1. OFFICIAL RULE BOOK -1- RUGBY Boys 2014-15 (last edit: June 10, 2014) The laws will be those of the International Rugby Football Board (I.R.B.) and the Canadian Rugby Union. The rules for U-14 rugby will be rules of the rules for 13-aside rugby. See Appendix A. The rules for 7 aside Rugby will be the rules of IRB 7 aside rugby with CISAA modifications. These guidelines will apply for the 2014 season and will be reviewed prior to 2015. See Appendix B. 2014 New Rule Scrum: The cadence has once again been changed to Crouch-Bind-Set. In addition the referees may introduce the ball with non-verbal communication. Referees protocol will include: *When on the non- put in side of the scrum the referee initiate eye contact and point to the scrum half as an indication to put the ball in the scrum. *When on the put-in side of the scrum, the referee will point to the tunnel as an indication to put the ball in the scrum *Additionally, the referee may use yes 9 in order to introduce the ball into the scrum, dependent on the needs of the athletes in the game. 2. SCHEDULING The scheduling of games will be done in May for the following year at the annual C.I.S.A.A. meeting. There will be League play in Senior Div. i, ii, Junior Div.i, ii and U-14 i ii. Forfeitures: If a team in League play is forced to forfeit, the team(s), which they were scheduled to play will be awarded 2 points for the win and no points for or against will be scored. (see Constitution Article XV) 3. OFFICIALS Each team is to provide one touch judge. The home team should train touch judges and provide touch flags. For all games, Schools must provide properly qualified referees who are carded and full members of their referee society. If a qualified referee is not available, the game must not be played.
-2-4. LENGTH OF GAME a) Duration of matches Senior Div.i and Div.ii teams will play 35 minute halves. All other teams will play 35 minute halves, or less by mutual agreement of the coaches. b) Abandoned Match: If, for any reason, a match must be abandoned (ie. lightning storm, serious injury, darkness, etc.) before full time, it will be considered a complete match and results will be official if the abandonment takes place at any point following the completion of the first half of play. Every effort must be made to complete the match even if a delay is necessary. In an abandoned game, the time limit of the delay will be 30 minutes. The referee is the only one that has the ability to make a decision on whether the game will be abandoned and will keep track of the 30 minute time period. Following the 30 minute delay, and if the game can still not be played, the game will be won by the team that was in the lead when the game was ruled abandoned. 5. SCORING See official Law Book. 6. ELIGIBILITY See Constitution Guidelines Article XIII Under 14: (contact sports Rugby and Lacrosse) is a student who is under 14 years of age as of midnight Dec. 31 of the school year Subsequently, no overage players are allowed. Eligibility Rosters must be sent in for all Senior Div 1 OFSSA bound teams to the convenor before the first C.I.S.A.A. league game. 7. UNIFORMS All player s equipment/clothing must conform to the regulations as stated by the I.R.B. All players must wear mouth guards Boots with a toe stud are legal Goggles may be worn as a corrective eye wear alternative. This eye wear must be designed to serve as a corrective vision alternative and not intended as eye protection.
-3-8. EQUIPMENT see 17. Safety Guidelines All rugby posts must be properly padded. It is strongly recommended that the uprights be a minimum of 12 feet (3.4 meters) above the crossbar. Flags marking the field should be of a flexible design and at least 5' high. 9. PLAYOFFS Playoff formats will be determined by the Athletic Directors at the annual scheduling meeting. 10. TIE BREAKING FORMATS a. The maximum point differential in any single game will be 20 points. b. Format and criteria i. point total from win/loss/tie record in league play ii. if still tied, result of head to head competition between tied teams iii. if still tied, point differential in head to head competition between tied iv. teams if still tied, fewest points against in head to head competition between tied teams v. if still tied, point differential using all league games in that season vi. if still tied, fewest points against in all league games in that season c. Process i. In the event that two or more teams are tied and the process is able to successfully rank the teams and no ties now exist, this ranking will be used to seed the teams.. ii. If the process is only able to reduce the number of tied teams by one or more and a tie still exists; * the teams that are no longer tied will assume their new ranking * the process involving only the remaining tied teams shall commence again from the beginning with a. i. d. Forfeitures: See Constitution Article XV section 1 e. Playoff/Championship Tie Breakers In the semifinals and final: (2 X 35 minutes halves). If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the game will be decided by the following penalty-kick tiebreaking format. NOTE: Only players that are on the field at the end of regulation time are eligible to
-4- kick in the tiebreaker format. Format of kicks: Coaches on each team can select up to 3 kickers from the players remaining on the field at the end of regulation time. All kicks will be taken from the 22 metre line, centre placement, left placement, right placement, in that order. Kicks will be taken sequentially (Team A followed by TEAM B) from each placement point. The team with the most successful kicks out of the 3 placements will be declared the winner. If the kicks are tied after the first round of 3 kicks, then the above process will be repeated until a winner is declared 11. ADDITIONAL PLAYING RULES a) Substitutions: At the senior i level only, once a player is substituted from the game, he may only return to the game to replace an injured player. This substitution rule does not apply below the Senior i level. b) Every attempt should be made by the home team to provide qualified touch judges for all playoff games if they are available. c) Red Cards result in immediate expulsion from the game and a suspension from the next CISAA game. The red card must be reported to the convenor. 12. CONVENOR RESPONSIBILITIES See the CISAA Constitution, Summary of Convenor s Responsibilities, Appendix 9. 13. SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT See CISAA Constitution, Article XIX, Discipline. 14. COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES & HOST SCHOOL Coaches must send in to the convenor the following information: 1. The teams that are competing against C.I.S.A.A. opposition. 2. Their school Rugby colours. 3. The names of their Rugby coaches, the teams they coach and their email addresses and phone numbers. 4. The home team must send in the results of any league matches between Independent schools to the convenor within twelve hours. ** The convenor is to distribute this information to all Rugby Independent schools and update the standings on the CISAA website..
