Mid North Coast Rugby Union Inc. Mid North Coast Junior Rugby Union Inc. By-Laws. Contents. Page 1

Transcription

1 Mid North Coast Rugby Union Inc. Mid North Coast Junior Rugby Union Inc By-Laws Contents Page 1

2 1. GENERAL ORGANISATION OF COMPETITIONS... 5 a) Competition Structure b) Competition Manager c) Competition Name d) Other Competitions e) Game Days f) Team Entries g) Club Colours and Jersey Designs h) Competition Draw i) Sanctioning of Non-Competition Fixtures & Events j) Affiliation Fees & Refundable Bond k) Changes of Venue, Date or Time l) Point Scoring System m) Byes n) Forfeits o) Match times p) Ground Officials q) Officials Table r) Referees s) Numbers for a Game t) Uncontested Scrums REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS GAME RESULTS a) Match Result Sheets b) Game Results c) Illegal Players REPLACEMENT OF PLAYERS FINALS SERIES a) Eligibility b) Format c) Replacement of Players d) Equally Placed Teams e) Draws in the Finals f) Organisation g) Trophies & Awards REPRESENTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS JUDICIARY MATTERS (Refer to ARU Manual, section 2) a) Judiciary Chairman b) Judiciary Committee c) Temporary Suspension d) Send-offs e) Judiciary Process f) Appeals Chairman g) Appeals Process h) Citing Procedures i) Citing By Nominated Officials Page 2

3 j) Citing by the union board or its nominee k) Administrative Matters relevant to Citing Procedures CODE OF CONDUCT UNDER 14/16/18 BY-LAWS a) LAWS OF THE GAME: b) UNCONTESTED SCRUMS UNDER 14 S & UNDER 16 S: c) TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: d) CLUBS WITH TWO TEAMS: e) 2018 MNCRU UNDER 14/UNDER 16/UNDER 18 COMPETITION CONTACTS: The MNCRU is governed by the MNCRU By-Laws, NSWCRU By-Laws and Rugby Australia Policies and Guidelines The MNCRU oversees the MNCJRU By-Laws Please refer to the Rugby Australia Link for reference Running Rugby Rugby Link Policy Register Registration Insurance Sanctioned Events & Entity Teams Concussion Management Page 3

4 1. GENERAL a) These By-Laws apply to all clubs participating in the Mid North Coast Rugby Union (MNCRU) and should be read in conjunction with the Constitution of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Inc. Any omission from these By-Laws shall be governed by the Laws of the higher Unions. b) By paying the first installment of the annual affiliation fee, clubs agree to be bound by these By-Laws. c) The Executive Officer is empowered to administer these By-Laws subject to the appeal processes outlined below. d) Appeals against By-Law Decisions. Except where there is no right of appeal specifically referred to under these bylaws, a club will be asked to show cause on request from the Executive Officer regarding breaches of the MNCRU By-Laws, in which case the following process will apply: i) On receipt of a contrary decision the club shall lodge an appeal, in writing, within 24 hours, to the Executive Officer who shall immediately advise the MNCRU Board. The MNCRU Board will then consider the appeal. If the Club does not comply with the 24 hour timeframe the original decision shall stand with no right of appeal. In the event that the club wishes to appeal against the decision by the MNCRU Board, the Executive Officer will call a Special General MNCRU Meeting for that meeting to make a decision on the appeal. i If the club wishes to appeal against the decision by the MNCRU it may then appeal to NSW Country Rugby Union. e) Annual General Meeting i) All clubs must hold their AGM by the 15 th November. Failure to comply will incur a fine of $200 The MNCRU AGM must be held by 15 th December. i All clubs (1 voting Club Board Member) must attend the MNCRU AGM. Failure to attend will incur a fine of $200 per person f) ELECTION OF PRESIDENT (1) AND (10) DIRECTORS. Page 4

5 President Director - Treasurer Director Director Director Director (LMNC) Director (LMNC) Director (Juniors) Director (Juniors) Director (Referees) Director (Women s) 2. ORGANISATION OF COMPETITIONS a) Competition Structure. a. The structure of the competition shall be determined prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and be confirmed at the AGM each year. b) Competition Manager. a. The Executive Officer shall be the MNCRU Competition Manager. c) Competition Name. a. The primary competition shall be known as the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Competition, to which a sponsor s name may be added as required. d) Other Competitions. a. Other Competitions may also be conducted depending on the wishes of affiliated clubs. e) Game Days. The competitions shall be conducted on such days or nights as may be decided by the Union. i) Subject to Clause 2 e herein, any games postponed for any reason shall be played within 14 days of the original date, unless a further extension is granted by the Executive Officer. Where clubs cannot agree on a date, the Executive Officer shall set a date. A club unable to fulfill its commitment on that date shall be liable to loss by forfeit. In the event both clubs are unable to fulfill the commitment, the match shall be deemed not to have been played and no points shall be awarded. Following a match being unable to be played due to weather or any other circumstances, teams may agree that a draw should be recorded, and Page 5

