COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS 2016

COMPETITION RULES
AND REGULATIONS
2016
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document Purpose
This document is the Competition Rules for all Competitions conducted by the West Australian Junior
Rugby Union.
Distribution Control
Version Number 1.0
Copies Produced 1
File Name West Australian Junior Rugby Union (RUGBYWA JUNIORS) 2013 Competition Rules
VERSION CONTROL
AND DISTRIBUTION
Version Number
Issued To
Reason for Issue /
Description of
Update
Author / Revision
Date Issued
1.0
31 Jan 2013
RugbyWA Junior Executive
Rules Review
1.1
10 Feb 2014
RugbyWA Junior Executive
Rules Review
1.2
10 Mar 2015
RugbyWA Junior Executive
Rules Review
1.3
19 Feb 2016
RugbyWA Junior Executive
Rules Review
Competitions
Manager
Competitions
Manager
Competitions
Coordinator
Competitions
Coordinator
CONTENTS
A. CITATION / STATEMENT OF INTENT
B. DEFINITION OF TERMS
C. INTERPRETATIONS
1.
MATCH LAW
2.
CODE OF CONDUCT
3.
TEAM NOMINATIONS
4. AGE ELIGIBILITY
5.
ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS, COACHES AND MANAGERS
●
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
●
COACH ELIGIBILITY
●
MANAGERS
6. REGISTRATION
7.
TRANSFERS
8.
COMPETITION
8.1 DRAW/GRADING
8.2 TIMINGS
8.3 SCORING
8.4 CONDUCT OF MATCHES
8.5 AGE GROUPS, LAWS AND PLAYER NUMBERS
8.6 REPLACEMENTS/RESERVES
8.7 PLAYING ENCLOSURE
8.8 TEAM SHEETS AND MATCH RESULTS
8.9 HOME CARNIVALS
8.10 FORFEITURE OR MATCHES
8.11 PLAYERS UNIFORM
9. VENUE SET-UP AND CONTROL
10. MATCH OFFICIALS
11. FINALS
11.1 TIMES AND VENUES
11.2 FINALS ELIGIBILITY
12. PROTESTS, DISPUTES AND APPEALS
13. APPEALS AGAINST THE JUNIOR COMPETITION CO-ORDINATOR
14. GENERAL
15. CODE OF CONDUCT
16. FEES AND INSURANCE
A.
CITATION / STATEMENT OF INTENT
These rules shall be cited as the 2016 RugbyWA Juniors Competition Rules and Regulations. It is intended
that these rules shall apply to all Clubs participating in any competition organised under the auspices of the
RugbyWA Juniors, and shall be read in conjunction with, and in the order of, the Constitution of the
RugbyWA Juniors, ARU Safety Directives & Pathway Laws, Laws of the Game and the ARU Rugby Code of
Conduct.
The Junior Competition Co-ordinator is responsible for the day - to - day running of the competition and
ensuring that these Rules and Regulations are adhered to. The Junior Competition Co-ordinator is
authorised to impose penalty/s / sanctions on the member club/s for all breaches of these rules. Any breach
of these rules may also result in penalties being imposed at the discretion of the Junior Competition Coordinator and the RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee also have the right to amend/dismiss any penalty
imposed by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
The advice of any RugbyWA Juniors Executive Member does not in any way supersede anything contained
in these Rules.
From time to time it may be necessary for the RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee to issue directives to
the member Clubs. If a directive is passed by the majority of the Executive Committee, it is to have the force
of a Rule.
B.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
In the Competition Rules, except in so far as the context or subject matter otherwise indicates or requires:
Age Group means Registered Players and Teams participating within a common chronological age group
e.g. Under 12.
Appeals Committee means the Committee or a subcommittee thereof.
Appeals Tribunal means the tribunal appointed by the Committee and convened by the Junior
Competition Coordinator to hear any appeals against decisions of the Judiciary.
ARU means the Australian Rugby Union Limited and its affiliates.
ARU Policies means the policies published by the ARU from time to time and included on the ARU
website.
ARU Registration Form means the form issued by the ARU or the form produced by the Online
Administration System for registration of players and coaches.
Assistant Referee means a person who:
(a) Holds a current ARU Referee accreditation; or
(b) Holds a current ARU Assistant Referee accreditation; or
(c) Has successfully completed the ARU Pathway course, is a member of a Referees Association
and is actively refereeing Under 6’s to Under 12’s.
Away Team means the Team which is not the Home Team.
Club means a body, incorporated or unincorporated, that executes a Competition Participation and
Affiliation Agreement and enters Teams into Competition(s).
Club Affiliate means any Registered Player, Team, Club Official, Team Affiliate or any other individual or
organisation that has an association with the Club.
Club Official means any Team Official, Club Committee member or other official associated with the Club.
Club Registrar means the person(s) responsible for entering the Club’s player registration forms into the
Online Administration System.
Club President means the person(s) who holds the position of President in a Club as advised by the Club to
the Administrator.
Coach means the coach of the Team.
Code of Conduct includes Codes of Conduct issued by the ARU and its affiliates.
Committee means the RugbyWA Juniors Executive committee or a subcommittee thereof.
Competition means all Competitions (including the Friday Night Competition, the Saturday Competition
and the Sunday Competition) organised, administered and conducted by the Junior Competition
Coordinator.
Competition Rules mean these rules which are the Competition Rules for the current season. The
Competition Rules shall be read in conjunction with the Laws of the Game, ARU Policies and the Code of
Conduct.
Finals Series means Matches designated as semi-finals, preliminary finals and grand finals.
Financially Indebted means any sum outstanding to the RugbyWA Juniors which has remained unpaid for
thirty (30) days after the date on which such payment was due.
Grade means a part of an Age Group for which the Junior Competition Coordinator conducts a
Competition.
Home Team means the Team who usually plays at the venue at which a Match is to be played or, if there is
no such Team, or if both Teams usually play at that venue, the Team that appears first for the Match in the
Official Draw. However if the venue for a Match is moved to a venue that is not the home venue for either
Team playing then the Team requesting the move shall be deemed to be the Home Team.
IRB means the International Rugby Board.
IRB Laws of the Game means the rugby laws incorporating the Playing Charter that are issued by the IRB
and are on the ARU website.
IRB Regulations means the Regulations of the IRB which are on the ARU website.
Judiciary means a committee appointed by the RugbyWA Juniors Executive and convened to investigate
and adjudicate on Send-Offs, Code of Conduct violations and breaches or disputes of the Competition
Rules.
Junior CAB is the Junior Committee Advisory Board that is responsible for the allocation of appropriate
referees to match (es) in the RugbyWA Juniors Competition.
Junior Competition Co-ordinator is the person so nominated by the RugbyWA Board, and deemed
responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the RugbyWA Juniors Competition.
Laws of the Game mean the IRB Laws of the Game, the IRB Regulations, the Australian Law Variations
and the Australian Under 19 Law Variations which are included on the ARU website.
Laws of Rugby means for Matches in Competitions for:(a) Under 6 to Under 12 Age Groups shall be played in accordance with the Pathway Laws subject to the
variations as outlined in these Competition Rules which will have preference in the case of any uncertainty;
and
(b) Under 13 to Under 16 Age Groups shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game subject to
the variations as outlined in these Competition Rules which will have preference in the case of any
uncertainty.
Lodgement Date means the final date for the submission of forms as directed by the Junior Competition
Coordinator.
Match means a game in the Official Draw.
Match Official means the Referee, Assistant Referee or touch judge.
Minimum Number of Players means ten (10) Registered Players for a twelve (12) a side Competition and
twelve (12) Registered Players for a fifteen (15) a side Competition.
Misconduct means conduct, action or behaviour that is detrimental to a Club, Junior District, a Club
Affiliate, the RugbyWA Juniors or the ARU or one of its affiliates.
No Match means a scheduled Match that has not been played within the required time period.
Official Draw means the draw for Competitions as issued by the Junior Competition Coordinator from
time to time.
Participant means any player, coach, official or volunteer registered with the ARU.
Pathway Laws means the modified laws of the Australian TryRugby Kids Pathway.
Playing Enclosure means the playing area and the space around it normally bounded by permanent
perimeter fencing. If no perimeter fencing is evident then the natural boundary such as buildings or rock
faces and in the absence of any natural or physical boundary then an area not less than 5 metres where
practicable surrounding the playing area.
Proven Offence means an offence that has been found proven by a judiciary of a sporting code.
Referee means a person who holds a current ARU Referee accreditation.
Referees Association means a Referees Association approved by RugbyWA.
Registered Player means a person who has completed the ARU Registration Form and whose details have
been entered into the Online Administration System.
Regular Season means the season from round 1 to the final round immediately prior to the Finals Series.
Representative Game means any match or competition as determined by the Junior Competition
Coordinator and includes but is not limited to the RUGBYWA JUNIORS State Championships, the
RUGBYWA JUNIORS Regionals and matches involving the RUGBYWA JUNIORS representative teams.
Representative Player means a Registered Player who is nominated or selected to play in a
Representative Game, even though they may subsequently withdraw due to injury or any other
circumstance, and in the current year they will be a Representative Player :(a) up to the day immediately before the first day of the RugbyWA Juniors State Championships, if
they were nominated or selected to play in a Representative Game, even though they may have
subsequently withdrawn due to injury or any other circumstance, at any time during the
previous calendar year;
(b) from the first day of the RugbyWA Juniors State Championships, if they were nominated or
selected to play in a Representative Game, even though they may have subsequently
withdrawn due to injury or any other circumstance, at any time from the beginning of the
current calendar year to the end of the RugbyWA Juniors State Championships;
(c) if they are nominated or selected to play in their first Representative Game for the current
calendar year after the RugbyWA Juniors State Championships, even though they may
subsequently withdraw due to injury or any other circumstance, then from the day of their first
Representative Game after the RugbyWA Juniors State Championships for the current calendar
year.
(d) All Registered Players selected, even though they may subsequently withdraw due to injury or
any other circumstance, in the ARU’s Junior Gold Youth (Under 18) 7’s, National Gold Squad,
Junior Gold Squad, Junior Gold Under 15 High Performance Camp or any other ARU High
Performance Unit squad as determined by the Junior Competition Coordinator for the current
calendar year are considered Representative Players from the date of their selection.
RugbyWA is the West Australian Rugby Union Inc.
RugbyWA Juniors means the trading name of the RugbyWA Juniors Inc.
RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee means the elected members that form the executive
Committee as derived from the RugbyWA Juniors Inc.
Scheduled Game Time means the venue, date and time as specified by the Competition Manager in the
Official Draw.
Sent Off means permanently suspended from a Match, trial, carnival or tournament generally signalled by
the referee showing the player a red card, and Send Off shall have a similar meaning. May also be referred
to as “red carded”.
Sin Binned means temporarily suspended from a Match, trial, carnival or tournament for a period of five
(5) or ten (10) minutes, generally signalled by the referee showing the player a yellow card, and Sin Bin
shall have a similar meaning. It may also be referred to as “yellow carded” and / or “temporarily
suspended”.
Sports Trainer means a suitable trained person that participates in providing medical treatment, carrying
water, or providing a kicking tee when required.
Suspension means a prohibition from playing in any rugby matches organised under the auspices of the
ARU or its affiliates (including school rugby) and may be imposed by the Judiciary or automatically
pursuant to the Competition Rules. Suspend and Suspended shall have similar meanings. In accordance
with ARU policy the Junior Competition Coordinator recognises all sanctions and suspensions imposed by
other sporting codes in relation to all Proven Offences.
Team means the list of Registered Players in a team as contained on the Sign-on Sheet.
Team Affiliate means Trainer, first aid officer, parent, guardian or spectator.
Team Official means a Coach, assistant coach, manager, assistant manager, trainer of a Team.
Temporary Suspension means Sin Binned.
Trainer means a person who administers water to players, delivers and retrieves the kicking tee and
attends to injured players of his Team.
Transferable Player means any Registered Player who is permitted to move between Grades and Age
Groups within their Club.
Two Year Window means the Age Grade Two Year Window policy (COM009) issued by the ARU which
states that a player shall not participate in an age grade competition more than two years above his or her
age on 1 January in the year in which the competition is run. This two year period is known as the two-year
window.
TSM means Team Spectator Manager for a team nominated in the RugbyWA Junior Competition
WAJRU and or Union means the West Australian Junior Rugby League Inc. (old name) now replaced by
RugbyWA Juniors Inc. (on 16 March 2016).
WARURA means the West Australian Rugby Union Referees Association Inc.
WASRU means the West Australian Schools Rugby Union Inc.
C.
INTERPRETATIONS
In these Competition Rules unless the context indicates a contrary intention:(a)
Words denoting the singular number include the plural and vice versa;
(b)
Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation;
(c)
References to clauses and sub-clauses are references to clauses and sub-clauses of these
Competition Rules; and
(d)
Words denoting the male gender include the female gender and vice versa.
1. MATCH LAW
a.
Under 13 and Above:
All matches in these age groups shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game and
Regulations, as published by the World Rugby Under 19 and 7-a-side variations, together with all bylaws and directives of the ARU, RugbyWA and RugbyWA Juniors.
b.
Under 12 and Below:
All matches in these age groups shall be played in accordance with the current ARU Junior Player
Pathway Laws, with the exceptions of:
● RugbyWA Juniors Law Amendment for (U9-U10): Restart – Scoring team to restart (kick off after
scoring of a try).
● Where an U11 team has less than 12 players, but has 9 or more players available and ready to play,
the match shall still be considered a competition match. Where a team has less than 9 players in the
U11 age group, the match shall be deemed a forfeit and a friendly match shall ensue.
● Where an U12 team has less than 15 players, but has 12 or more players available and ready to play,
the match shall still be considered a competition match. Where a team has less than 12 players in
the U12 age group, the match shall be deemed a forfeit and a friendly match shall ensue.
● At all times player numbers MUST be matched on the field of play in U6-U12 age groups, for both
competition and forfeited matches.
2. CODE OF CONDUCT
a. The ARU Code of Conduct defines the expected behaviour of Club Affiliates. (Appendix 1)
b. The RugbyWA Juniors Code of Ethics (Appendix 2) provides the Values that RugbyWA Juniors expects
of its Clubs, Affiliates and volunteers.
c. Each Club is responsible for the distribution to, and education of Club Affiliates, to the Code of Conduct
and must take all reasonable steps to ensure that Club Affiliates adhere to the Code.
d. Club Affiliates must comply with the Code of Conduct and at no time act in a manner detrimental
towards the game or the spirit of Rugby Union.
e. Club Affiliates must endorse the Code of Conduct at Registration and in so by signing a 2016 Registration
form they are accepting the conditions illustrated in the ARU Code of Conduct and the RugbyWA Juniors
Code of Ethics.
f.
g.
Club Affiliates shall not during the course of, before or any time after, a match under the jurisdiction of
the Union, abuse or address a Referee or Assistant Referee in insulting terms, or act in an intimidating
manner towards a Referee or Assistant Referee.
The Code of Conduct is also available on the RugbyWA Website.
h. Any breach of this rule, by any Club Affiliate or any other person associated with a Club of the Union,
may result in penalties including financial, being imposed on the Club Affiliate or any other person
associated with a Club of the Union or the Club itself at the discretion of the Junior Competition
Coordinator / RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee. (Appendix 3)
3. TEAM NOMINATION
Participation, and or Competitions, shall be initiated by the calling for nominations from each age group, as
shown in the RugbyWA Juniors calendar for that year, or as otherwise directed by the RugbyWA Juniors
Executive Committee.
a. A Team Nomination Summary form (Appendix 4) is to be completed by each Junior Club wishing to
participate in the Junior Rugby Competition, with details of all coaching staff and their coaching
accreditations and/or certificates.
b. By submitting the Team Nomination Summary by the requested date set by the Junior Competition
Co-ordinator, the Club agrees to abide by the Constitution and the Competition Rules applicable for the
season in question.
c. The Junior Competition Co-ordinator, has the ability to allow teams to be accepted after the deadline,
on the condition that but not limited to:
● There is an odd number of teams in the age group to which a team is nominating, thereby replacing
the ‘Bye’; or
● A previously nominated team withdraws from the competition in that age group.
