Southland Wide Rugby Club Competition Rules 2017

SOUTHLAND WIDE RUGBY CLUB COMPETITION RULES

2017 SEASON

Ratified 20.03.2017

Table of Contents 1. Control: ...... 5 2. Laws of the Game: ...... 5 3. Competitions:...... 5 3.1 All Premier/Senior Rugby commences Saturday 1st April ...... 5 3.2 The Senior competition will encompass the following divisions...... 5 3.3 Premier Competition Format ...... 6 3.4 Round 1 Competition Format - Premier B, Div 1, Div 1 Qualifying, Senior Pools A and B ...... 6 3.5 Round 2 Competition Format - Div 1, Senior Pools A and B ...... 7 3.6 Presidents Grade ...... 7 3.7 Flag Points for 2nd Round – Commencing 20th May ...... 7 3.8 Points Accrued for Games Played in Round 1 - to be Carried Over to Round 2 ...... 7 3.9 Bonus Points Credited in Round 1 - to be Carried Over to Round 2- Division 1 Top 4 Teams ...... 7 3.10 Other Southlandwide Grades: ...... 8 3.11 Playing of Competitions ...... 8 3.12 Promotion/Relegation ...... 8 4. Team Entries: ...... 8 4.1 Team Entry Dates ...... 8 4.2 Under 18 Players Playing in Senior Competitions ...... 8 5. Transfers: ...... 8 5.1 Players Transferring Clubs Between Seasons ...... 8 5.2 Players Transferring Clubs Inside Seasons ...... 9 5.3 Students Playing in Senior Competitions...... 9 5.4 Overseas Players ...... 9 5.5 Transfer Sanctions ...... 9 6. Player Registrations: ...... 9 6.1 Online Registrations ...... 9 6.2 Additional Player Registrations ...... 9 6.3 Unregistered Player Sanctions ...... 10 6.4 Gender ...... 10 7. Re-grading - Senior: ...... 10 7.1 Senior Grade ...... 10 7.2 Academy and Contracted Players ...... 10 7.3 Semis and Finals (Player Eligibility) ...... 10 7.4 Regrades (Secondary School and Below) ...... 11 7.5 Regrades (Semis and Finals) ...... 11 7.6 University Students...... 11 7.7 Two Teams in the Same Grade ...... 11 8. Age Grade Dispensations: ...... 11 2

8.1 Age Grade Competitions (Specific Age) ...... 11 8.2 Under 14 and Under 15 Grades ...... 11 8.3 Under 17 and Under 18 Grades ...... 11 8.4 List of Dispensated Players ...... 12 8.5 Dispensation Forms ...... 12 8.6 Ineligible Players ...... 12 8.7 Semis and Finals (Dispensated Players) ...... 12 8.8 Team Sheet ...... 12 8.9 Positional Dispensated Player ...... 12 8.10 Primary School (Year 8 and Down) ...... 12 8.11 Guidelines ...... 12 9. Team Numbers: ...... 13 9.1 Number of Players in Team ...... 13 9.2 Jersey Numbers ...... 13 10. Team Sheet / Results:...... 13 10.1 Complete Team Sheet Information ...... 13 10.2 Forward Completed Team Sheet to Rugby Southland ...... 13 10.3 Front Row Player Information on Team Sheet ...... 13 11. Match Venue and Times: ...... 14 11.1 Match Start Time ...... 14 11.2 Re-scheduling of Games ...... 14 11.3 Completing Game Change Request Form ...... 14 11.4 Fixtures played Under Lights ...... 14 11.5 Venues ...... 14 11.6 Grounds and Barriers ...... 15 12. Defaults: ...... 15 12.1 Teams Defaulting ...... 15 12.2 Non Defaulting Team ...... 15 13. Abandonment of Games: ...... 15 13.1 Ground and Weather: ...... 15 13.2 Conduct ...... 16 13.3 Injury Stoppage/Lighting Failure ...... 16 14. Pre-Season Games & Games not played as per the draw: ...... 16 14.1 Pre Season Games ...... 16 15. Non Attendance of Referees: ...... 16 15.1 No Referee ...... 16 15.2 Replacement Referee ...... 16 16. Protests/Complaints: ...... 17 16.1 Protests ...... 17 3

17. Competition Points (All Grades): ...... 17 17.1 Flag Points ...... 17 18. Matches: ...... 17 18.1 Match Balls ...... 17 19. Programmes: ...... 18 19.1 Team Programmes...... 18 20 Semi Finals: ...... 18 20.1 Team Ratings ...... 18 20.2 Venues ...... 18 20.3 Unregistered or Ineligible Players ...... 18 20.4 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time ...... 19 21 Finals: ...... 19 21.1 Venues ...... 19 21.2 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time ...... 19 22 Disciplinary: ...... 20 23 General: ...... 20 23.1 Amalgamated Teams ...... 20 23.2 Amalgamation of Clubs...... 21 23.3 Provincial Players ...... 21 23.4 Similar Colours ...... 21 23.5 Sponsorship ...... 21 24 Disputes: ...... 22 25 Fines: ...... 22 26 Blue Card Concussion Initative: ...... 22