6 f) Team Entries. Mid North Coast Rugby Union By-Laws 2017 make application to the Executive Officer to award and record a (0-0 draw with no for and against points awarded.) The Executive Officer will put the application to the Board of Directors, who will make a determination, taking into account, but not limited to, the effects of travel, the effect of other abandoned games on either or both teams, and the overall effect of the competition table. Note: In the event of a team s home ground being closed due to any reason but there is an available ground within the Zone that the game can be played on the scheduled competition day, the Executive Officer may schedule a change of ground. All team entries for the following season shall be provided in writing to the Executive Officer not later than the 31 st January, prior to the new season. g) Club Colours and Jersey Designs. i Clubs wishing to change their playing strips are to submit jersey designs, in colour, with their team entry. This By-Law also applies where a club wishes for any reason to purchase an alternative playing strip. Any new club wishing to join the Union shall be required to submit its jersey design and colour scheme to the MNCRU Board who shall review the submission to ensure no clash of colours occurs with existing clubs. All Board decisions made in this regard shall favour existing clubs. h) Competition Draw. The draw for the competition shall be made by the MNCRU Board and confirmed by the MNC Council, and shall take into account the needs of representative trials and matches, lay days and other commitments as requested by individual clubs. In exceptional circumstances, the MNCRU Board may vary the draw and advise clubs of the changes. i) Sanctioning of Non-Competition Fixtures & Events. i) Events & Fixtures. Clubs are not to organise games on the days set down for Zone representative fixtures. Clubs wishing to conduct noncompetition events, eg, 7 s or 10 s knockouts, etc, must advise the MNCRU Board in writing by the AGM so their event can be included in the following season s Rugby calendar. No club shall organise such events in conflict with the Zone s commitments, or without the prior permission of the MNCRU Board. Page 6

7 Sanctioning Requirements. Clubs wishing to conduct non-competition fixtures such out-of-zone trials, knock-outs, round robins, etc must comply with the ARU Sanctioning requirements. i Interclub Trial Matches. The Executive Officer is to be advised of all interclub trials, which will be subject to these By-Laws. j) Affiliation Fees & Refundable Bond. The annual affiliation fee shall be set at the Annual General Meeting. The first instalment of the annual fee shall be paid by the 31 st December. Late payment of the nomination fee shall attract a $50 penalty fee. The remaining 50% of the affiliation fee shall be paid by the 15 th March. Full payment of the annual affiliation fee on or before the 31 st December shall attract a discount of $50 per team off the total fee. Clubs that are un-financial by the 15th March shall be withdrawn from the competition and new draw shall be completed. k) Changes of Venue, Date or Time. Any changes of venue, date or time must be notified to the Executive Officer and the Referee s Association by both participating clubs as soon as the changes are known. l) Point Scoring System. A club s position in the competition will be determined by competition points and bonus points as follows: i) Competition Points: a win 4 points a win (scoring 4 or more tries) 5 points a win by forfeit 5 points a draw 2 points a loss by forfeit -1 point (game not played) a loss 0 points (if game is played) a loss by less than 7 points 1 point a loss/draw scoring 4 tries 1 point i Bonus Points - to be added to the competition points. Only one bonus point is available to any team for any match are as follows: Only one bonus point is available to any winning team and two bonus points any losing team a loss by 7 points or less 1 point Page 7

8 a loss, scoring 4 tries a draw, scoring 4 or more tries a win, scoring 4 or more tries 1 point 1 point 1 point Club Championships Points Points towards the club championships will be calculated using the following points score for each win First Grade - multiplied by 30 Reserve Grade - multiplied by 15 Under 18 s - multiplied by 18 Under 16 s - multiplied by 10 Under 14 s - multiplied by 6 Women s - multiplied by 6 m) Byes. i) A bye will be included in the draw and shall earn 0 points in the competition. In the event of an unequal number of games in a competition then positions shall be determined by the formula: Points scored x 100 / points possible (from games played) where 6 points will be the points possible) i The same formula shall apply when, for the circumstances of the draw, all teams are not drawn to play an equal number of games in their grade. n) Forfeits. i) If a club is forced to forfeit a match for any reason, it shall be the lowest grade representing that club, excluding colts, which shall be forfeited. i i If a club forfeits a grade higher than a grade already played on that day, that club shall be deemed to have forfeited all grades previously played on that day. A match that is forfeited by a club shall be recorded as having been won by the opposition club on the day it would have been played. A Team sheet with players name and Rugby Link numbers (does not need to be signed) will be submitted to the Competition Manager & loaded onto Rugby Link within normal time frames set out in the By-Laws. If the Away Team forfeits a fine of $500 per team will be imposed and if a Home Team forfeits a fine of $200 per team will be imposed. This money is to be sent to the Executive Officer by the Friday following the game. The Zone shall then forward these funds to the club for loss of revenue. 5 Page 8

9 competition points will be deducted from that team s Competition Points for a forfeit. A team that forfeits on two occasions without showing due cause to the MNCRU Board shall be withdrawn from the competition after the second forfeit and in subsequent games the opposing teams shall receive 5 competition points. v) A team winning by forfeit will be recorded as a 60-0 win o) Match times. i) Matches shall commence at such times as may be directed by the Executive Officer. Any club not prepared to commence the match within 30 minutes of the time officially directed, shall forfeit the game. Starting times are as follows: UMNC am Under14s am Under 16s pm Under 18s 1.30 pm - Reserve Grade 2.45 pm Women s 7 s 3.15 pm 1 st Grade If there is no Women s Match 1 st Grade will commence at 3.00 pm LMNC 2.30 pm Women s 7 s 3.00 pm 1 st Grade i Injury time will be added to the playing time in 1 st Grade only. Times in the Final Series will be different to allow for extra time if necessary Times cannot be changed unless approved by both clubs and ratified by the Executive Officer p) Ground Officials. i) The Host Club shall appoint a Ground Manager who will be identified by wearing a Hi Viz vest of top. i The Ground Manager shall liaise directly with the Referee and he/she shall be responsible for the provision of ground markings, roping off, flags, 2 touch judges and ball boys/girls. Clubs are to refer to ARU Safety Requirements, sections 2.3,2.3.2, 2.3.3, and It is the responsibility of the Ground Manager to introduce the host club s properly qualified first aid officer to the referee, prior to the match. Page 9

