Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby Union 2017 Handbook Information for Rugby Staff

AUCKLAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS RUGBY UNION

2017 HANDBOOK

INFORMATION FOR RUGBY STAFF

Compiled by ARU

WWW.AUCKLANDRUGBY.CO.NZ

AUCKLAND RUGBY UNION KEY CONTACTS

Auckland Rugby Union Head Office PO Box 56152 Phone: 09 815 4850 Dominion Road, Fax: 09 849 5300 AUCKLAND 1446

Rugby Referees Administrator Cody Neilson Phone: 09 815 4818 Email: [email protected]

Draws & Results: David Gainsford Phone: 09 815 4847 Email: [email protected]

Central Regional Development Coordinator John Faamausili Mobile: 021 292 8759 Email: [email protected]

East Regional Development Coordinator Joe Blundell Mobile: 027 425 2951 Email: [email protected]

West Regional Development Coordinator Brent Semmons Mobile: 027 808 4777 Email: [email protected]

South Regional Development Coordinator Scott Collins Mobile: 027 283 6185 Email: [email protected]

Womens Rugby Development Coach Katie Tahana Mobile: 027 808 5057 Email: [email protected]

ASSRU EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Executive Committee Members Patrick Drumm Alan Taylor Botany Downs Secondary College Bus: 09 846 2044 Francis Stowers Sacred Heart College Email: [email protected] Joseph Keane De La Salle College Graeme Phillips Aorere College Chairman Geoff Moon Mt Albert Grammar Brett Kingstone Scott Mansell Tamaki College Mobile: 021 827 215 Kane Wilson Aktive Auckland Sport & Recreation Email: [email protected] Jim Lonergan College Sport Secretary Scott Collins Auckland Rugby Union Alex Bing Alison Hall Auckland Rugby Referees Mobile: 027 477 4622 Email: [email protected]

Forms For all Rugby documents please head to the Auckland Rugby website and search under the School tab.

• Serious Injury Reports • Misconduct report • Complaint report

2017 SCHOOL RUGBY CONTACTS

School Rugby Contact Email

Aorere College Graeme Phillips [email protected] Auckland Girls Grammar Christo Peters [email protected]

Auckland Grammar School Chris Oates [email protected] Avondale College Mike Perez [email protected]

Botany Downs School Alan Taylor [email protected]

De La Salle College Nigel Hurst [email protected]

Dilworth School Grant Truman [email protected] Diocesan School Darryn Hoare (DS) [email protected]

Edgewater College Jodi Benjamin [email protected] Elim School David Chapman (SC) [email protected]

Jason Webb (DS) [email protected]

Epsom Girls Grammar Emma Jensen [email protected]

Glendowie College Joel Wiggans [email protected]

Green Bay High School Matt Ollerenshaw [email protected] Howick College Junior Mautairi [email protected] Kelston Boys High School Che Muller [email protected] Kelston Girls High School Jamie Lane [email protected]

Kia Aroha College Willie Ropata [email protected]

Kings College Kevin Putt [email protected]

Liston College Simone Ryan [email protected]

Lynfield College Joanne Smith [email protected]

Felecity Walbran [email protected]

Macleans College Thomas Cole [email protected]>

Mangere College Tai Uamaki [email protected]

Marcellin College David Ryan [email protected]

McAuley Girls High School Colleen Robertson [email protected]

Michael Park School Andrew Johnston (DS) [email protected] Mt Albert Grammar Geoff Moon [email protected]

Mt Roskill Grammar School Callum McGibbon [email protected]

One Tree Hill College Walter Tukerangi [email protected]

Onehunga High School Steve Frear [email protected]

Otahuhu College Leau Tamati [email protected]

Pakuranga College Clive Daniels [email protected] Papatoetoe High School Carlin Crossan [email protected]

Pacific Advanced Senior School Falefatu Enari [email protected] Ben Saipele (SC) [email protected] Rutherford College Nathan Mataia [email protected]

Mike Nola [email protected]

Sacred Heart College Francis Stowers [email protected]

Sancta Maria Jason Crummer [email protected]

Selwyn College Cameron Andrew [email protected] Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Otara Senior School Kevin Long [email protected]

Southern Cross Campus Julie Wharton [email protected] St Kentigern College Karen Smith [email protected] Ben Salt [email protected] St Paul's College Dave McDermott [email protected] St Peter's College Dave Thomas [email protected]

Tamaki College Kieran Gutry [email protected]

Tangaroa College Saua Leaupepe [email protected]

Waiheke High School Tony Wood [email protected]

Waitakere College Liam Mulrooney [email protected]; Marcus Nathuran [email protected]

Western Springs College Richard Anderson [email protected] Please refer to the College Sport 2017 Diary for contact numbers 4

COACH DEVELOPMENT KEY DATES

RugbySmart: Compulsory safety course for coaches of Under 14 Rugby and above. Clubs will be hosting regionally based courses. Schools can arrange their own courses through their RDC – please allow 60 min minimum.