CoRC – Council of Rugby Clubs YRC – Youth Rugby Council COM – Community Operations Manager CRA – Community Rugby Administrator

SOUTHLAND 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. The CoRC shall have the power to classify the various clubs, teams and players, to arrange dates, times and venues for matches in the various grades and to deal with all questions arising out of the games. Note: This is a live document and with approval from CoRC and in the interest of Southland Rugby amendments may be made at any time. Changes to these rules will be notified to Clubs by CoRC. 2. Laws of the Game: All games including non-competition games shall be played under the laws of the game and in accordance with the NZR Domestic Safety Law Variations where applicable. Any changes to these shall be notified to Clubs by Rugby Southland. 3. Competitions: 3.1 All Premier/Senior Rugby commences Saturday 1st April 3.2 The Senior competition will encompass the following divisions.  Premier  Premier B  Division 1  Division 1 Qualifying  Senior Pool A  Senior Pool B  Presidents

3.3 Premier Competition Format  6 Teams, two full rounds (home and away)  Premier teams will play 2 games vs Sub Union Barbarian teams o Wednesday 10th May o Saturday 13th May o These games will not carry competition flag points o 5 Competition flag points will be deducted from a premier team if that premier team defaults either of the two games  No rugby on Duck Shooting weekend Saturday 6th May  Playoffs week 1 (1st July) o 1 v 2 (winner straight to final) o 3 v 4 (winner of 3 v 4 plays loser of 1 v 2 the following week) o 5 v 6  Playoffs week 2 (8th July) o Loser 1 v 2 vs winner 3 v 4  Week 3 (15th July) o Galbraith Shield Final 3.4 Round 1 Competition Format - Premier B, Div 1, Div 1 Qualifying, Senior Pools A and B  The first five weeks is played in groups to determine where teams will play in the 2nd round o Round 1 playing dates, 1st April, 8th April, Easter, 22nd April and 29th April o Premier B will have a bye week o Senior Pools A and B (with 5 teams in each pool) will play all 5 teams from opposite pool  Premier B = 5 teams  Division 1 = 6 teams  Division 1 Qualifying = 6 teams  Senior Pool A = 5 teams  Senior Pool B = 5 teams

3.5 Round 2 Competition Format - Div 1, Senior Pools A and B  Round 2 Commences Saturday 20th May  Division 1 formulated as follows: o Division 1 = 8 teams (6 Division 1 teams plus top 2 teams from Division 1 Qualifying group from round 1) o Play 1 full round robin then split top 4 bottom 4 with straight final  Senior Pool A and Senior Pool B formulated as follows: o Senior Pools A and B = Remaining 20 teams from round 1, Premier B, Division 1 Qualifying, Senior Pools A and B o split into 2 even pools of 10, semi-finals and final o Semi-finals = Team 1 from Pool A v Team 2 from Pool B and Team 2 from Pool A v Team 1 from Pool B  No rugby on Duck Shooting weekend Saturday 6th May  Break for Sub Union v Premier games Wednesday 10th and Saturday 13th May 3.6 Presidents Grade  Presidents grade 2017 will be one competition. When any Presidents Grade teams with a club team in the senior competition play each other, this will be shadowed in both competitions.  For this purpose, Presidents Grade teams will shadow their clubs Premier B side (round 1) in the case of Marist, POB and Blues. When senior teams do not both have a Presidents Grade team, the draw will shadow where possible. However, on some occasions it will not be possible for teams to shadow each other. 3.7 Flag Points for 2nd Round – Commencing 20th May  Due to the change of competition formats and movement of teams (from rounds 1 to 2) flag points from round 1 for Division 1, Division 1 Qualifying, Premier B, Senior Pools A and B teams will not carry over to round 2 and will be reset at zero. However, a points system for the number of games played in round 1 (all teams) plus bonus points (Div 1 top 4 teams only) will be carried over to round 2 3.8 Points Accrued for Games Played in Round 1 - to be Carried Over to Round 2  Division 1, Division 1 Qualifying, Premier B, Senior Pools A and B teams will accrued an additional 4 points for each game played in round 1  With 5 games drawn in round 1 a maximum of 20 points may be accrued and carried over to round 2  If a team defaults one game in round 1, that team will forfeit the available 4 points and will carry 16 points into round 2 – Default two games and the team will forfeit 8 points etc.  The team defaulted to will keep the maximum 4 points 3.9 Bonus Points Credited in Round 1 - to be Carried Over to Round 2- Division 1 Top 4 Teams  In addition to points accrued in rule 3.8, Division 1 teams in round 1 finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th will be credited 4,3,2,1 bonus points to carry into round 2. o E.g. 1st place = 4 bonus points, 2nd place = 3 bonus points 3rd place = 2 bonus points and 4th place = 1 bonus point