10 In the event that the referee does not sight the required qualified first aid officer before the commencement of a game, that game shall be forfeited by the home team and points awarded to the visiting team. v) A club failing in its responsibilities in this area shall be deemed to have forfeited on the day. q) Officials Table. i Host clubs are to provide an Officials Table at all games. Each club shall provide a club match official to sit at the Officials Table. The two match officials shall be responsible for supervising players signing the match sheets before the start of play, supervising the substitution of players during the game, and keeping a record of scores, sin bins, red cards and uncontested scrums. The ground manager shall sign off on the team sheets at kick-off to ensure that no additional players are added and removed for 1 st grade games only. Clubs must list and have the reserve players sign on with a maximum of 8 players as reserves. If there is a Reserve Grade match clubs will have 10 minutes from the commencement of 1 st Grade to check player s availability and list reserves. Reserve players cannot be entered on the Team Sheet after that time. (This will eliminate clubs having players as reserves and choosing which players take the field and then signing on). r) Referees. i) MNCRU Referees Association. The MNCRU Referees Association will appoint referees and notify the Executive Officer and the clubs of weekly appointments. i) Club Responsibilities - Referees. No later than a week prior to the start of the competition, each club from the MNCRU zone must submit to the Secretary of the MNCRA a minimum number of one nomination per grade, for the position of Club Appointed Referee, including contact details. The nominee is to be suitably experienced and with the minimum qualification of a Referee Foundation Course. In the event that the MNCRA cannot cover all games in any round, one or more host clubs may be required to appoint their nominated Club Appointed Referee. If there are no nominations received from a club, or if they are then unable to provide a nominated Club Appointed Referee, the host club will forfeit. Club Responsibilities Touch Judges. No later than a week prior to the start of the competition all clubs from the MNCRU zone must submit to the Secretary of the Referees Association, a minimum of two names plus one name for each grade in addition to first grade, Page 10

11 along with contact details as the clubs nominated qualified Assistant Referees (AR). A one team club must have 2 qualified AR s, two team club 3 AR s and a three or more team club 4 AR s. If there are no nominations received from a club the zone will impose a penalty of $ per shortfall of the numbers required. That the Clubs renumerate all qualified AR s, to acknowledge their training and time, at an agreed rate recommended by the MNCRA at the AGM. v) Club Responsibilities Coaches & Subs. are to remain within designated seated area & are not to be wandering up & down the field. Substitutes may use the sideline to warm up only. vi) v Club Responsibilities Trainers / Water Runners. Maximum of 2 on the field at any one time & must be identified by Hi-Viz vest or top. A substitute player can perform these tasks but must be in a Hi-Viz vest or top. Club Responsibilities Ball boys/girls. Each club shall register at least two ball boys/girls with a minimum age of 10 years. vi Rugby Link. All club referees, touch judges, officials, coaches, managers volunteers and ball boys are to be registered on Rugby Link before participating in any Rugby Activity. ix) Abandoned Games. The following shall apply in the event a referee abandons a game: a. If the game is abandoned during half time or in the second half, the score shall stand. b. If a team is unable to field 11 players, the result shall be deemed a forfeit. c. When disruption to a game has been caused by actions contrary to the Laws of the game, or these By-laws, by one team or both, or their officials, or their supporters, the referee shall refer the matter to the Judiciary. d. If, in the view of the referee, the criteria for starting the game have not been met, he shall abandon the game and the host team will be deemed to have forfeited the game. x) All UMNC Clubs must have two (2) people from their club attend and complete a Referees Course each season. Failure to comply will incur a fine of $200 per person. Page 11

12 xi) All LMNC Clubs must have one (1) person from their club attend and complete a Referees Course each season. Failure to comply will incur a fine of $200 per person. s) Numbers for a Game. A team must have a minimum of 11 players to constitute a game, and there must be 6 forwards and 5 backs with 3 forwards being trained front rowers. In the event a team cannot field the following, the result shall be deemed a forfeit; 15 a side - minimum players will be 11 7 as side minimum players will be 5 t) Uncontested Scrums. Clubs must comply with the Laws of the Game 3.5 and under 19's variation Law 3 - Numbers required of suitably trained and experienced players for front row. Variations to these laws are permitted for the Southern Shield competition. i) Should a team not comply with the respective laws above, and subsequently call for uncontested scrums before or during a competition game, and then win the game - that team will only receive three competition points for that win and no bonus points will be awarded to that team. i Should a team not comply with the respective laws above, and subsequently call for uncontested scrums in three matches during the current season - the team will be required to give reason to the Board as to why they should not be excluded from the Final Series. Should a team be unable to comply with the respective law above for the Final Series - the team will be deemed to have forfeited the match and the next team below on the competition table will take its place. Clubs are required to certify in writing to the Executive officer on Tuesday before a finals game that they are able to comply. 3. REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS a) Clubs of this zone must register all people involved with the club on the Rugby Link system. Players, Committee Members, Coaches, Volunteers etc, should complete the Registration Form obtained from the Rugby Link System before participating in any Rugby Union activity including training for, or travelling to and from a match or administrative or social activity. b) The registration of a participant is not official until: i. It has been entered into the Rugby Link system by the Club s Registrar. Any new players to the Zone a transfer needs to be Page 12