Rugbysmart Dates 2017 Date Venue Time March 8th Wednesday Pakuranga RFC 630 - 800pm March 13th Monday Waitemata RFC 630 - 800pm March 15th Wednesday College Rifles RFC 630 - 800pm March 22nd Wednesday Papatoetoe RFC 630 - 800pm March 29th Wednesday Marist RFC 630 - 800pm April 3rd Monday University RFC 630 - 800pm April 10th Monday Ponsonby RFC 630 - 800pm April 26th Wednesday Suburbs RFC 630 - 800pm May 10th Wednesday Grammar TEC 630 - 800pm

Level 2 - Developing Rugby Coaches (DRC): Technical, tactical and practical coaching course with an emphasis on the coaching process, best practice and how to apply the knowledge in the rugby coaching environment.

Full accreditation: Full attendance at all workshops, completed laws test, coaching log, practical assessment by ARU/NZR. Level 2: Developing Rugby Coaches - March 2017 Level 2: Developing Rugby Coaches - October 2017 Date Venue Time Date Venue Time March 6th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830pm Oct 16th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830pm March 13th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830 pm Oct 24th Tues Dilworth College 600 - 830 pm March 20th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830pm Oct 30th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830pm March 27th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830pm Nov 6th Mon Dilworth College 600 - 830pm April 2nd Sunday Dilworth College 900 - 300pm Nov 12th Sun Dilworth College 900 - 300pm

Foundation Course: Bridging course for Level 2: DRC. The course has an emphasis on practical knowledge and application in the rugby coaching environment. Regionally based in 2017. Foundation Course Dates 2017 Date Venue Time May 24th South TBC 600 - 830pm June 14th Central TBC 600 - 830pm July 26th East TBC 600 - 830pm Aug 9th West TBC 600 - 830pm

Coaching Core Skills: Practical sessions with guest coaches focusing on core skills Coaching the "Core Skills" 2017 Date Skill Venue May 1st Monday Scrum TBC May 8th Monday Lineout TBC May 15th Monday Breakdown TBC

AUCKLAND RUGBY REFEREE DEVELOPMENT Associate Referees Course The Associate Referee Course is designed to enable referees to take control of games in the lower Rugby grades when an official, appointed referee is unable to attend. The Associate Referee Course is an introduction to refereeing and covers all areas of the game as well as the safety aspects outlined in the annual RugbySmart course. Associate Referee Course 2017 Date Venue Time April 27th Thursday Eden Park Gate A Lounge 700 - 900pm May 3rd Wednesday Botany Downs Secondary College 700 – 900pm May 10th Wednesday Eden Park Gate A Lounge 700 – 900pm May 17th Wednesday Waitakere RFC 700 – 900pm

Requesting a Referee The Auckland Rugby Referees Association endeavours to appoint referees for Saturday games. If schools wish to play games mid-week (traditional fixtures, pre-season or make up games) then the Schools’ Rugby contact must get in touch with Cody Neilson to organise one. Please allow one weeks’ notice for referee requests to increase the chances of success. Details you will need to provide: • Venue of the game, • Level of the game i.e. 1st XV, 4th grade etc., • Opposition

For further information around the laws of the game or general questions about refereeing, contact:

Cody Neilson Phone: 09 815 4818 Email: [email protected]

Blue Card Initiative The Blue Card Concussion protocol will be implemented across all Secondary School rugby fixtures in Auckland that are officiated by a qualified referee who has been trained to identify indicators of concussion. The Blue Card process is:

