SOUTHLAND WIDE RUGBY CLUB COMPETITION RULES - 2020 SEASON Ratified by Rugby Southland Advisory Committee 08/06/2020
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SOUTHLAND WIDE RUGBY
CLUB COMPETITION
RULES
2020 SEASON
Ratified by Rugby Southland Advisory Committee 08/06/2020
1Table of Contents
1. Control: ............................................................................................................................................. 6
2. Laws of the Game:............................................................................................................................ 6
3 Competitions: Altered Due to Covid 19 ........................................................................................... 6
3.1 Starting Dates. ........................................................................................................................................6
3.2 The Senior competition will encompass the following divisions. ...........................................................6
3.3 Premier - Galbraith Shield and Ack Soper Shield Competition Formats ................................................7
3.4 Division 1 – Ack Soper Shileld and Gerald Dermody Shield Competition Formats ................................8
3.5 Division 2 – C J Soper Trophy and Lif Members Trophy Competition Format .......................................9
3.6 Presidents Grade – Cup Grade and Trophy Grade .............................................................................. 10
3.7 Women’s Open Grade ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.8 INTRODUCTION OF GAME ON FOR ADULT AND SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY .................................. 12
3.8.1 NZR Domestic Safety Law Variations – Game On ............................................................................... 12
Rugby Southland Designated Premier Grade Competitions ............................................................... 12
3.8.2 Where There Are Fewer Than Fifteen Players................................................................................. 13
3.8.3 Front Row – Replacements and Substitutions................................................................................. 13
3.8.4 Rolling Replacements ...................................................................................................................... 13
3.8.5 Law 5 – Time – Duration of Match .................................................................................................. 13
3.8.6 Variation in Duration of Match ........................................................................................................ 14
3.8.7 Appendix 1 – Game On Provisions .................................................................................................. 14
3.9 Other Southland Wide Grades: ........................................................................................................... 15
3.9.1 Playing of Competitions ................................................................................................................... 15
3.9.2 Promotion/Relegation ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.10 Half Game Rule ................................................................................................................................ 15
3.11 Water Breaks ................................................................................................................................... 15
3.12 Secondary Grades Scrum Law ......................................................................................................... 15
4 Team Entries:.................................................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Team Entry Dates ................................................................................................................................ 16
4.2 Under 18 Players Playing in Senior Competitions ............................................................................... 16
5 Transfers: ........................................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 Players Transferring Clubs Between Seasons ...................................................................................... 16
5.2 Players Transferring Clubs Inside Seasons – online applications ........................................................ 16
5.3 Students Playing in Senior Competitions............................................................................................. 17
5.4 Overseas Players .................................................................................................................................. 17
5.5 Transfer Sanctions ............................................................................................................................... 17
6 Player Registrations: ....................................................................................................................... 17
6.1 Online Registrations ............................................................................................................................ 17
26.2 NZR – Rugby Smart/Small Blacks Registration and Course attendance - sanctions ............................ 17
6.3 Unregistered Player Sanctions............................................................................................................. 17
6.4 Gender ................................................................................................................................................. 17
7 Re-grading - Senior: ..................................................................................................................... 18
7.1 Senior Grade ........................................................................................................................................ 18
7.2 Academy and Contracted Players ........................................................................................................ 18
7.3 Semis and Finals (Player Eligibility) ...................................................................................................... 18
7.3.1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
7.3.2 ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
7.3.3 ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
7.4 Higher Graded Players (Senior Grades) ............................................................................................... 18
7.5 Regrades (Secondary School and Below) ............................................................................................ 19
7.6 Regrades Secondary Schools and Below (Semis and Finals) ............................................................... 19
7.7 University Students.............................................................................................................................. 19
7.8 Two Teams in the Same Grade ............................................................................................................ 19
7.9 Borrowing of Players – Round Robin Games ...................................................................................... 19
7.10 Borrowing of Players – Semi’s and Finals ............................................................................................ 20
8 Age Grade Dispensations: .............................................................................................................. 21
8.1 Age Grade Competitions (Specific Age) ............................................................................................... 21
8.2 Primary School (Year 8 and Down) ...................................................................................................... 21
8.3 Dispensation Forms ............................................................................................................................. 21
8.4 Under 14, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 18 Grade Dispensation Numbers (Form-H) ..................... 21
8.5 Conditional Dispensations ................................................................................................................... 21
8.6 Exceptional Circumstances Case Assessment (Form – H2) ................................................................. 21
8.7 List of Dispensated Players .................................................................................................................. 21
8.8 Ineligible Players .................................................................................................................................. 22