● Is in the interest of Rugby or the Competition.
d. Each club who nominates a team in any of the Under 11 – Under 17 competitions must also provide the
name and details of a new referee meeting the following ratio;
● Clubs with 1-6 teams in the above age groups are to provide 1 x new referee;
● Clubs with more than 6 teams in the above age groups are to provide 2 x new Referee’s.
These new Referees are to undertake training to become an active and accredited referee registering to
a Foundation Course held by RugbyWA. Upon becoming accredited this person or persons must be
available for the WARURA during the season to assist with ensuring there are sufficient referees
available to officiate at all required junior fixtures held in metropolitan WA. If after the 1st of June, Clubs
whose ‘club nominated referee’ have failed to complete their accreditation or have not been available
to referee, the club will be required to rectify this situation by the 15th of July. Any club failing to
comply with this clause shall still be eligible to play in the 2016 competition but potential penalties
may be considered by the RugbyWA Juniors until this clause is complied with.
e. It is a Condition of Entry into the Under 12 – 17 Competitions that each team accept the obligation to
provide one (1) Accredited Assistant Referee. This person needs to be available and is the assistant
Referee for matches played by that team.
f.
The Team Nomination Summary will record acceptance of this Condition of Entry.
g. Failure, without reasonable justification, to have an accredited Assistant Referee for a match, as
reported by the opposing team, and/or referee, to the Junior Competition Co-ordinator, will:
● In the first instance be in the form of a warning to the parent Club;
● Incur loss of one competition point for each subsequent reported breaches;
h. A Team Nomination form (Appendix 5) must list all registered Club players nominated for that team
as well as contact information for the coaches, manager and TSM, and nominated Assistant Referee
details.
i.
j.
Team Nomination forms must be received by the deadlines as determined by the Competition
Calendar. Note there may be different deadlines for different age groups within the competition to take
into account any grading games being planned.
A separate Team Nomination form is to be submitted for teams in different divisions within the same
age group.
k. Unless approved by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator, Team Nomination forms must list the
minimum number of players as shown below:
● Under 6 – Under 8
:
7 players
● Under 9
:
10 players
● Under 10 – Under 11
:
12 players
● Under 12 – Under 17
:
15 players
l.
Any Club wishing to nominate additional teams in the Under 13s upwards must have a minimum of 35
eligible, registered players. A club with more than 22 and less than 34 players in an age group will be
encouraged to form composite teams with other clubs in a similar position, and should collaborate with
the Junior Competition Co-ordinator to achieve this outcome.
m. Once a Team Nomination form is submitted, subsequent late player registrations are to be submitted
on an additional Team Nomination form, prior to the player playing their first match. The form is filled
out as for the previously submitted Team Nomination Form, with the new player/s added below the last
player.
n. Any breach of these Rules (3a – 3n) by a Club could result in a team nomination being withdrawn, at the
discretion of the Junior Competition Co-ordinator, until such time as the Team and/or Club have
complied with the above Rules.
4. AGE ELIGIBILITY AND DETERMINING AGE GROUP
a. All junior players must prove their eligibility, in respect of age and gender, to play in an age group
certified by the Club Registrar of the Club submitting the Team Nomination forms.
b. The RugbyWA Juniors Executive has adopted the ARU Mixed Gender Policy which states : ‘Males and
Females can participate in mixed gender rugby up to and including the calendar year (1 January – 31
December) in which they turn 12 years of age.’
c.
It is the responsibility of the Club Registrar to ensure that a player provides authentic documentary
evidence of their birth date. This evidence must consist of an original of either :
● A Birth Certificate or an Extract of Entry of Birth; or
● A current Passport; or
● Official documentary proof from their Country or State of Birth; or
● A current Driver’s Licence or Permit; or
● Any other evidence supported by a Statutory Declaration signed by the player’s parent/guardian.
Age group eligibility is determined as per the ARU recommendation: ‘A junior age rugby player must be
younger than the age group in which he/she is playing as of the 1st January of the playing year e.g. A player
in the U15s must be younger than 15 years of age as of the 1st January, in the playing season.’
d. The RugbyWA Juniors has adopted the ARU Two Year Window Policy for its Competition. The Policy
states: ‘All junior competitions played within Australia are recommended to observe a Two Year Window
where no player should participate in a game more than two years above his or her chronological age. For
example, a player participating in an Under 12 competition should be turning 11 or 12 years of age during
the calendar year.’
e. Whilst an exception to the Two Year Window exists with the ARU Two Year Window Protocol &
Disclosure form, it shall not apply to the RugbyWA Juniors Competition for age groups U6-U15’s.
f.
The only exceptions to the two year window protocol and disclosure for shall apply to the U17’s
competition. This will allow U15 aged players eligible to play in the U17’s competition provided they
meet all requirements as stipulated in the ARU Policy (Appendix 6 & 7).
g. U17’s players wishing to play U20’s must comply with the ARU 2 year window policy as well as the Senior
Rugby Consent Form and Policy as directed by the ARU. This will include payment of the Senior
Insurance Levy. U17’s players must also understand that restrictions to Finals eligibility may be affected
by playing in a higher age group as advised by the Finals Directives and Player eligibility policy.
h. The minimum age to play rugby is five (5) years of age. A junior age rugby player must be younger
than the age group in which he/she is playing as of the 1st January of the playing year.
For example: A player in the Under 15's must be under 15 years of age as of the 1st January, in the playing
season.
2016 Year of Birth / Age Groupings
Player born 2011
Age
Group
U5
Player born 2010
U6
Player born 2009
U7
Player born 2008
U8
Player born 2007
U9
Player born 2006
U10
Player born 2005
U11
Player born 2004
U12
Player born 2003
U13
Player born 2002
U14
Player born 2001
U15
Player born 2000
U16
Player born 1999
U17
Year of Birth
The player MUST BE 4 years of age before being registered with a Club, however this registered player
MUST be born in 2011 to play in any match under the control of the Union during the current calendar year.
i.
No player is permitted to play in a team whose age group is younger than the player’s determined age
group. Note: No exceptions to this rule are permitted for boys or mixed gender Rugby unless
dispensation is determined by the RugbyWA Juniors.
j.
The RugbyWA Junior Competition Coordinator will closely monitor all dispensations. Where a club
contravenes these rules, the Club shall be deemed to have forfeited the match that the ineligible player
participated in. The non-offending team will be awarded points as per the criteria listed for Forfeits.
4.1 Age and Disability Dispensations
a. Dispensation may be granted by the Junior Competition Coordinator to a Registered Player to play in a
Competition that is below that Registered Player’s age group for as determined in accordance with this
Competition Rule for players between the U8 and U16 age group or below.
b. The outcome of any application for dispensation will be advised in writing to the RugbyWA Juniors JCC.
c. A Representative Player cannot apply for Age Dispensation. If a Registered Player has received Age
Dispensation and subsequently becomes a Representative Player the Age Dispensation shall
immediately lapse.
d. Any Registered Player that has requested an Age or Disability Dispensation must play in their
chronological Age Group until the Age Dispensation request is granted by the JCC, and this is only valid
for the year of application.
e. The JCC reserves the right to monitor the progress of a Registered Player granted Age Dispensation
throughout the season and reconsider its decision accordingly.
f.
Any Registered Player granted an Age Dispensation who subsequently participates in their chronological
Age Group will have their Age Dispensation revoked.
g. The Age Dispensation is valid only for the season during which it is granted.
h. Any Team that plays a Registered Player in contravention of this Competition Rule shall be required to
show cause to the JCC as to why all Matches of that Team involving the Registered Player should not be
deemed to have been forfeited by the Team.
4.2 Request for Age of Disability Dispensation
A Registered Player requesting dispensation to play below that Registered Player’s chronological Age Group
must complete an Age Dispensation form (obtained from the Website), and then organise an appointment
with an medical authority to obtain a medical report. The medical report together with the Age Dispensation
form must be forwarded to the Administrator for consideration and approval by the JCC. The JCC will adopt
the following criteria when assessing a Registered Player’s Request for Age Dispensation:a. Male Registered Players that are assessed and found to be in the bottom 15th percentile for weight for
their Age Group shall be granted dispensation and female Registered Players that are assessed and found
to be in the bottom 30th percentile for weight for their Age Group shall be granted dispensation.
b. This Competition Rule does NOT apply to the U17 age determination Age Group. (ie: boys born in 1999)
c. Age Dispensation is limited to two (2) players per Team, however the JCC reserves the right to increase
the number of Age Dispensations granted per team.
d. In relation to all other applications for Age Dispensation the JCC will make the determination taking into
account the approved medical authority’s recommendations.
e. The JCC’s decision may override any medical report.
4.3 Girls Rugby Policy - U8-12 age groups only
●
●
●
●
●
●
Females can participate in mixed gender rugby as per the ARU Pathways guidelines upto and
including the age of 12 in that calendar year.
Females can seek approval to play in an age group 1 year lower than their chronological age.
Ie:
girl who should play U12’s may play down in U11’s only.
No team can have more than 2 x Females playing down in their respective teams.
To gain approval, a letter of request is to be sent to the JCC, signed by both a Club official and the
parent/guardian, stating the request and supporting information.
Females will not be allowed to play in the lower age group until approval has been granted by the
JCC.
Clubs found to be in contradiction of this rule, will be deemed to be contravening the Competition
Rules and as such may be sanctioned as directed by the RugbyWA Junior Executive in accordance
with the competition rules.
5. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS, COACHES AND MANAGERS
All participants must be register in Rugbylink if they wish to participate in the RugbyWA Juniors
Competition.
5.1 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
a.
●
●
A player is eligible to participate in a given Competition match(es) if:
He/she is listed on a Team’s Nomination form; or
He/she is listed with an older aged team provided that the Two Year Window Policy is adhered to.
b. Those clubs that nominate a Gold Division and Swan Division team in the same age group must supply
a list of their nominated 20 Gold Division players. All other players are considered Swan Division players.
Any Swan Division players can play for the Gold team provided they abide by the ARU U19 Law
Variations in relation to the ARU 90 minute safety rule. Clubs may renominate their Gold division
players after Round 8.
c. If a Club has two teams in an Age group than no more than 4 Gold Division players can be enlisted to
assist a Swan team, as bench players, in a given match, of whom two (2) must be front row trained (props
and hookers) in the interests of safety. The Gold division players playing in the Swan division should not
be the starting players from the Gold division team.
d. State Representatives (Junior Gold Cup) from the current year, or the previous calendar year can NOT
be enlisted to play in the Swan Competition if your club has 2 teams in the Age Group, regardless if they
are Front row trained. If your club only have 1 team in the Age group this rule does not take effect.
e. A player not listed on a team’s nomination form must not play in place of a nominated player, if the
latter is present, available and ready to play. An exception to this rule shall be allowed if the former is a
trained front row player playing in position and the latter is not.
f.
Players should only participate in games for the Clubs to which they are registered. Participation for a
team from another Club should only occur if that Club has less than the minimum numbers required to
field a team, in which instance, the team fielding player(s) from another Club will have deemed to have
forfeited the match and a friendly match will take place.
g. Where a team contravenes any of these Rules, the offending team shall forfeit the match and be subject
to loss of competition points for that weekend. The non-offending team will be awarded points as per
the criteria listed for Forfeits.
5.2 COACH ELIGIBILITY
Coaching qualifications are required at all levels of rugby as follows:
a. Smart Rugby – Smart Rugby – All coaches for U6 – U17 must attend a ‘Smart Rugby’ Seminar at least
once every four years, with an online renewal every second year.
b. Under 6 - Under 12 : Each team in these age groups should have at least one coach who, as a minimum,
has attended a Coaching Kids Rugby or a Refereeing Kids Rugby Course (formerly Junior Player
Pathway), or Foundation Course. Also teams, listed first in the Under 6 – 10 age groups, must provide a
suitably qualified referee for each game.
c. Under 13 - Under 17: Each team in these age groups should have a coach who holds a current
Foundation or higher (Level 1, 2 or 3) coaching accreditation, or have attended or be enrolled on, and
participate by mid-season (30th June), a Foundation Coaching Course.
d.
No team nomination will be accepted unless these criteria are met.
COACHES, MANAGERS, and TEAM SIDELINE MANAGER (TSM)
a. Team Management (including coaches) are responsible for the actions of their team, and they must be
conversant with the applicable Laws, Competition Rules, RugbyWA Juniors, RugbyWA and ARU Policies
and Procedures. Coaches, Managers and club officials are to :
●
●
●
●
●
Be conversant with the Competition Rules; and
Be conversant with the ARU Laws of the game, including Under 19 variations
Be conversant with the principles of Team Spectator Management
Be conversant with the contents of Team Managers Handbook issued by RugbyWA
Read, and understand the RugbyWA Juniors Code of Ethics (Appendix 2) and will be responsible for
their actions if in breach of the Code.
● Where applicable must obtain a Working with Children Card.
b. Coaches and Managers handbook (Appendix 22)
c. TSM’s handbook (Appendix 23)
6. REGISTRATION
a. A player may play for the Club of his/her choice and Clubs have no propriety rights over a players
movement from year to year/season to Season, except:
● Where a player has outstanding fees owing to another Club, the gaining Club would be morally
obligated not to register that player until the situation had been resolved; and
● Clubs are NOT to actively seek players of another Club as it is not in the spirit or the best interest of
Junior rugby and growing the game, and any Club/individuals found to be doing so should
immediately be reported to the Junior Competition Co-ordinator, for action if required or
appropriate.
In the event a Club breaches Rule 6a. Further action may be taken at the sole discretion of the RugbyWA
Juniors Executive.
b. Each Club shall ensure that all its players, coaches and officials are properly registered for the current
season on Rugbylink as prescribed by the Australian Rugby Union.
c. A player shall be eligible to play for an Affiliated Club in a match conducted or controlled by the Union
only if he/she is registered as a playing member of that Affiliated Club for that year.
d.
No player shall be eligible to play for a Club within the Union unless:
i. The player has completed a current ARU Registration Form and it is signed by the player’s
Parent/Guardian and a club committee member. Clubs must keep a copy of every form submitted
to the competition department at RugbyWA, and
ii. The player has provided Proof of Age to the Club Registrar by means of;
● Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport; or
● Official documentation proof from their country of State of Birth; or
● Any other evidence supported by a Statutory declaration signed by the players
parent/guardian
● Clubs should keep a copy of the proof of Age.
iii. The Club is satisfied that the player is not currently registered with another Team and/or Club and
that they are eligible to play in the team and or Competition; and
iv. Any applicable fees or levies have been paid; and
v. The Player has been included on the Team Nomination Form; or for late registrations their details
have been submitted to the Junior Competition Co-ordinator prior to the player participating in
their first match
vi. It is the Clubs responsibility to distribute the ARU Code of Conduct to all players and
Parent/guardians and to make them aware of the content of this document.
e. Online registration may be utilised by clubs using the Rugbylink Online Registration system. Clubs must
provide RugbyWA with a summary of online registrations two weeks prior to Round 1 and then
whenever a new online registration is taken thereafter or as directed by RugbyWA.
f.
A player registering after the Team Nomination form has been submitted is not eligible to play unless:
● The player and Club have complied with (e. I – VI) above; and
g. Once a player has played or been shown as available on a Team Sheet for three (3) matches, they remain
current for that season and are not to be removed from a Clubs Team Nomination form, or the ARU
database, unless they have transferred to another Club or Union.
h. For the purposes of registration, any actions required to be taken by the player are to be taken to mean
actions by the player’s parent or legal guardian, where the player is not legally competent to sign or
complete any document required for registration.
i.
