CONSTITUTION LEAGUE 2015

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1 CONSTITUTION LEAGUE 2015 Introduction Welcome to the newly established Constitution League created to promote the expansion of youth (pre high school) rugby in CT and surrounding area. With an increase in the number of area youth rugby clubs over the last several years, formalization of a common framework for competition has become necessary to facilitate continued growth in a safe and fun environment. This program guide serves as the governing document for all rules / policies of the League as determined by a committee of participating clubs. Unless otherwise specified in this guide, all league matches will be played in accordance with World Rugby (f/k/a International Rugby Board or IRB) Laws of the Game Rugby Union. The League operates as a summer program with matches beginning June 20 and ending with playoffs on July 25. Practice start/schedule will be set and communicated by each club independently. Clubs Club Principal Officer Phone Website Ridgefield Bill Marshall ridgefieldrugby@gmail.com ridgefieldrugby.org Wethersfield Doug Partridge partridge.doug@att.net wyrfc.org Simsbury Ed Matteo rugger9ed@yahoo.com Cheshire Kris Bickell kbick1@yahoo.com cheshirerugby.com Fairfield Alastair Crawford ac@crawfordsilver.com fairfieldrugby.org Philosophy - Everyone Enjoying Rugby Our mission is to give all youth equal opportunity to participate in rugby against others of similar age and size in a safe, disciplined, well organized and enjoyable environment that supports the development of skills and character consistent with the rugby ethos of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect. Divisions / X-Players / Player Placement Two grade-based tackle divisions: Division U12 U14 Grades ( school year) 5 th and 6 th 7 th and 8 th Participating clubs may also have U10 touch/flag teams (3 rd and 4 th grades). Those clubs will communicate any U10 schedule separately. As wide disparities in size/ability can exist in a 2 year age band, any player who exceeds a set weight for his division will be deemed an x-player and must abide by specific x-player rules intended to preclude that player from being used aggressively to dominate his team s play. Please refer to x-player rules in Match Format further below. X-player rules are in place to meet the spirit of the League s mission of balanced and safe competition. X-player weights for each division were determined by considering the expected weight range in each division and setting a prudent spread. The x-player weights for U12 and U14 are 120 lbs and 150 lbs respectively. Players with the maturity, cognitive skills, rugby skills, and physical readiness to play up a division (i.e., U14 instead of U12 or U12 instead of U10) are recommended to play up and stay up at the level that provides them appropriate competition and better opportunity to develop as players. In assessing the suitability of a player for any division, the coach assessing the player and the Page 1

2 player s parent or guardian should consider the following factors: What is the player s level of physical development (e.g. height, weight, build etc) when measured against potential playing colleagues? Is the player physically equipped to compete on an equal basis with players in the proposed division? What is the player s skill level in relation to the games fundamentals (e.g. tackle, pass, ruck, maul, scrum etc)? Is the player reasonably experienced and has the player gained that experience in a comparable standard of competition? What is the standard of competition in the proposed competition? Is it at a level the player can compete safely? Season Clubs with both U12 and U14 teams will pair off for consecutive U12 / U14 matches on urdays beginning June 20. Practice start/schedule and match kick off (times) will be communicated by individual clubs. As Simsbury has only one division (U14), matches against Simsbury will take place outside of urday matches. Match Date June 20 June 24 June 27 July 1 July 4 July 8 July 11 July 15 July 18 Division Ridgefield Wethersfield Fairfield Cheshire Simsbury (U14 Only) Ridgefield - U Wethersfield U12/U14 - U Wethersfield Ridgefield - U14 Simsbury - - Fairfield - U Simsbury Cheshire - Cup All teams July 25 U12/U14 Match Match Start Team (tentative) U14 Qtr 10am 4 v 5 U12 Semi 11am 1 v 4 U14 Semi 12pm 1 v 4/5 U12 Semi 1pm 2 v 3 U14 Semi 2pm 2 v 3 U12 Final 3pm 1/4 v 2/3 U14 Final 4pm 1/4/5 v 2/3 Page 2

