Wellington Rugby Football Union (Inc.) - BY-LAWS Effective February 2017 Updated March 2018 Updated February 2019 Updated March 2019 Updated March ...
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Wellington Rugby
Football Union (Inc.)
BY-LAWS
Effective February 2017
Updated March 2018
Updated February 2019
Updated March 2019
Updated March 2020
Updated June 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A – PRELIMINARY .......................................................................................................................................................3
1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF BY-LAWS ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION ................................................................................................................................................. 7
SECTION B – WRFU CLUB COMPETITION ...................................................................................................................................8
3. RULES, GRADES AND ENTRY .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
4. CONDUCT OF MATCHES .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
5. DEFAULTS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
6. STANDINGS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
7. TROPHIES................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
8. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY .................................................................................................................................................................... 21
9. AMATEUR CODE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26
10. OTHER DISQUALIFIED PERSONS ................................................................................................................................................ 29
SECTION D – BREACHES, PENALTIES, DISPUTES AND APPEALS ................................................................................................. 30
11. PROVISIONS RELATING TO BREACHES OF THESE BY-LAWS .............................................................................................................. 30
12. COMPLAINTS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN CLUBS ............................................................................................................................... 32
13. COMPLAINTS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN CLUBS ............................................................................................................................... 33
14. APPEALS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 35
SECTION E – OTHER ................................................................................................................................................................. 37
15. MEMBERS GENERAL MEETINGS AND INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 37
16. MATCHES WHICH ARE NOT WRFU CC MATCHES ........................................................................................................................ 38
SCHEDULE 1 – WRFU FORMS ................................................................................................................................................... 39
SCHEDULE 2 - TIME PERIODS ................................................................................................................................................... 47
SCHEDULE 3 – WRFU TROPHIES ............................................................................................................................................... 49
SCHEDULE 4 - PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF BY-LAWS ............................................................................................................ 51
2
SECTION A – PRELIMINARY
1. Background and Purpose of By-Laws
Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU)
1.1 WRFU is an incorporated society established to foster, encourage and control the game of rugby within the
Wellington Rugby Province. The members of WRFU are its member Clubs, Wellington Rugby Referees
Association (WRRA), Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby Union (WSSRU) and Junior Rugby Advisory Board
(JRAB).
Where does WRFU fit in the Rugby Hierarchy?
1.2 WRFU is part of the rugby hierarchy which includes the following levels: World Rugby (WR), national unions
(New Zealand Rugby Union (NZR)), provincial unions, Clubs and individual participants. WRFU is a member of
the NZRU which in turn is a member of WR.
1.3 To ensure overall consistency, each level of the rugby hierarchy is required to follow the rules required by the
body which is immediately above it. Rugby participants in Wellington must therefore follow the rules of their
Club, Schools Union or Referees association. The WRFU then requires those bodies and their members to
follow its rules and so on.
Who has Responsibility for Club, School and Junior Rugby?
1.4 WRFU is governed by a Board of Directors which has overall responsibility for development and management
of rugby in Wellington. WRFU also has a Rugby Board (in effect a council of delegates of WRFU members and
some others) to which the Board of Directors have delegated all matters relating:
a) to the playing and development of Club, school and junior rugby; and
b) all representative rugby below representative B level.
1.5 In turn, the Rugby Board has delegated to:
a) WSSRU: responsibility for the secondary school’s competition and all other matters relating to it except
for disciplinary procedures which are dealt with by the WRFU Disciplinary Committee (see By-Law 13);
b) The JRAB Subcommittee: responsibility for all aspects of junior rugby competitions, including club,
primary school, primary school zone representative rugby and all other matters relating to it except for
an appeal on a disciplinary matter (see By-law 14);
c) WRRA: responsibility for club, school and junior rugby Refereeing.
The bodies recorded above have adopted their own rules relating to their areas of responsibility.
What are By-Laws?
1.6 These By-Laws are the specific rules developed by the Rugby Board (and approved by the Board of Directors) to deal
with operational and day to day matters primarily relating to Clubs and Club rugby, but also dealing with aspects of
representative, school, junior and other rugby.
What about Representative Rugby?
1.7 These By-Laws apply to all representative matches held within the WRFU boundaries where NZRU does not
have jurisdiction (e.g. NZRU has jurisdiction for Provincial Senior "A" Rugby) but:
d) Each By-Law only applies to the extent that it is relevant (as determined by WRFU at any time); and
e) if a By-Law is relevant then it is deemed to be read with appropriate changes so that the specific By-Law
is appropriately applied to a representative rugby situation; and
f) WR’s "The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union" apply except as otherwise required by the NZRU Domestic
Safety Laws.
Who do these By-Laws apply to?
These By-Laws apply to all WRFU Members and to their respective members and anyone who participates in
competitions, teams or activities organised, recognised or sanctioned by WRFU.
Where do I look to obtain information about rugby By-Laws and processes?
1.8 WRFU
a) Constitution
b) By-Laws (including competition rules, WRFU time periods, WRFU forms)
c) Participation Agreement (an annual agreement between Clubs and WRFU)
d) Club Rugby Sub Committee Policies and Procedures
e) WRFU website www.WRFU.co.nz and also individual Club websites.
f) WRRA Rules and website www.wrra.org.nz
g) WSSRU Handbook – website www.collegesport.org.nz
h) WRFU Code of Conduct – http://www.WRFU.co.nz/fileadmin/Senior_Rugby/WRFU-code-of- conduct.pdf
i) JRAB Convenors Manual
j) WRFU Junior Rugby By-Laws
1.9 New Zealand Rugby
a) NZR Domestic Competitions Manual
b) NZR Domestic Safety Laws
c) Small Blacks Development Model Laws
NZR Black Book (Rules for Disciplinary Procedures) – www.WRFU.co.nz/senior/forms- documents/disciplinary/
Website - www.nzru.co.nz
4
1.10 World Rugby
a) The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union
Regulations - www.worldrugby.org/documents/handbook
b) Website – www.worldrugby.com
Purpose of By-Laws: Practical Rules, Forms and Time Periods
1.11 The overall intent of these By-Laws is to provide practical rules, forms and time periods to facilitate the effective
rugby operations of WRFU with and among its Members and all participants to foster safe, fair and enjoyable rugby
experiences for all participants. To support this overall intent Members and all participants are required to adhere
to the By-Laws with the spirit of the game in mind. Members and all participants are expected to display honesty
and integrity at all times in promoting the true values of the amateur game.