All registrations must be entered onto Rugbylink. RugbyWA undertakes to perform a portion of the
input of data into Rugbylink for clubs who make this request of RugbyWA in writing before Registration
Day. RugbyWA will perform this task up until the date set for each season, as determined by the Junior
Competition Co-ordinator, at which time the task will revert to the Club Registrar. Once the handover
date for input of registrations onto Rugbylink by RugbyWA is passed, registrations must be entered onto
Rugbylink by clubs within five (5) days of the registration form being signed.
j.
Should the Junior Competition Co-ordinator object to any proposed player’s registration, the Junior
Competition Co-ordinator shall, without delay, advise the Club concerned that the Player must not play
until the objection has been resolved. If the Player has played then the Club concerned will be considered
as having played an Unregistered Player.
k. Failure of a Club to respond to Rule 6k to try and resolve the matter within seven (7) days, will result in
the player being declared unregistered.
l.
In the event of a Club permitting an Unregistered Player to take part in any game, the game will be
deemed a forfeit to the non-offending team and points awarded as per the criteria listed for Forfeits.
The Club will also be asked to show just cause as to why the Club, Team or Player should not be penalised
further in respect of a 2 week suspension for playing the Unregistered Player.
m. The RugbyWA Competition Department shall keep and maintain records of all Player, Coaches and
Officials details, including the name of the Club they are registered to.
7. TRANSFERS
a. No player shall play for any Club other than the current Club to which he/she is registered as a player
unless, and until, he/she is first transferred.
b. A player who is registered with a Club in the RugbyWA Juniors Competition in that year of Competition,
may only transfer clubs if the following procedure is followed:
● Completion of a Junior Player Transfer via Rugbylink and an Official from both clubs involved in the
transfer have approved the transfer;
●
Approval has been granted by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
Note: Until such time as this is received, the player is not eligible to play for another club.
c. Payment of fees etc. is a matter for the Player and the two Clubs concerned. However the Player’s new
Club will be required to pay the RugbyWA Juniors Player Levy and the old Club will gain a credit for this
levy.
d. The cut-off date for transfers between Clubs in the RugbyWA Juniors Competition is 10am on the Friday
preceding Round 10 of the Competition. This cut-off date is set to allow transferring Players the
opportunity to play 5 games for the new Club and thereby be eligible for Finals consideration. Any
Player transferring after the cut-off will need to obtain dispensation from the RugbyWA Juniors
Executive to be eligible to play in Finals.
e. A Player transferring from another Union within Australia must follow the clearance requirements as
advised by the ARU and the RugbyLink process, prior to registering and playing with a new Club in
Western Australia.
8. COMPETITIONS
8.1 DRAW / GRADING
a.
The Competition will be conducted in accordance with a schedule of matches/competition rounds, as
appropriate to the number of team nominations received, and drawn up by the Junior Competition Coordinator prior to the start of the season and varied as necessary from time to time.
b. A review of divisional allocations (Gold and Swan) will be made after the first 4 rounds and prior to
commencement of the round six (6) fixtures to ensure a fair and equitable competition. Changes will
only be made after approval by the RugbyWA Juniors Executive and only after a thorough review has
been completed.
c. The divisional placements decided by RugbyWA Juniors Executive will be final.
d.
Competition points will be re-distributed for teams changing divisions across all competitions in
the following manner;
● Any team moving to a new division shall receive competition points equal to that of the team at
the median of the applicable division they are transferring to. This team will be given for and
against points of zero (0) points for and zero (0) points against.
● If there are an even number of teams in a division (meaning there are two [2] median scores) then
the entering team will be given the lower score of the Division they are transferring to.
The term ‘Median’ means that the entering team will be given the ‘middle number of competition points’
of the new Division.
8.2 TIMINGS
a.
Matches will be played at the times and grounds indicated in the fixture list or as set by the Junior
Competition Co-ordinator.
b. Clubs wishing to alter playing venues and timings must seek approval by the Junior Competition Coordinator NO LATER THAN midday on Wednesday prior to the scheduled fixture.
c. With the agreement of the participating Clubs, WARURA and the Junior Competition Co-ordinator,
games may be scheduled to be played at night under lights as long as the standard of lighting conforms
with the approved safety standard for football codes, namely AS 2560.2.3.
8.3 SCORING
a. The record of a team in the Competition is compiled by the aggregated competition points obtained,
namely:
Under 11 – Under 17:
● Four (4) points for a win;
● Two (2) points for a draw;
● One (1) bonus point for a loss within 7 points or less;
● Up to Two (2) Referee Bonus Points.
b. A team with a ‘Bye’ fixture (except in the case of a general Competition bye) shall be awarded four (4)
competition points plus two (2) Referee Bonus Points and a score line of twenty five (25) points For and
zero (0) points Against.
c. Referee Bonus points, up to a maximum of two (2) per match, are awarded by referees, via the Referee
Bonus Point card, for team, coach/manager and spectator behaviour.
d.
●
●
●
●
●
Teams in the Under 11-17 competitions can be awarded the following Referee Bonus points:
Zero (0) bonus points from Group 1 on the Referee Bonus point card,
One (1) bonus points for Group 2 on the Referee Bonus point card, if conditions met.
One (1) bonus point from Group 3 on the Referee Bonus point card, if conditions met.
Two (2) bonus points are awarded for a scheduled Competition Bye.
Two (2) bonus points are awarded for a forfeit.
e. Conditions for Referee bonus points: Group 2 and 3 have a value of 1 Bonus Point associated to the
group. Clubs must achieve / meet all Criteria in groups 2 and 3 to obtain their Bonus points. Note: All
bonus points are lost if Red card is issued to a team, 1 Bonus point will be lost if a team is issued a Yellow
Card by the referee appointed to the scheduled match/es.
GROUP 1
Yellow card issued
Red card issued
GROUP 2
No abuse/argument from Captain/players outside laws
Captain and Team thanked/cheered opposition, shook hands
Captain/Team thanks Referee for the game
GROUP 3
No abuse/argument from officials/spectators
Officials thanked opposition team and officials for game
Officials thanked referee for game
f.
At the conclusion of each round of scheduled fixtures, teams will be ranked in order of the following:
● Greater Competition Points; if two or more teams are equal, then
● Greater Number of Wins; if two or more teams are equal, then
● Greater Points Difference; if two or more teams are equal, then
● Greater Field Points; if two or more teams are equal, then
● Greater Number of Referee Bonus Points; if two or more teams are equal, then
● Greater Number of “loss less than 7 points”; if two or more teams are equal, then
● Fewer Number of Losses
g. Club Championship points are the total points amassed by all a club’s teams – competition points and
bonus points in the case of teams playing in competitive grades, and attendance points for teams in
non-competitive grades. The Club with most championship points is deemed Club Champion.
Under 6 – Under 10
● Two (2) ‘attendance’ points per match played/bye.
8.4 CONDUCT OF MATCHES
a. Matches will be conducted according to the Laws appropriate to the age grade.
b.
ARU Game Management Guidelines for Community Level Rugby (Appendix 8) are to be used in
conjunction with the current World Rugby Laws of the game.
c. Each competition match shall be played in two halves with an interval not exceeding five (5) minutes
between each half.
d. Playing Time:
Under 17’s –
Under 12’s – 15’s
Under 11’s
2 x 30 Min halves
2 x 25 Min halves
2 x 20 Min halves
All age groups MUST use an appropriate size “Gilbert” match quality ball for all competition matches.
e. As per the ARU U19 Law variations for players in the RugbyWA Juniors competition playing time is
restricted to 90 minutes in accordance with the Laws of the game, in any one day no matter what the
games are called (trial, knockout, carnival or tournaments). The number of games in the day is not an issue;
the playing time is the issue. It is expected that due care is taken by coaches with regards substitution or
replacement of players and that the time issue is always the over-riding consideration.’
f.
Any breach of the maximum playing time may incur as a minimum the loss of competition points
received by the offending player’s team. Coaches and Managers are responsible to ensure the Health
and Safety of players is paramount.
g. Teams are required to be at the appointed field at least 10 minutes prior to the kick-off time to allow for
referee boot/mouthguard checks etc. This will also ensure that games start on time.
h. Mercy Rule
1. The referee will call half-time if the score reaches a difference of 35 points before the normal half
time.
2. The referee will call full-time if the score reaches a difference of 50 points before the normal full time.
3. When the referee has called full-time after a points difference of 50 Points has been reached before
the normal full-time, the opposing coaches, in consultation with the referee, will decide if the game
will continue in the same format, in a modified format or if the game is ceased all-together.
i.
j.
Matches must finish a minimum of five (5) minutes prior to the next scheduled kick off time,
notwithstanding delays in starting or during the match; the duration of the halves will be adjusted
accordingly by the referee.
There is no Extra Time in Competition matches.
8.5 AGE GROUPS, LAWS AND NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Age Group
Law
Under 11
Under 12
Under 13 to 17
Pathway *
Pathway *
Under 19 *
Number of
Players
12 (minimum 10)
15 (minimum 12)
15 (minimum 12)
Scrums
6 players
8 players
8 players
a. In the event that an Under 11 Team is unable to field a full Team of 12 players or an Under 12 Team is
unable to field a full team of 15 players, then there must be an equal number of players on the field for
each Team and teams may share players to reach the maximum number of equal players on the field,
with unlimited rolling substitutions. If a Team is sharing players then the number of players being
shared will be adjusted if a player is injured, replaced due to an open or bleeding wound, Sin Binned or
Sent Off.
b. In the event that a Team in the Under 12 to Under 17 Age Groups is unable to field a full team of 15
players prior to the start of a scheduled fixture may take to the field with a minimum of 12 players. The
team(s) which does not have the minimum numbers to commence a match, as per ARU Laws including
Under 19 variations, will in such cases to be deemed as a forfeit, and after a forfeit has been declared,
then player numbers may be balanced and a friendly match may proceed.
c. If a Team(s) has less than twelve (12) players in Under 11 and fifteen (15) players in Under 12 to Under
17’s then the Team with the least number of suitable trained players for its scrum determines the
number of players in the scrum.
d. For Regular Season Matches and Finals Series Matches the maximum number of players that may be
signed-on in a Match is 18 for a 12-a-side Competition and 23 for a 15-a-side Competition.
Minimum Numbers; after the Match has commenced
For U12 upwards, if numbers fall below the minimum numbers to play after the match has commenced,
the match may proceed, however if disparity is so great that safety of players is a concern, the Coach of
the team with the lesser numbers should do the following:
●
●
Have the Referee STOP the match, and
FORFEIT to the opposition, and
In conjunction with the other Coach, even up the numbers and a friendly match may proceed / continue.
The score will be recorded as at the time of the forfeit or as per the forfeit ruling whichever is the greater.
Player Sign On to Team Sheets
a.
Managers are to have team sheet booklets completed with all players names, including jersey number
noted on the booklet.
b.
During the pre-match Referee checks with the teams each both Managers will exchange booklets prior
to and the opposition manager will check off all players present and confirm Jersey number prior to
kick-off, (i.e. Roll Call)
c.
Managers are to hold oppositions Team Sheet booklet and are required to record the score and note
requirements on the team sheet relating to Sin Bin, Send Off’s, Comments and Uncontested Scrums
for the duration of the match.
d.
Players who arrive late are to present themselves to the opposing team manager to have name added
/ check off team sheet booklet prior to taking the field.
Both managers are to be familiar with the competition rules and where required should remain in close
proximity to each other to ensure accuracy of the documentation and process.
e.
f.
At completion of the match, each manager is to note any comments (if any) and have the team sheet
booklet signed by the Referee and the opposing team manager. Once completed the Team sheets are
to be placed in the Competition Coordinators Box located at the venue.
g.
Team Managers are responsible to ensure that all team members are signed onto the Team Sheet
booklet before they take the field. Players who take the field without being checked off by the opposing
Team Manager will be deemed to have contravened these rules, and that team may be deemed to have
forfeited the match. The non-offending team will be awarded points as per the criteria listed for
Forfeits.
h.
TSM’s should utilise this time to meet with opposition management to enable consultation if any
sideline issues arise during the scheduled fixture.
8.6 REPLACEMENTS/RESERVES
UNDER 6- UNDER 14
In keeping with the philosophy of the Junior Player Pathway (JPP), and in accordance with the current World
Rugby Laws, for maximising skill development, enjoyment and safety, teams should adhere to JPP rules
regarding replacements namely to ‘give all players a game’ and any number of replacements may be made,
according to the conditions below.
●
“Unlimited rolling substitutions will be implemented for all rugby aged U14’s and below”
●
Rationale: “This legalises common practice and allows for maximum participation of as many
players as possible at young age groups”
Any number of players may be replaced due to injury at any time during a match as per the laws of the game
may not return to the field of play for that fixture.
Substitutions may only be made when the ball is dead and with the permission of the referee.
UNDER 15 and UNDER 17
Coaches/Managers of these age groups are to conform to new current World Rugby Law regarding Number
and Replacement of Players and its variations pertaining to U19s.
●
“Rolling substitutions, with a maximum of 12 movements will be implemented for all Rugby aged
U15 and above”
●
Rationale: This allows for maximum participation of players where squads are large to ensure
game time for all players. It is also simpler to administer than current Law. However, by capping at
12 movements, we guard against coaches restricting some players to only minimal game time,
using players excessively as 'impact' players, or running multiple replacements of an entire front
row, in opposition to the spirit and ethos of the Game”
When 23 players are nominated in a team there must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker,
tight-head prop and loose-head prop who are suitably trained and experienced to ensure that on the first
occasion that a replacement in each front row position is required, the team can continue to play safely
with contested scrums.
Should a team not be able to meet this obligation for any reason during a game, or should a team not have
three suitably trained front row players to commence a game with contested scrums, then the team
concerned must play with one player fewer than would otherwise be allowed.
If, subsequently, a qualified front rower becomes available so that scrums can be contested then that
player will be allowed onto the field and the team may return to the appropriate complement of players.
If neither team has suitably trained front row players to start a game with contested scrums, the above
arrangements do not apply to the game, even if qualified front rowers subsequently become available.
If a team is unable to provide a suitably trained front row or front row replacements for any reason, and/or
at any point in the game, the referee will order a non-contested scrum, with the following to apply:
●
●
It is the responsibility of the referee to record on the team sheet the elapsed match time, the score
at the time of, and the reasons for, awarding uncontested scrums.
Coaches or teams are not to call for uncontested scrums when they have available, either on the
field, or as reserves, suitably trained players who can play in those positions. This would be viewed
as gaining an undue advantage over the opposing team.
1. If at the beginning of the match a team does not have the required front row players as stated
in the World Rugby Laws (see chart below) as per player numbers then that team then the team
sheet must be updated to only allow the required amount of Players to participate.
2. If a front row player becomes injured and there is no suitably trained replacement to take the
field in their place then the Referee will call for uncontested scrums. If that team has met the
requirements as per the World Rugby Laws then the game will proceed with uncontested
scrums.
3. If a team tactically substitutes a Front Row player the replacement must be able to play in the
front row to ensure contested scrums can be completed, if the replacement is not suitably
trained then that team must drop an additional player from the team until such time the
Tactically substituted player returns to the field, at which time the dropped player may return
as well.
Any breach of these rules, by any Club, official, team or player, may result in penalties, including or loss of
Competition Points, or a financial penalty being imposed by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator /
RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee.
