Issue 52 - 13th February 2010
THESE "REGULATIONS" HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL COMPETING COLTS TEAMS & PLAYERS and SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COLTS LEAGUE's CONSTITUTION,
THE CODE of CONDUCT, AND THE RESPECTIVE SUB-REGULATIONS CONTAINED HEREIN.
In all cases click on the "Blue Hyperlink" to go to the respecitive section.
1. Mandatory Conditions of Entry to the Leagues
(1). Entry Qualification Criteria & Timescales are detailed in the Constitution.
(2). All Teams must join their Local Referees Society or Association.
(3). Teams from Clubs not in membership of the Manchester or Liverpool Referees Societies must confirm the support of their Local Referees' Society or Association with the League, and "proof" of such support must be e-mailed to the League Secretary by the last weekend of August before the start of each season.
(4). The League will arrange a "Pre-Entry Meeting" at Junior Colts, normally in March, to prepare Managers for the coming season. Teams must send at least one representative "Manager" who should be involved with the day-to-day running of the Team.
(5). The League will arrange a "Pre-Entry Meeting" at Senior Colts, normally in April, to pool ideas for improvement for the coming season. Teams must send at least one representative "Manager" who should be involved with the day-to-day running of the Team.
(6). The League's "AGM & Pre-Season Managers' Meeting" will be held 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 Registrations
(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 at either Senior or Junior Colts. Managers and Coaches have a 'Duty of Care' to ensure they do not field over-aged players and are warned they are likely to 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 Regulation 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 Regulation 2(5) and 2(6), and the Team Manager has obtained their Parent's or Guardian's permission.
(5). Players may be dual registered to play for both their Senior Colts and Junior Colts Teams provided Regulation 2(2) to 2(4) are complied with, and such Players must only play for one Team each weekend.
(6) ALL Players MUST be registered with the RFU and the Colts League in accordance with the League's Squad Registration Regulations.
(7). RFU photo I/D's Cards MUST be made up and carried for every Player, and MUST be available for inspection between Managers before each game. Checking of opponents RFU I/D Cards must be in line with RFU Guidelines and should be done at least 30 minutes before the scheduled Kick Off time.
(8). Teams failing to make their RFU I/D Cards and their Players available for checking in line with Regulation 2(7) may be deducted points and may forfeit the game.
(9). New or Returning Players must not play in a Colts League game until properly registered as per Regulation 2(6).
(10). Transfer of Players from other Clubs is allowable although Coaches & Managers must not actively solicit the services of a Player from another Club.
(11). A Player’s New Club must inform both the Player’s Old Club and the League of the change of Club registration immediately.
(12). Colts Players of the correct age who have played for a Club at Junior and Colts levels 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). No Club may enter Two Colts Teams into the Leagues at the same age group.
(14). 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 Seeding / Fixtures / Days / Times / Postponements
(1). Teams will play in Senior Colts (Under 19/18's) Leagues and Junior Colts (Under 17's) Leagues, which will be seeded to provide equitable games of competitive rugby where Players can develop their game.
(2). Seeding will be based on previous season’s results 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 seeding as “near right” as possible - 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 Seeded Leagues have been agreed and ratified.
(4). Fixtures must be confirmed at least one week in advance by the Away Team with the Home Team’s Fixtures Contact.
(5). The Home Team Manager must then immediately confirm the game with their Referee, who must be arranged in advance in accordance with the Referee Protocol.
(6). Regulation Match Day and Kick-Off Times for Junior Colts (U17's) are Sunday at 12.30pm and for Senior Colts (U19/18's) are Sunday at 2.00pm
(7). Games cannot be "postponed" as there are not enough weekends in the League Season. Managers & Fixtures Secretaries must not fill Weather Weekends with “friendly” fixtures as these weekends will likely be needed for re-arranged League games.
(8). Should Managers wish to "switch venues" this is permissable provided this is agreed between Managers first. Once agreed BOTH MANAGERS should inform the League Fixtures Secretary who will re-schedule the game in the Fixture List.
(9) Home Team Managers must immediately inform their appointed Referee of any "switch of venue" - so he can be re-appointed to another game. The 'new' Home Team must also organise a Society or Association Referee.
(10). There will be NO conceded games only "Walkovers" awarded against any Team failing to honour a scheduled fixture. The points will be awarded to the none offending Team and 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, equal and in addition to the Entry Fee, payable by their Club to cover the extra admin costs caused by that Team's withdrawal.
(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 RFU Youth 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 Regulation 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 Regulation 3(10) with the deduction of 1 point. Regulation 3(11) will also apply.
(17). Failure by the Home Team to immediately inform their appointed Referee of any cancellation, postponement, or switch of venue will result in a 2 point deduction, in addition to any financial penalty the Society may impose.
(18). If an Away Team causes a "walkover" then the next fixture between the two Teams will be reversed and played at the venue of the originally cancelled fixture.
(19). If a Home Team’s pitches are unavailable or unfit Managers must make their best efforts to find another "local pitch" where a League game can be played. This failing the Home Team must forgo their home advantage and the fixture must be reversed. The League Fixtures Secretary and the Referee must be informed immediately.
(20) Team Managers who's pitches have "known problems" must make themselves aware of the state of their pitches in advance and must be prepared to make arrangements as per Regulation 3(19).
(21). Fixtures may only be postponed because of adverse weather conditions. In the first instance this can be agreed between Managers over the ‘phone (to avoid travelling costs). The League Fixtures Secretary and the Referee must be informed immediately.
(22). Team Managers unable to agree on the suitability of a pitch should seek assistance from the Referee as to whether a match may start or continue.
(23). 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.