13 completed within Rugby Link and approved within Rugby Link by the Competition Manager. ii. A copy of the Registration Form and a DTAF, if applicable, has been received by the Executive Officer of the zone. Registration Forms are to be retained by the Zone for a period of ten (10) years. iii. Any person who intends on playing must be marked as a registered player in the Rugby Link System. If they are not marked as a registered player they will be deemed as being unregistered, that club shall be deemed to have forfeited the game the player played in with no right of appeal. iv. A player may only be a registered player with one club at any given time. v. In the event of a club playing an unregistered player, that club shall be deemed to have forfeited the game in which the player played, with no right of appeal. A Penalty of $1,000 per player will apply. c) Under 18 players must provide proof of age documentation. The Club Registrar must sight an original proof of age document and with a copy of this documentation to be attached to the Registration Form. d) Players playing outside the 2 Year Window must complete an ARU Consent Form before the player participates in any Rugby activity relating to that particular disclosure. In the event of a club playing a player who has not completed a Consent Form when required, that club shall be deemed to have forfeited the game in which the player played, with no right of appeal. A Penalty of $1,000 per player will apply. e) A club wishing to register a player after the 30th June each year must apply in writing, setting out reasons supporting why, the application should be considered by the Board. f) All coaches of 1 st and Reserve Grades teams must have as a minimum Level One Coaching Accreditation. g) All people involved in the club that are associated with the playing of the game eg. the ground manager, trainers etc. must be registered on Rugbylink & have Smart Rugby Accreditation (This can be completed online) 4. GAME RESULTS a) Match Result Sheets. Page 13

14 i. The Executive Officer shall supply each club with Match Result Sheet Pads for team lists, results, referee s official score, send-offs, sin bins, uncontested scrums and proof of payment to the referee. ii. iii. It is the responsibility of Club Officials to have lists of players completed prior to the commencement of games and available for the referee to view before the game. Players are to sign on at the Official Table before entering the playing field. The Club Official of each club is required to present the Match Result Sheet to the Referee for signature at the end of the game. The referee shall ensure the result, together with send-offs; sin bins and uncontested scrums are accurately recorded on the Match Result Sheet. The referee s signature on the Match Result Sheet shall also indicate that he/she has received all payments due to them for officiating at the game. b) Game Results. i. Clubs are to advise results by SMS (text message) or to the Executive Officer by 6 pm on the day of the game. ii. Clubs shall ensure the original Match Result Sheet is in the hands of the Executive Officer by the Wednesday immediately following the relevant game. iii. All match results sheets should be entered by each club into the Rugby Link System by 9.00pm Tuesday night including details of all players, scores and red or yellow cards. iv. Failure to comply with Bylaws 4. b. i), 4. b. and 4.b.i for any Grade or Age Group, will see the offending Club receive an official warning on the first time they fail to comply. On the second occasion the offending Club will receive a fine of $200 per grade or age group not entered into RugbyLink, payable within 14 days. On the third occasion the offending Club will receive a fine of $200 per grade or age group and deducted 5 competition points for each Grade or Age Group not entered in to Rugby Link. v. In the event of a forfeit the signed list of players of the non-forfeiting team must be attested by the club secretary, registrar or team captain in the absence of the referee, and forwarded to the Executive Officer by 8pm on the day of the intended game. In the event that the team sheet is not received by that time, the players will not be credited with that game. c) Illegal Players. i. Any club playing a player, who is under suspension, disqualified, ineligible or unqualified, will be deemed to have forfeited the match in which the breach of the By-Laws occurred, with no right of appeal. A penalty of $1,000 per person shall apply. Page 14

15 ii. Team/s may be asked to produce Photo Identification (ID) prior to Competition Games and Tournaments. This is at the discretion of the Competition Manager 5. REPLACEMENT OF PLAYERS a. The MNCRU Zone adopts law 3.14 Rolling Substitutions. b. Players returning to the field must report to the touch judge and wait for the touch judges and referee s permission to return to the field of play. This can only be done at a stoppage in play. c. Players leaving the field of play shall report to the Club Official who shall note the time on the match result sheet. d. Using Players from a Higher Grade. The use of players from a higher grade in a lower grade is discouraged. To this end, eligibility for semi-finals will only be credited for the higher grade played with on the day. The Executive Officer will draw to the attention of the Board of Directors, any apparent abuses of this concession. The Board will consider the matter and decide an appropriate penalty, which may include a fine, and/or the loss of six competition points. e. 1st grade players from the previous round s run on side are ineligible to play in lower grades when the higher team has a bye and they played in a higher grade the previous week. In this case, By-Law 5.d. above will apply. f. The number of players, in first grade, is restricted to 23 players for ordinary club fixtures and for the Final Series. There can be unlimited player numbers for ordinary club fixtures in any subsequent lower grade but numbers are restricted to 23 players for the Final Series. Each jersey is to be uniquely identified. The use of 23 players is only available to a club who has five (5) capable and qualified front rowers. These players must be marked on the Match Result Sheet prior to the game (there will be column on the Match Results Sheet for front row players). Teams in the LMNC Competition may have unlimited playing numbers for ordinary club fixtures however, are restricted to 23 players for the Final Series. g. No fresh reserves will be allowed for 1st Grade matches if both 1st Grade and Reserve Grade matches are playing at the same venue on the same day. If 1st and Reserve Grade are playing at the same venue on the same day all reserves for 1st Grade must have played in the Reserve Grade match. If there is an Under 18 s match being played at the same venue on the same day they must have played in that game to be a reserve for 1st Grade. If there is not an Under 18 s match at the same venue on the same day when there are 1st Grade and Reserve Grade they are eligible to be fresh reserves for 1st Grade and do not have to have played Reserve Grade. Page 15