1.12 To enable the rules, forms and time periods to operate efficiently, it is necessary for WRFU, Clubs, schools, and
other persons involved in the game in Wellington to be familiar with the By-Laws including what the By-Laws
require of them and how, to whom and at what times they are required to communicate with each other.
Who has a role in these By-Laws?
1.13 The bodies or persons that have a role in the operation of the By-Laws primarily includes but is not limited to:
a) Board of Directors – approves any changes to By-Laws – meets regularly.
b) Rugby Board – responsible for Club, School and Junior Rugby - meets regularly.
c) Club Rugby Subcommittee of Rugby Board (CRSC) – meets regularly and as required to deal with all Senior Club
rugby issues on behalf of the Rugby Board
d) Premier Status Eligibility Committee (PSEC) – consists of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Rugby
Board, the Chairperson of the CRSC, and the Community Rugby Manager.
e) WRFU Executive – operates through various WRFU staff and volunteers under the control of the Chief Executive
including:
• WRFU Competitions Administrator (CA) – the primary contact for Senior Club Rugby whose role
includes, in conjunction with CRSC to formulate match draws and venues, to liaise with WRRA for
Referees appointments, to assist the CRSC and to co-ordinate the operation of judicial and disciplinary
matters;
• WRFU Junior & Representative Rugby Administrator – the primary contact for the administration of
WRFU Junior rugby and all WRFU amateur representative rugby;
• Head of Community Rugby (CRM) – the Manager of WRFU Club, School, and Amateur Representative
rugby;
• WRFU Club Capability Manager (CCM) – the person responsible for Club governance, and Club
development;
f) Club Officials – Club Captain, Secretary, Chairman and Delegate.
5
g) WRRA Executive – Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Delegate.
h) JRAB – Chairperson, 3 elected club members, 4 appointed members including schools representative and WRFU
JRA.
i) WSSRU – Chairman, Secretary.
j) WRFU Disciplinary Committee - Chairperson.
k) WRFU Appeal Committee – Chairperson.
How do these persons communicate with each other in respect of these By-Laws?
1.14 All persons who have a role in these By-laws are urged (in addition to complying with any specific By- Law process)
to meet with, or to use the telephone in dealing with, other persons as those are often the most immediate and
personable ways of commencing and progressing the various requirements of the By-laws.
Where any WRFU form, notice or other written information is required by the By-Laws, then it must be
communicated to the WRFU CA, or as otherwise required by these By-Laws.
1.15 Where the WRFU, WRFU executive, Rugby Board, Board of Directors or any of their respective subcommittees or
personnel is required by these By-Laws to communicate any information, then it shall be by such communication
methods as determined by WRFU.
1.16 Where a Club or other Member is required by these By-Laws to communicate any WRFU form, notice or other
written information to another Club or to the WRFU or to any other party, then it shall be undertaken by such
communication methods as required by these By-Laws and in the absence of such requirement, then as may be
required by the WRFU.
Who Acts on Behalf of WRFU?
1.17 The WRFU may act in respect of these By-Laws through the WRFU executive and/or through the Board of Directors
and/or the Rugby Board and their respective subcommittees as it so determines. A requirement of any of them is
binding on Members (subject to any applicable appeal process).
6
2. Definitions and Interpretation
2.1 “Club” means any club that is a member of WRFU.
2.2 "Disciplinary Committee" means the Disciplinary Committee of WRFU.
2.3 Junior Club Rugby means all rugby played at the Under 13 level and below.
2.4 “Match” includes all WRFU CC Matches, and all non-WRFU CC Matches which occur within WRFU boundaries and
which involve a Club or a WRFU representative team.
2.5 "Member" means a member of WRFU.
2.6 “Overseas Player” see By-Law 8
2.7 “Premier Status Club” means a Club that has been granted Premier Status by the PSEC for that WRFU season.
2.8 "Referee" includes a substitute Referee.
2.9 “Senior Club Rugby” means all rugby played at the Under 19 level and above.
2.10 "WR", "NZRU", “WRFU”, "WSSRU", "JRAB", "WRRA", "CRSC", “CA”, “CRM”, "CCM" and “PSEC” are abbreviations for
the full name of each such body or person set out in By-Law 1.
2.11 “WRFU CC Match” means a match which is part of a WRFU Club Competition.
2.12 "WRFU Season" means the period commencing on 1 October of each year and expiring on 30 September of the
following year.
2.13 Additional abbreviations or definitions also appear in these By-Laws including:
a) WRFU CC which means WRFU Club Competition (By-Law 3.1).
b) Financial Reward (By-Law 9).
c) Levels (By-Law 8.11)
d) Grade Hierarchy (By-Law 8.11).
2.14 Unless a contrary intention is recorded, all words and expressions used in these By-Laws have the same meanings
given to them (if any) in the WRFU Constitution.
2.15 Any difference of opinion as to the meaning of these By-Laws shall be decided by the Rugby Board which shall notify
all Clubs (and others as deemed appropriate by the Rugby Board) of the decision. The decision shall be recorded in
the Minutes of a Rugby Board meeting and (subject to the right of appeal) shall be the true meaning unless
otherwise determined by the Rugby Board.
