Guidance for Referees on Officiating Colts League Matches...

The iRB Laws of the Game and iRB Under 19 Variations are applicable to all Colts Age-Grade Rugby. In addition the Colts League has drawn up and determined the Colts League Variations are also applicable to all Colts League Matches.

On Matchday the following may well prove a helpful guide :~

Pitch-side Barriers - Must be in place to ensure the access of spectators & unauthorised persons to the playing enclosure is hampered. If these are not present in some form the Referee may decide whether the match may proceed or not - on safety grounds.

Technical Areas - Must be in place. If these are not marked areas the Referee should insist at least 4 cones are used for each Area. If these are not present in some form the Referee may decide whether the match may proceed or not - on safety grounds.

Replacements - Should remain within a marked Technical Area except when replacing another player or when authorized by the Referee to bring on water.

Coaches – Must be discouraged from tramping the touchlines inciting their players with verbose and over-zealous coaching instruction. If necessary Referees should instruct Coaches to remain within the Technical Area or outside the playing enclosure behind the pitch-side barrier.

Touch Judges – Should be responsible adults and not spare / replacement Players.

Kit - Should bear suitably sized numbers on the reverse of playing jerseys so Referees can clearly identify players. Numbers must not be duplicated.

Reduced Player Numbers – are permitted. The Colts League 'plus one' regulation states : If a team starts with or is reduced to 13 the opposition can only field 14 etc… The only situation where this does not apply is when the Referee has issued a red or yellow card. Note : iRB U19 Variation : Law 20 –a team CANNOT opt to play 8 in the scrum if playing with 14 or less.

Match Cards - Each Manager MUST hand their Match Card to the Referee prior to KO. Referees are advised to insist on this to enable them to check the number of Front Row replacements which MUST be marked FR on the Card - This should negate any problems from Coaches if front row replacements are needed.

Replacements - Up to 22 players (maximum) may be changed and ready to play. Referees should insist only 22 are changed on the side of the pitch to avoid underhand events taking place.

Rolling Substitutions - Are allowed up to the iRB limit of 12 interchanges per Team. Changes must be through the Referee only.

Uncontested Scrums - Matches may start or continue with uncontested scrums - the aim of this competition is to keep Colts Players involved in the game.

Scrums - Should the minimum number of Six trained Front Row players not be available a match can proceed but with a reduced number of replacements on the bench, as follows:~

6 Front Row = 7 Replacements

5 FR  = 6 Rep's

4 FR = 5 Rep's

3 FR = 4 Rep's

Less than 3 Front Row (ie starting with uncontested scrums) = 0 Replacements

Numbers in the Scrum - must be the same for both teams.

Wheel at Scrum - only 45 degrees. No handover if ball lost.

Scrum Drive - 1.5m max.

No Squeeze Ball - Although this technically applies at U18 and below because Senior Colts Squads may include U18 & U17 players this RFU Youth regulation is applied to all Colts League Matches including U19 Senior Colts.

Time - Injury time is permitted. Extra Time must not be played in Youth Rugby. As these are League or Cup Matches Referees are requested not to foreshorten playing time unless the Coaches agree or if they believe there is a safety risk.

Following the Match -  Referees are asked to insert the score on both Match Cards, mark any Red / Yellow cards against the Players Name, Sign the Card, and hand it back to the Manager.

Protocol - The Colts League Committee are keen to ensure any breaches of the Referee Protocol or the Regulations are reported so any necessary action can be taken by the League. Referees are asked to please eMail or phone the Hon' Secretary – Jon Kitchen with any reports or concerns they have.

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