Tournament Rules
- Age Groups and Eligibility:
- U14: Players must be under 14 years old as of the 1st of January in the year of the competition.
- U16: Players must be under 16 years old as of the 1st of January in the year of the competition.
- U18: Players must be under 18 years old as of the 1st of January in the year of the competition.
- U18 Over Age Variation – In the U18 Boys and Girls Divisions, teams are allowed to play 5 overage players (1 year above the U18 age band)
- A player may not participate in a higher age group unless explicitly allowed by the tournament rules or governing body.
- Team Composition:
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- U14: Teams will consist of 13 players on the field, and 7-10 on the bench
- U16 and U18: Teams will consist of 15 players on the field, and 8-10 on the bench.
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- Playing Time:
- Each match will last 2 x 20-minute halves, with a 5-minute half-time break.
- The timekeeper and referee will ensure the match duration is maintained, including injury stoppages.
- Substitutions:
- Rolling substitutions are allowed in U14, U16, and U18
- Substitutes must be made at designated times and with the referee’s consent.
- Match Format:
- The competition will follow a round-robin of 3 games
- The final game is a final based on log position (1st vs 2nd, 3rd vs 4th, 5th vs 6th)
- Points will be awarded for matches as follows:
- Win: 4 points
- Draw: 2 points
- Loss: 0 points
- In the event of a tie in points, the following criteria will be used to determine ranking:
- Points difference (points scored minus points conceded).
- Head-to-head result.
- Highest total points scored.
- Discipline and Conduct:
- All players, coaches, and officials must conduct themselves with respect and adhere to the principles of fair play.
- Any player who is sent off (red card) will not be allowed to participate in the next match and may face additional disciplinary actions based on the severity of the offence.
- Any foul play or dangerous play, including high tackles, shoulder charges, or any actions that endanger the safety of others, will be penalized strictly.
- Inappropriate conduct by coaches, players, or spectators will not be tolerated and may lead to a team forfeiting the match or being disqualified from the competition.
- Referees and Officials:
- Matches will be officiated by certified referees.
- Referees have the final say on all match-related decisions. Appeals can be made through the competition’s governing body but must be done within 30 minutes of the match conclusion.
- Injury and Medical Care:
- A qualified medical professional must be present at every match.
- Players who suffer an injury may be substituted or withdrawn from the match for treatment. If the injury is deemed serious, the player must pass a medical assessment before being allowed to play again.
- Players with head injuries or suspected concussions must follow the concussion protocol and be cleared by a medical professional before returning to play.
Safety Protocols
- Protective Gear:
- All players are required to wear appropriate rugby gear, including mouthguards and appropriate footwear.
Disciplinary Actions
- Yellow and Red Cards:
- Yellow Card: A player receiving a yellow card will serve a 7-minute suspension in the sin bin and their team will play one player short.
- Red Card: A player receiving a red card will be permanently removed from the match and will miss the following game.
- Offending and Reporting:
- Serious offences (violent conduct, repeated foul play) will be reported to the competition committee, and further disciplinary action may be taken.
- Appeals:
- Teams or individuals wishing to appeal a disciplinary decision must submit a written appeal to the tournament organizers within 24 hours of the incident.
Final Notes
- These rules aim to promote fair play, safety, and enjoyment for all participants.
- The competition organizers have the authority to amend or update these rules as required.
- All participants (players, coaches, and officials) must act in accordance with these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable rugby experience.