2.16 Where examples are given or where the words “including” are used, this is to assist interpretation, and the
examples and/or circumstances are not limited to the examples and/or circumstances recorded.
7SECTION B – WRFU CLUB COMPETITION
3. Rules, Grades and Entry
3.1 WRFU organises, controls and is responsible for all aspects of WRFU Club Competition (WRFU CC) and any other
WRFU tournaments, competitions or matches for which it takes responsibility. Its role includes but is not limited to:
a) Establishing and applying the Rules (including those for disputes, penalties and disciplinary procedures);
b) Providing administration and other resources as it determines;
c) Deciding eligibility to participate;
d) Keeping Members and others informed.
3.2 Matches in all Grades are played under WR’s "The Laws of The Game of Rugby Union" as varied by the NZRU
Domestic Safety Laws and with the following additional changes:
a) Scrums are always non-competitive in the Presidents Grade;
b) Scrums may be uncontested in Colts B (Division Two), should a team not have the required front row players
c) The number and qualification of players and replacements is set out in By-Law 4.4.
3.3 By 28 February each year, clubs should return a signed copy of the Club Rugby Participation Agreement along with
any required material.
3.4 A Club cannot have more than one team in the Premier Grade (Swindale Shield, Jubilee Cup, Hardham Cup) or
Premier Reserve Grade (Harper Lock Shield, Ed Chaney Cup), unless so determined by the Rugby Board.
3.5 WRFU may divide any grade and/or any division into sections and may (subject to By-Law 3.4) determine the
composition of the number of teams within any grade, division and section.
3.6 A Club may participate in the WRFU CC in accordance with these By-Laws, and must ensure that its members are
aware of and comply with these By-Laws.
3.7 Each year a Club must forward to the WRFU a WRFU Grade Entry Form (WRFU Form 1) covering the grades in which
it seeks to enter teams and this must be done at least 7 days before the start of the WRFU Season. The CRSC has full
discretion as to whether it will accept late entries, and will work with Clubs in order to maximise the teams involved
in WRFU CC.
Club Playing Colours
3.8 The playing colours of each Club must be registered with WRFU and any changes to these must be approved by the
Rugby Board before use. New Clubs must have their proposed playing colours approved by the Rugby Board.
Team Names (Sponsorship)
3.9 A Club may, with the prior approval of the WRFU Executive, include the name of one sponsor in the title used for
one or more of that Club’s teams. A sponsor’s name must follow the name of the Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a
Club may have different sponsors for different teams within the Club.
8Other Matches
3.10 For sevens and ten-a-aside Matches, and additional information about Matches that are not WRFU CC Matches, see
By-Law 16.
Eligibility for Premier Status
3.11 To be eligible to play in Premier or Premier Reserve grade, Clubs must meet the criteria as set out by the Club
Participation Agreement as determined by the PSEC. Clubs must meet the criteria for the entire WRFU season. This
will be provisionally assessed by the PSEC.
3.12 If the PSEC provisionally assesses that a Club does not meet the criteria it must notify the Club of that assessment. If
within 7 days of being notified of that provisional assessment, the Club notifies WRFU in writing that it disputes the
provisional assessment, the PSEC will conduct a hearing to hear the Club on this matter. The Club in question will be
invited to attend and make submissions and the PSEC may involve other persons or Clubs as it sees fit. The PSEC will
then determine the eligibility of Clubs for Premier Status. The final decision can be appealed as if it were a decision
of the Rugby Board, see By- Laws 14.3(c) and 14.4.
3.13 If the PSEC provisionally assesses that a Club has failed or may have failed to adhere to the Premier Status Eligibility
Criteria, the PSEC will notify the Club and conduct a hearing to determine the matter and any penalty in accordance
with By-Law 11.5. The Club in question will be invited to attend and make submissions, and the PSEC may involve
other persons or Clubs as it sees fit.
3.14 The PSEC shall determine its own rules and processes.
94. Conduct of Matches
4.1 WRFU organises, controls and is responsible for all aspects of WRFU Club Competition (WRFU CC) and any other
WRFU tournaments, competitions or matches for which it takes responsibility. Its role includes but is not limited to:
Referees
4.2 The WRRA appoints Referees under the jurisdiction of the WRFU. The WRRA shall notify Clubs of such Referee
appointments.
Where the Referee does not report to fulfil his or her appointment, or there has been no appointment of a Referee
for that Match, the respective team captains must endeavour to agree upon a substitute Referee who must have
completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the respective team captains fail to agree, the home
team appoints a Referee who must have completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the appointed
Referee arrives, he or she shall replace the substitute Referee.
If the Referee is unable to complete the Match the Referee’s replacement is appointed according to the instructions
of the CA. If the CA has given no instructions, the Referee appoints a replacement who must have completed an
Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the Referee cannot do so, the home team appoints a replacement
who must have completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course.
If no qualified Referee is available, then By-Law 4.3 applies. All relevant information relating to any situation
covered by By-Law 4.2 must be notified to the WRFU Competitions Administrator within 48 hours.
In accordance with NZR National Rugby Policy 2 (RugbySmart Safety Course for Referees and Coaches) a referee
who has not completed the RugbySmart course in a calendar year must not be appointed to any WRFU CC Match in
that same year.
Match Not Played
4.3 If a WRFU CC Match is not played because there was no Referee or for any other reason (other than a default for
the consequences of which see By-Law 5) or to the extent provided by By-Law 4.11, both teams may be given the
option to play that match at an agreed date and time, with home ground advantage being as per the original draw
where possible, but the WRFU will have final say on the venue. If the teams are given the option to play, that match
must be played before the end of the round or the commencement of semi-finals or finals. Should the teams not be
given the option to play, or be unable to agree on a date and time for that match, then both teams will be allocated
three WRFU CC points for that match and no other points are awarded to either team.