• A player is shown a Blue Card on the rugby field, after the referee identifies they are displaying indicators of concussion. • The issuing of a Blue Card triggers formal off-field follow up processes/procedures with the referee and Team management to complete a serious injury form • The Blue Card removes any doubt as to whether the player is removed from the field of play for concussion. There can be no opportunity for the player to return to the field if he/she “recovers”. • The Blue Card that the referee issues is similar in concept to the yellow/red card, in that the player MUST leave the field however in the case of a blue card the player carded may be replaced immediately. • Auckland Rugby will send a letter to the school and player confirming that the player has been stood down from playing rugby because of suspected concussion. This letter will outline the procedure for return to play and includes a medical clearance form that must be completed before they return to play. • This initiates implementation of World Rugby Concussion Guidelines requiring the player to complete each stage of the ACC endorsed, “Return To Play Guidelines”. • It is recommended that the suspected concussed player seeks medical attention within 24 hours. • Doctors have been asked to consider that this player has been witnessed displaying clear indicators of concussion by the referee or team medic. Under New Zealand Rugby’s “Rugby Smart” ACC Endorsed safety program, players that display indicators of concussion MUST be stood down from rugby for a minimum of 21 days - (23 days for players under 19). • A player must obtain Medical Clearance to resume playing and must follow the ACC endorsed, “Return To Play Guidelines” (see in the Blue Card Concussion Initiatives Protocols). • A player must produce a Medical Certificate/official ARU letter signed by the medical practitioner, to the ARU to resume playing. This must be received by the ARU office 24 hours before scheduled return to play.

Please contact Barry George for more information: [email protected] or 021 841 965

KEY DATES

April 5 ASSRU Delegates Meeting 11 Team entries close 12 Secondary School Girls Invitational Sevens Tournament 13 End of Term 1 14 Good Friday 29 1st XV Promotion / Relegation games – All grades May 1 Start of Term 2 3 2017 Schools Rugby Launch 6 1st XV Round 1 8 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 1 13 1st XV Round 2. Start of all Grade rugby 15 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 2 20 1st XV Round 3. Grade Rugby Round 2 22 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 3 27 1st XV Round 4. Grade Rugby Round 3 28 Auckland Maori Rugby Skill Day 29 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 4 Jun 5 Queen’s Birthday. 1B / 1C U18 Schools Combine 10 1st XV Round 5. Grade Rugby Round 4 12 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 5 17 1st XV Round 6. Grade Rugby Round 5 19 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 6 24 1st XV Round 7. Grade Rugby Round 6 25 Auckland Maori Rugby Skill Day 26 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 7 Jul 1 1st XV Round 8. Grade Rugby Round 7 3 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 8 7 End of Term 2 9 Blues Schools Camp begins 17 ARU U14 / U16 / SS Girls U18 Skills Week starts 23 Auckland Maori Rugby Skill Day 24 Start of Term 3 29 1st XV Round 9. Grade Rugby Round 8 31 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 9 Aug 5 1st XV Round 10. Grade Rugby Round 9 7 Girls 1st XV / 10s Round 10 12 1st XV Round 11. Grade Rugby Round 10 14 Girls 1st XV / 10s Semi-finals 19 First XV Semi-Finals. Grade Rugby Round 11 20 Auckland Maori Rugby Skill Day 21 Girls 1st XV / 10s Finals Day 26 1st XV Finals. Grade semi-finals Sep 2 Grade finals 4 Summer tournament week 8 National Top 4 in Palmerston North 9 Representative Rugby begins 16 Rep Rugby Round 2 23 Rep Rugby Round 3 29 End of Term 3. Rep Rugby Round 4 Oct 16 Start of Term 4 20 SS Senior Sevens Tournament 25 AGM Nov 1 SS U15 Sevens Tournament Dec 7 Condors Sevens Starts 20 End of Term 4

ASSRU CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS & RULES OF COMPETITION

AUCKLAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS RUGBY UNION CONSTITUTION

(Amended March 2017) 1. NAME The Union is called the "Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby Union" (ASSRU).

2. AFFILIATION The Union is affiliated to the Auckland Rugby Union Inc and the Auckland Secondary Schools Heads Association Inc. (College Sport Auckland)

3. MEMBERSHIP (a) All secondary schools with rugby teams within the Auckland Rugby Union District and where Principals are members of College Sport are deemed to be members. (b) Schools without rugby teams in the competition of the previous season shall make application to play, in writing, to the ASSRU. Any such applications are subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

4. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (a) The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ASSRU shall be held prior to the end of October. (b) Fourteen days’ notice of such meeting is to be given (c) Each member school of the ASSRU shall be entitled to send one delegate only. (d) The officers of the Union shall be elected at the AGM.

