THESE "COMPETITION RULES" HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL COMPETING COLTS TEAMS & PLAYERS, and SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LEAGUE's ‘CONSTITUTION’’ "CODES of CONDUCT" and the "YOUTH DISCIPLINE CONTRACT".
Issue 37 - 5th May 2008
COMPETITION RULES
CONTENTS :
Mandatory Conditions of Entry
Player Eligibility & Player Registration
League Fixtures / Days / Times / Postponements
Results Reporting & Points / Tables / Trophies
League Cup Competition
Law / Referees
Player Numbers / Shortages / Replacements / Substitutions
Discipline / Fair Play
1. Mandatory Conditions of Entry to the Leagues
(1). Entry Qualification Details and Entry Timescales are detailed in the Constitution.
(2). All Teams must join their Local Referees Society or Referees Association.
(3). Teams from Clubs who border the core Lancashire & Cheshire area MUST confirm the support of their Local Referees' Society or Association for their games in the Colts League - to the League Secretary, in writing, prior to the start of each season.
(4). The League will call two "Pre-Entry Meetings", one for Junior Colts Managers, and one for Senior Colts Managers, in March / April, to prepare for the coming season. Teams should send at least one Representative "Manager" per age-group, who should be involved with the day-to-day running of the Team. These meetings will be the only opportunity for Managers to order their "Free Colts League Stash".
(5). The Colts League Pre-Season Managers' Meeting & AGM will be called at the end of August. ALL TEAMS (ie : each age group) must send at least one Representative to this meeting who MUST be involved with the day to day running of the Team; on penalty of a 2 point deduction for not attending.
2. Player Eligibility & Player Registration
(1). Players must be under the respective age on 1st September and must be a paid up Member of their Club.
(2). Over-aged players are not permitted under any circumstances at either Senior or Junior Colts. Managers have a 'Duty of Care' to ensure they do not field over-aged players, and are warned they may be held liable should litigation occur involving any over-aged player.
(3). Under 16’s Players are permitted to play-up in a Junior Colts (Under 17’s) Team provided they are registered as per Rule 2(5) and 2(6), and the Team Manager has obtained their Parent's or Guardian's permission. They must not play Senior Colts Rugby.
(4). Under 17’s and U18's Players are permitted to play-up in a Senior Colts (Under 19’s) Team provided they are registered as per Rule 2(5) and 2(6), and the Team Manager has obtained their Parent's or Guardian's permission.
(5) ALL Players MUST be registered on the official "Squad Registration Form", which MUST be submitted and updated regularly in accordance with the League's "Squad Registration Regulations" - see HERE.
(6). ALL Players MUST also be registered with the RFU's "Young Player Registration Scheme" or "WRU Scheme" in accordance with the Colts League's "Young Player Registration Regulations" - see HERE.
(7). RFU / WRU Young Player - Photo I/D Cards MUST be made up and carried for every Player.
(8). RFU photo I/D's, or other suitable proof of age and I/D (passport etc...) MUST be available for inspection between Managers before each game. Checking of opponents I/D Cards must be in line with RFU Guidelines and should be done at least 30 minutes before the scheduled Kick Off time. Teams failing to make their I/D cards available for checking may forfeit the game.
(9). New or Returning Players not previously registered with the League MUST NOT play in a Colts League game until properly registered as per Rule 2(5) and 2(6), and Squad Registration Regulation 2(4) & 2(5) above.
(10). Transfer of Players to other Clubs is allowable, although Coaches & Managers must not actively solicit the services of a Player. If a Coach or Member of a Club is proven to have approached a Player registered with another Club then the offending Club’s Chairman may be asked to remove that Team from the League.
(11). A Player’s New Club MUST inform both the Player’s Old Club and the League of the change of Club registration.
(12). Colts Players of the correct age who have played for a Club at Junior, then Colts level, may continue to play for their Colts Team when they are registered to play Senior Rugby with another Club, provided they are still a paid up member, and are not ‘overplayed’.
(13). Managers & Coaches have a duty of care to Players - no Player may participate in more than one game per matchday, including School games.
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3. League Fixtures / Days / Times / Postponements
(1). The Leagues will be in two categories (with seeded Leagues in each):~
Senior Colts (Under 19's)
and
Junior Colts (Under 17's)
(2). Teams are seeded based on previous season’s results, and in consultation with Managers and Coaches who will be asked to rate their own Team and all Teams entered at their age group. We aim to get the seedings as “near right” as possible in order to provide equitable games of competitive rugby where Players can develop their game. This process is not scientific, is based on mean averages and opinion, and requires feedback and co-operation from all Managers.
(3). Fixtures will be published as soon as the entrant Teams are known and the Seeded Leagues have been agreed. Fixture lists should be available in July to allow Clubs time to notify their Referees’ Society or Association, and to their own Fixtures Secretary.