Number and Qualification of Players and Replacements (Designated Premier Grades)
4.4 The number and qualification of players and replacements for a Match is as set out in WR’s "The Laws of the Game
of Rugby Union" except as varied by the NZR Domestic Safety Laws and/or by the following WRFU requirements:
10The minimum numbers of players and front row players to start a Match is as follows:
Minimum Players To The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines
Grade
Start the Match The Required Number of Front Row Players
18,19,20,21, or 22
Premier 18 FIVE
Premier Reserve 15-20 21 22
15 THREE FOUR FIVE
a) If either team contesting a Match that is not a WRFU CC Match does not have the minimum required
numbers to start the Match, the Match may be played with less than the minimum, provided both teams and
the appointed Referee agree to do so.
b) If either team contesting a Match that is not a WRFU CC Match does not have the required number front row
players, the Match may be played with uncontested scrums provided both teams and the appointed Referee
agree to do so. At no stage should the Match revert to contested scrums.
c) Subject to 4.4(a) and 4.4(b) a failure to comply with By-Law 4.4 means the Match cannot start and By-
Law 4.6 applies.
Number and Qualification of Players and Replacements (Game On Grades)
4.5 The number and qualification of players and replacements for a Match is as set out in WR’s "The Laws of the Game
of Rugby Union" except as varied by the NZR Domestic Safety Laws and/or by the following WRFU requirements:
a) The minimum numbers of players and front row players to start a Match without using the Game On provisions
is as follows:
Minimum Players The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines
Grade To Start the Match The Required Number of Front Row Players
Women’s
Colts 15-20 21 22
15 THREE FOUR FIVE
First Grade
Under 85kg
12-20 21 22
Reserve Grade THREE FOUR FIVE
12
Presidents No Front Row Requirements as Scrums are Uncontested
11b) If the minimum numbers of players and/or front row players to start a Match in the above table cannot be met,
the game may proceed under Game On provisions as set out in clause c below:
Minimum Players The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines
Grade To Start the Match The Required Number of Front Row Players
Women’s
Subject to availability of a minimum of three players trained to
Colts play in front row positions to start in each team, the match will
commence with contested scrums, but for the avoidance of doubt
First Grade
10 will revert to uncontested scrums if any of those trained players
Under 85kg leave the field
Reserve Grade
Presidents No Front Row Requirements as Scrums are Uncontested
c) In the event that a team is unable to meet the minimum playing numbers and/or required number of front
row players the match may proceed under the Game On protocol as set-out below:
i. Team management are to liaise with the referee before commencement of the match to agree on
the following Game On provisions; Team Size, Match Length and Contested or Uncontested Scrums.
Once decided on by team management and the referee prior to kick-off, Game On provisions will
not change at any time during the match.
ii. Any matches played under the Game On provisions must be played with rolling substitutions.
iii. If no agreement is reached between team management and the referee, the match is to revert to
the following defaults:
o Team Size: The playing numbers are to match the team with the fewest players (but no
less than 10)
o 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.
o Length of match: Match duration will be based on the 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.
iv. Failure to comply with By-Law 4.5 means the Match cannot start and By-Law 4.6 applies
12Commencement Times
4.6 A WRFU CC Match must commence at the start time allocated by WRFU for that match.
A WRFU CC Match may not proceed where one or both teams do not meet the requirements as set out in By-Law
4.4 or 4.5.
If play has not commenced within twenty minutes of the allocated start time because one or more teams is in
breach of By-Law 4.4 or 4.5 the Referee must declare the team(s) which is unable or unwilling to proceed to have
lost by default. After this time, a friendly Match (i.e. not a WRFU CC Match) may proceed if both teams and the
appointed referee agree.
4.7 All teams must play in the playing colours as approved by Rugby Board for that Club. Approval may also be given by
WRFU for a Club team (e.g. a Presidents Grade team) to play in a variation of the Club playing colours but only on
application by that Club. The Referee may order from the field of play any player not conforming with this By-Law
unless a player or team has a dispensation from WRFU, in which case the WRFU when issuing the dispensation must
send a copy to the WRRA.
Provision of Ball
4.8 In every WRFU CC Match each of the teams must provide a ball. WRFU may regulate the type and/or brand of ball.
WRFU Electronic Team Sheet and Result Submissions
4.9 Before the commencement of every WRFU CC Match, the Manager (or their nominee) of each team must allocate
their match day players to a position. For all grades other than Presidents, the Manager (or their nominee) must
submit the result within 1 hour of the completion of the match within the NZR MyRugby mobile app.
4.10 Should there be a breach of By-Law 4.9, in any grade other than Presidents, the CA must:
a) First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
b) Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
c) Third and further offence(s): removal of two WRFU CC points from the offending team.
If both teams fail to comply, the teams will be subjected to a penalty as per By-Law 4.10, the match shall be
recorded as abandoned and both teams shall be allocated no WRFU CC points.
4.11 Team Managers (or their nominee) are required to use the MyRugby app to record points scored, the scorers of
points, injuries and any cards issued by the referee throughout the match. It is the responsibility of the Manager (or
their appointed nominee) to ensure that the score and details of the game are recorded accurately. Penalties apply
for failure to comply with this by-law as set out in Schedule 4.
4.12 Any failure to submit team sheets under By-Law 4.9 will be taken into consideration by the CRSC or subcommittees
of the Rugby Board when determining any applications under By-Law 8.
Abandonment of Games
4.13 In consultation with the CA (if reasonably practicable to do so), the Referee may abandon a Match if the Referee
decides the ground or weather conditions are unfit for play or for any other safety reason (including as a
13consequence of a serious injury being sustained). If the abandonment for such reason occurs before
commencement of the second half, then it will be covered by By-Law 4.3. If it occurs after that time, the score at
such time is the final score of the Match. For a Match called off for bad conduct see By-law 13.7.