5. OFFICERS OF THE UNION The appointment and election of the Officers of the Union will take place at the AGM of the ASSRU. (a) President - appointed by College Sport. (b) Chairman (c) Secretary/Treasurer (d) Delegate to the ARU (e) Competition Supervisor (f) Northern Region Delegate (g) Executive Committee made of school delegates, College Sport, Auckland Rugby Referees Association and Life Members

6. THE COUNCIL OF DELEGATES (C.O.D.) (i) This shall consist of one delegate from each member school. (ii) At any meeting of the Council of Delegates, one half of the delegates will constitute a quorum. (iii) The Council of Delegates shall elect the Executive Committee.

7. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The officers of the Union plus the following shall form the Executive Committee which will administer Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby according to its constitution. (a) A delegate appointed from the Auckland Rugby Referees Association (b) A delegate from the Auckland Rugby Union (c) A College Sport representative.

8. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (a) A Special General Meeting may be convened at any time by the Executive Meeting. (b) A Special General Meeting may be convened upon the request of not fewer than five schools with seven days’ notice given to members.

9. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE Where necessary the ASSRU will defer all Judicial & Disciplinary matters to the ARU Judicial Committee. All other matters will be dealt with on a case by case basis by the Executive Committee.

10. COMPETITION COMMITTEE The Competition Committee is the Chairman, Secretary, Competition Supervisor and Draw Steward who is appointed by the Executive Committee. The Committee is chaired by the Competition Supervisor.

11. MATCHES - GAMES The commencing date for all competitions will be determined by the Executive Committee after consultation with the College Sport.

12. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY refer to College Sport By-laws.

13. PLAYING RULES OF THE UNION All matches will be played in accordance with the World Rugby “Laws of the Game” and NZR “Domestic Safety Law Variations” (DSLV’s)

14. PLAYING GRADES AND WEIGHTS Weight and/or age limits for each grade shall be determined by a General Meeting.

15. WEIGHING, AGE CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION Dates and methods of weighing will be decided at a General meeting.

16. LIFE MEMBERS The Executive Committee can nominate life members who shall remain members of the Union for their respective lives. Each election must be unanimous and shall be for the purpose of recognition of special services rendered to the Union. Nomination for life membership shall be made only by the Executive Committee. The election of Life members will be held at The AGM, voted on by the Council of Delegates.

17 CHANGE OF CONSTITUTION The Constitution of the ASSRU shall not be altered, added to or rescinded, except on the vote of a majority of two-thirds of the members present at any AGM or Special General Meeting duly convened. Notice of any proposed alteration, addition or rescission must be given in writing to the Secretary of the ASSRU at least 21 days before the meeting at which it is intended to propose such alteration, addition or recession. At least 14 days’ notice of such meeting shall be given to all members of the ASSRU. No alteration, addition or rescission shall be valid or of any effect, unless approved by the Executive Committee of the ASSRU.

18 REPORTS For presentation at the AGM. Each of the following will provide a written Annual Report which will be presented at the AGM (i) Chairman (ii) Secretary/Treasurer (iii) ARU Delegate (iv) Representative Manager(s) (v) Northern Region Delegate.

AUCKLAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS RUGBY UNION BY-LAWS

(Amended March 2017) These by-laws outline the operating procedures and must be read in conjunction with the Constitution and the Rules of Competition.

1 STUDENT ELIGIBILTY Refer to College Sport By-laws - 4. General Eligibility - 5. Premier Eligibility - 6. Premier Registration - 7. Premier Non-Domestic Student Eligibility - 8. Premier Competition Rugby Eligibility - 9. Composite Teams