3 Match Rosters Match rosters including player grade, weight and DOB must be exchanged between opposing teams prior to every match (refer to Match Roster template). The roster must be signed by the head coach for that team. Player weights can be submitted by parents/guardians but must be confirmed by coaches where proximity to the x-player weight is obvious/apparent. Only players that remain within proximity to the x- player weight need to be weighed routinely (weekly). Coaches can request an opposing player be weighed at the pitch prior to a match. USA Rugby Registration All clubs, coaches, and players must be registered with USA Rugby. Registration numbers must be included on the match roster. Group registration of players may be managed by individual clubs. Match Format # of Players: 10s - front row and full back line; if an insufficient number of players are available then 7s can be played. For any given match and if both coaches agree, 12 players can be used with a second row added. Field: Time: Minimum 70x40 yards not including try zones. Field must be properly marked with Touch Flags at midfield and 22 meter lines set 2 yards from touch. Corner Flags should be flexible/collapsible (i.e., Touch Flags should not be used as Corner Flags). Uprights must be padded with appropriate post pads. (refer to field diagram). Coaches should inspect the field prior to any game. 25 minute halves for U12 and 30 minute halves for U14, 5 minutes half time Coaches can agree to modify match duration based upon field size and/or number of players. Ball: Size 4 Kicking: Kick-Offs: Conversions: No kicking constraints or modified kicking rules. Players in an offside position after a kick must retreat and not take part in play until put on onside by themselves, a teammate, or an opposing player. Drop kick by scoring side. Opposition 8 yards back. If not a drop kick, receiving team chooses between a re-kick or a scrum at the center of the field with possession of the ball. Taken from a line through the place of the try but no more than 5 yards from the near post on a line to touch for U12 and 10 yards for U14. If there are no posts then touch judges can replicate posts with the referee making a call on whether the ball went between the touch judges at least 3 meters high. Scrums: The referee will call "crouch" and then "bind". The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop must bind. A loose-head prop must bind on the opposing tighthead prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight-head prop s jersey on the back or side. A tight-head prop must bind on the opposing loose-head prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose-head prop and gripping the loose-head prop s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side. The props must not grip the opponent s chest, arm, sleeve or collar. Following a pause, the referee will then call "set" when the front rows are ready. The front rows should then engage slowly. Upon put-in by the scumhalf, forwards can contest the ball as long as movement from scrum center line is less than 1 yard. Discourage early disengagement from the scrum. Page 3

4 Backline must be 4 yards from last foot. Defending scrum-half must be positioned adjacent to attacking scrum half or with his backs at the offside line (4 yards from last foot). If positioned adjacent to attacking scrum half at put-in, the defending scrum-half cannot advance past the scrum center line but may move to a line behind the last feet of the defending scrum on either side of the scrum. Lineouts: Rucks/Mauls: Penalties: Fends: Tackling: Sanctions: Contested lineout throw, no lifting. First jumper no closer than 4 yards from touch with the back of the lineout no further than 12 yards. Offsides line is 8 yards from line of touch or goal line. Receivers must be at least 2 yards from jumpers. After the ball is thrown, the thrower can join the lineout, retreat to the offsides line or act as receiver if that position is empty. Defending team must have a player positioned between touch and 4 yard line. All players must enter through the gate and on their feet. Players cannot bind onto each other prior to joining a ruck. Squeeze ball is illegal (squeeze ball is when a tackled player keeps his chest towards the ground and pushes ball between legs). Tackled players should present the ball to their side. Offsides line is last foot. Ball must leave the maul quickly if the maul is not moving forward. Opposition 8 yards back. Ball must be kicked through the mark (if tap kick, the ball must leave the player s hands). A ball carrier may hand-off an opponent but this must be done with an open palm and not delivered as a punch or strike. Consistent with Law 10.4(a), a player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee. Emphasize safe and proper contact. All tackles must be below the armpit. Players must use arms to wrap during a tackle in all instances, including tackling into touch. Dangerous play will be penalized and sanctioned as determined by the referee. Examples of dangerous play include: Scragg or Horse Collar tackling (swinging by jersey/shirt collar) Tackling a player who is not on his feet/in the air (i.e., jumping for high ball). Players who are not in a position to contest a high ball must wait until the player contesting the high ball lands on his feet. Running into an opposing player who is jumping for a high ball even unintentionally, will also be penalized. Spearing a player to ground; any ball carrier lifted during a tackle must be brought to ground lower body first. Falling on or otherwise playing a player on the ground Any player who infringes any part of the Foul Play Law 10 must be cautioned and temporarily suspended for a period of 5 minutes (yellow card) or sent-off (red card). X-players: Players that exceed 120lbs for U12 and 150lbs for U14 are x-players and are subject to the following rules to ensure the safety and development of all players. X-players cannot be used aggressively to dominate team tactics. X-players cannot: o lead rushes from penalties or free kicks (this includes a tap kick and then pass to an x-player) o charge through a lineout after catching the ball as jumper o run off the back of scrums or lineouts Page 4