WRFU Safety Regulations
4.14 Members must comply with the WRFU Club Rugby Subcommittee Policies and Procedures and in the case of an
injury in any Match must complete a WRFU Injury Form (WRFU Form 6). Any serious injury categorised as below
must be reported to the Head of Community Rugby immediately:
• A head or spinal injury that results in the player being admitted to hospital
• An injury or event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the death of a player during match play or rugby training
• An injury that is expected to result in some permanently disability (e.g. loss of use of a limb, loss of an eye)
Mandatory Coaching Accreditation
4.15 In accordance with NZR National Rugby Policy 2 (RugbySmart Safety Course for Referees and Coaches) all coaches
and referees of U14 level rugby and above, including assistant coaches, position specific coaches and technical
assistants must attend a RugbySmart coaching course prior to the commencement of their team’s first competition
Matches in that year.
Failure to attend the course will see the person stood down from all coaching activity until they have completed the
course.
The coach’s team will also be withdrawn from WRFU CC or school or representative competition if any of its coaches
fail to attend RugbySmart prior to the WRFU CC or school or representative competition commencing, until such
time as the requirement has been fulfilled.
Filming of Matches
4.16 All Premier matches must be filmed in full by the home team. For the avoidance of doubt, and in instances where
matches are played on ‘neutral’ venues the home team is the team listed first on the draw.
4.17 All Premier matches must be uploaded to the WRFU provided online storage facility within 48 hours of the match
finishing.
4.18 Should there be a breach of By-law 4.16 or 4.17 the CA must:
a) First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
b) Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
c) Third and further offence(s): remove two (2) WRFU CC points from the Premier team
145. Defaults
5.1 Premier Status Clubs must not default a WRFU CC Match in the following grades: Premier; Premier Reserve; Colts
(this only applies to a Club’s top colts team).
a) Should breach of this By-Law 5.1 occur in the first round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
i. may deem the breaching Club’s Premier side ineligible to play in the Jubilee Cup; and
ii. must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has already defaulted a
WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of five WRFU CC points from that team; and
iii. may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier team (unless the Premier team was
the defaulting team); and
iv. may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
b) Should breach of this by-Law 5.1 occur in the second round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
i. must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has already defaulted a
WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of five WRFU CC points from that team; and
ii. may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier team (unless the Premier team was
the defaulting team); and
iii. may deem the breaching Club’s Premier team ineligible for play-offs; and
iv. may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
c) Should a Premier Status Club default in a Premier grade WRFU CC Match, the Club will not be eligible for
Premier Status in the following WRFU Season, and each of that Club’s Premier Reserve team and top Colts team
will lose two WRFU CC points.
If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC) determines that there are special circumstances that partly or
fully excuse the default, the penalty may be reduced or waived.
5.2 If a team (including a team which is dealt with under By-law 5.1) loses a WRFU CC Match by default, (and default
includes but is not limited to the failure by a team to comply with By-Laws 4.4 or 4.5) a win and five WRFU CC points
are recorded to its opponents. The defaulting team receives no WRFU CC points. No points for and against for the
match are allocated except in the tie breaker situations referred to in By-Law 6.3.
5.3 Should a team (including a team which is dealt with under By-law 5.1) lose a WRFU CC Match by default (default
includes but is not limited to the failure by a team to comply with By-Laws 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 or 4.7) the CA must:
d) First offence: removal of two WRFU CC points
e) Subsequent offences: removal of five WRFU CC points
f) Failure to notify of a default at all (i.e. a no-show): removal of five WRFU CC points for the first and
subsequent occasions in a WRFU season.
15In the event of a default, the Club Captain of a team in any WRFU CC Match (including a team referred to in By-
law 5.1) must notify the CRA and the Club Captain of the Club against which it is drawn to play.
5.4 If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC in relation to a default by a Premier Status Club’s Premier,
Premier Reserve or Colts team, or acting through and by the CRSC for all other defaults) determine that there are
special circumstances that partly or fully excuse the default, the penalty may be reduced or waived.
5.5 Should any team default two WRFU CC Matches in succession, or three at intervals during a WRFU Season, it is
deemed to have withdrawn from the grade in which it is entered unless the Rugby Board (acting through and by the
CRSC , or through and by the PSEC if the default is by a Premier Status Club’s Premier, Premier Reserve or Colts
team) determines otherwise, and any WRFU CC Matches it may have played shall not be counted in that WRFU CC
round.
5.6 A Club's team may incur penalties under each of By-laws 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 (as may be applicable) for any one
match default.
5.7 Should a team apply to the PSEC or the CRSC (as appropriate) for reduction or waiver of a penalty under By-Law 5.1
and/or 5.3, the PSEC or the CRSC will hold a hearing to determine the matter. All Clubs with a team in that same
grade should (if appropriate) be invited to attend and/or make written submissions. The PSEC and the CRSC shall
otherwise determine their own rules and processes.
5.8 See also By-laws 11.10 and 11.11.
166. Standings
WRFU Club Competition Points (WRFU CC points)
6.1 WRFU CC points shall be awarded in all WRFU CC Matches (unless the match is played under Game On provisions)
on the basis of four WRFU CC points for a win, two for a draw, one for the losing team within seven points or less of
the opponents’ score and one WRFU CC bonus point for a team(s) that scores four or more tries.
6.2 Should a WRFU CC Match be played under Game On provisions, the team(s) that are unable to meet the minimum player
numbers and/or required front row players will be limited to half the WRFU CC points issued in By-Law 6.1. This excludes
the one WRFU CC bonus point for the losing team within seven points or less of the opponents’ score and one WRFU CC
bonus point for a team(s) that score four or more tries.