8.9 Team Sheet .......................................................................................................................................... 22
8.10 Case by Case ........................................................................................................................................ 22
8.11 Guidelines for Dispensations ............................................................................................................... 22
9 Team Numbers: .............................................................................................................................. 23
9.1 Number of Players in Team ................................................................................................................. 23
9.2 Jersey Numbers ................................................................................................................................... 23
9.3 Front Row Player Information ............................................................................................................. 23
10 Team Sheet / Results: ................................................................................................................. 23
10.1 Complete Team Sheet Information ..................................................................................................... 23
10.2 Forward Completed Team Sheet to Rugby Southland ........................................................................ 24
11 Match Venue and Times: ............................................................................................................ 24
311.1 Match Start Time ................................................................................................................................. 24
11.2 Re-scheduling of Games ...................................................................................................................... 24
11.3 Completing Game Change Request Form B ........................................................................................ 24
11.4 Fixtures played Under Lights ............................................................................................................... 25
11.5 Venues ................................................................................................................................................. 25
11.6 Grounds and Barriers........................................................................................................................... 25
Sanction/s ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
12 Defaults: ........................................................................................................................................... 26
12.1 Teams Defaulting ................................................................................................................................. 26
12.2 Non Defaulting Team .......................................................................................................................... 26
13 Abandonment of Games: ................................................................................................................. 26
13.1 Ground and Weather:.......................................................................................................................... 26
13.2 Conduct................................................................................................................................................ 26
13.3 Injury Stoppage/Lighting Failure ......................................................................................................... 27
13.4 Cancellation of Scheduled Rounds ...................................................................................................... 27
14 Pre-Season Games & Games not played as per the draw: ............................................................... 27
14.1 Pre Season Games ............................................................................................................................... 27
15 Non Attendance of Referees: ........................................................................................................... 27
15.1 No Referee ........................................................................................................................................... 27
15.2 Replacement Referee .......................................................................................................................... 28
16 Protests/Complaints: ........................................................................................................................ 28
16.1 Protests ................................................................................................................................................ 28
17 Competition Points (All Grades): .................................................................................................... 28
17.1 Flag Points............................................................................................................................................ 28
18 Matches: ........................................................................................................................................... 29
18.1 Match Balls .......................................................................................................................................... 29
19 Programmes: .................................................................................................................................... 29
19.1 Team Programmes............................................................................................................................... 29
20 Semi Finals: ................................................................................................................................ 29
20.1 Team Ratings ....................................................................................................................................... 29
20.2 Venues ................................................................................................................................................. 29
20.3 Unregistered or Ineligible Players ....................................................................................................... 30
20.4 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time ............................................................................................... 30
21 Finals:.......................................................................................................................................... 30
21.1 Venues ................................................................................................................................................. 30
21.2 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time ............................................................................................... 30
22 Disciplinary:................................................................................................................................ 31
23 General: ....................................................................................................................................... 32
423.1 Amalgamated Teams ........................................................................................................................... 32
23.2 Amalgamation of Clubs........................................................................................................................ 32
23.3 Provincial Players ................................................................................................................................. 32
23.4 Similar Colours ..................................................................................................................................... 32
23.5 Sponsorship ......................................................................................................................................... 32
24 Disputes: ..................................................................................................................................... 32
25 Fines: ........................................................................................................................................... 33
26 Blue Card Concussion Initiative: ................................................................................................ 33