8.7 PLAYING ENCLOSURE
a. U6–U10 age groups: a team coach is allowed onto the field of play at all times during matches. Team
Manager and Sports Trainer must remain on the sideline. Coaches are not allowed on the field beyond
round 7 of the season in the Under 9 and Under 10 age groups.
b. U11–U17 age groups: a team coach is only permitted to enter the playing field upon the invitation of the
referee, except at half-time when the team officials may enter.
c. A Sports Trainer is permitted to enter the playing field at any stage whilst the game is in progress, to
attend to an injured player, provided that they do not impede on the conduct of the game.
d. Both team officials and reserves must be co-located on the same side of the field whilst the match is in
progress. Team Managers are to be close enough that they can without delay consult each other when
necessary. All other team personnel must remain within the roped off tech Zones or behind the ropes at
all times.
e. The only persons authorised to enter the playing enclosure whilst all age group matches are in progress
are; the RugbyWA Juniors Officials; venue managers; sports trainers/medical personnel/St Johns
ambulance staff; teams x 2; Referee; Assistant Referee’s x 2, and 4th/5th official appointed Referee’s.
8.8 TEAM SHEETS AND MATCH RESULTS
a.
Team Sheets (Appendix 9 &10) will be completed by each team for all matches including Forfeits.
b.
Prior to the match the Team Manager will record on the team sheet:
● For each player : Name (Last name, First name); Jersey number
● Cross out any players listed on the team sheet but not playing.
● Print both Managers names, Referee and Assistant Referees names
c.
●
●
During the match the Team Manager will record on the team sheet:
Any tries, conversions, penalty goals and field goals;
Any Temporary Suspensions and Send Offs including club, name and jersey number.
●
●
●
On completion of the match, the manager should:
Total the number of points scored by each team
Check all details are correct
Meet with opposition manager and agree on score, and view team sheet if required.
d.
e. At the end of every match each team shall give the referee the team sheet, already signed by a
representative of that team, for the referee to verify the score, temporary suspensions & send offs and
once satisfied that all details are correct, to sign the sheet. The Under 11 to Under 17 age groups will
then “swap” the yellow copies of their sheets, so that each team has a copy of the opposition’s team
sheet.
f.
In the event that even after verification by the referee, the team sheets record different scores, then the
Referee’s score card will be the nominated result. If there is no Referee Card, then Home team’s team
sheet will be the recorded result. This will include all Yellow and Red card recordings.
g. Any team that neglects to correctly and legibly fill out a Team Sheet will receive a Caution on the first
occasion and for repeated neglect thereafter will incur a penalty of the loss of one (1) or more
competition points as determined by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
h. Team Sheets are to be lodged at the Venue on the day of the match. Failing this a copy of the team
sheet must be scanned or faxed to RugbyWA to arrive no later than midday on the Monday following
the match, with the original to arrive at the RugbyWA office no later than COB Wednesday following
the match or as otherwise specified. In the case of Home Carnivals it is the Host clubs responsibility for
this to occur.
i.
j.
In the event that the team manager is unable to locate the venue manager or team sheet box at the
venue, it is their responsibility to ensure that the original team sheet is delivered in to RugbyWA by than
COB Wednesday following the match. In the interests of timely results processing, faxed or emailed
copies of the team sheets will be accepted ahead of the originals being sent.
In the event of any team sheet not being received by the RugbyWA Competition Department within 21
days of the match being played, that team sheet shall NOT be used when determining Player Eligibility
for finals.
UNDER 15 and UNDER 17
a. Each club shall input their completed team sheet online via RugbyLink by Monday midday (12pm)
following the match. Each club shall keep the original team sheet in order to provide a copy to the JCC if
required.
b. For each competition match the Club shown in the published competition draw as the home or hosting
Club must enter all match results into RugbyLink by 6.00pm on the day of the match. Where night
matches are played the results of any games, played after 6.00pm, should be entered within an hour of
the last game being completed.
c. The above Rule applies also to any team or teams that is or are (for whatever reason) playing away from
their home ground but are nonetheless shown as the home or hosting team in the published
competition draw.
d. If a Club contravenes any of the provisions of this Rule, the Club may, be fined under the conditions of
the Competition Rules.
8.9 HOME CARNIVALS
a.
All Home and Joey Carnivals must comply with the following:
● Nominations for Home Carnivals must be received no later than the deadline set by the Junior
Competition Co-ordinator, on the Home or Joey Carnival Nomination form (Appendix 11)
● Clubs are to provide a draft fixtures list showing their clubs team(s) along with scheduled times for
consideration by the Junior Competition Coordinator and RugbyWA Juniors Executive when
forwarding the Carnival nominations.
● Clubs undertake to run the Carnival in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Junior
Competition Coordinator.
● Timings of games will be at the discretion of the clubs, with prior approval of the Junior Competition
Co-ordinator, unless otherwise advised by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
● The WARURA Junior CAB will endeavour to appoint referees for all games; however where this is
not possible due to availability issue the hosting club will be required to provide suitably qualified
match officials for such fixtures.
● Each club will be required to provide an accredited referee to officiate ALL games at U/13 Level and
below or unless otherwise appointed by the WARURA Junior Coaching and Appointments Board
(JCAB).
b. The Junior Competition Co-ordinator and RugbyWA Juniors Executive reserves the right to amend the
conduct of the Carnivals, or may not to sanction the event, if the Carnival does not comply with the
Competition Rules, and/or directives of the RugbyWA Juniors Executive.
8.10 FORFEITURE OF MATCHES
a.
A match may be forfeited for the following reasons:
●
●
●
Time – team not in position to commence a match at the allocated venue within five (5) minutes of
the prescribed Kick Off time as advised by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
Minimum Numbers Before Match – a team which does not have the minimum numbers to
commence a match as per the Competition Rules. In such cases the match will be deemed a forfeit,
and after player numbers are balanced a friendly match can proceed without recording the score.
Minimum Numbers During Match – for U12 and older, a team in which the numbers fall below the
minimum numbers of 12 after the match has commenced, the match may proceed, however if
disparity is so great that safety of players is a concern, the Coach of the team with the lesser
numbers should have the Referee stop the match and forfeit to the opposition. After balancing the
numbers a friendly game can continue afterwards, if agreed.
b. Clubs are required to contact the Junior Competition Co-ordinator by 10am on Friday before a scheduled
match is to take place if they are unable to field a particular team in a particular grade and a forfeit shall
be recorded. Clubs who do not contact the Junior Competition Co-ordinator within this time frame may
be penalised by way of a financial penalty, or loss of competition points.
c. Where a Club or team forfeits a match, for whatever reason, the match is deemed to have been won by
the opposing team against which the match would, but for the forfeiture, have been played. The
opposing team will be awarded 4 competition points for the win, 2 Referee bonus points (for U11 – U17
age groups) and twenty five (25) field points for and zero (0) field points against, If the match is played
but regarded as a forfeit due to a breach of competition regulations, and the actual field score is greater
than 25 points, then the higher margin shall be awarded (not exceeding 50).
d. The Junior Competition Co-ordinator may disqualify a Club or team that forfeits three (3) or more
consecutive matches in any one season, and, upon its disqualification, the succeeding matches
scheduled to be played by that Club or team during the balance of the season are deemed to be
forfeited, and forfeit points awarded accordingly.
8.11 PLAYERS UNIFORM
a. Every player taking part in a competition match shall wear the approved club jersey, shorts and socks,
as authorised at the Council of Clubs meeting. Players taking part in a competition match shall wear on
the back of their jersey a distinguishing number. Such numbers shall be a minimum length of 150mm
and of such colour as to be easily discernible within a reasonable distance.
●
●
No two players in a team shall wear the same numbered jersey on the playing field at any time.
The distinguishing number shall correspond with the information supplied by the Club on the team
sheet submitted to the Competition Department for that match.
b. Any breach of this rule may result in the loss of one (1) or more competition points by the offending team
at the discretion of the Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
c. A player does not commit an offence against this rule by reason only of replacing a jersey damaged
during the course of play, with a jersey bearing an alternative number, provided that the alternative
number is not worn by any other player on his or her side.
d. Further information relating to the permitted specifications for additional items of clothing may be
found in the current World Rugby Laws – Law 4, or Regulation 12. Note: these regulations may be
different for both boys and girls rugby.
e. It is compulsory that a mouthguard be worn at all times whilst playing and is recommended during
warm-ups and training. If the referee notes that a player is not wearing his/her mouthguard during play,
then the Referee may award a penalty at the point of infringement. The Player is to be warned that it is
a requirement and as such must wear the mouthguard during play, if he/she does not have a
mouthguard in their possession then the player is to be removed from the field of play until such time
they satisfy the rule.
f.
The wearing of jewellery such as rings, earrings, piercings, hair beads and any similar items of
adornment are strictly prohibited whilst playing and any player not conforming to this Rule is not to take
part, or any further part in the match, until the situation is rectified.
9. VENUE SET UP AND CONTROL
The set-up and control of playing fields and a venue are critical to the safety and enjoyment of all participants
including spectators.
a. The Playing Enclosure is to be marked in accordance with the Laws of the Game and Junior Player
Pathway Laws. Ropes should be placed a minimum of five metres from the side-line and the dead ball
line, unless dispensation is granted by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator. All goal posts within the
playing enclosure, being used for match or training purposes must be fitted with goal post pads. Goal
post pads and ropes must be in place prior to the commencement of any game.
b. For Home Carnivals, Clubs are reminded that the above principles should also be applied. Club Officials
should refer to the Junior Player Pathway Law Book for further information, available on both the ARU
and RugbyWA websites.
c. One or more clubs will be rostered to assist with Britannia Staff with the setup of the venue. The club
must nominate a minimum of 15 able bodied people to assist.. The 15 nominated helpers must be
present at Britannia by 7.00am and the venues playing fields are to be set up by 7.45am. Failure to meet
this rule may result in that club being penalised as per the Fines Schedule determined by the RugbyWA
Juniors. Timetables of rostered clubs is available on the RugbyWA website.
d. The last two teams participating in a match on a given field must for pack down / undress the field and
collect all equipment together to allow the Britannia staff conducting Pack Up duty to exercise their duty
effectively. Repeated failure by a club to pack down their field as required will be advised to the
RugbyWA Juniors and appropriate action taken against that team as determined by the RugbyWA
Juniors.
e. The only persons authorised to enter the playing enclosure for all age groups are: Union officials; Venue
Managers; Medical Personnel/St. Johns Ambulance Staff; Teams x 2; Referee; Assistant Referees x 2; 4th
Referee if appointed. One (ONLY) team coach is permitted to run with the team in the U6 – U10 age
groups.
f.
Teams are to ensure they clean up their respected Technical Zone areas after each match.
10. MATCH OFFICIALS
a. There should be a Referee for every match:
●
All fixtures at U/13 Level and higher at Britannia Reserve will be appointed to by the WARURA Junior
Coaching and Appointments Board.
If the referee is unable to officiate for the whole match, through illness or injury, a replacement shall be
appointed, as directed by the Junior CAB or if not so directed, by the referee, or if unable to do so, by
the home team. In all circumstances the referee must be qualified.
●
b.
At Britannia Reserve the team named first in the fixture list is to supply a qualified referee to officiate
ALL games at U/12 Level and below or unless otherwise appointed by the WARURA Junior Coaching
and Appointments Board (JCAB).
In respect of all matches, the referee appointed must:
●
Have a current Australian or other recognised Rugby Union refereeing accreditation or be in the
process of attaining the appropriate accreditation, having completed the theoretical component
of the referee course.
●
Having completed, signed and submitted an ARU registration form for that season (or in the case
of a visiting referee have insurance cover from their own Union) and
● Be a current member of the WARURA.
c. In the case where the WARURA appointed referee is unable to officiate (either through non-attendance
or injury), the replacement referee is required to hold a minimum of a Foundation Course certification.
d. Clubs are required to appoint an accredited Assistant Referee for every match a team plays in the Under
12 – Under 17 age groups, except finals series matches, teams that do not provide suitably trained
Assistant Referees may be penalised in the form of a financial penalty.
e.
f.
Assistant Referees in the U12 – U17 age groups must be at least twelve (12) years old.
All Assistant Referees shall report to the Referee at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the match, to
confirm their accreditation, or not, and ask the referee if he/she has any special requirements of them.
g. Every accredited Assistant Referee supplied by a Club must be distinguishable as an Assistant Referee
and to be recognisable as an official. They must be equipped with a flag and are to be appropriately
dressed including suitable footwear. Both Clubs and Referees are to ensure AR’s are suitably ready to
perform their duties.
h. All accredited Assistant Referees officiating in a competition match must print their name on each
team’s Team Sheet in the section provided, or if not provided for, on the bottom of each Team Sheet.
11. FINALS
a. For the purposes of determining teams that have qualified to play in the Finals Series, the Competition
Table as at 5pm on the Tuesday following the last competition fixture will be used. The points on any
team sheets subsequently received will be applied to the Competition Table at the discretion of the
Junior Competition Co-ordinator.
b.
Premierships will be awarded as follows:
●
Under 6-Under 10: there will be no premiership competitions in these age groups, therefore no
Points Tables.
●
U11: The top two teams after the regular season in each division will compete during the Grand Final
series, with the winner of this match determined as the Premiers. The Premier team in each division
will receive a club pennant.
●
U12 –U17: Minor Premierships will be awarded on the competition standings at the conclusion of
the scheduled rounds. Major Premierships will be awarded after a finals series between the top four
finishing teams. Pennants will be awarded to both Major and Minor Premiers.
c. The Finals Series to determine the competition Major Premiership for U12 – U17, will be decided by the
playing of Semi-Final, Preliminary Final and Grand Final matches:
●
●
●
●
First Semi-Final – 1st placed team will play 2nd placed team; and
Second Semi-Final – 3rd placed team will play 4th placed team; and
Preliminary Final – winner of Second Semi-Final will play loser of First Semi-Final; and
Grand Final – winner of First Semi-Final will play winner of Preliminary Final.
11.1 TIMES AND VENUES
a. All finals matches will be played at venues, and commence at such times, as determined by the Junior
Competition Co-ordinator.
b. Teams competing in the Final Series may nominate 23 players in a team where there must be (6) players
to play in either the front row or at hooker, tight-head prop and loose-head prop who are to suitably
trained and experienced to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement in each front row
position is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
Should a team not be able to meet this obligation for any reason during a game, or should a team not
have three suitably trained front row players to commence a game with contested scrums, then the
team concerned must play with one player fewer than would otherwise be allowed.
If, subsequently, a qualified front rower becomes available so that scrums can be contested then that
player will be allowed onto the field and the team may return to the appropriate complement of players.
c. If a team is to nominate less than 23 players they must abide by the World Rugby Law 3.5
d. For any Finals Series matches, if a team is not ready to take the field by the scheduled start time as
notified by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator, that team shall forfeit the match.
e. Where, at the end of a Finals series match the scores of the teams are equal, extra time is determined
as follows:
●
●
●
●
●
f.
Semi-Finals and Preliminary Finals –NO extra time allowed. The team which entered the match with
the higher competition place on the points table shall be declared the winner.
Grand Finals –an extra five (5) minutes each way shall be played to determine the winner. One
minute shall be allowed to change ends at full time and after the first period of extra time.
Method of restart for each period will be a kick-off at halfway that will be decided by the toss of a
coin.
If points scored by teams are equal after playing extra time, no further extra time shall be played
and both teams shall be declared joint winners.
In the case of Joint Premiers the highest placed team will be presented with the Trophy (Cup), and
their pennant and medals will be issued once the subsequent order has been received. The other
team shall receive the Premier pennant and medals upon the day.
A Finals Directive and Bench Management Protocol is to be issued by the Junior Competition
Coordinator for each Finals Series and will set out actions and conditions to be met by a team. Failure by
a team, or its Management, to conform to the Finals Directive may result in the team forfeiting the
match and any other penalties on the Club, Team or Team Management that the Junior Competition
Co-ordinator considers appropriate.