6.3 Subject to By-Laws 6.7 and 6.8, the team scoring the greatest number of WRFU CC points shall be deemed to be the
winner of the grade or grade division unless play-offs are played.
6.4 For the purposes of determining points for and points against in this By-Law, if a team has been defaulted against in
the relevant round of WRFU CC, that team will be awarded an average points for, and points against tally for the
defaulted WRFU CC Match. This average will be calculated using the average points scored against, and conceded
to, the defaulting team by all other teams in the same round of WRFU CC.
Determination of Winners in Semi-Finals
6.5 If, at full-time in a semi-final two teams are tied, two ten minute spells will be played. Teams will initially play in the
same direction as they did in the first half of regulation time, with the same team kicking off first. Teams will swap
for the second half with a one-minute half time break. There will be no "golden point". If the scores are still tied at
the conclusion of extra time the result will be determined as follows:
a) In the event that Game On provisions are used, the team (if any) that were able to meet the minimum playing
numbers and/or required number of front row players, without needing to use the Game On provisions, will be
deemed the winner;
b) The team scoring the most tries in the match shall proceed to the final, but if these are equal;
c) The team with the better head to head record (i.e. wins/draws/losses between the two teams) in the second
round of the WRFU CC shall proceed to the final, but if this head to head record is even (including where the
teams didn’t play each other, they only played each other once and drew, they played each other twice and
won one match each, or played each other twice and drew both matches);
d) The team with the higher differential between points scored for and points scored against in the second round
of the WRFU CC (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.4 shall apply) shall proceed to the final, but if this is equal;
e) The finalist shall be determined by the toss of a coin conducted by a WRFU Official.
Determination of Winners in Finals
6.6 If, at full-time in a final two teams are tied, two ten minute spells will be played. Teams will initially play in the same
direction as they did in the first half of regulation time, with the same team kicking off first. Teams will swap for the
second half with a one minute half time break There will be no "golden point". If the scores are still tied at the
17conclusion of extra time the result will be determined as follows.
a) In the event that Game On provisions are used, the team (if any) that were able to meet the minimum playing
numbers and/or required number of front row players, without needing to use the Game On provisions, will be
deemed the winner;
b) The team scoring the most tries in the final (including extra time); but if this is equal
c) The team with the best point differential through the current WRFU CC round, that being the difference
between the amount of points scored and points conceded in that WRFU CC round, (and in respect of defaults
By-Law 6.4 shall apply) is the winner, but if this is equal;
d) Shared Title
Two Teams Tied on WRFU CC Points
6.7 In the event that two teams are tied on WRFU CC points then:
a) The team that has fewer match defaults in that WRFU CC round shall have the higher position;
b) The team that has the best head to head record (i.e. wins/draws/losses between the teams) in that WRFU CC
round shall have the higher position;
c) If the two teams have the same head to head record in that WRFU CC round (including where the teams
didn’t play each other, they only played each other once and drew, they played each other twice and won
one match each, or played each other twice and drew both matches) the team with the higher aggregate
points differential in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.4 shall apply) shall have the
higher position;
d) If the two teams have the same aggregate points differential in that WRFU CC round, the team which has
scored the most points (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.4 shall apply) shall have the higher position;
e) If the two teams have scored the same amount of points in that WRFU CC round, and this is a question of
promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for playoffs, then the teams will be split with a coin toss
with the winner of the coin toss given the higher position. A neutral WRFU Official will assign each team to
either “heads” or “tails”, and will then toss the coin, which will be allowed to hit the ground;
f) In the event that the two teams have scored the same amount of points in that WRFU CC round, and this is
not a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for playoffs, then the teams will share
equal position.
Three or More Teams Tied on WRFU CC Points
6.8 If three or more teams are tied on WRFU CC points then the positions will be decided by applying the following
steps in alphabetical sequence until the required number of positions are determined. Should a team (or teams)
have a higher ranking at any step in the following, that team (or teams with the same ranking) will have a higher
position than the teams with a lower ranking at that step. Teams that are still tied for a ranking will be separated by
applying such of the remaining steps as required to distinguish between the teams still tied.
a) The team that has fewer match defaults in that WRFU CC round shall have the higher position;
18b) Most wins from all Matches in that WRFU CC round;
c) Highest aggregate points difference from all Matches in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults By-
Law 6.4 shall apply);
d) Most points scored from all matches in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults By- Law 6.4 shall
apply);
e) If two teams are still tied, and this is a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for
playoffs, the teams will be split by a coin toss with the winner of the coin toss given the higher position. The
coin toss will take place in the same format as in By-Law 6.7(d) above;
f) If three or more teams are still tied, and this is a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams
for playoffs, the teams will be split by drawing names from a hat, with the first team drawn taking the highest
position, and so on;
g) If teams are still tied (after 6.8 c.) and this is not a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between
teams for playoffs, then the teams will share equal position.
6.9 By-Law 6 applies in its entirety at any stage of a WRFC CC match.
197. Trophies
7.1 The WRFU shall award the WRFU Trophies as set out in Schedule 3.
20SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY
8. Player Eligibility
Base Requirement
8.1 To be eligible to play in the WRFU CC and to be eligible for selection to WRFU representative teams, a player must
comply with the requirements of By-Laws 8 and 9 unless otherwise expressly stated. Additional requirements may
also be applied by WRFU for representative team eligibility.
a) For eligibility to play for a Club in any WRFU (but not WRFU CC) tournament (such as sevens or ten- a-side)
see By Law 16.2.
WRFU Discretion
8.2 The WRFU has an overriding discretion as set out in By-Law 8.27 to restrict or confer eligibility for any player.
Registration
8.3 Prior to first playing for any Club or secondary school during that WRFU Season, a player must register with that Club
or secondary school:
a) which is located within the WRFU provincial boundaries or has been accepted by WRFU or WSSRU to
compete in a WRFU or WSSRU Competition; and
b) which is a participant in WRFU or WSSRU Competitions; and
c) by completion of the NZRU online registration process.