Appendix
1 Judiciary process ……………………………………………………………………………...34
RSAC – Rugby Southland Advisory Committee
YRC – Youth Rugby Council
COM – Community Operations Manager
CDO – Community Development Officer
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: - altered due to Covid-19
3.1 Starting dates.
• Senior Male Grades will commence Saturday 13th June
• Senior Women will commence Sunday 21st June - TBC
3.2 The Senior competition will encompass the following divisions.
• Premier - Galbraith Shield Competitions
• Division 1 - Ack Soper Shield Competitions
• Division 1 - Gerald Dermody Shield Competition
• Division 2 - C J Soper Trophy Competition
• Division 2 - Life Members Trophy Competition
• Presidents - Presidents Cup Competition
• Presidents - Trophy Competition
• Women - Trophy Competition
63.3 Premier - Galbraith Shield Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 6 teams) – Designated Premier Grade – (No Game On)
Blues Pirates Old Boys
E.N.C (BaaBaa’s) Star
Marist Woodlands
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 6 Teams
• 1 Pool of 6
• Pre-Season drawn by RS for Saturday 13th June
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 2 Full Round Robins (10 games)
• Each Round will have two games scheduled in a week – 2 night games
• Galbraith Shield Final 15th August
Double Round Games will be scheduled showing these games to be played on the Wednesday night.
73.4 Division 1 – Ack Soper Shield Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 6 teams)
Midlands Wyndham
Te Anau Edendale
Waikaka White Star Riversdale
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 6 Teams
• 1 Pool of 6
• First game of Round 1 will be 13th June – Pre-Season so not a competition – No points
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 2 Full Round Robin (10 games – 9 competition and 1 pre-season)
• Round one will have two games scheduled in a week – 1 night game
• Ack Soper Shield Final 15th August
Double Round Game will be scheduled showing this game to be played on the Wednesday night.
Division 1 - Gerald Dermody Shield Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 6 teams)
Mossburn Albion
Waikiwi Pioneer
Wakatipu Tokanui
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 6 Teams
• 1 Pool of 6
• 1 Pre-Season drawn by RS to be played on 13th June
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 3 competition games drawn by RS
• Then 1 Full Round Robin (9 games - 8 competition and 1 pre-season )
• Gerald Dermody Shield Final 15th August
Eight competition games and 1 pre-season.
83.5 Division 2 – C J Soper Trophy Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 6 teams)
Blues B Waiau Star
Star B DLS
Bluff Pioneer
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 6 Teams
• 1 Pool of 6
• 1 Pre-Season drawn by RS to be played on 13th June
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 3 competition games drawn by RS
• Then 1 Full Round Robin (9 games - 8 competition and 1 pre-season )
• C J Soper Trophy Final 15th August
Eight competition games and 1 pre-season.
Division 2 – Life Members Trophy Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 6 teams)
Bush Pirates Woodlands
Marist Pirates Old Boys
Collegiate Midlands
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 6 Teams
• 1 Pool of 6
• 1 Pre-Season drawn by RS to be played on 13th June
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 3 competition games drawn by RS
• Then 1 Full Round Robin (9 games - 8 competition and 1 pre-season )
• Life Members Trophy Final 15th August
Eight competition games and 1 pre-season.
93.6 Presidents Cup Grade Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 6 teams)
Wyndham Waikaka White Star
Blues Waikaia
Marist/Bluff Collegiate
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 6 Teams
• 1 Pool of 6
• 1 Pre-Season drawn by RS to be played on 13th June
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 3 competition games drawn by RS
• Then 1 Full Round Robin (9 games - 8 competition and 1 pre-season )
• Presidents Cup Grade Trophy Final 15th August
Eight competition games and 1 pre-season.
Presidents Trophy Grade Competition Format
Teams: (1 Pool of 5 teams)
Waikiwi Central Pirates
Star Pukerau
Tokanui
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 5 Teams
• 1 Pool of 5
• 1 Pre-Season drawn by RS to be played on 13th June
• First Competition Game – Saturday 20th June
• 3 competition games drawn by RS
• Then 1 Full Round Robin
• Presidents Trophy Grade Final 15th August
Seven or Six competition games and 1 pre-season.