Boys 1st GRADE only The procedure for registrations is: • All teams are to file their player registrations online with College Sport prior to the start of competition. A squad of 30 may be submitted, including six new to the school. • Additional players can be registered online for the team, provided registrations are received at College Sport three days prior to the game in which the player is scheduled to play. • A student who takes the field in one or more rugby matches for a Participating School in the Auckland, North Harbour or Counties-Manukau Premier Competition, and then transfers to another Participating School, may not play in the first six rugby matches in the Auckland, North Harbour or Counties-Manukau Premier Competition for their new school, including any promotion/relegation matches. The six match stand down period will be taken from the student’s date of commencement. • All students must be under 18 as at 1st January in the current year. However, a team which has not filled its New to School quota may have a maximum of two players who are under 19 as at 1st January in the current year, providing these players are not also classed as New to School. Under 19 players permitted to play in this competition will be included in the maximum New to School quota. 1.1 Promotion / Relegation Play-off Exemption: I. Players who enroll at their school on or before day one of the third school term of the previous year are eligible to play in the promotion / Relegation play-off matches. II. Any player enrolled in the school after this date (assuming the enrolment meets College Sport regulations) will be deemed New to School and are eligible to play for that school throughout the season but NOT in the Promotion / Relegation play-off matches.

2 WEIGHING, TEAM ENTRIES, REGISTRATION AND PROTESTS 2.1 WEIGHT I. A player's grade is determined by their initial weigh-in that is signed off by officials of the ASSRU. II. In the situation where random weight checks or weigh-ins for play-off and finals are conducted by officials of the ASSRU, a weight gain of 4kg is permitted from the start of grade competition. III. Supplementary weighing will be done by an Executive member or representative nominated by them. 2.2 TEAM ENTRIES All TEAM ENTRIES will be completed through College Sport EnterNow system. 2.3 PROTESTS, ORDERING OFF AND OUT OF ORDER PLAYERS Refer to ASSRU By-law 4: Protests, Complaints and Judicial Process

3 RE-GRADING PLAYERS Refer in relation to College Sport By-law 4

3.1 PLAYER STATUS/ELIGIBILITY Refer to College Sport By-law 4 3.2 REGRADING PLAYERS I. A player may be re-graded by the Executive Committee on written application from the delegate of their school. Such application must include information of the player's playing record for that season. A player is deemed ineligible if they start three or more games in a higher grade. II. No player seeking re-grading shall play until re-grading has been confirmed by the ASSRU Executive. III. No player can be re-graded more than once in a season. IV. No re-gradings will take place after the last round robin games. V. There will be no re-gradings of 1st XV players to a 2nd XV by the ASSRU Executive. Any 1st XV registered players can play for their school’s highest 2nd XV throughout the season. However, any 1st XV registered player who has started three or more games for the 1st XV will be ineligible any subsequent 2nd XV semi-finals and finals. 3.3 PENALTIES (i) First offence: Loss of game /competition points. (ii) Second offence: Team suspension.

4 PROTESTS, COMPLAINTS AND JUDICIAL PROCESS 4.1 Procedure for Protests and Complaints.

School to School Matters relating to teams, players, coaches and spectators

ASSRU Executive Matters not resolved by Schools, competition formats & points

ARU Complaints Review - All protests and complaints submitted through the ARU website or Officer submitted Protest, Complaint & Misconduct forms.

- All judicial matters – yellow cards, red cards, abandoned matches, appeals.

I. All complaints regarding ASSRU teams must be lodged through the complainants’ school. Any protest must be signed by the Principal on school letterhead and made within a week or before the next game to the Secretary. The Secretary will send a copy of the protest to the offending school and the ARU

II. All protests, ordering off and appeals shall be conducted according to the guidelines laid out in the most current version of the NZR Handbook "Rules for Disciplinary Hearings" and the ARU Judicial Process.

III. In the event of a protest/complaint or misconduct the appropriate form will need to be obtained from the ARU website: www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/forms. Protest, complaint or misconduct forms will be diverted to the appropriate authority once received.

4.2 SUSPECTED OUT OF ORDER PLAYERS I. Where a coach believes a member or members of the opposing team are (A) overweight (B) playing in the wrong grade or (C) are unregistered, they may ask the opposing coach/referee directly for the team sheet. II. Where any such request is made the opposing coach shall be obliged to provide that information on the individual or individuals concerned. 4.3 JUDICIAL PROCESS Disciplinary hearings are held at the offices of Sport Auckland, 5.30pm on Tuesdays. Schools and players will be contacted if they are required to attend. The Sport Auckland offices are located at Alexandra Park, Greenlane Rd West, Epsom.

The following flowchart outlines the Judicial Process: (ii) If such information is not given the coach may consider 'playing under protest', advise the referee of the fact and make a protest under by-law 7 (a). The opposing coach can withdraw the player without penalty. If not, then the protest guidelines are in place.