For the purposes of this By-Law, registration is deemed to be effected upon completion of the WRFU online
registration form and the Club ‘activating’ the registration record in the Sporty registration system.
Clubs must not withhold activating any registration on the basis of non-payment of subscription fees, or for any
other reason other than for disciplinary reasons (e.g. a player has been suspended for the whole year).
WR and NZRU Eligibility Requirements
8.4 A player must comply with all applicable WR regulations including those for the transfer (WR International
Clearance Form) of a player between WR countries. (See WR Regulation 4 governing player status, player contracts
and player movement).
8.5 A player must comply with all applicable NZRU regulations including those for the transfer of a player between
NZRU Provincial Unions (See NZR Registration Policies & Procedures).
WRFU Transfer By-Laws
8.6 A player from another NZRU province may, subject to By-Law 8.5 above, transfer to WRFU by registering with a
WRFU Club or secondary school.
8.7 A Club player may play for a Club which is different from the WRFU Club for which the player last played by
registering with the new Club. Additionally, a player must first obtain a transfer in accordance with By-Law 8.9 if the
player wishes to change Clubs during a WRFU Season.
218.8 Any player who has played in five or more WRFU CC Matches for a Club in Premier rugby in a WRFU season, is not
permitted to transfer clubs in that WRFU Season unless exceptional circumstances apply.
8.9 Except as permitted by this By-Law 8, a player cannot register with more than one Club in or for the same WRFU
Season unless they successfully transfer. The process for a transfer is set out here:
a) The player must complete the online registration form for the new club they wish to play for;
b) The registration administrator at the new club must activate the registration. At this point a prompt will
appear asking the administrator of they wish to transfer the player;
c) The old club’s registration administrator will receive an email asking them to approve or decline the transfer;
d) The new club’s registration administrator will receive an email confirming if the transfer is approved or
declined.
8.10 Clubs must not withhold a player transfer for any reason other than the transferring player still being in possession
of Club issued gear in the current season.
Regradings
8.11 The Regrading rules which apply to all WRFU CC competitions are:
a) Players are free to move between teams within the Club with which they are registered until the end of the
Swindale Shield competition.
b) Unless a regrade is approved, from commencement of the second round of the Premier competition no
player may move down a level once they have started three games in any level above the one to which they
wish to move.
By way of definition, each grade is a level and each division within that grade (if there are multiple divisions) is a
separate level. E.g. A player who has started three games for a Jubilee Cup team, cannot then play in Premier
Reserve, or a player who has started two games in Premier Reserve and one game for a Premier side cannot move
to First Grade.
Unless otherwise determined under By-Law 8.27, regrades will not be granted for a player after the last WRFU CC
Match of that player’s team in that WRFU Season.
By way of example, if a player has started for a First Grade side three times since the start of the second round of
the Premier competition, once the First Grade side finishes, that player cannot play in a lower level (such as
Reserve Grade) without successfully applying under By-Law 8.27.
c) The Grade Hierarchy, as determined by the CRSC annually is set out below:
Men’s Grades Women’s Grade
1. Premier 1. Women’s 15-a-side (Division 1)
2. Premier Reserve, Colts 2. Women’s 15-a-side (Division 2)
3. First Grade, Under 85kg 3. Women’s 10-a-side
4. Reserve Grade
5. Presidents
22d) A player who is restricted from moving to another level may apply for a regrade using the WRFU Regrading
application form (WRFU Form 2), which must be submitted to the CA not less than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of the next Match. The application may be approved or denied by the CRSC in its discretion.
e) A regrade request (WRFU Form 2) must comply with these requirements:
i. Only one player per form.
ii. The form must include all rugby played by the player during the previous 6 weeks, including appearances
(and specifying whether each appearance is starting or off the reserves bench) for any team in which the
player appeared, and the approximate length of time played in each of those weeks.
iii. Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection (or non-selection), the other players
selected ahead of the player requesting the regrade must be named. If it is due to injuries, the form must
include the injured players and the injuries.
iv. The form must be signed by a Club official.
v. The form must be submitted to the WRFU not less than 48 hours prior to commencement of the Match.
Any application received after this time will not be dealt with until the following week.
The CRSC and CA will keep and update a record of all requests for regrades. This will be available to clubs.
Age Restricted Players
8.12 A player who as at and including 31 December in the previous year meets the relevant age restriction (e.g. the
player is under 21 as at 31 December of the previous year) may register for and play for that age restricted team.
This is relevant not only for WRFU CC but also for WRFU representative teams.
Weight Restricted Players
8.13 A player who on each playing day meets the relevant weight restriction (e.g. the player is 84.9kgs or under) may
register for and play for the relevant weight restricted team.
Dispensation for Overage Players
8.14 Overage players may apply for dispensation to play in a WRFU age restricted competition. To satisfy the
requirements of the CRSC, a dispensation request (WRFU Form 3) for an overage player to play in a WRFU age
restricted competition must include the following information and be submitted no later than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of the Match. Any application received after this time will be dealt with in the following week.
8.15 Only one player per form
a) The form must include previous playing history (if any);
b) Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection or non-selection, the players who have
been selected ahead of the player must be named. If it is due to injuries, the form must include the name/s
of the injured players and the injuries;
c) The form must be signed by a Club official.
23The CRSC’s decision under this By-Law is final.
The CRSC and CA will keep and update a record of all requests for dispensation, whether approved or declined. This
is to promote consistency of approvals/declines. This will be publicly available on the WRFU website.
Suspended Players
8.16 Suspended players are not eligible to play any WRFU CC Match during the period of their suspension. Unless the
suspension extends to training and/or performing any non-playing role on Match day, the player may undertake
such activities.