3.10 Other Southlandwide Grades:  There will also be other age grades as determined by team entries down to “A” Grade- Primary School (inclusive) – (when Combined Town/Country) 3.11 Playing of Competitions  All competitions will be played dependent on the structure set down by the CoRC. The CoRC 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. 3.12 Promotion/Relegation  Promotion/Relegation – will be by application and to be reviewed by the CoRC. New entries in the Senior competition to enter at Senior Pool B and earn their way up the grades. 4. Team Entries: 4.1 Team Entry Dates  All clubs and schools must supply the CRA with team entries for their Club for all grades by completing Form A1 and Form A2 as per the Club Competition Manual. The following dates will apply:  Premier, Premier B, Division 1, Division 1 Qualifying, Senior Pool A, Senior Pool B and Presidents – 5 weeks prior to the first scheduled competition game in that grade.  All Other Grades (as determined by the CoRC) – 4 weeks prior to their first scheduled competition game in that grade. 4.2 Under 18 Players Playing in Senior Competitions  Clubs of any U18 player playing in a team entered in the senior competition under rule 3.2 must; o supply that players completed Form C to the CRA prior to playing any Competition or pre-season game. o be aware of any other option/team for the player to play in. o Inform - Match Referee must be notified on every occasion that they are playing. o The CoRC Technical Sub Committee will sight the player playing and have the right to withdraw the players consent to play Senior Rugby. 5. Transfers: 5.1 Players Transferring Clubs Between Seasons  Any player who transfers from one club to another within Southland (or from another New Zealand club) between seasons is NOT required to complete a transfer form. The player MUST however complete a NZR On Line Player Registration form for their new Club PRIOR TO PLAYING. Players who have Registration Restricted tags should arrange with their previous union for these to be removed.

5.2 Players Transferring Clubs Inside Seasons  If a player has taken the field from a particular Club in the first four weeks of the competition and then wishes to transfer to another Club, a Transfer Form must be completed and sent to the CRA by 1.00.pm on the Thursday prior to the next competition game by completing Form D as per the Club Competition Manual.  Where a transfer is requested after the fourth week of the commencement of the competition for approval to be given, the transfer form (Form D) must be received by the CRA and approval given prior to playing for the new Club. In each case of (5.2) and (5.3), a transfer will not automatically be given. 5.3 Students Playing in Senior Competitions  Any student that attends a Southland Secondary School which participates in the Southland Wide Competition must have a clearance from the school before they can play for any Club by completing Form E as per the Club Competition Manual.  A Secondary School Student who leaves school at the end of any rugby season does not require a transfer to play for a Club the following season. They must however, complete an NZR On line Player Registration Form with their new Club before they can play. 5.4 Overseas Players  Overseas players, or NZ players returning from overseas playing commitments, must have a World Rugby International Clearance from their home union or for New Zealand players returning home, a World Rugby International Clearance from the country from which they are returning. Any player who has not completed this process will NOT be permitted to play club rugby until the necessary World Rugby International Clearance has been obtained. (Form F). It is the players responsibility to ensure that they obtain an international clearance as per NZR international clearance policy.  Please Note – All players that intend to play overseas need an international clearance. The Form can be completed prior to leaving NZ and then there are no 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 On line registration on their respective Sporty Website within 3 weeks of the respective competition’s commencement.  All Team Coaches and Managers must attend the COMPULSORY Rugby Smart/Small Blacks Course, and complete the NZR Online Registration Form. 6.2 Additional Player Registrations  Any additional Player registrations which occur after the required date must be loaded and activated in Sporty before the player can play.