(4). Fixtures MUST be confirmed, at least one week in advance, by the Away Team with the Home Team’s Fixtures Contact. The Home Team must then immediately confirm the game with their Referees’ Society or Association.
(5). Regulation Days / Kick-Off Times are :~
{i} Junior Colts (U 17's) - Sunday / 12.30pm
{ii} Senior Colts (U 19's) - Sunday / 2.00pm
(6). Managers & Fixtures Secretaries should not fill Weather Weekends with “friendly” fixtures as these weekends will likely be needed for re-arranged League games.
(7). Should Managers wish to "switch venues" or attempt to "pull games forward" this is permissable provided this is agreed between Managers first. As soon as this is agreed BOTH MANAGERS should inform the League Fixtures Secretary who will re-schedule the game in the Fixture List.
PLEASE NOTE:~ The League will not intervene if Managers cannot agree - the change must be agreed between Managers first.
(8) DO NOT FORGET to inform your Referees Society or Association of a game "pulled forward" or a "switch of venue" - so your Referee can be re-appointed to another game, and so a Referee can be organised for the re-arranged game.
(9). Games cannot be "put back" or "postponed" as there are not enough weekends in the League Season. Cancelled or Postponed games will be treated as per Rule 3(10) and 3(11) below.
(10). There will be NO conceded games only "Walkovers" awarded against any Team failing to honour or fulfil a scheduled fixture. The points will be awarded to the none offending Team. The Offending Team will also be deducted 1 point.
(11). Repeat offenders who cause “walkovers” will be expelled from the League on a “3 Strikes & Out” basis. ie: following a third failure to honour a fixture.
(12). Any Team so expelled, or any Team which withdraws from the League for any reason, shall incur a financial administration charge payable by their Club to the League to cover the extra admin costs. Should this admin charge remain unpaid a “double” charge plus the entry fee will be payable before a Team from said Club is able to enter another Team into the Colts League in any subsequent season.
(13). League weekends are carefully planned and fixtures must be honoured above all else. The End of the Cricket Season, Tours, Players missing on Schools 7's, Under 20’s, Exiles, or North duty, etc… are not satisfactory reasons to postpone a League Game - the Colts League cannot avoid every Representative fixture or no League Rugby would ever be played.
(14). Teams who have at least three (3) Players selected to play in a County Under 18’s MATCH which is in line with the Structured Season may apply to the League Fixtures Secretary for a League game to be postponed and re-arranged, provided they give at least one weeks notice to the League, their Opposition, and their Referees Society.
(15) The League Fixtures Secretary will advise of the re-arranged date, which will be the next available weekend. Should the weather conspire against us and leave no free weekends any Team which requested a postponement under Rule 3(14) and was not prepared to play without their County Players will be deemed to have forfeit.
It is of greater importance the rest of a Club’s Colts Team "Play Rugby" and develop their game, and that Opponents and Referees are not let down.
(16). Failure to honour a fixture without giving such notice to all parties will result in the game being awarded as per Rule 3(10). above, and the deduction of 1 point. Rule 3(11) will also apply.
(17). If an Away Team causes a "walkover" the next fixture to be played between the two Teams will be reversed and played at the venue of the original cancelled fixture.
(18). If the Home Team’s pitches are unavailable or unfit, and no local pitch is available, then the possibility of playing at the away Team’s venue should be explored. Do not forget to inform both the League Fixtures Secretary and the your Referee immediately.
(19). Fixtures may only be postponed because of inclement weather conditions. In the first instance this can be agreed between Managers over the ‘phone (to avoid travelling costs). Do not forget to inform both the League Fixtures Secretary and your Referee immediately.
(20). If Team Managers cannot agree on the suitability of a pitch then the Referee’s decision should be sought as to whether a match may start or continue.
(21). Should a game be abandoned for any reason the score at the time shall stand Provided 50 minutes have been played, otherwise the League may order the game to be replayed on the next available weekend. In exceptional circumstances the League may determine the result or award the game.
(22). When a fixture is postponed or abandoned needing re-arranging BOTH Team Managers must advise the League Fixtures Secretary immediately, by TEXT, of the postponement.
(23). Failure to inform the League Fixtures Secretary of a postponement will result in the game being treated as void, applicable to both Teams, and the deduction of 1 point each.
(24). ALL re-arranged dates will be advised by the League Fixtures Secretary and will 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 any new dates immediately.
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4. Results Reporting & Points / Tables / Trophies
(1). Both Team Managers should report the result by TEXT to the League Fixtures Secretary on 07980-105655 (text only - no voice calls) by 18.00 Hours (6pm) on the Sunday of the game.
