What are the timescales for entering the Colts League ?
Details can be found in the Forward Diary.
Do Players need to be Registered ?
All Players must be registered with the RFU's Young Player Registrations scheme, and with the Colts League in accordance with the League's Squad Registration Regulations.
The official Squad Registration Form must be submitted before 1st September each season, and updated forms should be submitted as soon as a new Player joins your squad.
Unregistered Players must not play until registered with the League and the RFU.
How do I get a Referee ??
Possibly one of the most important questions for Colts Team Managers who should refer to the
Referee Protocol.
How do I submit Match Results ?
Refer to the Match Results Regulations.
What time do matches Kick Off ?
Regulation Kick Off times / Junior Colts - 12:30hrs / Senior Colts - 14:00hrs.
Times can be varied by mutual agreement between Managers, but you must also agree this in advance with your Referee. The League will not intervene; if Managers cannot agree then the above times must apply.
What happens if I need to postpone a fixture ?
There should be No Postponements other than for adverse weather conditions, in the event of which BOTH Team Managers must advise the Fixtures Secretary immediately, by TEXT, of the postponed game.
Re-scheduled dates for postponed games will be advised by the League Fixtures Secretary ASAP, and will normally be the next available weekend. Revised dates cannot be reneged upon and must be honoured.
The Home Team should notify their Referees Society or Association of the new date immediately.
Failure to inform the League Fixtures Secretary of a postponement will result in the match result and points being treated as void, applicable to both Teams, and the deduction of 1 point each.
Remember - If an Away Team causes a walkover, by postponing or cancelling, the next fixture played between the two Teams will be reversed and played at the venue of the original cancelled fixture.
Can we switch venues ?
Managers are permitted to attempt to switch venues in line with Regulation 3(8).
Where can I check the Laws / Under 19 Variations ?
Refer to iRB "Laws of the Game" the "Under 19 Variations", plus the "Colts League Variations".
Does anything else apply ??
Managers are not expected to know the Regulations backwards, however it does sometimes help resolve differences if you keep a copy of the latest issue with you on a Matchday.
Perhaps more important is to ensure all your Coaches, Players, and Spectators are aware of and adhere to the Code of Conduct.
ADVISORY NOTES for MANAGERS
Before Each Game...
1/. Confirm games at least a week in advance with your Opposite Number.
2/. For all your home games - arrange & confirm with your Referee as soon as you have confirmed the game with your Opponents. You may need to do this through your Club's Referee Society Contact. See the Referee Protocol for specific guidance.
3/. Confirm with your appointed Referee at least a week before the game. Exchange phone numbers with the Referee - mobile numbers are imperative in case last minute emergency contact is needed. Keep these with you on the Matchday
4/. Prepare your Match Result Card (with Team Names, Squad Names, etc).
5/. Update your Squad Registrations with the League, adding any new or returning Players, and submitting by Fax or E-Mailed PDF.
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On A Matchday...
1/. Home Team Managers (or nominated Referee Host) should welcome the Referee and offer him his expenses.
2/. Ensure your Referee has separate changing and showering facilities from the players. If showers are communal the Referee should be allowed to shower before the players, and you should assist him in doing so.
3/. Carry a copy of the Competition Regulations - for reference and resolution of differences.
4/. Carry a copy of the Junior Colts Contact List or Senior Colts Contact List - to enable you to contact your Opposite Number at any time, particularly on a matchday.
5/. Remember to bring your pre-prepared Match Result Card and to hand it to the Referee before the game.
6/. Remember your RFU Youth Registration Cards, and be prepared to exchange them with your opposite number. The checking of Players should be in line with RFU Guidelines, and should be done at least 30 minutes before kick-off.
7/. Carry a copy of your latest Squad Registration Form, as submitted to the League.
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During the Game...
1/. Ensure your Replacement Players and Coaches stay within a marked a Technical Area. Coaches and Replacements must not follow the game up and down the touchlines. {NB:~ Watching lines of play from behind the posts is permitted for Coaches provided they do not "coach" from this position}.
2/. Manager your Spectators - or ensure a willing adult volunteer is prepared to do this for you. (i). Spectators must be outside the playing enclosure & back from the touchlines at all times behind a barrier, fence, or rope, and (ii). Spectators must never enter the field of play.
3/. It is the Team's Manager’s and Coach’s joint responsibility to ensure their own Players, Replacements, and Spectators observe the Codes of Conduct, and refrain from inciting players or abusing Referees from the touchline. Offenders will be held to account and may be summoned to appear before the CB Disciplinary Committee.
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Immediately After Each Game - (Home Team Managers)...
1/. Ask the Referee to fill in the correct scores, mark yellow or red cards issued, and sign the Match Result Card you gave him prior to the game.
2/. Check the score with the Referee and send the result by TEXT to the Fixtures Secretary.
3/. Counter sign your opposition's Match Result Card.
4/. If you have communal showers ensure the Referee can shower before the Players.
5/. Ensure the Referee is hosted, fed & watered, as he is a guest of your Club.
6/. Remember to send-in your Match Result Card by Fax or E-Mailed PDF by 6pm Monday.
Immediately After Each Game - (Visiting Team Managers)...
1/. Ask the Referee to fill in the correct scores, mark yellow or red cards issued, and sign the Match Result Card you gave him prior to the game.
2/. Check the score with the Referee and send the result by TEXT to the Fixtures Secretary.
3/. Counter sign your opposition's Match Result Card.
4/. Remember to send-in your Match Result Card by Fax or E-Mailed PDF by 6pm Monday.
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Why not...
Submit a Match Report and Photo to the League for publication on the Colts League WebSite !!
Send your reports & photos by e-mail to : press@colts-rugby.org.uk
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What Happens if I Have a Player (or Coach /or Spectator) Sent Off ??
Managers must assist their Club Secretary in reporting Red Card offenders to the County Disciplinary Secretary. The Disciplinary Guidelines give further information.