6.3 Unregistered Player Sanctions  Any Club playing unregistered players in the Senior Competition after 22nd April, may forfeit the match and the maximum points (5) may be awarded to the opposing team.  Any Club/School playing unregistered players in the Junior Competition after 27th of May, may forfeit the match and the maximum points (5) may be awarded to the opposing team.  Clubs failing to complete NZR Online registration by the dates outlined in the above points maybe fined $50 per unregistered player. 6.4 Gender  As per World Rugby mixed gender rugby guidelines all grades above Under 13 shall be for single gender only. 7. Re-grading - Senior: 7.1 Senior Grade  All Senior Grade teams, shall be classified as being one grade. This is to provide for regular interchange of players between teams, with the exception of those players who fall under Rule 7.2. 7.2 Academy and Contracted Players  Academy Players and Southland Contracted Players are not eligible to interchange as per the above rule. The Chairman of the CoRC 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 a semi-final or final of the Southland-wide Rugby Club Competition that player must have played in a minimum of four competition round robin games in that grade prior to the semi-final or final. This sub-rule will not apply to those players who meet the requirements of sub-rule 7.3.2. 7.3.2 A player who has been injured and/or called to play Super/International rugby meaning that that player has not been able to play a minimum of four competition round robin games in that grade prior to the semi-final/final shall be eligible to play in the semi- final/final if the player meets the following conditions:. 7.3.2.1 The player must have been registered for community rugby with Rugby Southland, a Southland Rugby Club or school in the previous or current rugby season; and 7.3.2.2 The player must have played in a minimum of one competition round robin game in that grade for that club in the previous or current rugby season 7.3.2.3 Any dispute regarding the application of rule 7.3.1 and 7.3.2 shall be referred to the Council of Rugby Clubs whose decision shall be binding and final

7.4 Regrades (Secondary School and Below)  For all grades Secondary and below, if a player has appeared on the Team Sheet 4 or more times for a higher graded team, they will be deemed to be a higher graded player. This player cannot return and play for his original grade unless they are re-graded. Applications for a re- grade must be submitted on Form G to the CRA and approved prior to returning to the original grade. Flag points may be deducted from any team abusing this rule. 7.5 Regrades (Semis and Finals)  There shall be no new re-grades approved for teams who have qualified for semi-finals and finals matches. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on an individual basis and by application to the COM no later than 48 hours prior to the fixture.  All applications for re-grades must be submitted to the CRA by completing Form G as per the Club Competition Manual, by noon on the Thursday prior to Saturday games, or 48 hours prior for other games, for approval to be given 7.6 University Students  University students (UNI after their name on the team sheet) may play at club rugby level for a club in their home residential district during their academic vacations, but must be registered on the NZR database. The COM at Rugby Southland MUST be notified prior to such a player taking the field under these circumstances. 7.7 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 7.7.1 7.7.1 Where a team, club, or school is struggling to put numbers on the rugby field, for safety reasons, or have insufficient 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 club, 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 CORC, on the basis that rugby in Southland will benefit as a whole and not any individual team, club or school. 8. Age Grade Dispensations: 8.1 Age Grade Competitions (Specific Age)  Players taking part in an Age Grade competition must be under the specified age as at the 1st. January preceding the start of the season. Rugby Southland requires Clubs and Schools to submit proof of age when making registrations or at any stage during the season. 8.2 Under 14 and Under 15 Grades  Any team playing in U14 and U15 grade with dispensated players can have only four “over- age” players in the Squad, with a maximum of two on the field at any one time. 8.3 Under 17 and Under 18 Grades  Secondary Under 17 and Under 18 grades will be for teenage rugby players over the age of 16. Dispensations/exceptions for Secondary Under 17 and Under 18 grade players will be assessed on a case by case bases via the YRC Technical Committee.

8.4 List of Dispensated Players  A full list of dispensated players in Age Grade competitions shall be available from the YRC Chairman and Technical Committee and will be updated on a regular basis throughout the season. 8.5 Dispensation Forms  All dispensation forms for the year must be completed and returned to Rugby Southland in the week prior to the commencement of the competition by completing Form H as per the Club Competition Manual, except for new players arriving at Clubs or Schools after this date, who must apply to the CRA at Rugby Southland prior to playing. 8.6 Ineligible Players  Teams playing ineligible players will lose competition points.  If a dispensated player plays up a grade, their dispensation is automatically revoked. 8.7 Semis and Finals (Dispensated Players)  Any team that has more dispensated players in their squad than allowed under Rule 8.2 will not be eligible to play in semi-finals and finals, whether or not the dispensated players actually play. 8.8 Team Sheet  Any Age Dispensated players must be identified on the Team Sheet with (AD) after their name. 8.9 Positional Dispensated Player  A positional dispensated player may only play in that position. 8.10 Primary School (Year 8 and Down)  Primary School – “A” Grade is classified as Primary School Students Year 8 and below. No Secondary School Students are eligible. 8.11 Guidelines  At the discretion of the YRC, individual circumstances will be treated on a case-by-case basis.  Any change to the age dispensation rules to be at the discretion of the Youth Rugby Council. NOTE: Guidelines to Re-grading/Dispensations. a) Number in the team. b) Height/weight/experience (Players with Representative experience are unlikely to receive dispensation). c) Age. d) Is rugby available at an appropriate grade if a request for re-grade is declined or is border-line? e) The Youth Rugby Council has the right to reassess a player it they are having an obvious influence on a team performance or if the team numbers increase during the season. f) COMMON SENSE. g) Regrades/Dispensations will not be automatic.

