played Under Lights
• Any fixtures played under lights must be of 100 lux or more. Current approved fields are
listed in the Club Manual (page 30).
1911.5 Venues
• When practical, games will be played in each Sub-Union, each Saturday:
a) Teams to play home games as close as possible to 50%.
b) Home game is defined as Club ground in Central, Western, and Northern.
c) Town – Rugby Park Stadium or Centrepoint Park or Club grounds.
d) Eastern – The Showgrounds or Club grounds.
11.6 Grounds and Barriers
11.6.1 Clubs/schools must ensure that grounds are adequately controlled, that a Match
Manager is appointed by the home club/school and that spectators are controlled by
the provision of suitable barriers. (Barriers are compulsory and should be curved
where possible to enable good viewing and should also be tight enough to maintain
the curve and be a minimum 3 metres from the touchline). Refer to the Club
Competition Manual.
11.6.2 The only persons entitled to be within the playing enclosure are participating players,
the referee and his/her 2 assistants, a maximum of 2 ball persons per team, St Johns
or appointed medical staff. In addition each team may have one person on either side
of the ground who may be the medic/watercarrier/tee carrier. No other personnel
including reserves or team management are permitted to be inside the enclosure.
Clubs are encouraged to provide a designated area outside the barriers for team
reserves and management. The referee may then take necessary steps to rectify any
problem, including calling the match off.
11.6.3 Clubs/schools failing their responsibilities in 11.6.1 or 11.6.2 may be fined $250
and/or lose their next home game.
11.6.4 Club games appointed official match referee’s will have the manager’s, of each playing
team nominate a suitable person to wear an Applaud vest and manage that teams
side-line (behaviour).
• Referees present an Applaud vest to each team manager before the
commencement of the game
• A brief explanation of responsibilities and expectations – (similar practice to
handing the manager the AR’s flag)
• Team manager nominates a suitable person to wear the vest
o The suitable person is responsible for managing that teams side-line
behaviour
o If there is a refusal to wear the vest or manage the side-line, the
referee will not start the game
o If there is a refusal to wear the vest or manage the side-line during the
game, the referee will stop the game and not restart until compliance
• Games not appointed an official referee will be controlled by a person/s
wearing an Applaud vest
20Sanction/s
• Game is not to commence until team manager nominates suitable person with
that person understanding the requirements of the role. Failure to comply
results in default
• Non-compliance during the game – the game is called off resulting in default
• Teams failing responsibility may be fined $250 and/or lose their next home
game
• Continued non-compliance the team is to be removed from the competition
12 Defaults:
12.1 Teams Defaulting
12.1.1 Where a team defaults to another, the maximum flag points (5) and a points differential
of +20 or their seasonal average, (whichever is the greatest), shall be awarded to the
team who received the default.
12.1.2 Any Club defaulting a fixture must advise the following three parties no later than 12.00
noon on the day preceding the fixture:
a) Opposition Club Captain.
a) Community Operations Manager.
b) Referees' Education Officer.
12.1.3 Failure to observe all of subsection (12.1.2) may attract a fine of $250 and paid to the
non-defaulting teams Club and/or the Southland Referee Association.
12.1.4 Should a team default 2 matches in succession, or 3 at intervals in any grade it may be
deemed to have withdrawn from the competition and any games it may have played
may not be counted in the competition
12.2 Non Defaulting Team
• Non-defaulting team to host the game in the next round if not already a home game.
13 Abandonment of Games:
13.1 Ground and Weather:
• The referee in a match shall have the power to abandon the game if the condition of the
ground or the weather conditions render it unfit to play, but he/she shall take into account
any request from the respective team captains for play to proceed.
2113.2 Conduct
• If a match is called off by the referee because of bad conduct, the team captain and the
team manager or coach of each team must attend a meeting of the Disciplinary Sub
Committee of Rugby Southland for the purposes of discussing the reason for the match
being abandoned. The referee must report the matter in writing (Form J may be used) to
the COM within 48 hours of the match and shall attend the meeting of the Disciplinary Sub
Committee of Rugby Southland if required. Both teams shall be suspended until their
officials appear before the Disciplinary Sub Committee. After hearing the cases, the
Disciplinary Sub Committee may take action in accordance with the guidelines set out by
NZR (Commonly referred to as the Black Book). No points shall be awarded to a team
proven to have caused abandonment.
13.3 Injury Stoppage/Lighting Failure
• If a match stopping Injury or lighting failure occurs, then provided both teams are in
agreement, the score at that time can be taken as the final result. If the teams do not agree
and less than 75% of the match has been completed, the match is to be rescheduled at the
original venue at a time agreed on both teams, if no agreement is reached, the RSAC
Technical committee will decide on venue, time and date. If more than 75% of the match
has been completed and the teams do not agree on a result, the result will stand.
13.4 Cancellation of Scheduled Rounds
• Southland being geographically wide spread weather and road conditions may vary
dramatically from one part of the province to another therefore, conditions in some areas
may be conducive to playing rugby but not in other areas. Where weather and road
conditions affect matches of the same grade and competition, areas conducive to playing
may continue however, areas not conducive to playing, games will be postponed and
played at a later date.
• The postponement date will be set down by Rugby Southland however, if teams agree,
rule 11.2 Re-Scheduling of Games may take effect. If teams cannot agree then the date
set down by Rugby Southland will be the confirmed scheduled date. A team not
honouring this date will be deemed as defaulting.