What is Needed :~
HomeTeam / Score (? tries) vs AwayTeam / Score (? tries)
from - Your Name of YourTeam
Example Text Reads :~
Nelson Jnrs 21(3) vs Pendle Jnrs 12(2) from: Joe Bloggs of NelsonJnrColts
Why not save your first text as a template for future weeks. This makes it easy to edit and send in the result as soon as the game is over - BUT - check the score with the Referee first.
(2). Remember - postponed games MUST BE REPORTED back by TEXT likewise, on the Sunday of the game.
(3). The result MUST be submitted, by FAX, on the Match Results Form which should be countersigned by both Teams' Managers and the Referee.
The Winning Team Manager, or Home Team Manager if a draw, should then send the completed form by FAX to 0870 742 0676 on Monday am.
(4). Late / None Texted Match Results or the None Arrival of completed Results Forms by FAX by the required time will delay the League Tables. Offenders will incur a 1 point penalty deduction for each offence. Repeat offenders will be dealt with as appropriate by the League Committee.
(6). Points towards the League Tables will be awarded as follows :~
Win - 3 Points
Draw - 2 Points
Loss - 1 Point
(7). In the event of a tie on equal points weekly table positions will be decided in order of :~
1st - Points Difference. 2nd - Tries Scored.
(8). At the end of the season points difference alone may not be the final deciding criteria between two Teams tied on equal points. Un-played games, forfeits, and points deductions will be taken into account and determined by the League Committee, however final placing will likely be decided by the results of games between the Teams concerned.
(9). There will be a League Presentation Evening at the end of the season where trophies and prizes will be awarded to :~
1/. The "Champions" - Winners of each League.
2/. "Fair Play Winners" – two awards – Senior & Junior Colts.
3/. Best match report / match reporting - submitted to the League WebSite.
4/. Best Rugby Photography – submitted to the League WebSite.
5. League Cup Competition
(1). Dependant on the League running to schedule and weather permitting there will be “Cross-League Playoff Competitions” at the end of the season (in March & April). These are for the Colts League Cup, League Plate, League Bowl, and League Shield Trophies. Entry into the League Cup Competitions is automatic for all Member Teams, at no additional cost - Managers should advise the League Secretary if they do not wish to enter / proceed into the League Cup Competition.
(2). The Junior Colts (U 17’s) Leagues will form the Lancashire CB and Cheshire CB regional cluster of the RFU’s National Under 17’s Competition, and our top Teams from each League will have the opportunity to progress to The Divisional Finals, and ultimately the National Semi-finals and Finals. Teams will be ‘nominated’ as prescribed by the Northern Division.
(3). The League Cup Competition Rules are available Here.
(4). The RFU National Under 17's Competition Regulations are available Here.
6. Law / Referees
(1). All Colts League games are under the iRB ‘Laws of the Game’ and the Under 19 Variations - PLUS - See Rule 7(1) to 7(5) below regarding Number of Players / Replacements / Uncontested Scrummages.
(2). Each match shall consist of two periods of 35 minutes each, with no extra time, and no longer than 70 minutes playing time. The Referee is the sole judge of Time.
(3). For the benefit of the Referee shirts MUST be numbered with traditional 'large sized numbers' on the back of shirts. Letters or other markings as an alternative are not permitted. Numbers should be 1 to 15 for those starting the game, plus for 16 to 22 for replacements.
(4). Do not forget to check kit colours when confirming fixtures; it is the Home Team’s responsibility to change kit in the event of a colour clash.
(5). Home Teams MUST apply to their Local Society or Association for the appointment of an "Independant" Society or Association Referee. This will normally be arranged through your Club’s Referee Society Contact (Senior Section). Teams must provide the Society or Association with their fixture list at the beginning of each season, and must at all times give the notice appropriate to the relevant Referee's Society or Association.
(6). Coaches or Club Members refereeing their own Team is not a satisfactory arrangement for competitive Colts League matches. Referees for Colts League games should be "Independant" and must be officially appointed by the Local Society or Association. They must not be associated with the Home Club.
(7). Should any Team experience difficulty with the official appointments channel from their Local Society they should inform the League who will give them every assistance.
(8). Should the Home Team be unable to provide an Independant Society or Association Referee they should inform their Visitors before the day of the game, as Visitors may be able to access and provide a Society, Association, or other Independant Referee themselves to officiate.
(9). Failing all of the aforementioned the Visitors may provide a Club Referee to officiate.
(10). As a final resort the Home Team may provide their Club Referee - only by agreement with their Visitors.
(11). All avenues must be explored to ensure games go ahead. If games are postponed through 'no Referee' there are very few opportunities to re-arrange them.
(12). In any event the Home Team is obliged to cover the Referee’s expenses.
(13). When a match is re-arranged in the Fixtures Calendar do not assume your Referees’ Society or Association will be aware. Managers should give the Society at least 7 days notice of any re-arranged dates.