5 X-players must wear a black wristband on both wrists for identification. Coaches must identify their x-players to each other and the referee prior to the start of the game. Coaches should fully explain the principles concerning x-players to all players and parents. Substitutions: Substitutions are to occur at play stoppage with the consent of the referee. Coaches may not substitute (recycle) players on, off and then on again to gain an advantage during a match Score Blowout: In the event that scores become one sided (defined by a halftime score differential of 30+ points or otherwise agreed upon by both coaches), both coaches should meet at half time and come to agreement as to how the issue can be addressed to create a more even contest. (e.g. change dominant player positions, change dominant team tactics, rotate players, swap players between teams). Coaches All coaches must minimally be certified level 100 (online certification). Head coaches for any individual team are expected to be certified level 200. Coaches are to stay off the field unless invited by the referee. Coaches are responsible for side line behavior of players and spectators. Coaches must ensure that spectators stand back 5 yards from touch. The home team coach is responsible for ensuring the attending referee has a copy of these policies/rules at least 24 hours prior to a league match. Both coaches must confirm referee understanding of these rules prior to kick off. Pre-Match League rosters must be exchanged between clubs prior to all matches Coaches must inspect the field for proper setup and to address any hazards Appoint touch judges; the touch judge should mark offside lines for scrums and lineout s to teach players offside lines and create space for a clean and open contest Players must line up at mid field before the match to be addressed by coaches/referees, conduct, safety check (boots, etc.). Pre-game discussion should: o Emphasize sportsmanship o Emphasize safe play and proper tackling (below the armpit). Highlight dangerous play - tackling a player while that player is jumping for a high ball, etc. o Ensure proper understanding of brought to ground so all players understand when a ball carrier must release the ball: while in the grasp of an opposing player, the ball carrier has one or both knees on the ground, is sitting on the ground or is on top of another player on the ground. o Emphasize key laws, such as entering the gate, staying on feet, offsides, etc. o Review x-player rules Post-Match The home club is expected to host a social with food/drinks for players after matches assuming it is practical. Clubs should confirm understanding before each match so coaches can communicate with parents. Following each game, coaches and players should line up at midfield for handshakes. Teams should cheer for the other team. Safety/Medical Page 5