5 DEFAULTS, FORFEITS & RESCHEDULING GAMES The ARU Competitions Administrator is the point of contact for any Defaults, forfeits, cancelations and field closures. Please read the below in conjunction with College Sport Defaults & Rescheduling Policy.

5.1 Deferring or Rescheduling games Where schools wish to alter or defer games then the host school must confirm with their opposition before changes are made and approval gained from the Competition Committee. Any changes must be completed by the end of that grades specified final competition round. 5.2 Cancellations I. Any cancellations for all grades 2nd XV and below will be adjusted on that grades respective draw. All draws can be accessed through the Auckland Rugby website (draws & results tab) or directly on the draws.nzrugby.co.nz/competitions. II. Cancellations will be made where deemed appropriate according to the weather and playing conditions by the host school. III. Where a school closes its grounds during the week the ARU Competitions Administrator shall be informed no later than noon on the Friday prior to the scheduled games. That school must also: A. Inform the ARRA Referees Administrator B. Inform the opposition. In these circumstances scheduled games will be played at the same venue but at a time and date suitable to the school(s). IV. Grounds closed after 12 noon on the Friday but before 7.00 am on the day of the match, will be replayed at a venue, time and date suitable to the opposing school. That school must also: A. Contact the School Delegate of the affected school B. Inform the ARRA Referees Administrator or the referee at the ground if applicable. V. Except where overridden by a general cancellation, schools which close their grounds after 7.00 am on the morning of the match forfeit their grade games to the opposing school(s). VI. When the coaches agree or the referee decrees that a ground is unplayable, the game(s) will be replayed when mutually agreed or, failing that, as decided by the Executive Committee. VII. Games cancelled on neutral grounds will be played at the convenience of the schools concerned. The School deemed the ‘home’ side will take responsibility to reschedule the fixture.

First XV Rugby There will be no cancellation of First XV rugby.

5.3 Defaults Definition: Notification is given prior to the scheduled game being played: I. Any school intending to default a game must notify the ARU by 12 noon on the Friday preceding. They must then notify the team of the opposing school. Failure to do so will result in a fine on the offending school, such fine to be determined by the Executive Committee. II. There will be no defaults in the 1st grade competition. A team that defaults will be deducted 15 points. The school’s principal is advised in writing of the punishment and the consequences of a second default. The non-defaulting team will be awarded the maximum of five points. III. Penalty for default games: A. Non-offending team will receive 5 points for 1st grade & 4 points for all other grades. B. Score to be listed as 28-0 in favour of the non-offending team. IV. A First XV team that defaults twice in a season will be removed from the First XV Competition for the remainder of that season and for the entire next season. 5.4 Forfeits Definition: Notification given at the time of the scheduled game being played. This could be for: I. playing an ineligible player i.e. overweight, over age, ineligible registration of player II. not having sufficient numbers to start the game: 15 players incl. three front row players III. Penalty for forfeited games: A. Non-offending team will receive 5 points for 1st grade & 4 points for all other grades. B. Score to be listed as 28-0 in favour of the non-offending team. IV. A First XV team that forfeits twice in a season will be removed from the First XV competition for the remainder of that season and for the entire next season. V. All protests regarding competitions or games need to be made to the Executive Committee in accordance with ASSRU By-law 4: Protests, Complaints and Judicial Process.

6. INTER-SCHOOL VISITS OUTSIDE THE ASSRU AREA I. All teams playing matches in other areas other than districts controlled by the ARU should notify the Secretary of the time and location of the fixture. II. All teams playing schools from areas other than districts controlled by the ARU should notify the secretary of the time and location of the fixture(s).

WARNING: AUCKLAND SCHOOLS HOSTING OVERSEAS TEAMS The visiting school must have permission to travel to and play New Zealand schools. Permission comes from contact between the host rugby union and the NZR. The Auckland Rugby Union will not allocate referees to games where the visiting team does not get permission. Also the Disability Insurance may be jeopardised.

7. REPRESENTATIVE SELECTOR/TEAM/TRIALS I. ASSRU Under 18 Representative sides will be selected each year. Representative players can only be selected from First XV teams.