• Where a full round (all games and teams being of the same grade/competition) is
cancelled through weather and road conditions that round of games will not be played
(regardless of points standings there will be no catch up games).
14 Pre-Season Games & Games not played as per the draw:
14.1 Pre Season Games
• At least ten days’ notice of the game, the date, the time and the venue must be received
from the Clubs involved by the CDO in writing and acknowledged by him/her.
• If teams approach Rugby Southland within the 10 day period prior to the drawn date,
referees may not be appointed on the days other than the drawn date. Likewise, if teams
have contacted Rugby Southland and given at least 10 days’ notice and then they
subsequently change their mind, referees may not be appointed to games on days other
than the amended date.
2215 Non Attendance of Referees:
15.1 No Referee
• Should the appointed referee for any game fail to turn up for their appointed game, then
Clubs must contact the referees emergency phone numbers:
– REO TBA,
027 358 6004 - Kirk Rae,
027 232 3235 - Mike Mannix
15.2 Replacement Referee
• Should there be no replacement referee available then the game may be rescheduled prior
to the following week’s game
• If no referee has been appointed the two teams may agree upon a referee. If they cannot
agree, the home team appoints a referee. Non contested scrums must be applied in all
fixtures, unless the replacement referee meets the criteria of NZR Domestic Safety Law
20.12(c).
• DSLV 20.12 (c) : Contested scrums may be applied in all fixtures refereed by “playing rugby”
accredited coaches (Under 13 grade only), and NZR Associate Referees in Under 12 and all
grades above.
16 Protests/Complaints:
16.1 Protests
• Where a cause for a protest is known before a match the opposing team should be notified
and if the complaint is remedied then no further action will be taken.
• If the team protested against is unable or unwilling to remedy matters then the game
should be played “under protest” and a written protest be given to the COM within 48
hours. The COM must also be notified verbally that the game has been played under protest
within two hours of the final whistle.
• Where the ground of protest is discovered during or after the game. The protest must be
made within 48 hours of the completion of the match in writing to the COM.
• Protests must be in writing and accompanied by a fee of $200. The fee will be refunded
unless the protest is considered frivolous.
• If any person wants to lodge a complaint about any incident during a game, they must
complete Form J and send to Rugby Southland within 48 hours of the games completion.
2317 Competition Points (All Grades):
17.1 Flag Points
• Flag Points will be awarded as follows:
a) Win – 4 points.
b) Draw – 2 points.
c) Loss by seven or less points – 1 point.
d) Four or more tries scored – 1 point.
e) Teams who are defaulted to – 5 points.
18 Matches:
18.1 Match Balls
• Prior to the commencement of the first Southland Wide Competition game, the home team
must present three new match balls. Thereafter these balls will be used for home games.
These balls will be Gilbert Revolution or Gilbert Barbarian and available for inspection by
the opposing Captain and the Referee prior to the game. (N.B. – Primary School A Grade –
size 4 ball)
• Failure to provide the three match balls may lead to a fine of $100, on the written complaint
of the visiting team’s captain, verified by the Referee.
19 Programmes:
19.1 Team Programmes
• Premier, Division 1, Division 2, teams will provide Team Sheets for programmes for all their
games during the season, by submitting their teams to the ‘home’ side by 9.00am on the
day prior to the game.
• When teams have been drawn to play at the Rugby Park Stadium or Centrepoint Park,
teams for the programme must be e-mailed or faxed to the CRA at Rugby Southland on
Form I as per the Club Competition Manual to community.rugby@rugbysouthland.co.nz;
or Fax (03) 216 8695 by 9.00 am on the day prior to the game.
• Where a Presidents, or age grade team is drawn to play on a major ground, (Town area -
Rugby Park Stadium or Les George Oval, Eastern area -Showgrounds) this team must submit
a team for the programme as above.
2420 Semi Finals:
20.1 Team Ratings
• Rating of teams for semifinal is as follows:
a) Flag points
b) Where teams are tied on flag points rankings will be determined using the flag points
won in games played between the tied teams
c) The team having the higher differential between the average of points for and against
in the round robin
d) The most tries scored in the round
20.2 Venues
• The venue for semi-finals will be determined by the COM and RSAC. The highest qualifiers
in all grades are to get home game advantage
• The Galbraith Shield Final will be played at Rugby Park
Exception to home game advantage:
a) Club/School Teams outside the Southland province/boundary invited to play in the
Southland Wide Rugby Club Competition will not be considered for a home semi-
final – all semi-finals will be played in Southland at a Southland venue
20.3 Unregistered or Ineligible Players
• Playing of unregistered or ineligible players, in semi-finals or finals will result in an
automatic loss.
20.4 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time
• In a semi-final where the score is tied at the end of the normal time the winner will be
determined by the following criteria, which shall be applied in order of sequence until a
result as to the precedence of one of the relevant teams is determined: for Senior games
a) A further 10 minutes each way will be played.
There will be an interval of 5 minutes before further time is played. Teams will
re-toss to determine kick-off. A further 2 minute interval will be observed after
the first extra 10 minutes is played.
b) The team scoring the most tries in the match.
c) The highest ranked semi-finalist is declared the winner.
NOTE: No extra time (a) will be played from Under 19 down, (World Rugby Regulations)
: for Junior games
d) The team scoring the most tries in the match.
e) The highest ranked semi-finalist is declared the winner.
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