9. Team Numbers: 9.1 Number of Players in Team  All teams must not strip more than 22 players for any one game – as per Laws of the Game (Law 3.4). 9.2 Jersey Numbers  All players must have individually numbered jerseys (1-15), and reserves (16-22), as applicable. No duplicates are permissible. Teams failing to abide by this rule may lose flag points and/or incur a fine of $250. 10. Team Sheet / Results: 10.1 Complete Team Sheet Information  All Team Sheets must be fully completed, 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.  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.  The opposition shall not receive these points.  If both sides fail to comply with this regulation, each side will record a loss.  The Coach or Manager signing the Team Sheet is the person responsible to certify the information is accurate.  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 (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  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:  Email [email protected]  Fax 03 216 8695  Photo of Team Sheet and Text to 027 2323 235  Hard copy delivered to CRA at Rugby Southland 10.3 Front Row Player Information on Team Sheet  Team Sheets must indicate the designated front row replacements where applicable.  Where a team is unable to provide 15 players (including three trained front rowers) to start the match, this team shall forfeit the competition points. The match may still be played  Each player in the front row and any potential replacement(s) must be suitably trained and experienced

11. Match Venue and Times: 11.1 Match Start Time  All Club matches shall start at the time appointed by the CoRC 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 CoRC, at its discretion, decides otherwise. 11.2 Re-scheduling of Games  Games can be re-scheduled by mutual consent between the Clubs involved provided the COM is notified seven days prior to the game and the COM consents to the change after consultation.  Once the changed date and time has been approved the home team must notify the referee, and the Media.  On days when Southland is playing at home, games drawn within the Invercargill City Council area are to be played at a time at least two and a half hours prior to kick off and all other Senior games in Southland to be drawn so as not to clash with the representative fixture 11.3 Completing Game Change Request Form  A Game Change Request can be completed electronically or by hard copy as follows: o The Game Change Request must be completed seven days prior to the game by accessing the Sporty Web-site www.sporty.co.nz/southlandrugby and clicking on the “Game Changes Tab” and completing the electronic form. When complete an automatic email will generate advising Rugby Southland of the request o The Game Change Request Form must be completed and sent to the Community Rugby Administrator seven days prior to the game by completing Form B as per the Club Competition Manual  If teams cannot mutually agree then the match must be played as per the official draw 11.4 Fixtures played Under Lights  Any fixtures played under lights must be of 100 lux or more. Current approved fields are listed in the Club Manual (page 30). 11.5 Venues  When practical, games will be played in each Sub-Union, each Saturday: a) Teams to play home games as close as possible to 50%. b) Home game is defined as Club ground in Central, Western, and Northern. c) Town – Rugby Park Stadium or Centrepoint Park or Club grounds. d) Eastern – The Showgrounds or Club grounds.

11.6 Grounds and Barriers 11.6.1 Clubs/schools must ensure that grounds are adequately controlled, that a Match Manager is appointed by the home club/school and that spectators are controlled by the provision of suitable barriers. (Barriers are compulsory and should be curved where possible to enable good viewing and should also be tight enough to maintain the curve and be a minimum 3 metres from the touchline). – Refer to page 24 of the Club Competition Manual. 11.6.2 The only persons entitled to be within the playing enclosure are participating players, the referee and his 2 assistants, a maximum of 2 ball boys per team, St Johns or appointed medical staff. In addition each team may have one person on either side of the ground who may be the medic/watercarrier/tee carrier. No other personnel including reserves or team management are permitted to be inside the enclosure. Clubs are encouraged to provide a designated area outside the barriers for team reserves and management. The Home Club or school must appoint an official Match Manager to ensure all of the above conditions are met. The referee may then take necessary steps to rectify any problem, including calling the match off. 11.6.3 Clubs/schools failing their responsibilities in 11.6.1 or 11.6.2 may be fined $250 and/or lose their next home game. 12. Defaults: 12.1 Teams Defaulting 12.1.1 Where a team defaults to another, the maximum flag points (5) and a points differential of +20 or their seasonal average, (whichever is the greatest), shall be awarded to the team who received the default. 12.1.2 Any Club defaulting a fixture must advise the following three parties no later than 12.00 noon on the day preceding the fixture: a) Opposition Club Captain. a) Community Operations Manager. b) Referees' Education Officer. 12.1.3 Failure to observe all of subsection (12.1.2) may attract a fine of $250 and paid to the non-defaulting teams Club and/or the Southland Referee Association. 12.1.4 Should a team default 2 matches in succession, or 3 at intervals in any grade it may be deemed to have withdrawn from the competition and any games it may have played may not be counted in the competition 12.2 Non Defaulting Team  Non-defaulting team to host the game in the next round if not already a home game. 13. Abandonment of Games:

13.1 Ground and Weather:  The referee in a match shall have the power to abandon the game if the condition of the ground or the weather conditions render it unfit to play, but he/she shall take into account any request from the respective team captains for play to proceed.