11.2 FINALS ELIGIBILITY
g.
●
●
●
A Player is not eligible to play for any Club in Finals matches in any grade unless :
He is registered with a Club competing in the RugbyWA Juniors competition; and
The Club has fulfilled its obligations under Sections 6e. ( I – VIII) and 19 (Fees); and
The player has taken the field in a minimum of five (5) games for his nominated team, and has played
the majority of his/her games in that team or a team in a lower division or a younger age group, for
the club.
h.
Where a player is eligible for registration in more than one team, the player will be deemed registered
in the higher age and/or graded team. Players can only play in one (1) finals playing team and the club
must decide in which team this player is to play. If the player is required to play in a different finals team,
and provided for all other purposes they are eligible, the club must seek dispensation from the JCC
i.
U17’s players that have been named on 6 or more Team sheets from a higher graded competition will
not be eligible to play in the RugbyWA Junior Finals, regardless if they qualify under the RugbyWA
Junior dispensation guidelines.
j.
All teams competing in a Final Series match must lodge an official RugbyWA Team List, for the purpose
of determining Player Eligibility, with the Junior Competition Co-ordinator by 10am on the Wednesday
prior to the match. Teams that fail to submit team nomination sheets may be penalised by a financial
penalty. The team list should include:
●
●
List of all eligible players in ‘Playing Order (1- 23)’ including Jersey number, Last Name, First Name,
ARU ID.
Clubs should specify on the team’s Finals List all trained front row players and their trained positions.
k. A player’s eligibility to play in a Finals Series match is determined by their Availability to Play in
Competition Round matches by either:
●
●
●
●
Name on a team sheet; or
Name on a team sheet in the case of a Forfeit as available to play; or
Played in the State Championships for their respective regions; and
Was on Representative duties (RugbyWA Juniors, RugbyWA or ARU);
Note: Suspension or Disqualification does NOT count towards eligibility.
l.
Playing an unregistered or ineligible player in the Finals matches will disqualify the offending team from
all finals matches.
m. Players dispensations can be achieved however they must comply with RugbyWA Juniors player
dispensation guidelines (Appendix 12). The Junior Competition Co-ordinator will determine if players
will be dispensed to allow them to play in the Finals competition.
n. All information relating to Finals Match conduct can be found in the Finals Handbook (Appendix 25)
12. PROTESTS, DISPUTES AND APPEALS
1. Registration/Age
● Any person, who disputes the Registration/Age of a player, is to submit to the Junior
Competition Co-ordinator, through their Club Committee, the following details: Name, ARU
No., DOB, Team and Club of player submitting the dispute; Opposition Club and team; Date of
Match; Endorsement by Committee Member; Copy of signed Team sheet of the player in
dispute.
● A Club or Team official, who is asked to supply details of a player as outlined above, must supply
said details at the time.
● The dispute will be dealt with by the Junior Competition Co-ordinator, who shall determine the
matter and if there is a breach of the rules, shall direct the matter to the Judiciary and/or the
RugbyWA Junior Executive Committee.
2. Player Transfer
If a player’s transfer is not granted, the new Club can then apply to the RugbyWA Juniors Executive
Committee to adjudicate. Primary consideration is the wishes of the player, however, viability of the
player’s original team must also be considered, in the decision making process.
13. APPEALS AGAINST JUNIOR COMPETITION CO-ORDINATOR
a. A Club or person affected by a decision of the Junior Competition Co-ordinator under these rules may
appeal to the RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee against that decision in writing/e-mail within two
business days from receiving written notification of the decision.
14. GENERAL
b. Breach of Rules: A Club or person contravening these rules is liable, where no other penalty is expressly
provided, to a minimum penalty of $50.00. The RugbyWA Juniors may impose any penalty provided by
these rules and in default of payment of a monetary penalty, may disqualify the defaulting Club or
person or exclude it or him/her from the Competition.
c.
Consequences of failure to pay fines: If a club, affiliated body or person fails to meet or pay any
monetary penalty provided for or imposed under these rules, the RugbyWA Juniors Executive may
disqualify the defaulting club, Affiliated body or person or may exclude it or him/her from participating
in the Competition either absolutely or on such terms as the RugbyWA Juniors Executive (in its absolute
discretion) sees fit.
d. Schedule of Fines as directed by the RugbyWA Junior Executive can be found at (Appendix 13)
e. Safety Directives: Clubs must adhere fully to current ARU Safety Directives (Appendix 15)
f.
Serious Injury Protocol: Clubs must comply fully with the requirements laid out in the ARU Serious
Injury Protocol (Appendix 14).
g. Photography and Videoing Policy: RugbyWA Juniors Policy on photography or videoing is that it is the
club/venues right to make policy on such matters, with a common sense approach being applied and
including the following:
● The RugbyWA Juniors will authorize persons to take photographs & videos at RugbyWA Juniors
sponsored events such as Final Series matches. These persons may be given permission to be inside
the barrier, but under no circumstances are they to be within 2 metres of the Touch or Dead Ball
lines.
● The RugbyWA Juniors may authorize persons to take photographs and video, and will use the same,
for media, training, selection and memorabilia purposes.
● If a Parent or Guardian wishes that a photograph or video of their child not be used for media
purposes they are to inform the club or official at the venue and follow it up in writing.
● The club/venue can restrict anyone (except the RugbyWA Juniors) from taking photographs or
video.
● The following should not be restricted:
- Persons authorized by the club responsible for the venue;
- Parents/guardians/relatives and teams who take photographs as memorabilia or for team/club
history;
- Parents/guardians/relatives who video games as keepsakes;
- Teams who video their games for training purposes, and even video their potential opposition
leading into finals
- Referees who take photographs and video games for training purposes and as a means of
recording history and for memorabilia purposes
- Representative Team management or their authorized representative who take videos for
training and selection purposes.
● Any concerns about some-one taking photographs and/or video should be reported to a committee
member or official at the club/venue.
h. Club organised Games, Tours and Visits: the following applies to any club organised game, tour or
visit:
● Notification:
- For games between affiliates of the Union, clubs must inform the Junior Competition
Coordinator for sanctioning;
- For games between affiliates of the RugbyWA Juniors and WASRU, Interstate games, or for
tours and/or visits, either to, or from overseas teams/clubs the Junior Competition Co-ordinator
must be informed for sanctioning purposes, provided that the other team has had the game/s
sanctioned by their Union also.
● Laws: Visiting teams/clubs are to conform to the World Rugby Laws of the Game and the U19
Variations as directed by the ARU, and for Under 6 – 12 matches, teams must conform to the ARU
relevant Pathway Laws relevant for that age group.
●
i.
Competition Rules: All games played within the Union are to be played under the RugbyWA Juniors
Competition Rules and the opposition teams are to be informed of such. When visiting a team
outside of the Union the Competition Rules of that Union would apply.
Notification of Competition Rule Changes
●
●
●
A copy of the Competition Rules shall be sent to each Affiliated Club/Association for approval by the
Council of Clubs prior to the commencement of the current Rugby season.
Clubs may apply to the RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee for amendments, alterations or
interpretations of these Competition Rules from time to time as is necessary.
The RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee may at any time amend, appeal or add to these
Competition Rules throughout the season.
15. CODE OF CONDUCT
a. Good sportsmanship is to be encouraged in all Clubs and Club Affiliates, who must ensure that they do
not commit an act or acts of misconduct as set down by the ARU Code of Conduct and the Laws of the
Game.
b. The Australian Rugby Union Code of Conduct By-Laws apply to the Competition, clubs and participants.
16 FEES, INSURANCE AND FINES
a. An Affiliation Fee is applicable to affiliated members of the Union.
b. Clubs will be invoiced for Team fees as follows:
●
●
●
c.
RugbyLink will be utilised to ascertain costs per club
These costs will be invoiced at 75% on the 30th June 2016 and 25% on 31st August 2016.
All remaining/outstanding fees will be invoiced at the end of the RugbyWA Juniors Season
to collect all late registrations.
Other payments/fines that may be set by the Union will be invoiced as they occur. A list of the potential
fines that may be enforced as a result of these Competition Rules are appended as Appendix 24.
d. All Fees are detailed below (exclusive of GST) and based on a Per player Basis:
Club Affiliation–
$ 110
U6
U7
U8
U9
U10
U11
U12
U13
U14
U15
U16
U17
$55
$55
$80
$80
$80
$110
$110
$135
$135
$135
$135
$135
From 2016, each player who is registered for a Rugby club will pay a National Participant Registration Fee
and National Participant Insurance Levy as per the following table at the point of registration, in addition
to any fee charged above from the RugbyWA Juniors.
Category
National Participant
Registration Fee
National Participant
Insurance Levy
Under 6/7
Junior (U8-18)
$11
$27.50
$0
$8
Total National
Participant
Registration
$11
$35.50
e. A Club is declared ‘un-financial’ if there are outstanding/unpaid invoices or fines applicable to that club.
f.
A club that is un-financial will be barred from participating in any match until such debt is cleared, and
in a Final Series match, unless the debt is cleared at least 7 days prior to the commencement of the final
round.
APPENDICES
1.
ARU Code of Conduct
2.
RugbyWA Juniors Code of Ethics
3.
Breach of the Code of Conduct Procedures
4.
Team Nomination Summary Forms
5.
Team Nomination Forms
6.
ARU Age Grade Two-Year Window
7.
ARU Senior Rugby Consent form
8.
Game Management Guidelines for Community Level Rugby 2015
9.
Team Sheet U6 - 10’s
10.
Team Sheet U11 - 17’s
11.
Home / Joey Carnival Nomination Forms
12.
Finals Dispensation Guidelines
13.
RugbyWA Fines Schedule 2016
14.
ARU Medical & Safety Recommendations
15.
ARU Serious Injury Report & Protocol
16.
RugbyWA Juniors Judicial Procedures
17.
TSM Handbook
18.
Girls Rugby Policy
19.
RugbyWA Juniors Finals Handbook
APPENDIX 1 – ARU Code of Conduct
AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION - CODE OF CONDUCT BY-LAWS
1. INTERPRETATION
In these By-Laws:
●
‘ARU’ means the Australian Rugby Union Ltd;
●
‘Bookmarker’ means a person or organisation in the business of receiving, negotiating, or settling bets;
●
‘Competition’ means any match played as part of a structured competition or series, a trial match, a friendly
match, a match against a visiting team from another union or matches, trials or any other competitions
involving a Rugby Body;
●
‘Game’ means rugby football
●
‘Laws of the Game’ mean the Laws of the Games of the International Rugby Board;
●
‘Member Union’ means a union in membership of the ARU;
●
‘Officer’ means a director, other officer or employee of the Rugby Body;
●
‘Participant’ for the purpose of the Annexure, means a player (including an amateur or non-contacted player),
a referee, Assistant Referee or other match official, a selector, coach, trainer, manager or other team official,
or an individual involved in the organisation, administration or promotion of Rugby Football including a
director, other officer or employee of a Rugby Body;
●
‘Rugby Body’ means the ARU, any Member Union or Affiliated Union of the ARU, or any Rugby Union, Club or
other body in membership with or affiliated to a Member Union or Affiliated Union;
●
‘Rugby-related Conduct’ includes behaviour which occurs outside the playing enclosure that may damage the
image of Rugby Football or which may impair public confidence in the integrity and good character of
participants, including, but not limited to, conduct during travel to or from either Rugby Football games or
authorised tours (whether within Australia or overseas), conduct when on tour, conduct at Rugby functions
and promotional events and other conduct where a participant is involved in activities connected with the ARU
or its sponsors;
Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa; and a reference to a gender includes other genders.
2. OBJECT OF BY-LAWS
The ARU is committed to promoting and strengthening the positive image of Rugby Football and its participants in
Australia. In light of this commitment, the Code of Conduct seeks to establish standards of performance and behaviour
to ensure that participants act in a professional and proper manner and to ensure that the game is played and
conducted with disciplined and sporting behaviour.
The Code of Conduct also seeks to deter all on-field and Rugby-related conduct that could damage the game of Rugby
Football by impairing public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of matches and competitions or in the
integrity and good character of participants. In addition, these By-Laws seek to ensure that every Participant is liable
to effective sanctions if they are found to have breached the Code of Conduct.
3. CODE OF CONDUCT
All participants in the game are bound:
a. not to bet or otherwise financially speculate, directly or indirectly, on the outcome or on any other aspect of a Rugby
Football match or Competition which he or she is either involved in (whether as a player, official or in any other
capacity) or connected to;
I. not to throw or fix a match, try to achieve a contrived outcome to a match or a Competition, or otherwise influence
improperly the outcome or any other aspect of a match or a Competition’
II. not to provide information to a Bookmaker about a match or any aspect of a match which he or she is either involved
in (whether as a player, official or in any other capacity) or connected to;
b. not to seek or accept a bribe or other benefit to do anything mentioned in sub-paragraphs (l) or (ll);
c. to report immediately to the ARU any offer of a bribe or other benefit to do anything mentioned in paragraph (l) and
(ll) or any attempt by any person to do anything mentioned in paragraphs (a), or (b);
d. to promote the reputation of the game and to take all reasonable steps to prevent the game from being brought
into disrepute;
e. not to engage in any Doping Practice and defined in the ARU’s Doping By-Laws;
f. to comply with the ARU’s Safety Directives for Referees, Coaches and Players;
g. not to repeatedly breach the Laws of the game relating to Foul Play or Misconduct;
h. not to abuse, threaten or intimidate a referee, Assistant Referee, or other match official, whether on or off the field,
or a selector, coach manager or other team official;
i. not to show unnecessary obvious dissension, displeasure or disapproval towards a referee, Assistant Referee or other
match official, his or her decision or generally following a decision or generally following a decision of a match official;
j. not to use crude or abusive language or gestures towards referees, Assistant Referees or other match officials or
spectators;
k. not to do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult or humiliate another participant on the ground of the
religion, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour or national or ethnic origin of the person;
l. not to conduct themselves in any manner, or engage in any activity, whether on or off the field, that would impair
public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of matches and competitions or in the integrity and good character
of participants; and
m. not to do anything which adversely affects or reflects on or discredit the game, the ARU, any Member Union or
Affiliated Union of the ARU, or any squad, team, competition, tournament, sponsor, official supplier or licensee,
including, but not limited to, any illegal act or any act of dishonesty or fraud.
4. OFFICERS OF A RUGBY BODY
An officer must, in relation to the Rugby Body of which he or she is an officer;
a. act in good faith and in the best interests of the Rugby Body;
b. avoid all conflicts of interest between;
I. the interest of the Rugby Body; and
II. his or her own interests or the interests of any other person, including another Rugby Body; and
c. not disclose to any person or use for his or her own purposes confidential information obtained as a result of the
officer’s relationship with the Rugby Body, including but not limited to deliberations of the board of directors or other
governing of the Rugby Body.
5. DUTY TO COMPLY
Each Member Union and each Affiliated Union is obliged:
a. to comply with, and to require Rugby Unions, Clubs and other bodies and persons in membership with it or affiliated
to it to comply with, these By-Laws; and
b. to adopt the Procedures for Monitoring and Disciplining Breaches of the Code of Conduct set out in the Appendix to
these By-Laws for monitoring compliance with, and imposing sanction for breaches of, these By–Laws by participants
under its jurisdiction or the jurisdiction of Rugby Unions, Clubs and other bodies in membership with it or affiliated to
it.
A person may be an officer of more than one rugby Body, in which case it is important for that person to distinguish
the separate capacities in which he or she acts as an officer, for example, a director of the ARU, when acting in that
capacity, must act in the best interest of the ARU in preference to the interests of any other Rugby Body of which he
or she is an officer.