16 6. FINALS SERIES a) Eligibility. i) To qualify for the Finals and individual awards, a player must have played five rounds of football during the period of the MNCRU competition, including representative fixtures played during this time. i Forfeits but not byes will count provided that a team sheet has been received from the non-forfeiting team in accordance with these By-Laws. Attention is drawn to By-Law 6d, which deals with equally placed teams. Players who have qualified for a higher grade shall be eligible for a lower grade provided that the club has qualified for a higher grade. This is ONLY to cover players not selected in the higher grade on the day. v) In the event that a player has represented the zone instead of playing in a competition match, that representative game shall be counted as one of his mandatory games for the qualification for the finals series. vi) A player is only deemed to have played a game if they have signed on the team sheet given to the Executive Officer. Any matches where a player has not signed won t count towards final series eligibility. b) Format. i) According to the competition points table, semi finals shall normally be played as follows: Major Semi Final - team 1 vs team 2; Minor Semi Final - team 3 vs team 4. Both semi finals are to be played on the same weekend, the venue to be the home ground of the higher team in each case subject to suitable playing fields. i The Final will be played between the winner of the Minor Semi Final and the loser of the Major Semi Final at the home ground of the latter subject to suitable playing fields. The Grand Final is to be held on the third Saturday and the venue shall be the home ground of the winner of the Major Semi Final subject to suitable playing fields. Other grades will be played at the senior grade venue, on the same day and on the same basis. v) In the event of a six-team final then games shall be as follows: Page 16

17 Week 1 1 v 2; 3 v 6; 4 v 5 - losers of the latter 2 are eliminated Week 2 W1 & 2; v W4 & 5; L1 & 2 v W 3 & 6 - losers are eliminated Week 3 2 winners play grand final NOTE: These arrangements may be varied to meet the needs of the competition structure as decided at the AGM. c) Replacement of Players. i) In the finals series clubs may nominate up to 23 players. Fresh reserves may be nominated for 1 st Grade during the Finals Series. i The Laws of Rugby 3 5, related to uncontested scrums, will be enforced for the final series. This law lays down the number of suitably trained and experienced front rowers required to start a match. If a Club is unable to comply with Law 3-5A for seniors and Law 3-5C for under 18 s, it will be deemed to have forfeited the match and the next team below on the competition table will take its place. Clubs are required to certify in writing to the Executive Officer on the Tuesday before a finals game that they are able to comply with Law 3-5A and/or Law 3-5C as appropriate d) Equally Placed Teams. i) In the event of teams being equally placed at the conclusion of the competition, placings shall be decided on points for and against basis to determine the higher position except if two teams finish equal in 4th position where ties on competition points shall be resolved in the first instance in favour of the team with the greater number of wins. Should the teams be still even then the team with the least number of losses be judged the higher; then higher positive difference between actual points scored for and against. Should a tie remain it shall be in favour of the team with highest points scored for. e) Draws in the Finals. In the event of a draw in all finals games, 10 minutes each way will be played, except in Juniors when 5 minutes each way will be played, commencing immediately after teams change ends, with no breaks. If scores are still level after extra time the higher placed team on the Page 17

18 competition ladder will be declared the winner except in the Grand Final when the teams shall be declared joint winners. v) For the extra time period, teams will be allowed an additional two (2) substitutes. f) Organisation. i) Clubs hosting these games on behalf of the Zone have the responsibility of organising the games in a manner upholding the image of Rugby and catering for the interests of the Zone and participating clubs. i Clubs unable to carry out the necessary tasks will be required to forgo the hosting of such fixtures. The Board of Directors shall have the power to reallocate fixtures in such circumstances. Admission charges are to be set by the Board. v) For all finals games, gate takings, net of collection costs, shall be handed by the host club to the MNCRU Finance Director or Executive Officer or MNCRU Board Member on the day. vi) Subject to Zone finances, complimentary tickets to the finals games shall be given to the following: a) Zone sponsors - as required; b) Directors and Life Members - 2 tickets per Director/Life Member; c) Referees/Touch judges - 2 tickets per person; d) Team squads - Players and officials pay for admission. Player passes (30) will be produced by the zone & ed to clubs involved in the finals. Should clubs wish to distribute these too players the zone will invoice the clubs for the cost at $5 per player. e) People under the age of 16 will be allowed in for free. f) Clubs wishing to give complimentary tickets to their club sponsors may purchase the required number of tickets from the Executive Officer. v vi Zone will be responsible for the payment of the referees during the finals. Perpetual trophies are to be presented on the day of the relevant game. Those perpetual trophies are to be returned to the Executive Officer on the Page 18