Teams & Clubs are encouraged to put forward their "Club Referees" or other "Referee Candidates" to join the Colts League Referees Association (CLRA). The aim is to establish a network of independant local exchange Referees to the benefit of the game in general, and to Colts Rugby in particular.
Please notify the CLRA Secretary or the League Secretary, by e-mail or phone of any "suspects".
7. Player Numbers / Shortages / Replacements / Substitutions
(1). Up to 22 players may be selected (15, plus 7 replacements). Only 22 Players (Max) may be changed ready to play, all of whom must be listed on the Match Results Form prior to the game.
(2). Teams should make all attempts to ensure fixtures go ahead in spite of a shortage of Players. Games may be played with a minimum of 9 players per Team. If a Team is short and their opponents are not prepared to lend them players games can proceed with no more than a one-player advantage to any side. ie : turn up with 9 players and your opposition can only field 10. Should any Team have less than 9 players the game & points will be forfeit.
(3). Should a reduced numbers game be necessary:~
a). Only 7 replacements may be used by the Team who are not short on numbers.
b). Playing time may be reduced by 5 minutes per half, by agreement.
c). The offside line at the scrummage will be the centre-line of the scrum, and the scrum-half cannot follow the ball around the scrum.
d). In any match where one Team starts with one less player the difference of one must be maintained if the lesser side loses a player(s) through injury; the objective being to maintain a competitive game.
e). This also applies in any match where Teams start with level numbers but one team loses two players through injury and have no replacements; their opponents must reduce their numbers to a difference of "plus one".
f). In the event of a sin-bin or sending off there will be no requirement for the non-offending side to reduce numbers, however the Referee can use his judgement to request the non-offending side reduce their number if he considers continuing without would be dangerous.
g). It is the Manager & Coach's responsibility to have a copy of these "Competition Rules" to hand at all times, and to point out these variations to the Referee prior to the start of the game.
(4). Revolving substitutions are permitted in all Colts games, as per RFU Youth guidelines.
(5). Managers & Coaches must not allow or encourage players to play in a front row position if they do not have suitable training and experience. If due to none availability of suitably trained players at the start of or during a match the Referee has to order uncontested scrummages the match will continue as a competitive match save for the scrummages which when uncontested will simply be a method of restarting the game.
8. Discipline / Conduct / Fair Play
(1). The Colts League encourages Fair Play and Good Sportsmanship, and awards two Trophies at the end of the season to reward the same.
(2). An exemplary "Code of Conduct" is expected from all Teams, Managers, Coaches, Players and Spectators before, during, and following matches. Managers should ensure all their Players, Coaches, and Spectators adhere to this code.
(3). Whilst a match is in progress all Replacements, Coaches, and Managers must remain within a marked technical area, other than when attending an injured player or bringing on water. Clubs should ensure these areas are clearly marked.
(4). Whilst a match is in progress Spectators must be outside the playing enclosure & back from the touchlines at all times behind a suitable pitch-side barrier. Spectators must never enter the field of play.
(5). Referees will be instructed not to start Colts League games unless the Technical Area, and a suitable pitch-side barrier, fence, or rope is in place. In cases where the match is not played as a result the home Team will be considered to have forfeit the game.
(6). Clubs are accountable for the conduct of their own Spectators, and as “Officers of the Club” Team Managers & Coaches or other appointed adult acting as "Pitch Marshalls" must ensure their Spectators refrain from inciting or abusing Players or Referees during the game, and at all other times. Clubs will be held to account for their “Offending Spectators” which will be dealt with under Rule 5:12 by the appropriate Disciplinary Committee.
(7). The use of obscene and offensive language is contrary to the spirit and ethos of the game as set out in the iRB's Playing Charter and the RFU codes of conduct. It must be discouraged and should not be tolerated from Players Coaches or Spectators.
(8). The League has a responsibility to it's Member Teams and Players, and will not hesitate to remove any Team from the Competition for Player or Referee abuse by Players, Coaches, or Spectators, or for other incidents bringing the Colts Game into disrepute.
(9). If the Referee abandons a match for any reason other than the weather conditions, then irrespective of the number of minutes played the result of the match may be determined by the League Committee.
(10). If any Player or Coach is "Red Carded" before during or after a League match they will be subject to a County Disciplinary Hearing, and possibly a ban. Referees are obliged to submit a "Sending off Report", and Colts Team Managers must report Red Card offenders on the Match Report Form, plus to their own Senior Club Secretary.
(11). Further disciplinary Guidelines can be found Here.
(12). If a Player, Team, or Club is found to be repeatedly appearing before the County Disciplinary Panel the League may itself convene a Hearing to consider further sanction.
(13). The League Committee shall be the sole arbiter in all cases of dispute or complaint, and from their decision there shall be no appeal at law or otherwise.
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