APPENDIX TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT
PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING AND DISCIPLINING BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
1. INTRODUCTION
The following procedures have been established in order to assist in providing uniform disciplinary procedures for
alleged breaches of the Code.
2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
In this Appendix:
●
‘Code’ means Code of Conduct By-Laws
●
‘Committee’ means the Conduct Committee constituted by the Rugby Body to investigate and conduct
hearings in the name of the ARU in relation to alleged breaches of the Code and to impose sanctions, ad
constituted by the Rugby Body for the time being and for the purpose of hearing a particular matter;
●
‘Contract Participant’ means a participant who is currently receiving, or has received, Material Benefit;
●
‘Guidelines’ means any guidelines issued by the ARU in relation to these Procedures;
●
‘Managing Union’ means a Member Union which organises and supervises a particular competition or
competitions;
●
‘Material Benefit’ means money, consideration, gifts or other benefits given to a participant in respect of such
participant’s participation in the game;
●
‘Principal Rugby Body Representative’ means the General Manager or President of the Rugby Body, or person
acting in a similar or equivalent role;
●
‘Procedures’ mean these Procedures for Monitoring and Disciplining Breaches of the Code of Conduct;
●
‘Senior Legal Practitioner’ means a person who is admitted to practise law in Australia and who has at least
five years’ experience in legal practice;
●
‘State Union’ means the highest level Managing Union in any State or Territory where an alleged breach of the
Code occurs (e.g. the NSWRU, QRU, ACTRU or WARU); and
●
‘Tribunal’ means the Conduct Tribunal established under clause 10 of these Procedures as constituted by the
ARU from time to time.
Where words appearing in these Procedures have been interpreted or defined in the Code, the Code interpretation of
definition shall apply;
Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa; and a reference to a gender includes other genders.
3. CONDUCT COMMITTEES
Each rugby Body must establish a Conduct Committee, which will have power to act in the name of the ARU to
determine all alleged breaches of the Code by participants under its jurisdiction.
For the purposes of clause 3.1 where the Rugby Body is a:
a. Club; where the alleged breach does not occur at a Competition and the participant against whom the breach is
alleged usually plays for, or is connected to the club; the club will be the rugby Body for the purpose of this Code;
b. a Managing Union; where the alleged breach occurs at a Competition organised by the Managing Union will be the
Rugby Body for the purpose of this Code.
Each Committee shall consist of three participants of the Rugby Body nominated by the Principal Rugby Body
Representative. The Principal Rugby Body Representative may nominate them self to be a participant on the
Committee. One of the three participants must be appointed as Chairperson.
4. ALLEGED BREACHES OF THE CODE
Where a Rugby Body is notified by a participant, or for any other reason believes, that a participant under its jurisdiction
may have acted in breach of the Code, it must, in a timely manner, notify:
a. the participant in respect of whom a breach has been alleged;
b. the relevant Committee,
c. the State Union; and
d. the ARU,
of the nature of the alleged breach.
The notification required by clause 4.1 must be by way of a standard Code of Conduct Notification Form and must
include particulars of the alleged breach.
Subject to clauses 8 and 9 the Committee:
a. must investigate the alleged breach of the Code;
b. may impose a disciplinary measure, in accordance with the Guidelines, taking into account any relevant aggravating
or mitigating circumstances; and
c. must prepare a written statement of it factual findings, decision and reasons and provide copies of that statement
to:
I. the participant in respect of whom a breach has been alleged;
II. the relevant Rugby Body;
III. the State Union; and
IV. the ARU.
The investigation referred to in clause 4.3(a) must be commenced as soon as reasonably practicable after the
Committee receives notification of the alleged breach under clause 4.1
A Committee will have the power to regulate its own procedure. Subject to its obligation to give proper consideration
to the matter before it, a committee should generally conduct hearings with as little formality, and with as much
expedition, as is permitted by the nature of the matter.
5. ALLEGED BREACH BY CONTRACT PARTICIPANT
Where a Rugby Body becomes aware of an alleged breach of the Code by a Contract Participant under its jurisdiction,
in addition to the obligations contained in clause 4, the rugby Body must ensure that the Chairperson of the relevant
Committee is a Judge, a retired Judge or a senior legal practitioner with preference to be given to persons who have
previous experience in proceedings relating to Rugby matters.
6. APPEAL
Subject to clause 6.5, a participant against whom a Committee has made an adverse finding pursuant to clause 4.3,
may appeal to the Committee of the State Union against the decision, including any disciplinary measure imposed.
Written notification of an appeal under 6.1 must be received by the secretary of the State within five business days of
the making of the adverse finding.
A State Union which receives notice of an appeal against the decision of a Committee must notify the ARU of that
appeal within 2 business days of receiving such notice.
Subject to clauses 8 and 9, the State Union, on the expiry of seven business days from the receipt of notification of the
appeal under 6.2:
a. may refuse to hear the appeal;
b. may conduct a fresh investigation of the alleged breach of the Code, however it may have reference to documents
prepared by a Committee in the course of the initial investigation into the alleged breach;
c. may confirm, modify or dismiss decision of the Committee;
d. may confirm, modify or dismiss the disciplinary measure imposed, provided that any change to the disciplinary
measure imposed takes into account the Guidelines and any relevant aggravating or mitigating circumstances;
e. must make a statement in writing stating its findings of fact, reasons and decision and send copies of that statement
to the relevant participant, the Rugby Body and the ARU. Any appeal against an adverse finding made by the
Committee of a State Union must be made to the Tribunal adopting the same procedure set out in 6.1 to 6.4 above
save for the substitution of ‘State Union’ with ‘ARU’.
7. FURTHER PARTICULARS OF ALLEGED BREACH
If requested by the ARU, a rugby Body must send to the ARU a report detailing further particulars of the alleged breach
of the Code. The report in 7.1 must;
a. be in writing;
b. provide any information requested by the ARU; and
c. provide any other information that the ARU would need to make an informed assessment of the nature and severity
of the alleged breach of the Code.
8. STATE UNION INTERVENTION AND REPRESENTATION
Subject to clause 9, where the State Union receives notification of an alleged breach of the Code by a participant, either
from a Rugby Body under clause 4.1 or from any other source the State Union has the right to:
a. Declare that the procedure referred to in clause 4.3 must be conducted by the Committee of the State Union if, in
the opinion of the State Union, the alleged breach of the Code negatively affects, or has potential to negatively affect,
the image of the State Union or the game of Rugby; or
b. appoint a representative to the Committee required to conduct the procedure under clause 4.3, in place of a
Committee member that would otherwise sit. If there is any dispute, the State Union may determine which Committee
member is to be replaced by the State Union representative; or
c. be given the opportunity to be heard by the Committee. The State Union must notify the Committee from whom
the State Union received notification under clause 4.1 of its decision whether to exercise the rights in paragraphs (a),
(b) or (c) within seven days. No decision, with the exception of an interim decision, can be made before the Committee
has received the notice in paragraph 8.2.
9. ARU INTERVENTION AND REPRESENTATION
Where the ARU receives notification of an alleged breach of the Code by a participant, either from a Rugby Body under
clause 4.1 or from any other source the ARU has the right to;
a. declare that the investigation must be conducted by the Tribunal if, in the opinion of the ARU, the alleged breach of
the Code negatively affects, or has the potential to negatively affect, the image of the ARU or the game of Rugby; or
b. appoint a representative to the Committee required to conduct an investigation under clause 4.3, in place if an
existing Committee member that would otherwise sit. If there is any dispute, the ARU may determine which
Committee member is to be replaced by the ARU representative; or
c. be given the opportunity to be heard by the Committee.
The ARU must notify the Committee from whom the ARU received notification under clause 4.1 of its decision whether
to exercise the rights in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c). No decision, with the exception of an interim decision, can be made
before the Committee has received the notice in paragraph
9.2. Where the ARU receives notification of an appeal to a State Union under clause 6 the ARU has the right to:
a. declare that the procedure referred to in clause 4.3 must be conducted by the Tribunal if, in the opinion of the ARU,
the alleged breach of the Code negatively affects, or has potential to negatively affect, the image of the ARU or the
game of Rugby; or
b. appoint a representative to the Committee required to conduct the procedure under clause 4.3, in place of an existing
Committee member that would otherwise sit. If there is any dispute, the ARU may determine which Committee
member is to be replaced by the ARU representative;
c. be given the opportunity to be heard by the Committee.
The ARU must notify the Committee hearing the appeal of its decision whether to exercise the rights in paragraphs (a),
(b) or (c).
No decision, with the exception of an interim decision, can be made before the Committee has received the notice in
paragraph 9.5. At all times the rights of the ARU under this clause 9 supersede those of a State Union under clause
8. The exercise by the ARU of the rights provided by this clause 9 precludes the exercise or operation by a State Union
of the rights provided by clause 8.
10. ESTABLISHMENT OF CONDUCT TRIBUNAL
The ARU will establish from time to time a Tribunal to investigate and conduct hearings in relation to alleged breaches
of the Code, to impose appropriate sanctions where the Tribunal finds that a breach has occurred, and hear appeals
from the Committee of a State Union. The Tribunal will consist of three members, to include:
a. as the Chairperson, a Judge, retired Judge or senior legal practitioner. Preference will be given to a person with prior
experience in proceedings related to Rugby matters;
b. two other members to be selected in the ARU’s absolute discretion.
The Tribunal will have power to regulate its own procedure. Subject to its obligation to give proper consideration to
the matter before it, the Tribunal should generally conduct hearings with as little formality, and with as much
expedition, as in permitted by the nature of the matter. The Tribunal will be the forum for the investigation, hearing
and disciplinary of any alleged breach of the Code by a Contract Participant employed to play with any Australian Super
14 team during the course of the Super 14 (or any successor competition).
11. REVIEW OF THE COMMITTEE DECISION BY TRIBUNAL
In addition to the Tribunal’s role under clause 10, the Tribunal may, at the request of the ARU, review the decision of
any Committee. The Tribunal:
a. may conduct a fresh investigation of the alleged breach of the Code, however it may have reference to documents
prepared by a Committee in the course of the initial investigations into the alleged breach;
b. may confirm, modify or dismiss the decision of the Committee;
c. may confirm, modify or dismiss the disciplinary measure imposed, provided that any change to the disciplinary
measure imposed takes into account the Guidelines and any relevant aggravating or mitigating circumstances;
d. Must make a statement in writing stating its findings of facts, reason and decision and send copies of that statement
to the relevant participant, the Rugby Body and the ARU.
12. COMPLIANCE
All Rugby Bodies and participants are deemed to have full knowledge of the Procedures and any Guidelines in relation
to these Procedures. A Rugby Body must ensure it complies with the Procedures and Guidelines and must take
reasonable steps to inform each participant under its jurisdiction of the terms of the Procedures and Guidelines. A
Rugby Body or participant who fails to comply with these Procedures or Guidelines is liable to sanctions from the ARU.
13. GENERAL
Each Rugby Body will be responsible for all costs associated with establishing a Committee, conducting investigations
and hearings.
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
PROCEDURES
The Code of Conduct of the Australian Rugby Union and all constituent and affiliated Unions is that of the International
Rugby Board (Regulation 20). The provisions of Regulation 20 will apply as amended by the IRB from time to time. An
alleged breach of the Code of Conduct may be reported only by a nominated official. Nominated Officials comprise of
the following:
a. Match Referee;
b. The duly appointed Assistant Referees, provided they are members of, or appointed by, the Union, or their
respective Referees’ Association;
c. An office bearer of the Union pursuant to the constitution;
d. A President of an Affiliated Club or Body;
e. Any member of and affiliated Referee’ Association or Affiliate’s Association;
f. A Member of any Committee or sub-union duly authorised in writing by the Union;
g. A duly authorised employee of the Union or Sub-Union.
An alleged breach of the Code of Conduct must be completed in writing and delivered by hand, email or post to the
Junior Competition Co-ordinator of the Sub-Union at their registered office. Any supporting evidence must accompany
the complaint. Where an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct is reported to the Sub-Union, the matter may be
referred by the Board of Directors or Committee of the Sub-Union or to the Judicial Committee in the Articles of
Association shall apply to a reference to the Judicial Committee pursuant to the Code of Conduct. The Board of
Directors/Committee of the Union or the Judicial Committee may after inquiry in accordance with the Articles of
Association, if they consider it appropriate, suspend, expel or otherwise deal with a participant in any way they see fit,
including exclusion from participating in any competition conducted by the Union. Any person dealt with under these
provisions shall have a right of appeal to a duly constituted appeals body.
RugbyWA Juniors Code of Ethics
This code is designed
● To return the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction to junior RugbyWA
● To make adults aware that young people play sport to satisfy themselves and not
necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group;
● To improve the physical fitness of youth by making participation in rugby attractive,
safe and enjoyable for all young people;
● To constantly remind administrators, coaches, referees and parents that rugby must
be administered, taught and provided for the good of those young people who wish to
play the game – it’s their game!
●
Player’s Code
● Play for the enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach
● Play the laws of the game of RugbyWA
● Never argue with the referee’s decisions. Let your captain or coach ask any
necessary questions.
● Control your temper – no mouthing off
● Work equally hard for yourself and for your team – your team’s performance will
benefit and so will your own.
● Be a good sport applaud ALL good play, whether by your team or your opponent.
● Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or
take unfair advantage of any player.
● Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel
good. Don’t be a show-off or always try to get the most points.
● Co-operate with your coach, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them
you wouldn’t have a game.
●
●
Coach’s Code
● You have the responsibility for your team and its supporters - exercise it.
● Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time.
● Teach your players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements which noone should evade or break.
● Ensure that all players get a game. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve
equal time.
● Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is
only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a
game.
●
The scheduling and length of practise times and games should take into consideration the
maturity level of the players.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as the judgment of referees
and opposing coaches.
Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play
again.
Remember that young people need a coach that they can respect. Be generous with
your praise when it is deserved and set a good example
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles
of growth and development of young people.
Encourage young people to develop basic skills and avoid over specialisation in
positional play during their formative years.
Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching basic skills.
Ensure that efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are rewarded
by praise.
Remember that players are also students so be reasonable in your demands on their
energy and enthusiasm.
Ensure that skill learning and free play activities have priority over highly structured
competitions for very young people.
Insist on fair play’ do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to
take an offending player off the pitch.
Discourage excessive talk on the pitch.
Insist on a disciplined approach by players and mean what you say.
Set a good example by personal good behaviour.
Spectator’s Code
Remember that young people play organised sport for their own enjoyment – they are
not there to entertain you and they are not miniature Wallabies.
Be on your best behaviour. Do not use profane language or harass players, coaches or
referees.
Applaud good play by your own team and by the opposing team.
Show respect for your teams opponents – without them there would be no game.
Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during a game.
Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
Respect the referee’s decisions.
Encourage players to play according to the laws of the game.
Sledging cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Player and referees are not fair
game.
Copyright 1999-2008 RUGBYWA JUNIORS Inc.
APPENDIX 3 – Breach of the Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy Procedures
The Code of Conduct of the Australian Rugby Union and all constituent and affiliated Unions is that of the
International Rugby Board (Regulation 20). The provisions of Regulation 20 will apply as amended by the IRB
from time to time.
An alleged breach of the Code of Conduct or the ARU member Protection Policy may be reported only by a
nominated official. Nominated Officials comprise of the following:
a. Match Referee;
b. The duly appointed Assistant Referees, provided they are members of, or appointed by, the Union, or
their respective Referees’ Association;
c. An office bearer of the Union pursuant to the constitution;
d. A President of an Affiliated Club or Body;
e. Any member of and affiliated Referee’ Association or Affiliate’s Association;
f.
A Member of any Committee or sub-union duly authorised in writing by the Union;
g. A duly authorised employee of the Union or Sub-Union.