19 same day. In the event that a club loses a perpetual trophy, the club will be required to bear the cost of replacing that trophy. In the event that a player loses a perpetual trophy that player's club will be required to bear the cost of replacing the trophy. g) Trophies & Awards. i) Clubs Awards a) Major Premiership - appropriate shield or cup for each winner b) Minor Premiership - appropriate trophy c) Club Championship - appropriate trophy. Individual Awards a) Grand Final Referees - each grade presentation of trophy/shield or appropriate award b) Player of the Grand Final - each grade presentation of trophy/shield or appropriate award c) Leading point scorer in season - each grade presentation of trophy/shield or appropriate award d) Zone Player of the Country Championship presentation of trophy/shield or appropriate award e) Premiership Medallions. A medallion shall be given to each player and the team coach, manager and trainer of the winning sides (up to a maximum of 30 medallions). 7. REPRESENTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS a. All representative teams shall consist of twenty five (25) players, a coach, a manager and a suitably qualified trainer to fall in line with current NSWCRU Representative structure. b. The Executive Officer shall call for clubs to provide the names of interested representative players. The Executive Officer shall then pass these names on to the respective coaches. c. If a selected player withdraws from a representative fixture and plays in a club fixture then he shall be stood down for the next competition round. Page 19

20 d. Nominations for the positions of Coaches, Managers and Trainers shall be advertised by the Executive Officer prior to the AGM. Their positions shall be confirmed at the AGM. e. Statements of Duty shall be provided by the Executive Officer to coaches and managers. f. If suitable coaching/management applicants for representative teams are unavailable by the AGM, representative teams will not participate. g. Financial Assistance. i) No assistance shall be given with travel expenses for activities within Zone boundaries. For activities beyond Zone boundaries: a) Hire of bus to/from the venue if numbers warrant, with pick up/drop off through the Zone. If insufficient numbers for a bus, manager is to co- ordinate private transport with minimum number of vehicles for actual number of players. b) Claims for reimbursement for travel expenses outside the Zone, are to be made on an Application Form available from the Executive Officer or Team Manager within 14 days of the fixture with documentation of expenses attached (ie, official receipts/tax invoices). 8. JUDICIARY MATTERS (Refer to ARU Manual, section 2) a) Judiciary Chairman. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Judiciary Chairman. b) Judiciary Committee. A judiciary committee consisting of the Judiciary Chairman or his appointee and two others shall be appointed with the Chairman of the Judiciary having the power to co-opt to the committee. c) Temporary Suspension. i) A player sent from the field for a temporary suspension, shall remain with the club match officials who shall both record the temporary suspension on the Match Result Sheet. The suspended player shall not resume playing without the permission of the referee. Page 20

21 i A player who incurs two temporary suspensions in a match shall be deemed to have been sent off for the remainder of the match in which he is currently playing. A player incurring three temporary suspensions during the season will be suspended for his club s next competition match, without right of appeal. Each further temporary suspension during the season and the player will be summoned to appear before the Judiciary. d) Send-offs. i) In the case of a player being sent from the field, a written report will be sent to the Executive Officer and to the Judiciary Chairman by the Referee not later than the Monday following the match. A copy of the send-off report will be sent to the player s club secretary by the Judiciary Chairman. The Club Secretary will advise the Judiciary Chairman by 5pm Wednesday following the sendoff of the player s decision whether to have the matter heard by Paper Hearing or Judiciary Hearing. Any player sent from the field shall be suspended until such time as their case has been considered in a Paper Hearing or by a Judiciary Hearing. i If a player given a suspended sentence is subsequently sent off, they will immediately serve the suspended sentence, as well as any further sentence for the second offence, which will be added to the first penalty. If a player under a suspended sentence is sent from the field they will automatically appear before a Judiciary Hearing. The judiciary must impose sentences and suspensions in line with and according to the recommendations made in the IRB Regulations and suspension guidelines. e) Judiciary Process. i) A player may elect to have a Paper Hearing or appear at a Judiciary Hearing. The Paper Hearing will be conducted by the Judiciary Chairman or his appointee. i If dealt with by a Judiciary Hearing a copy of all reports, eg Referee s Report, are to be sent to the player. The Judiciary Hearing is to occur on the Thursday following the match at a venue decided by the Judiciary Chairman. The player may be accompanied by a Club official or a legal representative. Page 21

22 v) In the event of a player being suspended for a send-off or citing then the club shall immediately reimburse the Zone $50, or forgo $50 of their prepaid bond. vi) v A player that is sent from the field of play for match official abuse must appear before the judiciary panel Any player that is cited for match official abuse and is found to have a case to answer, that player is immediately suspended and must appear before the judiciary panel. f) Appeals Chairman. An Appeals Chairman will be elected at the Annual General Meeting. g) Appeals Process. i) In the event of an appeal against a judiciary decision, the player s club must lodge, with the Executive Officer, a deposit of $200 within 24 hours of receiving the Judiciary Report. If the appeal is lost then that money will be used to defray the costs of the appeal and the balance returned to the club. If the appeal is upheld then the $200 shall be refunded to the club. i Where possible the Appeals Committee will meet prior to the next round of football at a venue decided by the Appeals Chairman or his appointee. The sent off player may continue to play until his Appeal is heard. The Appeals Form will require an indication that the appeal is lodged due to the severity of the sanction imposed by the MNCRU Judiciary or that the appellant (either club or individual) feel that they are NOT GUILTY and require the APPEAL to be a FULL HEARING and that they be able to produce evidence at the hearing. When the APPEAL FORM is lodged the appellant shall pay the required deposit as per above h) Citing Procedures. There are two distinct methods by which participants may be cited to appear before a judicial panel to answer complaints that they have committed acts of misconduct, illegal and/or foul play not detected by the match officials: i) Citing By Nominated Officials. i) Each union, affiliate or club participating in a sanctioned match may through their nominated official, cite a participant for an act or acts of misconduct, illegal and/or foul play committed during the match provided Page 22