103.7 Women’s Open Grade
Blues Albion
Marist Pioneer
Structure: (due to Covid-19)
• 4 Teams
• 1 Pool of 4
• 1 Pre-Season game drawn by RS to be played on 21st June
• First Competition Game – Sunday 28th June
• 2 Full Round Robins (6 games)
• Womens Open Grade Final 15th August
113.8 INTRODUCTION OF GAME ON FOR ADULT AND SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY
The introduction of Game On was approved by NZR (August 2019) through an amendment to the
Domestic Safety law Variation’s (DSLVs) as attached (below) and is effective from 1 January 2020.
Game On will be subject to a review in August 2020 to determine its effectiveness and any necessary
changes for the 2021 season
Note:
• Game On applies to all adult and secondary school competitions not designated as Premier
grades
• Game On is only triggered if a team presents with less than 15 players and/or less than 3
qualified front rowers at the commencement of the match. Normal competition rules
would apply in all other instances
• Notwithstanding Game On, Secondary School rugby competition grades are not eligible to
utilise rolling substitutions as the Half Game Rule still applies and should be applied at all
levels below 1st XV Rugby
Appendix 1: Amended DSLV – Game On Provisions
3.8.1 NZR Domestic Safety Law Variations – Game On
Law 3 – Number of Players – The Team
DEFINITIONS
Temporary Replacement: A player who temporarily replaces another who leaves the field to have
bleeding controlled and/or an open wound covered, or who replaces a front row player who has
been temporarily suspended or required to leave the field to obtain a mouthguard.
Permanent Replacement: A player who permanently replaces an injured player or a front row
forward who has been ordered off or a player who has been shown a Blue Card.
Rolling Replacements: Up to 12 tactical replacements (per team), which can be made only when the
ball is dead and with the permission of the referee.
Secondary School Rugby: All grades of rugby between U14 to U19 inclusive, including all grades
played by teams comprising secondary school students (whether representing schools or clubs).
Designated Premier Grade Competitions: Rugby competitions that have been designated as such by
the Provincial Union/s (or other organisation, such as a regional secondary school sports authority)
having jurisdiction over that competition. For the avoidance of doubt more than one grade may be
designated as a Designated Premier Grade Competition
Rugby Southland Designated Premier Grade Competitions are:
Premier
U18 – 1stXV Boys
123.8.2 Where There Are Fewer Than Fifteen Players
A. When a team participating in a Designated Premier Grade Competition is unable to provide at
least 15 players for a match (including the number of trained front rowers required by
3.8.3(B), that team shall forfeit the match and the opposition team will be deemed to have
won the match and will receive the winning competition points.
The match may still be played in accordance with the Game On Provisions (without impact on
the official match result or competition points).
B. When a team or teams participating in a competition that is not a Designated Premier Grade
Competition is or are unable to provide at least 15 players for a match (including at least 3
players who are trained to play in front row positions), but both teams have at least 10
players, the game will proceed in accordance with the Game On Provisions, without any
consequence to the match result.
3.8.3 Front Row – Replacements and Substitutions
A. The replacement of a front row forward must come from suitably trained and experienced
players who started the match or from nominated replacements. A player other than a
nominated front row player is permitted to play in the front row only when Uncontested
Scrums are being played and there are no available front row replacements.
B. If a team in a Designated Premier Grade Competition nominates 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20
players, it must have a minimum of 3 players trained to play in the front row positions.
If a team in a Designated Premier Grade Competition nominates 21 players, it must have a
minimum of 4 players who are trained to play in front row positions.
If a team in a Designated Premier Grade Competition nominates 22 players, it must have a
minimum of 5 players who are trained to play in front row positions.