13.2 Conduct  If a match is called off by the referee because of bad conduct, the team captain and the team manager or coach of each team must attend a meeting of the Disciplinary Sub Committee of Rugby Southland for the purposes of discussing the reason for the match being abandoned. The referee must report the matter in writing (Form J may be used) to the COM within 48 hours of the match and shall attend the meeting of the Disciplinary Sub Committee of Rugby Southland if required. Both teams shall be suspended until their officials appear before the Disciplinary Sub Committee. After hearing the cases, the Disciplinary Sub Committee may take action in accordance with the guidelines set out by NZR (Commonly referred to as the Black Book). No points shall be awarded to a team proven to have caused abandonment. 13.3 Injury Stoppage/Lighting Failure  If a match stopping Injury or lighting failure occurs, then provided both teams are in agreement, the score at that time can be taken as the final result. If the teams do not agree and less than 75% of the match has been completed, the match is to be rescheduled at the original venue at a time agreed on both teams, if no agreement is reached, the CoRC Technical committee will decide on venue, time and date. If more than 75% of the match has been completed and the teams do not agree on a result, the result will stand. 14. Pre-Season Games & Games not played as per the draw: 14.1 Pre Season Games  At least 7 days’ notice of the game, the date, the time and the venue must be received from the Clubs involved by the COM in writing and acknowledged by him.

 If teams approach Rugby Southland within the 7 day period prior to the drawn date, referees may not be appointed on the days other than the drawn date. Likewise, if teams have contacted Rugby Southland and given at least 7 days’ notice and then they subsequently change their mind, referees may not be appointed to games on days other than the amended date. 15. Non Attendance of Referees: 15.1 No Referee  Should the appointed referee for any game fail to turn up for their appointed game, then Clubs must contact the referees emergency phone numbers:

027 248 7014 – Barry Simmonds, 027 358 6004 - Kirk Rae, 027 232 3235 - Mike Mannix, 027 304 1532 - Dan Cairns, 15.2 Replacement Referee  Should there be no replacement referee available then the game may be rescheduled prior to the following week’s game  If no referee has been appointed the two teams may agree upon a referee. If they cannot agree, the home team appoints a referee. Non contested scrums must be applied in all fixtures.

16. Protests/Complaints: 16.1 Protests  Where a cause for a protest is known before a match the opposing team should be notified and if the complaint is remedied then no further action will be taken.  If the team protested against is unable or unwilling to remedy matters then the game should be played “under protest” and a written protest be given to the COM within 48 hours. The COM must also be notified verbally that the game has been played under protest within two hours of the final whistle.  Where the ground of protest is discovered during or after the game. The protest must be made within 48 hours of the completion of the match in writing to the COM.  Protests must be in writing and accompanied by a fee of $200. The fee will be refunded unless the protest is considered frivolous.  If any person wants to lodge a complaint about any incident during a game, they must complete Form J and send to Rugby Southland within 48 hours of the games completion. 17. Competition Points (All Grades): 17.1 Flag Points  Flag Points will be awarded as follows: a) Win – 4 points. b) Draw – 2 points. c) Loss by seven or less points – 1 point. d) Four or more tries scored – 1 point. e) Teams who are defaulted to – 5 points. f) Crossover Games at the discretion of CoRC – 4 points. 18. Matches: 18.1 Match Balls  Prior to the commencement of the first Southland Wide Competition game, the home team must present three new match balls. Thereafter these balls will be used for home games. These balls will be Gilbert Revolution or Gilbert Barbarian and available for inspection by the opposing Captain and the Referee prior to the game. (N.B. – Primary School A Grade – size 4 ball)  Failure to provide the three match balls may lead to a fine of $100, on the written complaint of the visiting team’s captain, verified by the Referee.