23 that such alleged act or acts has not been detected by the referee and/or touch judges. i The citing complaint must be made by 5.00pm on the first working day following the alleged act of misconduct. The person reporting the citing must be the nominated official and the witness to the incident and not submit a citing upon the request of others. For the purpose of this citing procedure, Nominated Official means: 1. An office bearer of the union, affiliate or club pursuant to its constitution; 2. A president of a union, affiliates, or club; 3. Any member of an affiliated Referee Association or a affiliate s referee Association; or 4. Such members of committees or sub-unions as authorized by the union v) Each union, affiliate or club participating in a match may cite a participant for more than one alleged incident of misconduct, illegal and/or foul play in the same match. vi) v vi ix) Each union, affiliate or club participating in a match may cite more than one participant in any match A citing complaint must be completed in writing and delivered by hand, fax, , or post, to the Executive Officer, by no later than 48 hours after the alleged incident. Any supporting evidence must accompany the complaint. The Executive Officer is required to advise the Citing Commissioner, the President of MNCRU, of the allegations and pass on all information, where the citing Commissioner should first satisfy themselves that there is sufficient or reasonable evidence of prima facie case to justify a hearing. The club doing the citing is to be advised of the decision within 5 days of the Citing Commissioner receiving the complaint. The cited participant s club will be provided with a copy of the citing complaint and advised of the time, date, and venue of the hearing of the Judiciary Committee to consider the complaint. x) Should the matter be referred to the judicial panel, the MNCRU will notify the club(s) that player(s) and/or official(s) are required to appear at the next judicial hearing. xi) Should the Citing Commissioner deem that no action be taken, the MNCRU will write to the citer(s), advising them of the fact, with a brief reason as to the commissioner s decision. Page 23

24 x The citing commissioner is not required to attend the judicial hearing as a witness, or to justify the decision. j) Citing by the union board or its nominee i) The union Board or its nominee has the power to cite a participant for an act or acts of misconduct, illegal and/or foul play committed during a sanctioned match regardless of whether or not such alleged act or acts has or have not been detected by the match official. i The union Board or its nominee may cite a participant for more than one alleged incident of misconduct, illegal and/or foul play in the same match The union Board or its nominee may cite more than one participant in any match The citing complaint issued by the Union Board or its nominee must be in writing addressed to the cited participants club and shall advise a time, date and venue of the hearing of the Disciplinary Committee to consider the complaint v) The citing complaint must be made within (2) working days after the incident occurred. k) Administrative Matters relevant to Citing Procedures i) A citing is not intended to be an opportunity to re-referee an incident or its interpretation if already detected and acted upon. i Any penalties imposed shall be substantially in accordance with those set out in the judicial procedures The cited participant may continue to play until the date set down for the hearing of the citing complaint If the cited participant fails to attend the hearing on the date nominated, he/she is suspended from playing until such time as he/she attends a hearing on a date mutually agreed upon by the participant and the Judiciary Committee. 9. CODE OF CONDUCT a) Clubs and participants are to act at all times in accordance with IRB Regulation 20 Code of Conduct, and the ARU Code of Conduct By-Laws. It is the responsibility of clubs to make their participants aware of the contents of these documents, which are available on-line through the ARU website. Any omissions from the MNCRU By-Laws with respect to code of conduct matters Page 24

25 shall be governed by these higher Codes. Particular attention is drawn to the following matters: b) Referees and Touch Judges: A member, player, official, club or affiliate must not during the course of, or after a match under the jurisdiction of the Union, abuse or address a referee or touch judge in insulting terms or act in a provocative manner towards a referee or touch judge. c) Public Statements: A member, player, official, club or affiliate must not, at any time, make any comments in any publication, whether written, televised or broadcast, criticising the Union, its committees, officers, officials or members of the Referees Association or any statement which is detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of the Union or the game. d) Publications: A member, player, official, club or affiliate shall not, without first obtaining the approval of the President of the Union or his nominee, write a column for any publication, provided that such approval shall not, at any time, be unreasonably withheld and shall be deemed to continue until withdrawn by the President. e) Procedures for Breaches of the Code of Conduct: Where the MNCRU Board receives a report on an alleged breach of this Code of Conduct, the Directors or a Committee appointed by them may, after enquiry, suspend, expel, or otherwise deal with the player, official or club. Includes all Amendments and Addenda made up to and including the AGM of the 12 th November, UNDER 14/16/18 BY-LAWS a) LAWS OF THE GAME: 1) Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game and Rulings thereon as recognised by the N.S.W Rugby Union, the Australian Rugby Union and the International Rugby Board, or as modified by the MNCRU. Where the Laws do not address an aspect of the Laws of the Game, they shall be as set out in the Australian Rugby Union Pathways. 2) For MNCRU U14/U16/U18 the Number of Players per team rules are; Page 25

