Issue 1 - 2nd May 2009
PREAMBLE
(1). The "COCK-O-THE-NORTH Challenge" for 2009 will consist of three finals competitions at Senior Colts, namely the Challenge Cup, Challenge Vase, and Challenge Trophy.
(2). The objective of the "Cock-O-The-North Challenge" is to provide a “Cross-Pennines” competition to allow the Top Teams from the North West Colts League to assess their abilities against their equivalents from the North East Leagues.
(3). The Colts League Committee will endeavour to secure sponsorship for the "Cock-O-The-North-Challenge" which may then be re-named accordingly to benefit the sponsor.
(4). Entry into the "Cock-O-The-North Challenge" shall be by invitation, with no additional entry fee.
(5). The "Cock-O-The-North Challenge" Finals will be played at a suitable venue to be appointed by the Colts League Committee.
(6). Applications to host the "Cock-O-The-North Challenge" Finals are always welcome - Clubs should contact the Colts League Secretary to express their interest.
FINALS DAY RULES
(7). Society Referees' will be arranged by the Colts League Committee.
(8). For the benefit of the Referee shirts MUST be numbered with distinctive 'large sized numbers' on the back. Letters or other markings are not permitted as an alternative.
(9). Team Managers must inform the Organisers of their "kit colours" - if deemed necessary by the Referee a colour change will be decided on the toss of a coin before the game and therefore Both Teams must arrive prepared to change.
(10). Players must be under the respective age (U19) on 1st September of the relevant year. Under 18 or Under 17 players are also permitted to "play up" at this age group.
(11). Players must be a paid up member of their Club, may only play for one Team during the "Competition", and are effectively "Cup Tied".
(12). ALL Players MUST be registered with the RFU's "Young Player Registration Scheme" in accordance with the "Young Player Registration Regulations".
(13). RFU Young Player Registration Cards, or other suitable form of I/D {passport etc...} must be made available on request to opposition Managers / Coaches, and to Colts League Committee Members. Cards must be checked in line with RFU guidelines.at least 30 minutes before kick-off.
(14). On Finals Day Managers must register their Squads with the Organisers at least one hour before kick-off.
(15). All games will be played in accordance with the IRB 'Laws of The Game', plus the Colts League U19 Variations.
(16). Up to 22 players may be nominated (15, plus 7 replacements) and may all be used. Players who have been substituted may replace an injured player. Rolling substitutions are permitted - through the Referee.
(17). Teams nominating 22 players must have at least six players (in the total Squad) who can play in the front row in order that there is replacement cover for the loose head prop, hooker and tight head prop. These players must be clearly identified on the Match Results Card before the game.
(18). Should the minimum number {6} of trained front row players not be available a match can proceed but with a reduced number of replacements on the bench, as follows:~
6 FR = 7 replacements, 5 FR = 6 rep's, 4 FR = 5 rep's, 3 FR = 4 rep's.
(19). Managers & Coaches have a duty of care and must not allow or encourage players to play in a front row position if they do not have suitable training and experience.
(20). As these games may involve Under 18 or Under 17 players "squeeze ball" is therefore not permitted.
(21). In the event of a draw after the 70 minutes maximum playing time, there being no "extra time" in Youth Rugby, the result will be decided on; number of tries, then number of conversions from tries. If still equal the winner will be decided by a kicking competition.
(22). Kickers will be selected only from those on the pitch at ‘no side’’. 5 penalty kicks at goal will be taken alternately, each by a different player, from the 22 metre line in front of the goal posts. The Team with the most successful number of kicks wins. If still equal further kicks are to be taken by different players, still selected form those on the pitch at ‘No Side’, on a "sudden death" basis until a result is obtained.
(23). A Player who is suspended by an RFU CB Disciplinary Committee or His Club is not permitted to play in the "Cock-O-The-North-Challenge" Finals.
(24). Disputes and complaints on the day will be determined by the Colts League Committee present.