C. When a team or teams participating in a competition that is not a Designated Premier Grade
Competition is or are unable to provide sufficient players who are trained to play in front row
positions for a match in accordance with 3.8.3(B), the match will proceed with uncontested
scrums in accordance with the Game On Provisions, without any consequence to the match’s
result or competition points
i. In this instance where teams are unable to provide sufficient players who are trained to
play in front row positions for a match in accordance with 3.8.3(B), the team may only
nominate a maximum 20 players NOT 21 or 22 players as in accordance with Law 3 -
Number of Players
3.8.4 Rolling Replacements
A. Rolling Replacements are not permitted in Designated Premier Grade Competition matches
or matches in Secondary School Rugby. Rolling replacements are permitted in matches in
competitions that are neither Secondary School Rugby nor Designated Premier Grade
Competitions, where that match is played in accordance with the Game On Provisions
3.8.5 Law 5 – Time – Duration of Match
Play in an Under 19 Match is no longer than 70 minutes, after a total of 70 minutes playing time, the
referee must not allow extra time to be played in the case of a drawn match in a knockout
competition. Under 14 and A Grade- play in a match no longer than 60 minutes. N.B: 90 minutes is
the maximum paying time permitted in one day for players in all grades of rugby Under 19 and
below (World Rugby Guideline)
133.8.6 Variation in Duration of Match
The duration of matches in competitions that are not Designated Premier Grade Competitions, that proceed
in accordance with the Game On Provisions, may be varied in accordance with appendix 1
3.8.7 Appendix 1 – Game On Provisions
1. Game On is a flexible game format designated to enable games to proceed with meaningful
outcomes despite teams being unable to meet normal team number and/or front row
considerations. It applies to all adult club and secondary school rugby
competitions that are not Designated Premier Grade Competitions.
2. Game On is only to be used when a team(s) has less than 15 players and/or insufficient
players trained to play in front row positions to commence the match.
3. The rules to apply to matches under the Game On Provisions are determined as follows:
a. Team Size (when one or both teams has less than 15 players). Playing numbers (from 10
to 15 a side) are determined by agreement between the Teams. In the event of no
agreement, the playing numbers will match the number of players of the team with the
fewest players.
i. Rugby Southland will accept a teams entry in U17 to A Grade inclusive, with a
minimum of 13 players, with the hope they can attract players as the season
progresses.
ii. In the event of an injury, the team with the fewest players loses a player, the game
will continue with the same starting player numbers – the opposition are not required
to reduce player numbers to match unless by agreement between both teams
b. Rolling Replacements (Grades above Secondary School Rugby only). Rolling
Replacements will be permitted in all games played under the Game On Provisions unless
the teams agree that Rolling Replacements will not be used and notify the referee prior
to kick-off. Half Game rule applies to Secondary School Rugby below 1st XV grades.
c. Contested or Uncontested Scrums. Subject to availability of a minimum of three players
trained to play in front row positions to start in each team, the match will commence
with contested scrums, but for the avoidance of doubt will revert to Uncontested Scrums
if any of those trained players leave the field
d. Length of match. To be agreed between the teams (with 40 minutes being the minimum
and 70 minutes being the maximum for Secondary School Rugby, and 80 minutes being
the maximum for grades above Secondary School Rugby). If no agreement is reached, the
match duration will be based on team size as follows:
10 a-side - 2 x 20 min halves. 40 min max
11 a-side - 2 x 25 min halves, 50 min max
12 a-side - 2 x 30 min halves, 60 min max
13/14 a-side - 2 x 35 min halves, 70 min max
15 a-side - 2 x 40 min halves, 80 min max (Secondary School Rugby 70 mins max)
(Under 14 and A Grade 60mins max)
143.9 Other Southland Wide Grades:
• There will also be other age grades as determined by team entries down to “A” Grade-
Primary School (inclusive).
3.9.1 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.
3.9.2 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.
3.10 Half Game Rule
• Applicable at all levels of domestic rugby below but not including Secondary School 1st XV
grades. ALL players in a squad off 22 players or less must play a minimum of half a game
each match. NB. Application of the Half Game Rule is a Team responsibility.
• A Grade – All players must play a minimum of half a game (this is to include at least two
full quarters). Rolling substitutions are not permitted. Substitutions may be made at half
time or approximately halfway through each half when the referee will allow and signal a
Substitution Break. This must be agreed by the referee in conjunction with both Team
Managers before the game starts.
• Rolling substitutions are not permitted in any grade below but not including Secondary
School 1st XV Grades
3.11 Water Breaks
• Should the Covid-19 Alert levels apply at any time at Level 2 or above, referees will allow
a ¼ and ¾ time out at approx. – e.g. 20mins and 60mins for Senior Grades for all players
to take a water break. Only their own named water bottle can be used. Water bottles
cannot be used during an injury stoppage to stop them being shared.