26 i. Preferred Number of players is 15 per side. Team Squad size: Minimum 7 players Maximum 25 players ii. iii. iv. A player must be registered with a MNCRU club before they are eligible to train or play in competitions as are arranged by the MNCRU. Such registration shall be made and completed in accordance with the requirements as communicated to the Clubs by the ARU. Minimum 7 players per team. If a team is unable to field 7 players the game is forfeited. (Coaches can arrange a trial game if desired with the remaining players). Forfeit points awarded. If a team forfeits 5 times or more in the regular season they MAY be deemed ineligible to participate in the Finals Series. v. Teams MAY share players to reach the maximum number of equal players, not more than 15 per side. (At individual club, coach & players discretion). However, teams MUST match numbers. Result will stand. vi. U14 Mercy Rule - if one team is leading by 40 points or more a team may call Mercy at half Time. Half time score will stand. (Coaches can arrange a trial game if desired in second half). vii. Rolling substitutions are allowed and these are unlimited in number, but can only be made when the ball is dead. MNCRU finals series: Under 18 Grade - 12 Rolling Substitutions Under 16 Grade - 12 Rolling Substitutions Under 14 Grade - Unlimited Interchange viii. When a yellow or red card is issued, the player may not be replaced. (No matching of numbers by opposition) ix. On game day, if a team s numbers are reduced (below 15) due to serious injury (concussion etc.) the opposing team MUST match numbers. x. To qualify for finals series a player must have appeared in 5 club fixtures (forfeits included). xi. Duration of games: Under 18 Grade 30 Minutes Each-Way Under 16 Grade 30 Minutes Each-Way Under 14 Grade 25 Minutes Each-Way Page 26

27 3) In the event there is a variation in the number of players from the normal fifteen (15) aside, then it is essential that the position of players for each of the other possible team sizes should be as follows to avoid any dispute: 11 Players Per Side - 6 Backs & 5 Forwards (2 x Props/Hooker/2 x 2 nd Rowers/Halfback/Five- Eight/Inside Centre/Outside Centre/Blind Side Winger/Fullback) 12 Players Per Side - 6 Backs & 6 Forwards (2 x Props/Hooker/2 x 2 nd Rowers/Lock/Halfback/Five-Eight/Inside Centre/ Outside Centre/Blind Side Winger/Fullback) 13 Players Per Side - 7 Backs & 6 Forwards (2 x Props/Hooker/2 x 2 nd Rowers/Lock/Halfback/Five-Eight/Inside Centre/ Outside Centre/2 x Wingers/Fullback) 14 Players Per Side - 6 Backs & 8 Forwards (2 x Props/Hooker/2 x 2 nd Rowers/2 x Breakaways/Lock/Halfback/Five-Eight/Inside Centre/ Outside Centre/Blind Side Winger/Fullback) Teams MUST match numbers in scrums. 4) Position in the competition table shall be determined by competition points; 4 points Win 0 point Loss 2 points Draw 5 points Forfeit (30 0 for & against points will be awarded/deducted) 1 bonus point Team scoring four (4) or more tries 1 bonus point Team losing by seven (7) points or less b) UNCONTESTED SCRUMS UNDER 14 S & UNDER 16 S: 1) There must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker, tight-head prop and loose-head prop who are suitably trained and experienced to start the Match playing contested scrums. 2) Any Team which calls uncontested scrums from the start of the Match, or at the first scrum, in more than five (5) Matches MAY be deemed ineligible to participate in the Finals Series or have penalties applied. 3) If a forward in a team has an injury that causes him not to be able to pack in the scrums then that player shall be removed from the field, as there is a higher potential for neck injury in tackles than in scrums. Page 27

28 4) Teams MUST match numbers in scrums. 5) If neither Team has suitably trained front row players to start a Match with contested scrums, the above arrangements do not apply to the Match, even if qualified front rowers subsequently become available. 6) Systematic abuse of this Competition Rule will not be tolerated and all instances of these incidents will be reviewed by the MNCRU Junior Competition Manager. 7) Clubs will have until Round 5 of the MNCRU Competition to address scrum deficiencies before penalties are applied. (Competition Points deducted) 8) Should Clubs have problems with scrum coaching, they are to contact the MNCRU Junior Competition Manager for assistance. 9) Liaison with the ARU Development Officers will be arranged to conduct Pre- Season Scrum Clinics. 10) Referees to be reminded to limit scrum pushing to a maximum of 1.5 metres. c) TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Team sheets to be made out in duplicate in the book provided by MNCRU. All players must sign alongside their name PRIOR to taking the field. Team sheets are to be signed by the Referee. MNCRU player points must also be completed on both clubs sheets. 2) The original copy is to be delivered to the MNCRU Competition Manager. Original copy must be posted to competition manager within the time prescribed. 3) Each Under 14 & Under 16 team MUST provide a Touch Judge. 4) Each club must provide correctly numbered /coloured playing jumpers 5) Ball size: 5 6) All other rules are addressed in the MNCRU By Laws, ARU Under 19 Laws & IRB Laws of the game. 7) Clubs MUST inform MNCRU Junior Competition Manager & opposition club if they are going to forfeit at least one day prior to match. d) CLUBS WITH TWO TEAMS: 1) Where two or more teams from one Club have entered in the one grade, inter-change of players will be allowed for the first three (3) competition games. Page 28