An alleged breach of the Code of Conduct or Member Protection Policy must be completed in writing via the
Misconduct Report (Appendix 19) and delivered by hand, email or post to the Junior Competition Co-ordinator
of the Sub-Union at their registered office. Any supporting evidence must accompany the complaint.
Where an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct or Member Protection Policy is reported to the Sub-Union,
the matter may be referred by the RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee of the Sub-Union or to the Judicial
Committee in the Articles of Association shall apply to a reference to the Judicial Committee pursuant to the
Code of Conduct or Member Protection Policy
The RugbyWA Juniors Executive Committee or the Judicial Committee may after inquiry in accordance with
the Articles of Association, if they consider it appropriate, suspend, expel or otherwise deal with a participant
in any way they see fit, including exclusion from participating in any competition conducted by the Union.
Any person dealt with under these provisions shall have a right of appeal to a duly constituted appeals body.
RUGBYWA JUNIORS
TEAM NOMINATION SUMMARY: U11 – U17 ONLY
Please return form by: 4.00pm, Friday 1st April 2016
CLUB:
Age
Grou
p
Team Name
Coach Name
Coach
Accreditation Level
Nominated Asst. Referee
Name
(Only required for U12-17)
ARU # and Asst.
Referee Accreditation
Level
(Only required for U12-17)
U13
Swan
Force - Blue
Michael Foley
Smart Rugby, Coaching
Kids Rugby
Joe Bloggs
APPENDIX 4 Team Nomination Summary: U11 – U17
Please refer to Competition Rules and Regulations for Coaching Accreditation requirements.
Please return form to: Junior Competition Co-ordinator
Email: JCC@westernforce.com.au
Level 1 AR
RUGBYWA JUNIORS
TEAM NOMINATION SUMMARY: U6 – U10 ONLY
Please return form by: 4.00pm, Friday 1st April 2016
CLUB:
Age
Group
e.g. U9
Team Name
Coach Name
Coach Accreditation Level
Kalamunda
Red
John Smith
Smart Rugby, Coaching Kids
Rugby, Foundation etc.
Nominated
Referee Name
Tom Brown
ARU # and Referee
Accreditation Level
Smart Rugby,
Refereeing Kids Rugby
APPENDIX 4 Team Nomination Summary: U6 – U10
Please refer to Competition Rules and Regulations for Coaching Accreditation requirements.
Please return form to: Junior Competition Co-ordinator
Email: JCC@westernforce.com.au
APPENDIX 5 Team Nomination Summary: U11 – U17
RugbyWA Juniors Team Nomination Form
UNDER 11 – 17 ONLY
Please return form by: 4.00pm, Friday 1st April 2016
CLUB:
TEAM NAME:
GRADE:
COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
ASST. COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
MANAGER:
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
TSM
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
FIRST NAME
PLAYERS
LAST NAME
DOB
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Under 11
10
ARU Number
Minimum number of
registered players required
Under 12 – Under 17
12
to nominate a team
Send forms to: Junior Competition Co-ordinator: Email: JCC@westernforce.com.au
APPENDIX 5 Team Nomination Summary: U11 – U17
RugbyWA Juniors Team Nomination Form
UNDER 6 – 10 ONLY
Please return form by: 4.00pm, Friday 1st April 2016
CLUB:
TEAM NAME:
GRADE:
COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
ASST. COACH
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
MANAGER:
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
TSM
NAME:
EMAIL:
ARU #:
MOBILE:
PLAYERS
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
DOB
ARU Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Minimum number of registered
Under 6 – Under 8
5
players required to nominate a
Under 9 – Under 10
7
team
Send forms to: Junior Competition Coordinator - JCC@westernforce.com.au
Email:
Rego Form
Appendix 8 - Game Management Guidelines 2015
Located on the RugbyWA Website – Juniors Resource Library
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR RUGBY UNION
TEAM SHEET AND MATCH REPORT
U6 – U10 Only
Club:
Date:
Age Group:
Venue:
YOUR TEAM
TEAM NAMES
OPPOSITION TEAM
VS.
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
RugbyLink Number
ALL CHILDREN WHO TAKE THE FIELD MUST BE INCLUDED ON THIS LIST.
NO SCORE IS REQUIRED, BOTH TEAMS AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE 2 POINTS ONLY,
ONCE THE TEAM SHEET HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY RUGBYWA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL TEAM SHEETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE PUT INTO THE TEAMSHEET BOX
ON GAME DAYS.
MATCH REPORT
MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE
YOUR TEAM COACH/MANAGER
PRINTED NAME
SIGNATURE
OPPOSITION TEAM COACH/MANAGER
RUGBYWA JUNIORS MATCH REPORT
U11 - U17
TEAM SHEETS: AFTER SIGNING BY ALL PARTIES, WHITE COPY TO BE PLACED IN TEAMSHEET BOX AT VENUE; YELLOW COPY TO BE GIVEN
TO OPPOSITION MANAGER AFTER SIGNING; BLUE COPY TO BE RETAINED BY TEAM MANAGER.
DAT
E:
CLUB:
VENU
E:
AGE GROUP:
DIVISION (Swan/Gold):
TEAMS
TRIES
CONV.
PENS.
F. GOALS
TOTAL
POINTS
(H)
(A)
No
.
POSITION
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
T
C
P
F
TP
Sin
Bin
Sen
d
Off
Prop
Hooker
Prop
nd
2 Row
2nd Row
Flanker
Flanker
No.8
Half Back
Fly Half
Left Wing
Inside Centre
Outside Centre
Right Wing
Fullback
Rep. FR
Rep. FR
Rep. FR
Rep.
Rep.
Rep.
Rep.
Rep.
Opposition Sin Bin: Player Number & Offence
If opposition team played uncontested scrums, state
Reason:………………………………………………………………
……..
Duration:…………………………….…………………….(mins)
COMMENTS
MATCH OFFICIALS
NAME
SIGNATURE
REFEREE
YOUR ASSISTANT REFEREE
OPPOSITION ASSISTANT
REFEREE
YOUR COACH / MANAGER
OPPOSITION COACH / MANAGER
By signing this document you agree that all information presented is correct and accurate and can be utilised by RugbyWA Juniors for the administration of the Competition,
which may include but not limited to, player details, scores and comments placed upon this form.
APPENDIX 11 – Home Carnival Nomination Form
Home Carnival Nomination 2016
Club Name:
______________________________________________________________
Opposition Club #1:
______________________________________________________________
Opposition Club #2:
______________________________________________________________
Round Preference #1:
______________________________________________________________
Round Preference #2:
______________________________________________________________
Age Groups Requested:
(Please tick)
Signed
__U11 / U17___
___U6 / U10___
Name
Date
Note: Clubs are to provide draft fixtures and a copy of field layouts to accommodate your Club(s)
team along with this Nomination for the Junior Competition Coordinator and RugbyWA Juniors
Executives to consider as part of your nomination.
Please return by 4.00pm, Friday 1st April 2016
APPENDIX 11 – Junior Force Carnival Nomination Form
Junior Force Carnival Nomination
2016
Club Name:
______________________________________________________________
Round Preference #1:
______________________________________________________________
Round Preference #2:
______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Signed
Name
Date
Please return by 4.00pm, Friday 1st April 2016
APPENDIX 12 – Finals Dispensation guidelines
TBC
APPENDIX 13 – RugbyWA Fines Schedule
RugbyWA Juniors - Statutory Fines Schedule 2016
Explanation.
Offence
Fine
$250
An unregistered player who takes the field is
uninsured. An ineligible player is giving the team
unfair advantage.
2 Falsifying a team sheet
$400
Deliberate falsification is giving the team unfair
advantage. Game will also be forfeited.
Failure to report forfeit to
3 RugbyWA within the prescribed
time frame.
$50
Opposition team and RugbyWA need fair notice.
4 Poaching
$250
Poaching provides unfair advantage, potentially
reduces the number of competitive teams and is
against the spirt of the competition.
Club Fixtures: Ground not or poorly
5 marked. Ground not compliant
with regulations.
$20
Clubs undertaking fixtures are expected to meet
RugbyWA Juniors high standards for field
presentation.
$100
Failure to self-regulate behaviour risks damaging
the RugbyWA Juniors brand.
$500
In order to control costs, clubs are delegated with
the Britannia set up and pack down. Failure to do
so incurs costs which are recouped from the club
via the fine.
1
6
Playing an unregistered and/or
ineligible player
Club not providing TSM coordinator
Failure to attend to set up or pack
7
down at Britannia
AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION
MEDICAL AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
for Players, Coaches, Administrators & Match Officials
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the International Rugby Board (IRB) encourages Clubs and
Schools to take recommended measures to ensure that the game is both safe and enjoyable to play.
The following medical and safety recommendations are in the interest of player safety.
INJURY MANAGEMENT
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYER CARE
The following are the recommended medical requirements for Unions, Clubs and Schools.
SMART RUGBY
●
Smart Rugby qualified coaches and referees
– Mandatory qualification which provides best practice principles for all the contact
elements of the game.
FIRST AID
PERSONNEL
●
Basic First Aid certification or higher qualification
– including knowledge of first aid skills and procedures.
●
First Aid, Sports Trainer and Medical personnel should be clearly visible in brightly
coloured uniform/vests (ie orange, yellow, etc), and easily identifiable from teams.
●
First Aid Kit
●
Ice
●
Stretcher (preferable scoop stretcher) for use by trained personnel
●
Emergency contacts for nearest hospital, doctor, dentist, etc
●
Telephone (for use in emergency)
●
Emergency vehicle access for Ambulance providing clear entry
●
Safety Poster in a suitable location visible to Rugby stakeholders
FIRST AID
REQUIREMENTS
MANAGEMENT OF SERIOUS INJURY
SUSPECTED SPINAL INJURY
In the event of a suspected spinal or other potentially serious injury:
1. GET HELP FAST
●
CALL ‘000’ FOR AN AMBULANCE
2. DO NOT MOVE THE PLAYER
●
DO NOT MOVE THE PLAYER unless directed by qualified
medical personnel.
●
A player suffering from a severe neck injury may still be
able to move all limbs. Moving such a player before
stabilising the neck may increase the chance of permanent
paralysis.
●
DO NOT APPLY CERVICAL COLLAR unless specifically
trained to do so.
●
Non-medically qualified first aiders, referees and coaches
should err on the side of caution and seek assistance of
3. DO NOT APPLY CERVICAL COLLAR
qualified medical personnel in the event of any suspected
spinal or potentially serious injury.
4. FOLLOW SERIOUS INJURY PROTOCOL
●
FOLLOW SERIOUS INJURY PROTOCOL in the event of a
serious injury (i.e. fatality or suspected spinal injury),
including notifying the Serious Injury Hotline and
completing the Serious Injury Report.
●
For a complete copy of the Serious Injury Protocol &
Report, contact your State/Territory Union or visit
www.rugby.com.au/seriousinjury.
HEAD INJURIES, CONCUSSION AND STRUCTURAL BRAIN INJURIES
1.
2.
3.
Head injuries may result in one or more of the following:
Superficial injuries to scalp or face such as lacerations and abrasions
Subconcussive event – a head impact event that does not cause a concussion
Concussion - an injury resulting in a disturbance of brain function
4. Structural brain injury - an injury resulting in damage to a brain structure
for example fractured skull or a bleed into or around the brain
Structural brain injuries are potentially life threatening and may present with very
similar signs and symptoms to a concussion. The signs and symptoms of a structural
brain injury will usually persist or deteriorate over time e.g persistent or worsening
headache, increased drowsiness, persistent vomiting, increasing confusion and seizures.
Medical assessment of a concussion or a head injury where the diagnosis is not apparent
is recommended to exclude a potential structural brain injury.
All head injuries should be considered to be associated with cervical spine injury until proven otherwise.
CONCUSSION GUIDELINES
What is concussion?
Concussion is a brain injury caused by either direct or indirect forces to the head.
Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of brain function.
Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 15% of concussion cases and whilst a feature
of concussion, loss of consciousness is not a requirement for diagnosing concussion.
Concussion Management 6 R’s
RECOGNIS
E
REMOVE
REFER
REST
RECOVER
RETURN
Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion so you understand when an athlete might have a
potential concussion (see the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool for more details).
If a player has a concussion or a potential concussion he or she must be removed from play or
training immediately.
Once removed from play, the player should be referred immediately to a Medical Practitioner for
further evaluation and diagnosis. If the player’s condition is poor or deteriorates, the player should
be referred immediately to an Emergency Department.
Players must rest from exercise until symptom-free and then start a Graduated Return to Play
program. The ARU recommends minimum rest periods for different ages: Players aged 15 years
and below - 2 weeks minimum rest, Players aged 16-18 years - 1 week minimum rest, Adults
Players 19 years and above - 24 hours minimum rest.
Full recovery from symptoms is required before a player can commence a Graduated Return to
Play. Rest from all physical and cognitive activities in the early stages are crucial in the recovery
process.
In order for safe return to play in Rugby, the player can only return to playing rugby via the
Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) program once they are symptom free and completed a GRTP
program. The player must obtain a clearance in writing by a Medical Practitioner before returning
to full contact practice.
The ARU Concussion Guidelines (in full) and resources are available at www.rugby.com.au/concussion.
IF THE PLAYER IS UNCONSCIOUS
Always suspect an associated neck injury. If respiratory arrest occurs, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR) should be commenced. CALL ‘000’ FOR AN AMBULANCE.
Once conscious, determine the manner in which the injury happened and if there is tingling in upper or lower
limbs and if any power loss is present. If there is no one experienced in the management of this problem the
PLAYER SHOULD NOT BE MOVED but given emotional support while awaiting the ambulance. Ensure the
player is sufficiently warm.
IF A FRACTURE OR DISLOCATION OF A LIMB IS SUSPECTED
The injured limb should be supported, ideally with a splint, while the player is lifted onto a stretcher or helped
from the field. X-rays to confirm the diagnosis (or exclude injury) are essential and should be performed as
soon as possible.
If the fracture is found to be compound (bony fragments protruding through the skin) the area should be
covered with a clean towel while waiting for the ambulance. In this situation the player should not consume
food or drink until cleared by a doctor (in case a general anaesthetic is required).
TREATMENT OF INJURED PLAYERS WHO ARE BLEEDING
A player who has an open or bleeding wound must leave the playing area until such time as the bleeding is
controlled and the wound is covered or dressed. On returning to play all bloodied clothing must be replaced.
Such a player may be replaced on a temporary basis but if unable to resume playing within 15 minutes the
replacement becomes permanent.
IF A TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT
It should be replaced immediately in its socket (if dirty, wash it first with milk if available) and mould
aluminum foil over the replaced tooth and its adjacent teeth. The player should then seek immediate dental
advice.
SEEK PROMPT MEDICAL ADVICE
Prompt medical advice (usually at an emergency department, hospital or after-hours medical centre) should
be obtained if:
● Unconsciousness, persistent headache, vomiting or nausea occurs after a blow to the head, or a
concussion injury.
● Breathing difficulties occur after an injury to the head, neck or chest.
● Severe pains in the neck occur.
● Abdominal pains occur, particularly if associated with shoulder tip pain.
● Blood is present in the urine.
● An eye injury occurs.
● If a player collapses separate to any trauma.
● There is any concern over a player’s injury or health following training or a match.
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES
The RICER injury management approach is the best treatment for a soft tissue injury, and should be initiated
immediately after injury for 48-72 hours. Applying RICER will assist in reducing bleeding and swelling and
provide support for the injured area.
REST
Avoid stressing the injured area for at least 48-72 hours
ICE
Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes, every 2 hours for the first 48-72 hours after injury.
COMPRESSIO
N
Firmly apply wide compression bandage over the injured area, above and below the injury
site.
ELEVATION
Raise the injured area above the level of the heart at all times.
REFERRAL
Refer to a qualified health professional (e.g. Doctor, Physiotherapist, etc).