3.12 Secondary Grades Scrum Law
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 opponent’s 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 Free Kick. If the Wheel is unintentional the referee orders another scrum
where the scrum has stopped, same team feed.
154 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 displayed on the Rugby Southland Website. The
following dates will apply:
• Senior Men and Senior Women
o Monday 17th February - Due to Covid-19 phone confirmation by CDO
• All Other Southland Wide Grades (as determined by the RSAC)
o Monday 6th April - Due to Covid-19 phone confirmation by CDO
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 – Males (1 page) or Form C - Females (3
pages) 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 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. NB: No player who is 15 years old or
younger is eligible to play Senior Rugby
5 Transfers:
5.1 Players Transferring Clubs Between Seasons
• Any player who transfers from one club or school 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 an NZR Online 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 – on-line applications
• When a club requests the transfer of a player this is completed within their Sporty page.
The Club that is currently the players registered Club can accept or decline the request. The
system will automatically approve the transfer after 7 days if the Current Club does not
decline the request.
• Where a transfer is requested after the fourth week of the commencement of the
competition, the requesting Club must notify the COM prior to playing for the new Club.
• Any player who transfers after 11th July 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.
165.3 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 the applicable Form C – Male or Female – located on the Rugby
Southland Website.
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, this should prevent delays when trying to play in your new Country.
5.5 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
Online registration on their respective Sporty Website prior to the first competition game.
• All Team Coaches and Managers must complete the NZR Online Registration Form on their
respective Sporty Website and E-learning course (linked to Online Registration Form for
Rugby Smart) and attend a COMPULSORY Rugby Smart/Small Blacks Course (may be Zoom).
6.2 NZR – Rugby Smart/Small Blacks Registration and Course attendance- sanctions
• Teams may lose competition points if their Coaches / Managers fail to complete NZR Rugby
Smart (both e-learning and course attendance) or NZR Small Blacks course attendance.
6.3 Unregistered Player Sanctions
• Any Club playing unregistered players in the Senior Competition, may forfeit the match and
the maximum points (5) may be awarded to the opposing team.
• Any Club/School playing unregistered players in the Secondary/Junior Competition, may
forfeit the match and the maximum points (5) may be awarded to the opposing team.
• Clubs playing unregistered players (NZR Online registration not completed) 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.
177 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.
7.3 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 Rugby
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 11th July, 2020 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 11th July 2020 being the remainder of the round
robin)
7.3.3 Any player who is granted a transfer after Saturday 11th July 2020 is ineligible to play in
the Semi Finals or Final of any Southland wide Competition. Sub Rule 7.3.3 overrides
both 7.3.1 and 7.3.2.
7.4 Higher Graded Players (Senior Grades)
• 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, 8th August 2020, 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 the team sheet is loaded via the
MyRugby app as per Rule 10.2.
187.5 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 via the Rugby Southland Website 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.
7.6 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 Boys grade. Therefore,
players who appear on a Secondary 1st XV Boys 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/Boarding Students
• University/Boarding students may play at club rugby level for a club in their home
residential district during their academic vacations, but they must have an approved
transfer from their current club via the Sporty system to enable them to play. 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.
197.10 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 team’s 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.
208 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 Primary School (Year 8 and Down)
• Primary School – “A” Grade is classified as Primary School Students Year 8 and below.
Dispensations will be considered on a case by case basis. (i.e. in a school year higher than
their age, live in a remote area etc).
8.3 Dispensation Forms – located on the RS Website – Club Rugby – Forms & Documents
• An Age Dispensation Application must be completed using Form H to play in a grade lower
than their age.
• An Exceptional Circumstances Case Assessment Form must be completed using Form H2 to
play in grades higher than the players age band. Form H2 defines the bands based on
grade/sex
• All dispensation forms for the year must be completed and returned to Rugby Southland
two weeks prior to the commencement of the competition or prior to preseason games
so the YRC Dispensation Committee can make assessments prior to competitions starting.
New players arriving at Clubs or Schools after this date, must complete a Form H or Form
H2 and get approval to take the field so they can be assessed if required.