19. Programmes: 19.1 Team Programmes  Premier, Premier B, Division One, Division One Qualifying, Senior Pools A and B teams will all provide Team Sheets for programmes for all their games during the season, by submitting their teams to the ‘home’ side by 9.00am on the day prior to the game.  When teams have been drawn to play at the Rugby Park Stadium or Centrepoint Park, teams for the programme must be e-mailed or faxed to the CRA at Rugby Southland on Form I as per the Club Competition Manual to [email protected]; or Fax (03) 216 8695 by 9.00 am on the day prior to the game.  Where a Presidents, or age grade team is drawn to play on a major ground, (Town area - Rugby Park Stadium or Les George Oval, Eastern area -Showgrounds) this team must submit a team for the programme as above. 20 Semi Finals: 20.1 Team Ratings  Rating of teams for semifinal is as follows: a) Flag points b) Where teams are tied on flag points rankings will be determined using the flag points won in games played between the tied teams c) The team having the higher differential between the average of points for and against in the round robin d) The most tries scored in the round 20.2 Venues  The venue for semi-finals will be determined by the COM and CoRC. The highest qualifiers in all grades are to get home game advantage Exception to home game advantage: a) Club/School Teams outside the Southland province/boundary invited to play in the Southland Wide Rugby Club Competition will not be considered for a home semi- final – all semi-finals will be played in Southland at a Southland venue 20.3 Unregistered or Ineligible Players  Playing of unregistered or ineligible players, in semi-finals or finals will result in an automatic loss.

20.4 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time  In a semi-final where the score is tied at the end of the normal time the winner will be determined by the following criteria, which shall be applied in order of sequence until a result as to the precedence of one of the relevant teams is determined: for Senior games a) A further 10 minutes each way will be played. There will be an interval of 5 minutes before further time is played. Teams will re-toss to determine kick-off. A further 2 minute interval will be observed after the first extra 10 minutes is played. b) The team scoring the most tries in the match. c) The highest ranked semi-finalist is declared the winner. NOTE: No extra time (a) will be played from Under 19 down, (World Rugby Regulations) : for Junior games d) The team scoring the most tries in the match. e) The highest ranked semi-finalist is declared the winner. 21 Finals: 21.1 Venues  The venues for all Senior finals will be determined by the CoRC at the completion of the semi-finals.  All other grades final venues will be determined by the CoRC  Club/School Teams outside the Southland province/boundary invited to play in the Southland Wide Rugby Club Competition will not be considered for a home final – all finals will be played in Southland at a Southland venue.  All finals will have as the Master of Ceremony the Chairman of Rugby Southland or his / her nominated representative. 21.2 Scores Tied at the End of Normal Time  In a final if the score is tied at the end of normal time the winner will be determined by the following criteria, which shall be applied in order of sequence until a result as to the precedence of one of the relevant teams is determined: For Senior Games - a) A further 10 minutes each way will be played. (There will be an interval of 5 minutes before further time is played. Teams will re-toss to determine kick-off. A further 2 minute interval will be observed after the first extra 10 minutes is played). b) The team scoring the most tries in the match. c) The highest ranked finalist is declared the winner. NOTE: No extra time (a) will be played from Under 19 down, (World Rugby Regulations): : For Junior Games - d) The team scoring the most tries in the match. e) The highest ranked finalist is declared the winner.

22 Disciplinary:

22.1 The Rugby Southland Disciplinary Sub Committee will be the tribunal for disciplinary matters arising from incidents within Rugby Southland’s boundaries. The disciplinary rules of Rugby Southland and NZR will determine the format and the disciplinary rules for the Disciplinary Sub Committee. (Commonly referred to as the Black Book). 22.2 A player ordered from the field by a Referee for foul play, will receive a mandatory suspension of two further playing days without immediate recourse to a disciplinary hearing. Rugby Southland will inform all parties including the player and their club, in writing of the period of suspension. 22.3 Should the mandatory suspensions be formally contested in writing within 48 hours of the offence by: a) The player or players Club. b) The Referee’s Association. c) The Disciplinary Review Officer/Chairman of the CoRC. d) Any victim of foul play. Then a Disciplinary Sub Committee hearing will be convened. 22.4 If a player, following a formal warning for two sin-bin offences within the season, is sin- binned on a third occasion the player will receive a mandatory suspension of two further playing days without immediate recourse to a disciplinary hearing; that is unless the mandatory suspension is contested as in clause 22.3, in which case a hearing will be convened. 22.5 Where the Rugby Southland Disciplinary Sub Committee proves that a team is responsible for the abandonment of a game as in rule 13.2, they will advise the COM who will in turn advise the Club that their team was responsible for the abandonment, and all Flag points received for the abandoned game will be deducted. This deduction of flag points may be in addition to any other penalty the Disciplinary Sub Committee may impose. 22.6 The Disciplinary Sub Committee shall have power to deal with acts of misconduct by any person, Club or Union which occur on or other than on the playing enclosure before, during or after the playing of all matches as the Disciplinary Sub Committee may from time to time determine, arising in a rugby setting. 22.7 “Person” shall have the meaning set out in Rule 38 of NZR Rules for Disciplinary Hearings but shall also include spectators and persons who are not members of clubs. 22.8 Any incidents not reported or dealt with by the referee need to be advised to Rugby Southland on Form I within 48 hours of the games completion. 23 General: 23.1 Amalgamated Teams  Entries from amalgamated teams will be accepted and will be ranked at the highest ranking of the individual teams, otherwise the principle of only one team from any one Club will rule at Senior level.