II. The positions of Head Coach & Manager will be advertised at the discretion of the Executive Committee and will be appointed in consultation with the ARU

8. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE I. The Order of Precedence of matches for secondary schools is as follows: 1. New Zealand Secondary Schools team 2. Franchise Team 3. National Tournament Qualifying games 4. Provincial & Regional Representative Teams 5. School Competition 6. Traditional fixtures or other arranged games. II. All representative selections, trials, practices and games must give due consideration to individual schools and their programmes. Where School Programmes and Representative Programmes overlap, it is important that all coaches communicate regularly about the availability of players to ensure they are given every opportunity to maximize their participation. III. Unless otherwise stated, schools will have priority on their own students during school hours and in practice time up to 5.00 pm on school days.

9 NATIONAL 1ST XV CHAMPIONSHIP 9.1 Following the 1A final, the highest placed team (that opted for the “boys” section) will qualify to represent the Auckland Rugby Union in the Blues Franchise Qualifying game. 9.2 The highest placed Co-educational team (that opted for the co-ed draw) will qualify to represent the Auckland Rugby Union in the Blues Franchise Qualifying series. 9.3 Following the Girl’s First XV final, the winner of the final will qualify to represent the Auckland Rugby Union in the Blues Franchise Qualifying game.

10 COMPOSITE SCHOOL TEAMS. Refer to College Sport By-laws 9: Composite Teams

11 SEVENS RUGBY The ASSRU designate Sevens Rugby as a Term 1, 3 & 4 sport.

ASSRU RULES OF COMPETITION

1. SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY GRADES – The NZRU Domestic Safety Law Variations I. In terms of “The Laws of the Games of Rugby Union” all Secondary School grades will play matches under the NZRU Domestic Law Variations II. In relation to LAW 20: The Scrum - all Secondary School grades will play under IRB Under 19 Variations.

2. DATES OF PLAY I. All Secondary School Rugby will commence from the first weekend of Term 2 and will conclude by the final weekend of August in the year of Competition. NOTE: Promotion/Relegation for Premier Rugby will be held the last weekend of Term 1 Holidays. II. Girls Rugby will commence from the second Monday of Term 2 and will conclude by the final Monday in August in the year of competition.

3. PLAYING GRADES AND WEIGHTS

1st Grade Under 18 years* & open weight (exemption for up to 2 x U19 players) 2nd Grade Under 19 years & open weight Under 19 years & under 80kg – equivalent to 4th grade Under 19 years & under 70kg – equivalent to 5th grade *Under 17 years & under 60kg – equivalent to 6th grade Under 15 Under 15 years & open weight Under 15 years & under 55kg – replacement for 7th grade & U14 Restricted Under 14 Under 14 years & open weight

I. All ages are to be taken as at the 1st of January in the year of competition. II. For weight restricted grades, in the situation where random weight checks or weigh-ins for play off matches are conducted by officials, a weight gain of 4kg is permitted from start of grade competition. (4th grade and below).

4. TEAM ENTRIES 4.1 1st Grade / Premier Grade Promotion & Relegation Promotion within 1st Grade will be determined by the Executive Committee as follows: (a) The bottom placed team in the 1A competition shall play the winner of the 1B competition the following year, in the week prior to the competition starting. The 1B School will have the home venue advantage. The winner of this game earns the right to play in the 1A competition in that year. This will also occur between the 1B & 1C competitions.

(b) The team placed second to bottom in the 1A competition shall play the second placed team in the 1B competition the following year, in the week prior to the competition starting. The 1A School will have the home venue advantage. The winner of this game earns the right to play in the 1A competition in that year. This will also occur between the 1B & 1C competitions.

(c) If the winner of the 1B competition declines the opportunity to play off, then the runner-up of the 1B competition will replace that team in the play-off match (I) and play-off (II) will not occur.

(d) Where a member school's First XV or highest senior team does not wish to play in 1st grade, then the school must apply to the Executive Committee for competition placement.

(e) All placements based on these competition rules and school input will be decided by the Executive Committee.

4.2 Non-Premier Grades (all grades below 1st Grade) The ASSRU and ARU accept that team entries may change however all team entries need to be confirmed by Queen’s Birthday Weekend by all member schools.

5. GAME AND COMPETITION RULES 5.1 Formats I. All formats to be determined by the Executive Committee and the ARU in consultation with School Delegates. All formats to be confirmed by Queens Birthday weekend to allow for any restructuring due to withdrawals & additions. II. Formats will be based on team entries received from member schools and after the results of grading games where required. Requests by schools to move a team up or down grades will need to be submitted to the Executive Committee before the competition starts. III. The Grade draws will be carried out by the Competition Committee. All competition games will be played at the time and venue decided by the Competition Committee. IV. In the event of a team being removed or added upon request to a competition after the start date

5.2 Allocation of Competition Points in Round Robin Competition I. Four for a win, II. two for a draw III. one for a loss within seven points. IV. A bonus point for scoring four tries or more shall apply to 1st grade only (incl. Boys & Girls 1st XV).