6 Every effort will be made to have on-site trainers / medical staff at all matches. This is a hard requirement when professional 911 emergency services are not within proximate vicinity to the match location. Each team must have their own medical kit. Should a player be injured, play must be stopped immediately and the player attended to Players on the field who are injured in any way that results in bleeding must be immediately removed. A substitute can be played while they are being attended to blood nose, etc. Jerseys should be changed and the injury attended to and cleaned properly Open cuts or wounds must have a protective cover over them while the player is on the field Players who receive slight head injuries must be checked properly if in doubt remove the player from the field Coaches and parents must not put the player s health at risk in any game Generally any molded or screw-in cleats are permissible but must not have a single stud at the toe. Cleats must not have any sharp edges. Molded cleats with a single cleat at the toe that has been cut off will not be permitted. The referee will inspect each player s cleats as part of the normal pre-match inspection. Protective Gear Rugby requires minimal protective gear and nothing worn by a player can have a hard surface aside from his cleats. This prohibition includes eyeglasses and protective cups among other items (jewelry, watch, etc.). There are generally only three pieces of approved protective gear: mouthguard, headgear, and vest. All players are required to wear mouthguards - players without a mouthguard will not be permitted to play. Headgear is encouraged but not required. Vests can also be worn if desired. Any headgear or vest must conform to World Rugby Regulation 12 see links below for World Rugby approved headgear and vests. Players will be inspected prior to every match by the referee to ensure compliance. World Rugby approved headgear: World Rugby approved protective vests: For any player requiring prescription lenses who cannot wear contact lenses, there is an approved rugby goggle : Referees Referees should be USA Rugby certified. If no certified referee is available, a level 200 coach may referee Referees should wear a distinct colored jersey Identify x-players and review x-player rules Blow the whistle with authority, use hand signals then give verbal explanation Ensure scrums are set slowly and safely using proper cadence call Record scores and work with coaches at half time if scores blow-out occurs by a 30 point differential Apply the advantage law as often as possible Explain decisions clearly, players will look to you for guidance, instructing offending players as to what they have done wrong Referees have the right to stop play if they think a player s safety is at risk, and then discuss the situation with the coaches of both teams Stop play immediately for over aggressive play, dangerous play, fighting or back chat Stop play for injuries to players Use the sin bin where appropriate In set play, take time to make sure both backs and forwards are correctly in position (scrums 4 yards and lineouts 8 yards) Stop play for verbal or physical harassment from coaches, parents or spectators. Referees have the ability to instruct coaches to evict unwanted persons from grounds under their control. Page 6

7 Code of Conduct Referee Referee to ensure that the spirit of the game for youth is not lost by over refereeing the game, brow-beating or scolding players Ensure that your behavior is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship both on and off the field Compliment both teams on their good play Be consistent, objective and courteous Condemn the deliberate foul as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining respect for fair play Be a good communicator Have empathy with the players Be calm when player/spectator passions are high Coach Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards and that you use drills and training methods that are both safe and effective for your players needs Teach your team to play within the rules of the game Positively reinforce the actions of players Lead by example Create an enjoyable environment in which to play the game Develop team respect for referees Give all players the opportunity to participate in the game Insist on fair play and discipline Encourage sportsmanship Player Play by the laws of the game; never cheat or intentionally violate the letter of spirit of the Laws of the Game Display magnanimity and modesty in victory without showboating, displaying triumphalism or behavior that fails to show respect for the opposing team Display generosity and dignity in defeat Accept referee s decisions whether favorable or not without criticism or approval Never deliberately or recklessly hurt someone Be committed to your team, attend all practices and matches if possible Work equally hard for yourself and your team Spectator/Parent Your role is to set an example for children Respect that people are involved in sport for fun and enjoyment Never harass players, coaches and officials. Anyone deemed to be abusive will be asked by officials to leave the ground immediately Applaud the performances of both teams Be positive with the referees and acknowledge their efforts Let the children play their game not your game Praise actual efforts not results Don t criticize or put down players, coaches or referees Page 7

U13-U18 Girls Variations to the IRB Laws of the Game

APPENDIX 3 U13-U18 Girls Variations to the IRB Laws of the Game Players and Match Officials must ensure that the IRB Laws of Game (including the IRB Under 19 Law Variations) and any such law variations