Connacht Provincial Qualifying Competition for National X7’s 2017/2018

Dear Principal/PE teachers, Connacht Rugby will be running 2 league style blitzes to qualify for the IRFU National X7’s Finals on Nov. 8th 2017 in Dublin. After the Qualifying League Blitz 2, the top 4 proceed to the National X7’s Tournament in Dublin. The National X7’s Tournament in Dublin is for Senior teams only. The top 4 Junior teams that qualify for the finals will play in a Connacht venue. Dates for this competition are as follows: October 10th Qualifying League Blitz 1 for Juniors and Seniors. Oct. 26th Qualifying League Blitz 2: At the end of the blitz, the top 2 Junior teams play in a final on that day. Top 4 Senior teams progress to the National X7’s. Nov. 8th National X7’s Tournament (Seniors only)

Eligibility: Seniors:Players born in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 1/1/02 – 30/6/02 Juniors: Players born in (1st July 02- 31st December 2004)

Registration Deadline: September 29th 2017

Competition: 1. Registration 1.1. Each team must register a panel of up to 14 players prior to competition. 1.2. If school is entering more than one team on submission of the panel a player may not play for another team.

2. Replacements and Substitutes 2.1. Rolling substitution laws are applicable

3. Competition Regulations 3.1. All games to be played to IRFU guidelines attached. 3.2. Points for matches will be awarded as follows: 3.2.1. 4 points for a win 3.2.2. 2 points for a draw 3.2.3. 1 bonus point awarded for scoring 4 or more tries in a match 3.2.4. 1 bonus point awarded for losing by seven points or less.

3.3. The top 4 teams at each event will win 10, 8, 6 and 4 points respectively. Each team who attends a blitz will receive 5 points in the overall league table. The top 4 Senior teams will qualify for All Ireland Finals on 8 th November 2017 in Dublin, while the Top 2 Junior teams will be playing their final on October 26th. 3.4. In the event that two teams end tied at the end of the group stages the following will be taken into consideration: Points scored, Wins, Draws, Trys, Head to Head, 1st Try, 1st Score, Toss of a coin

E Team Sheets The use of E Team sheets will be compulsory.

Please note: All schools involved in rugby within the province need to pay an affiliation fee to Connacht Rugby (€50). This fee is payable in September of each year. Once you register your school, the invoice will be sent to the school with the cheque to be payable to Connacht Rugby. Guidelines to playing the game

 Pitch Size: Half pitch (70m x 50m) with the 5m lines acting as the try line. The area from the 5m line to the side-line will act as the try scoring area. The side-line is the dead ball line. Two pitches side by side should have a 7m safety zone between them.

 Numbers per team: 7 players on the pitch at one time. Squad size of 12 players.

 Replacements: Unlimited subs during the game. Subs must enter and leave the pitch at halfway

 Ball size: 4

 Time per match: 2 x 7 min halves for tournaments and festivals. (For a single match, teams may play 4 x 7 min quarters).

 Tackle: Yes, tackle must be made waist down to encourage good technique. Dangerous tackles should be penalised immediately (High tackles i.e. above the chest line, grabbing the jersey above the chest area, swinging players in the tackle, dump tackles)

 Scrums: 3 v 3 no contest

 Lineouts: 3 v 3 no lift but teams may contest

 Penalty and free kicks: Tap and go. Defending team must be back 5m.

 Yellow cards apply. Any player who receives a yellow card must leave the pitch for 2 mins.

 Red cards apply: Any player who receives a red card must leave the pitch but may be replaced by an alternative player. The player who receives the red card must not play any further games that day and may be subject to Branch disciplinary procedures

 Method of scoring: Try (no conversions)

 Restarts: The team who concedes the try will restart the game from halfway with a tag and go. Defending team must be back 5m.

 Kicking: grubber kicks (i.e. the ball travels along the ground) only allowed. Any ball over head height will result in a tag and go by the opposition.

 Hand off: Yes but no hand off to the head/face/neck area. Expression of Interest

Name of School: ______

Contact person details: (name, mobile, email): ______

______

______

Coach in school: (name, mobile, email): Same as above:

______Age group: Junior: Senior:

Any queries, please contact [email protected] Registration Deadline: September 29th 2017