5.3 Allocation for team rankings in the event of more than one team earning the same number of competition points in the round robin competition.

I. The winner of the game played between the two teams will have the higher ranking. II. The team that has the best for and against differential will be given the higher ranking. III. The team that has the highest points “for”, will be allocated the higher ranking. IV. The higher ranking will be decided by ballot.

5.4 Procedure to establish a winner in the event of a draw in the semi-finals. There is no extra time in U19 Rugby. I. The winner shall be the team that scored the most tries II. If the teams scored the same number of tries, the winner shall be the team that scored the first try III. If no tries were scored, the winner shall be the team that scored the first points IV. If no points were scored, the winner shall be the team that won the game between the two teams in the round robin competition. V. If the round robin competition game was drawn, then the winner will be the team that had the best for and against differential during round robin play will be given the higher ranking.

5.5 Procedure for a draw in the finals. I. There is no extra time in U19 Rugby. II. The game will be deemed a draw and the title will be shared by the competing teams. III. In the event of ranking being required following the final the highest ranked team will be based on the finishing spots after the competition round.

5.6 Timing of games I. All grade games will be scheduled by ARU and confirmed by the Executive Committee. II. Game times are set out as below: A. 1st grade & 2nd grade games shall be 35 minutes each half. B. All other grades shall be 30 minutes each half. III. Premier 1A will be played at 2.30pm; all other Premier 1st grade games will be played at 12.00pm IV. (d) Protests regarding the competition will be made to the Executive Committee in accordance with By-law 7.

6. REFEREES I. The Auckland Rugby Referees Association endeavours to appoint official referees to all fixtures, however If no referee has been appointed or the appointed referee does not turn up it is the responsibility of the host school to appoint a suitably trained person - this person must have completed a minimum of either an Associate Referee within the last 3 years and completed the current year’s Rugby Smart course. II. If no trained referee can be appointed, the game must not be played and teams will not receive any competition points for the game. Schools must refer to ASSRU By-law 5 Defaults, Forfeits & Rescheduling Matches III. In cases where the ARU appointed referee does not turn up, the host school should notify Cody Nielsen at the Auckland Rugby Union on the Monday following the game. 18

7. RULES RELATING TO THE ISSUING OF A BLUE CARD 7.1 A Blue Card may be issued by a fully trained and accredited referee in the event that the referee believes the player has suffered concussion. I. The issuing of a blue card covers all grades, levels and formats of New Zealand Rugby II. The player must leave the field immediately and may not resume playing in the game. III. The player must follow the Blue Card player clearance procedure as outlined by the New Zealand Rugby Union before recommencing play. IV. In the event of a player returning to play that has not had the correct player clearance then at the sole discretion of the technical committee, the team of the offending player may be penalised: (a) by losing any competition points derived from the match; or (b) by having the teams’ competition points tally reduced by up to ten competition points. (This could mean the team ending up with a negative points tally.) V. Any coach or manager who plays a player that has not had the correct player clearance will be required to attend a technical hearing on the issue and may be subject to a further penalty at the sole discretion of the technical committee.

7.2 If this rule is breached for any quarter-final, semi-final or final, the game will be forfeited by the offending team and the School of the offending team will be fined an amount not exceeding $500.00.

8. SCHOOL RESULTS I. All results must be sent to the ARU by Tuesday 5pm the weekend following games. II. Any school not confirming their results within seven days of playing a game will result in zero competition points being awarded to the school teams that have not sent in their results. III. Results for 1st grade games and any other grades where the four try bonus is offered, must include the number of tries for the allocation of bonus points. If the number of tries is not indicated, schools will not receive any bonus points. IV. Any deferred, altered or rescheduled matches that are not completed prior to the end of the competition round will be deemed a defaulted result and the non-offending team will be awarded the points as set out in ASSRU By-law 6: Defaults, Forfeits & Rescheduling V. All competition games must be played prior to the Semi-finals; those not played will be deemed to be defaulted.