8.4 Under 14, Under 15, Under 17, Under18 Grade Dispensation Numbers (Form -H)
• Four dispensated players are permitted per team. A Full dispensation or a Conditional
dispensation can be approved. Once a player has a Full dispensation, they are treated as
an ‘of age’ player and there are no game restrictions. If a team needs to submit more than
four dispensations (Form H) the team must also supply their full playing list and a letter
explaining why more dispensations are required.
8.5 Conditional Dispensations
• Any player that has a Conditional Dispensation must abide by their conditions.
8.6 Exceptional Circumstances Case Assessment (Form – H2)
• An application should only be completed in an exceptional circumstance. (Players should
play in their appropriate grade where it is possible to do so). Form H2 defines the bands
based on grade/age/sex – located on the RS website – Forms and Documents.
• All case assessment requirements must be meet;
o Parent/Legal Guardian Consent
o Medical Specialist consent (Family physician or a medical specialist)
o Technical assessment sign off (Contact the RDO at RS – Peter Firth)
o School Principal/Club Chair approval
8.7 List of Dispensated Players
• A list of Exceptional Circumstances, Full Dispensated and Conditional dispensated players
in Age Grade competitions will be available from the YRC
21• Dispensation Rulings will be notified to the Club Secretary/School RAiS by RS.
8.8 Ineligible Players
• Teams playing ineligible players will lose competition points.
• If a dispensated player plays up a grade, their dispensation is automatically revoked.
8.9 Team Sheet
• Team sheets must be completed following Rule 10.1, Accurate details on MyRugby App
team sheets is vital.
8.10 Case by Case
• At the discretion of the YRC, individual circumstances for all dispensations will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
8.11 Guidelines for Dispensations
• Dispensation applications should be completed with as much detail as possible to assist
with prompt assessment of players.
• Any change to the age dispensation rules to be at the discretion of the Youth Rugby Council.
NOTE: Guidelines to Dispensations.
a) Number in the team.
b) Does the player pose a safety risk for competition participants, if yes can the
risk be mitigated – Conditional Dispensation.
c) Experience / Height / Weight / Age.
d) Is rugby available at an appropriate grade if a request for a dispensation is
declined?
e) The YRC Dispensation Committee has the right to reassess a player if they are
having an obvious influence on a team performance or if the team numbers
increase during the season.
f) COMMON SENSE.
g) Dispensations will not be automatic.
229 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).
Number of Players Minimum number of suitably trained and experienced players
15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 Three players who can play in the front row
21 Four players who can play in the front row
22 Five players who can play in the front row
• Refer Game On rules if Game On is triggered
9.2 Jersey Numbers
• All players jerseys must display an individual number, ideally starting (1-15), and reserves
(16-22), as applicable. No duplicates or inside out unnumbered jerseys are permissible.
Teams failing to abide by this rule may lose flag points and/or incur a fine of $250.
9.3 Front Row Player Information
• Prior to the match, each team must advise the referee of their front-row players and
possible front-row players and possible front-row replacements and which position(s) in
the front row they can play. Only these players may play in the front row when the scrum
is contested and only in their designated position(s).
• 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.
This rule does not apply when game on is activated.
• It is a team’s responsibility to ensure that all front-row players and front-row replacements
are suitably trained and experienced. Law 3.12
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.
235. 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 game completed and score 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 027 325 0631
4. Hard copy delivered to CRA at Rugby Southland
11 Match Venue and Times:
11.1 Match Start Time
• All Club matches shall start at the time stated in the RS draw, 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 by completing
Form B at least seven days prior to the game and the CDO consents to the change.
Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis inside seven 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 B
• A Game Change Request can be completed electronically or by hard copy as follows:
o The Game Change Request must be completed seven days prior to the game by
accessing the Sporty Web-site www.sporty.co.nz/southlandrugby and clicking on
the “Club Rugby Tab” and completing electronic Form B. When complete an
automatic email will generate advising Rugby Southland of the request
o Or the Game Change Request Form B can be printed, completed and sent to the
CDO seven days prior to the game bob@rugbysouthland.co.nz
• If teams cannot mutually agree then the match must be played as per the official draw
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