(24). When a fixture is postponed or abandoned needing re-arranging BOTH Team Managers must advise the League Fixtures Secretary immediately by TEXT.
(25). 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.
(26). ALL re-arranged dates will be advised by the League Fixtures Secretary and will normally be the next available weekend. Revised dates must be honoured and cannot be reneged upon. The Home Team should notify their Referees Society or Association of any new dates immediately.
(27). Games unplayed at the end of the League Season will normally be treated as a 0-0 draw with 2 points to each Team. In exceptional circumstances the League Committee may determine the result of or award any such game or points.
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4. Results Reporting / Points / Tables / Trophies
(1). Results must be reported back in accordance with the Match Results Regulations by Both Managers.
(2). Completed Match Cards can be returned by FAX or they can be scanned and e-mailed as a PDF.
(3). Points towards the League Tables will be awarded as follows :~
Win - 3 Points
Draw - 2 Points
Loss - 1 Point
(4). In the event of a tie on equal points weekly table positions will be decided on "Points Difference".
(5). At the end of the season points difference alone will 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.
(6). League Winners Trophies will be awarded to the "League Champions" and to the "FairPlay Winners" at the League's Presentation Evening which will be held at the end of the League Season.
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5. League Cup, Cock-O-The-North, and Other Competitions
(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) - denominated the League Cup Competitions.
(2). Entry into the League Cup Competitions is automatic for all Colts League Member Teams, at no additional cost.
(3). Managers must advise the League Secretary if they do not wish to enter / proceed into the League Cup Competitions.
(4). The League Cup is governed by the League Cup Regulations.
(5). The Junior Colts (U17’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 will have the opportunity to progress to The Divisional Finals, and ultimately the National Semi-finals and Finals. Teams do not qualify 'by right' and will be ‘nominated’ as prescribed by the Northern Division.
(6). The RFU National Under 17's Competition is governed by the RFU National U17 Regulations.
6. Law / Referees
(1). All Colts League games shall be played under the RFU interpretations of the iRB ‘Laws of the Game’, the iRB Under 19 Variations, and the Colts League Variations.
(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 distinctive numbers' on the back. 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). 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 must be invited to 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 know. Managers MUST give their Society at least 7 days notice of a re-arranged date.
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 Result Card, which must be handed to the Referee prior to the game.
(2). 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.
(3). 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. However this must be in line with RFU Regulation 7.2 & 7.3. Viz:- If a team has insufficient front row replacements on the bench and the game goes to uncontested scrums the side that is unable to provide the front row cover shall have to remove an additional player from the pitch for the remainder of the game. ie: reduce to 14 players.
(4). If a front row player is sent off and his team are unable to replace him and the game has to go to uncontested scrums then the offending team must remove an additional player. ie: reduce the team number to 13.
(5). Teams nominating 22 players must have at least six players in their Matchday Squad who can play in the front row in order there is replacement cover for the loose head prop, hooker and tight head prop.
(6) All Front Row Players must be clearly identified FR on the Match Result Card which must be handed to the Referee before the game.
(7). 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.
(8). Rolling Substitutions are permitted in all Colts League games, as per RFU Youth guidelines, however the maximum number of changes is limited to twelve {12}.
(9). As Senior Colts matches may involve Under 18 or Under 17 players "squeeze ball" is not permitted.
(10). 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.
(11). 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). Managers should have a copy of the "Competition Regulations" to hand at all times to enable them to point out these variations to the Referee prior to the start of the game.
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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). All Managers, Coaches, Players and Spectators must respect and abide by RFU Regulations, the Laws of the Game, the Colts League Regulations, and the Colts League Code of Conduct.
(3). The League has a responsibility to its Member Teams and Players, and will not hesitate to take steps to remove any Team from the Competition for Player or Referee abuse by Players, Coaches, other Officials, Club Members or Spectators, or for other misconduct (as defined in the RFU’s Definitions) on or off the field, whether by Players, Coaches, other Officials, Club Members or Spectators which, in the opinion of the League Committee, amounts to conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the game, or brings the game into disrepute.
(4). Should the League Committee receive a written report of misconduct from the Referee or other named person, then, having obtained any further and necessary written evidence in support of the allegation(s), the League Committee may refer the matter to the Secretary of the appropriate County Disciplinary Committee with a request that formal disciplinary proceedings are taken against an individual and/or Club.
(5). In so referring the matter, the League Committee shall also be at liberty to make a recommendation to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee as to the “appropriate punishment”, as defined in paragraph 8.2.2 of the RFU’s Disciplinary Regulations. In this respect, it should be noted that “appropriate punishment” shall include but not be limited to for a person, a reprimand, a financial penalty or suspension from playing, administration or both, and for a Club or Team, in addition to these penalties, deduction of league points, relegation or exclusion or disqualification from any competition.
(6). 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.
(7). If any Player or Coach is "Red Carded" before during or after a League match they will be subject to a 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 Result Card, as well as to their own Senior Club Secretary. The Disciplinary Guidelines will assist Managers with further information.
(8). If a Player, Team, or Club is found to be repeatedly appearing before the County Disciplinary Committee the League may itself convene a Hearing to consider further sanction.
(9). Disputes or complaints should be notified to the League Secretary by phone and e-mail, within 36 hours of the relevant game or situation.
(10). The Colts League Committee shall be the arbiter in all cases involving disputes or complaints and shall have the authority to make decisions at any time on matters which are not covered by either these Competition Regulations, the League Cup Regulations, or the Constitution of the North West Colts League.
(11). A Club shall have the right of Appeal against any such decision made by the Colts League Committee. The appeal procedure is detailed in the Constitution.
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