Avoid the HARM-ful factors for 72 hours after the injury.
HEAT
Heat increases the bleeding at the injured site. Avoid hot baths and showers, saunas, hot
water bottles, heat packs and liniments.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol increases bleeding and swelling at the injury site, and delays healing.
RUNNING
Running or any form of exercise may cause further damage. A player should not resume
exercise within 72 hours of an injury unless approved by medical professional.
MASSAGE
Massage causes an increase in bleeding and swelling, and should be avoided within 72 hours
of the injury. If the injury is massaged within the first 72 hours, it may take longer to heal.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
SMART RUGBY
SmartRugby is designed to inform coaches and match officials of best practice techniques, to minimise the
risk of injury to players, and increase the level of confidence that participants and families can gain from their
association with the game.
All players are to be in-serviced in the SmartRugby Program by their team coach.
MAYDAY CALL
The “MAYDAY” call is a safety technique put into operation when a player believes that he/she is in a potentially
dangerous position in a scrum. The following is a description of the process to be followed by players and
referees when the “MAYDAY” call is heard.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
PLAYER ACTIONS
REFEREE ACTIONS
The player under pressure makes a loud call, “MAYDAY”
Other members of the scrum repeat this call to
ensure that it is heard by members of both
scrums and the referee
All players immediately stop pushing to release
pressure on the front row. The props should
release their bind
on the opposition only
The referee should immediately blow
the whistle sharply
All players in the scrum immediately drop to
their knees. At the same time, the top half of
their body is lowered to the ground
The front row then land on their faces
All players are to remain in this position and
listen to the referee’s instructions
The referee asks, “Who first called Mayday and are you OK”?
Player replies
and is OK
Player replies and
is not OK
Player does
not reply
The referee asks the players from each team
to number off from; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in order to
determine which player is injured and/or
unconscious (note: 6,7,8 are not at risk)
On the referee's instruction the scrum is disassembled: The No.8 moves back and away and the flankers
then release their binds and move outwards and away
The locks then release their binds and move outwards and away
(If the injured player is a lock they shall remain until medical assistance arrives)
The prop forwards then release
their bind on the hooker and move
outwards and away
If the injured player is a front rower, they and any player(s) bound
to them will remain and maintain their binds until medical
assistance arrives
PLAYER PRIORITIES
● Upon hearing MAYDAY, repeat loudly.
● Stop pushing and drop to your knees
immediately.
● Do not turn your head to the side. Rotation and
flexion increases the chance of neck injury.
● Keep your chin and chest through and face plant
on the bridge of your nose and forehead.
● Whilst on the ground, listen to the referee.
● Do not move an injured player. Leave them
exactly where they are until medical assistance
arrives.
REFEREE PRIORITES
●
●
●
●
●
Upon hearing MAYDAY, blow your whistle
immediately.
Identify the injured player and their status.
Disassemble the scrum safely.
Do not move an injured player. Leave them
exactly where they are until medical
assistance arrives.
If no player is injured, reset the scrum
when players are ready.
POSITION SELECTION
Players should be selected for positions appropriate to their physical build and stature. Players should be
physically fit to play Rugby when selected and those unfit should not be selected.
Players should not be selected to play in the front row unless they have recent experience or have been
coached in specialist front row play.
All players should be encouraged to regularly carry out special exercises that strengthen their neck, limbs
and body. This is especially applicable to those in the scrum who should build up their neck and back
muscles as well as upper body strength.
SCRUM ENGAGEMENT SEQUENCE (For Games of all Levels)
The scrum engagement is managed in sequence by the referee to ensure that it occurs safely, squarely
and in synchronisation. If any part of the scrum set-up is not right, the referee should call the front rows up
and re-start the process.
The Law requires that referees will call the scrum engagement in the sequence CROUCH, BIND and then,
when both front rows are ready, SET. This is to be strictly observed.
1. CROUCH
Front rowers should adopt a CROUCH position with their head and shoulders at or above the level of the
hips, feet square, and knees bent sufficiently to make a simple forward movement into engagement.
Players should keep their head straight, in order to maintain the normal and safe alignment of the cervical
spine.
Once all front-rowers are crouched, there must be a non-verbal pause, during which time the referee should
be checking that:
● the distance between opposing front rows should be close enough that players’ heads are
interlinked (approximately ear to ear)
● the height of the two packs is the same
● all players are balanced, and are set up straight (not at an angle)
2. BIND
The BIND call requires each prop to bind on the side or back of their opposing prop (not on the arm or
shoulder). Props should grab onto the jersey, not just rest their hand in place.
Once all front-rowers are bound, there must be a non-verbal pause, during which time the referee should
check that all players are balanced and stationary.
3. SET
On the SET call, and not before, the front rows should engage the opposition firmly with a short horizontal
movement and the props should draw with their outside binds. In this position, all players must be able to
maintain body shape and pressure on the opposition scrum.
At community level in Australia, referees do not have to indicate to the scrum half when to feed the ball at
every scrum. However, referees must ensure that the scrum is stationary and stable before the feed (no hit
and chase off the mark). A call of “steady” may, on occasion, assist in steadying the scrum. When the
scrum is steady, the ball should be fed without delay.
TACKLING
Statistics indicate that the majority of serious injuries are now occurring during or consequent to the tackle.
The risk of injury can be reduced by teaching correct head positioning as an essential component of a safe
tackle.
Serious injuries are also occurring to the ball carrier, particularly when going to ground in the tackle. The
risk of injury can be reduced by teaching balance and stability techniques in contact and correct body
position when falling to the ground.
Illegal and dangerous tackling should be discouraged, such as crash tackling the defenseless, tackling
player’s without the ball, early, late, ‘stiff arm’ tackling and tackling around the head and neck. Any tackle
above the line of the shoulders (defined as the level of the armpits) is considered dangerous.
ELIMINATION OF ILLEGAL AND FOUL PLAY
Head and Shoulders Above Hips
Correct body position in Scrum, Ruck and Maul is critical. Players should join in a safe manner, ensuring
that their head and shoulders are above the hips at all times. The IRB has reiterated its position that the
game can only be played by players who are on their feet.
Punching or Stamping Send Offs
For all competitions U19 and downwards it is mandatory for referees to send off players who punch or
stamp opponents. ARU believes this is an appropriate measure to assist in the elimination / reduction of
foul play and to send a clear message to the community that Rugby is serious about countering this sort of
behaviour.
Referees are reminded to be particularly harsh when dealing with players who engage in Illegal and/or Foul
Play or engage in any form of retaliation. Judicial Committees should take stern action with players found
guilty of Illegal and/or Foul Play.
PREVENTING INJURY
Mouth Guard
It is recommended that players wear a specially made and fitted mouth guard during both matches and
training sessions.
Hydration
Coaches should ensure that an adequate supply of fluid, preferably water, is consumed by players before,
during and after training sessions and the match, so that appropriate levels of hydration are maintained.
MORE INFORMATION
Further details on Medical Requirements for Player Care and Safety Recommendations can be found at the
Australian Rugby Union website www.rugby.com.au/policies.
Australian Rugby Union 2014 ©
Australian Rugby Union
Ground Floor 29 – 57 Christie Street
St Leonards NSW 2065
Telephone (02) 8005 5555
Facsimile (02) 8005 5681
www.rugby.com.au
www.tryrugby.com.au
APPENDIX 16 – Judicial Procedures
DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS – Refer ARU Disciplinary Rules 2016 – Also located on the RugbyWA Website –
Juniors Resource Library
ARU Disciplinary
Rules 2016.pdf
1.
ATTENDANCE AT HEARINGS
a.
Any participant ordered off or notified of a citing, shall without further notice, attend the next meeting
of the Judicial Committee. The Judicial Committee will meet on Wednesday immediately following the
match. In the event a participant fails to attend the meeting of the Judicial Committee, the participant
is automatically suspended from all matches pending his/her appearance. Unless reasonable notice of
non-appearance (including reason) is given to RugbyWA prior to the appointed meeting of the Judicial
Committee, that committee may impose such additional suspension as it considers appropriate as
penalty for the participant’s failure to attend as required.
b.
Any person notified of a Misconduct report will be notified of the next suitable hearing date once
confirmed by the Judicial Chairman
c. Any player participating in the U11 upwards age groups will be required to attend a judicial hearing if the
offence falls under IRB law 10.4 and its sub laws
d.
Only in exceptional circumstances should the matter be dealt with in the absence of the participant; and
when necessary, the committee should accommodate the participant by postponing the hearing. The
participant shall be entitled to be accompanied by a senior member of his/her club and/or legal
representative. In addition, if he/she wishes to bring witnesses, he/she will generally be allowed to so.
e.
Judicial hearing may take place at other locations. This is at the discretion of the Judicial Chariman and
is dependent on age of participant and severity of the infringement
2.
EVIDENCE ADMISSIBLE AT HEARINGS
a.
Hearsay evidence
Hearsay evidence, i.e. second-hand accounts of what occurred, and evidence not given at the hearing,
shall generally not be admitted or considered by the committee in reaching its decision.
b.
Video tape/DVD evidence
I.
The committee has the sole discretion to determine if it shall accept evidence by video/DVD.
II.
The committee shall decide what weight should be attached to the video/DVD evidence produced.
III.
If there is a dispute on the facts, the video/DVD may be shown again on as many occasions as are
considered necessary by the committee, and at any speed, in an endeavour to clear up the factual
conflict. The committee, in its discretion, shall determine if and when the video/DVD shall be
replayed.
IV.
The audio sound shall be muted when the video/DVD is shown. Preferably, the video/DVD should be
shown in total silence, but the committee may, in its discretion, decide whether there shall be any
comment by those present while it is being shown.
V.
The committee may inform the participant of the nature of any observations it has made from the
video/DVD evidence.
c.
Character evidence
Character evidence shall be admissible on in relation to the penalty to be imposed by the committee.
d.
Previous incident evidence
In the case of a participant having previously appeared before the committee within three (3) years, the
previous incident(s) shall be relevant, but only in relation to the penalty to be imposed by the committee.
4.
VARIATION TO CHARGE
a.
If, during a hearing, it becomes evident that the participant may have committed an offence, that
participant not having been charged with that offence or having being charged with another offence, the
Chairman may vary the charge. The participant should then be given the opportunity of answering that
charge. An adjournment of the proceedings, if sought, may be granted if necessary.
b.
The committee is empowered to alter of add to the initial charge or to substitute an entirely new charge
based on facts reported in the initial charge.
5.
PROCEEDINGS NOT TO BE INVALIDATED FOR TECHNICAL REASON
No proceedings heard by any Judicial Committee shall be quashed or held invalid by reason only of any
defect, irregularity, omission or other technicality, provided there has not been a miscarriage of justice.
6.
NOTIFICATION OF DECISION
a.
The participant must be told, without delay the decision of the committee that conducted the hearing.
The decision initially may be given orally and brief reasons for reaching it should be given.
b.
The Judicial Committee shall provide a written report to the Union no later than 3 working days after the
hearing.
c.
In all cases where a participant is in any way adversely affected by the decision of the committee, he/she
must be advised that he/she has a right of appeal to be lodged with the Junior Competition Co-ordinator
within the time prescribed by the Unions Appeals Procedures.
d.
A comprehensive record of the hearing before the Judicial Committee shall be kept and be made
available to the Appeal Committee.
7.
SCHEDULE OF RECOMMENDED PENALTIES
a.
Each case must be treated on its merits and any penalty imposed must be seen to be fair and equitable
and in accordance with the circumstances of the case and in accordance with natural justice.
b.
When imposing sanction, the Judicial Committee dealing with an ordering off and/or citing shall apply
the IRB’s recommended penalties for illegal and/or foul play as set out in Appendix 1 of IRB Regulation
17: see Annexure B.
c.
Except in clear cases of mistaken identity or where the referee states he/she may have made a genuine
mistake and the Judicial Committee makes a finding pursuant to Clause 6 of this Code, the Judicial
Committee has no power to find “no case proven” and it can therefore decide upon only one or other of
the following, namely:
I.
II.
III.
d.
No further punishment additional to the appearance before the Judicial Committee;
That the player be cautioned or severely cautioned as to his/her future conduct; or
That a period of suspension be imposed.
The effect of any sanction/suspensions may not be suspended by a Judicial Committee.
RugbyWA Juniors – Judicial Sanctions Table
Current Junior Sanctions
Lower End
Mid Range
(LE),
(MR),
Striking (fist) 10.4.a
1 weeks
3 weeks
Striking (knee) 10.4.a
2 weeks
4 weeks
Striking (head) 10.4.a
4 weeks
6 weeks
Stamping/trampling (body) 10.4.b
1 weeks
4 weeks
Stamping/trampling (Head) 10.4.b
2 weeks
6 weeks
Kicking (body) 10.4.c
2 weeks
4 weeks
Kicking (head) 10.4.c
3 weeks
6 weeks
Dangerous tackle 10.4.e
1 weeks
4 weeks
Lifting tackle 10.4.e
2 weeks(drop)
Tripping 10.4.d
1 weeks
4 weeks
Dangerous Charging 10.4.g, 10.4.h
4 weeks
6 weeks
Tackling a jumper in the air 10.4.i, 10.4.j
4 weeks
6 weeks
Dangerous Play in a scrum, ruck or maul 10.4.k
2 weeks
4 weeks
Retaliation 10.4.l
1 weeks
2 weeks
Acts Contrary to good sportsmanship 10.4.m
2 weeks
4 weeks
Misconduct while the ball is out of play 10.4.n
1 week
4 weeks
Lower End
Mid Range
(LE),
(MR),
Abuse of match officials - verbal 10.4.k
4 weeks
6 weeks
Abuse of match officials – touching/pushing12 weeks
18 weeks
24 weeks
10.4.k
24 weeks - life
Striking match official
ban
Misconduct Reports (Includes Breaches of ARU Member Protection Policy, ARU Code
of Conduct)
Top End
(TE).
5 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
8 weeks
8 weeks(spear)
8 weeks
12 weeks
12 weeks
8 weeks
4 weeks
8 weeks
8 weeks
Top End
(TE).
8 weeks
Life
Discretion of
the Judiciary
* Note all Sanctions are subject to Judicial discretion and will be based upon tesitimony, previous
infringement history and evidence provided at any Judicial hearing. The Judiciary may choose to impose
higher or lower sanctions dependent on the incident
NOTES.
The underlying objective of the disciplinary system is to provide a safe playing environment for players. Any acts of
foul play which can compromise player safety should be dealt with severely. For example, a ‘king hit’ punch on a
player who has no chance to see the punch coming should be dealt with by a suspension at the top end of the scale.
To reflect the IRB’s concerns about a player’s status as a persistent offender, if a player appears for a second occasion
in 3 years, the first offence penalty may be doubled to reflect his attitude in becoming a persistent offender. For a
third offence, it may be trebled.
For any greater number, a lengthy suspension should be imposed to reflect the player’s apparent disregard for the
rules of the game and safety.
The seriousness of the offence is reflected by the part of the body which is attacked e.g. a stomping on the head is
more serious than on the back of an opponent (see IRB Regulation 17.14.3 for all the relevant factors)
In addition, IRB Regulation 17.14.4 and 17.14.5 lists various factors which can be considered to be aggravating or
mitigating features which can bear upon the suspension to be imposed.
Penalties for Misconduct are at the discretion of the Judiciary.
APPENDIX 17 – TEAM SPECTATORS MANAGERS (TSM) HANDBOOK
Located on the RugbyWA Website – Juniors Resource Library
APPENDIX 18 – Girls Rugby Policy
Located on the RugbyWA Website – Juniors Resource Library
APPENDIX 25 – RugbyWA Juniors Finals Hanbook
Located on the RugbyWA Website – Juniors Resource Library