23.2 Amalgamation of Clubs  Where there is an amalgamation of Clubs the new (amalgamated) Club may put a case to the CoRC to have more than one Senior team so as to protect their player base. The CoRC will consider any case by merit, and will make a decision on the basis that Southland Rugby will benefit as a whole and not just the amalgamated club.  Where there is an amalgamation of Clubs, which has two or more teams registered in the same grade approval can be given for the teams to interchange up to three players per game. Abuse of this rule would lead to its discontinuance.  With regard to Premier, Premier B, Division One, Division One Qualifying, Senior Pools A and B, only one team per grade will be allowed unless exceptional circumstances arise. Application can be made to the CoRC on the basis rugby in Southland will benefit as a whole and not any individual team, club or school. 23.3 Provincial Players  Any team which plays a representative player, who has been asked by the Provincial Coach not to play Club Rugby prior to a Representative fixture, may be penalised by loss of flag points. 23.4 Similar Colours  In the event of two team’s colours being similar, the team to change jerseys to neutral colours will be the away team or when playing at a neutral venue the team whose name appears second in the draw. 23.5 Sponsorship  Clubs must make themselves familiar with and observe Rugby Southland requirements on Sponsorship. No conflicting uniform will be authorised.  There is a maximum size for sponsorship emblems to be on playing kit as determined by the World Rugby, regulation 14.

Manufacturer's Marks Sponsors' Marks Team Mark

Jersey 80 (1) 360 (1) 80 (1) Front (3)

Jersey Rear N/A 360 (1) N/A (1)

Jersey 80 (1) Sleeve (2)

Shorts 80 (1) 80 (1) or a Team mark 80 (1) Front (2)

Shorts Rear 80 (1) 160 (2) 80 (1) (2)

 The number 80 or 160 relates to the aggregate maximum total square cms. The number in brackets e.g. (1) relates to the maximum number of emblems or marks that can be carried.

24 Disputes:  Any dispute over the interpretation of the guidelines or rulings will be referred to the CoRC that controls those competitions for resolution. Where matters arise which are not covered by these rules then the CoRC will decide these matters. Appeals regarding any decisions of the YRC or any decisions of the CoRC or its Sub Committees shall be heard in the first instance as a re-hearing of the issue by the full CoRC with legal representation if required. 25 Fines:  With the exception of Rule 12.1.3 all non-compliance attracting a fine will be paid to Rugby Southland to offset Council of Rugby Clubs and Youth Rugby Council costs. 26 Blue Card Concussion Initative: 26.1 The Blue Card Concussion Initiative process has been introduced to:  Enhance player safety and welfare  Improve concussion management  Support player recovery and long-term health 26.2 The issuing of a Blue Card initiates a formal process when a player sustains a head and / or concussion or suspected concussion injury during a match. 26.3 The Blue Card Concussion Initiative is mandatory at all levels of adult rugby in Southland in 2017. 26.4 A Blue Card can only be issued by a registered / trained referee to a player demonstrating symptoms of concussion / suspected concussion. 26.5 The player must leave the field and cannot return to play in the match. 26.6 The Team Manager / Coach must submit the teams “Team Sheet” to Rugby Southland with the Blue Carded player/s name and number clearly identified. 26.7 After a Blue Card is issued and before returning to play the player must:  Complete the “Return to Play” requirements as stipulated in the NZR Community Rugby – Returning to Play Following Concussion Guidelines, including: o Having rested until they have no ongoing symptoms o Completed the minimum rest period from playing o Having undertaken a Graduated Return to Play Protocol - NZR DSLV Law 10.3 (b) o Having seen a medical doctor to obtain and submit a medical certificate to Rugby Southland to resume playing (21 / 23 days after date of issue of Blue Card) (21 days for adults, 23 days for under 19) o The medical certificate must be provided to Rugby Southland at least 24 hours before scheduled match in which a return to play is planned 26.8 As per the NZR Blue Card protocols – playing a player who has been issued with a Blue Card without the required clearance will forfeit the match and the maximum (5) points will be awarded to the opposing team. 26.9 For further information on the Blue Card visit www.rugbysmart.co.nz/bluecard. The Blue Card Concussion Initiative Protocols and Implementation Procedures booklet has the information required to action requirements.