Proof of Eligibility
8.17 WRFU may require proof (in such form as it requires) of satisfaction of any of the player eligibility rules. The WRFU
may in its discretion restrict the eligibility of a player until the WRFU is satisfied as to the eligibility of such player.
Finals Eligibility
8.18 Unless exempted by By-Law 8.27 or a WRFU contracted player, to be eligible to participate in WRFU CC Finals (semi-
finals or finals) a player must have played at least three WRFU CC matches during the WRFU season for their
registered club.
Overseas Players
8.19 A non-New Zealand citizen who does not hold a valid Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa (“Overseas Player”)
is not eligible to play in a second round WRFU CC Match unless the Overseas Player has legally played in a first
round WRFU CC Match for a WRFU Club in the same WRFU Season.
A WRFU Club may only play a maximum of 3 Overseas Players in each Premier and Premier Reserve WRFU CC
Match.
If a player has resided in New Zealand on an approved New Zealand visa other than a valid Resident Visa or
Permanent Resident Visa for a period of 36 months of more; upon written application to the CA, approval can be
given by the CRSC for the player to be considered a “Local” player rather than “Overseas Player”. Any applications
received will be considered by the CRSC at their next monthly meeting.
Disciplinary, Medical or Other Restrictions on Eligibility
8.20 A player's eligibility may be restricted as a result of disciplinary procedures, health and safety requirements, medical
rules, doping, corruption offences, or other reasons as may arise within the laws of New Zealand, the laws of the
game or through the application of WR, NZRU, WRFU or WRFU Rules or By-Laws.
8.21 If a player receives a Blue Card (Concussion Card), that player is not permitted to transfer to a non- WRFU club, or
play at any level, until the player has completed:
• the Graduated Return To Play protocols, and;
• medical clearance has been granted by a medical professional, and;
• the Club has received approval from the CA.
24The CA will not consider any request for clearance for a Match if that request is received within 24 hours of the
Match. The player may train as allowed by the Graduated Return to Play protocols.
Non WRFU Contracted Hurricanes Players
A Non WRFU Contracted Hurricanes Player is defined as an individual who is in the Hurricanes Squad either full time
or on a temporary basis, who doesn’t have a WRFU Provincial Union contract.
8.22 For players who have an affiliation with a club(s) in Wellington as an amateur or WRFU Contracted Player before
signing with another Provincial Union, they are permitted to return to their affiliated Club without requiring a
dispensation.
8.23 Any further players currently contracted by the Hurricanes, who are not contracted to WRFU, are not permitted to
play in WRFU competitions unless provided a dispensation by the WRFU.
8.24 Dispensated players are only permitted to play in the Men’s Premier grade.
8.25 In any clubs Premier match day 22 only one dispensated player is permitted.
Breaches
8.26 For penalties for breaches of By-Law 8, see By-Law 11.
General WRFU Discretion to ensure fairness in application of By-Law 8
8.27 On written application to it, the Rugby Board has an overriding discretion to restrict or confer eligibility (including
granting or rescinding a transfer) on such conditions as it determines but only where the Rugby Board determines
that:
a) the application of the By-laws is unfair or may produce a consequence that is unfair, to any person or is not
in the spirit of fair play; or
b) the specific situation is not appropriately covered by the By-Laws; or
c) where special circumstances occur or there are special circumstances which excuse a failure to comply with
a procedure, time period or other requirement of By-Law 8.
Any decision under By-Law 8.27 is made on the facts of a specific situation and is not to be regarded as a binding
precedent for any future use of By-Law 8.27. Any decision under this By-Law 8.27 must be communicated to all
Members.
Any Member which may be affected by a decision under this By-Law is entitled to be heard at the decision-
making session and/or provide written submissions for consideration. Otherwise, the Rugby Board will determine
its own rules and processes in relation to this By-Law.
259. Amateur Code
Purpose
To promote the spirit of amateur sport and provide transparency and clarity to all stakeholders of WRFU club rugby
whilst allowing for, and enhancing, the wellbeing of players, coaches and volunteers.
Foundation Principle, Spirit and Intent
9.1 The WRFU and its member clubs agree that at club level the game of Rugby Union is an amateur sport in which
participants engage without material benefit.
9.2 The WRFU and its member clubs agree to always act in good faith to ensure that Rugby in the Wellington Region
thrives by providing an environment free of Player/Coach inducement.
9.3 If a Member is unsure of the effect of a proposed activity it should seek clarification under By-Law 9.16.
Stakeholders
9.4 The application of the Amateur Code applies to all clubs affiliated to the Wellington Rugby Football Union and
includes parties associated formally or informally to the club such as members, friends of the club, sponsors, trusts
and any other entity that is linked to the club. This does not include employees of or contractors to the WRFU, such
as WRFU Academy or fully contracted players.
Material Benefit
9.5 Material Benefit is defined as money, consideration, gifts, or any other benefits whatsoever promised or given to a
person or any other individual, body corporate, partnership (or any other entity or body whether incorporated or
not) at his/her direction in respect of such Person's participation in the Game, but shall not include bone fide
reimbursement of expenses incurred for reasonable travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred solely and
directly in relation to the Game.
Certain exceptions to what could normally be considered Material Benefit are allowable under the terms of the Club
Charter
• Playing apparel
• Dress apparel
• Gear bags
• Tours
• Gym fees
• Scholarships – refer clauses 9.6 & 9.8-9.12
• Coach disbursement – refer clauses 9.7 & 9.8-9.12
Scholarships
9.6 Clubs are entitled to promote scholarships to players and coaches in their respective clubs, which will not violate the
Amateur Code on the proviso the following criteria are met:
a) All scholarships are to be linked to an academic programme at a recognised tertiary institute and have
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