-5- Each team should provide its own first aid kit. The host school should be fully competent in the procedures for dealing with any injury that occurs on the field. All schools must provide qualified medical personal for all home games. This personal must be a qualified Sports Therapist or school physician. Schools should make sure that there are no objects close to the side of the field, or on the field, that could cause injury to players in a tackle situation. The host school should provide extra ice for injury purposes. 15. AWARDS CISAA plaques or trophies at all levels of play will be awarded to the champion at each level. Individuals on the championship and finalist teams for all Senior and Junior levels will receive CISAA gold and silver medals. Under 14 and Under 13 will receive CISAA ribbons. 16. GUIDELINES FOR OFSAA REPRESENTATION Please see CISAA website Convenor and League Information for OFSAA dates and venues. (as provided by OFSAA). Athletic Directors will declare OFSAA participation prior to the start of the season by meeting deadlines determined by OFSAA and the CISAA. 17. SAFETY GUIDELINES The host school is responsible for providing medical care for all games. This person must be qualified to deal with athletic injuries and be prepared to handle emergency situations. Without this medical care, the game may not be played. Higher Risk Activity Equipment All equipment must comply with IRB Regulation 12. A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. A working communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be accessible. Determine that all equipment is safe for use.
-6- Regulation rugby balls. Full fit interior mouth guard is required. Clothing/Footwear Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Cleats must be worn and must be consistent with laws of rugby. No jewelry. Facilities Goalposts must be padded if in field of play. Playing area must be inspected regularly, be free from debris and obstructions, and be well removed from traffic areas. The playing surface must provide suitable footing and proper traction. Holes and severely uneven surfaces must be brought to the attention of the coaches, convenor, athletes, and officials. Notify appropriate school officials. Use collapsible flags or soft pylons to mark corners, mid-line and 22m (66 ) line, or flags off the sidelines. Special Rules/Instructions Skills must be taught in proper progression. Games must be based on skills that are taught. Parents/guardians must be made aware of any off campus activity and the means of transportation used. Be aware of athletes whose medical condition (e.g., asthma, anaphylaxis, orthopaedic device) may affect participation. A student athlete s fitness level must be commensurate with the level of competition. Tackling skill progressions must be taught and practiced prior to competition. Scrum skill progressions must be experienced prior to competition. Line-out lifting skill progressions must be taught and practiced prior to competition. Training must include flexibility, strength and cardiovascular-enhancing activities. Players must be physically prepared for contact. Prior to the first league game, 8 days of practices must have occurred.
-7- No eye or sport glasses are permitted Goggles may be worn as a corrective eye wear alternative. This eye wear must be designed to serve as a corrective vision alternative and not intended as eye protection. Before involving athletes in outdoor activity, coaches must take into consideration: environmental conditions (temperature, weather, air quality, humidity, UV rays, insects) accessibility to adequate liquid replacement (personal water bottles, water fountains) and athlete hydration before, during and after physical activity previous training and fitness level length of time and intensity of physical activity Athletes must be made aware of ways to protect themselves from environmental conditions (e.g. use of hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal water bottles, insect repellent, appropriate clothing) Athletes must receive instruction on safety procedures related to severe weather conditions (lightning, funnel clouds, severe winds, tornadoes). Any exposed orthopaedic apparatus (e.g., knee brace) that presents a safety concern to other players must be soft or padded. Such devices must be approved by the official prior to the commencement of the game. Interschool competitions must follow the regulations and rules of the local governing body (CISAA, OFSAA) and/or Provincial Sport Organization for the activity. Link to the Provincial Sport Organization for this activity is: http://rugbyontario.com Supervision Constant visual supervision during initial instruction and practice of contact skills. Subsequently, on-site supervision is required. Head coach must demonstrate knowledge of game, skills and strategies to principal or designate. Coaching qualifications for any higher risk sport must be derived from at least one of the following: o NCCP Competition Introduction Trained/Certified This includes: Sport specific NCCP multi-sport Part A B Coaches that have completed level 1 or 2 certification in the past. Attendance at a clinic or workshop, provided by an instructor who is knowledgeable of the activity and where safety is addressed, within the last three years. Past experience (within the last 10 years) as a player or coach in that sport. An individual who takes responsibility for providing first aid to injured athletes must be present during the entire practice/competition.
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-9- APPENDIX A RULES FOR CISAA U-14 13-ASIDE RUGBY Scrums 1. Both hookers may contest for the ball. 2. Neither team is permitted to push. 3. Only the winning scrum-half may pick up the ball. 4. Six forwards in a 3:2:1 formation. Tap penalty: At place of infringement. Scrum-Half The offside line for the scrum-half at a scrum is the mid-line of the tunnel. The scrum-half must not follow his opposite around the scrum until the ball is out. Tap penalty: At place of infringement. Line Out 1. No lifting is permitted. 2. Maximum of five players per side in line out. Tap penalty: At place of infringement. Kicking The ball can only be struck by the foot inside a players own 22 metre line. Tap penalty: At place of infringement. Hand-off / Fend-off A player must not fend-off an opponent in any way Definition: A fend-off is a stiff armed movement of the hand or arm to ward off an opponent. Tap penalty: At place of infringement. Definition: A hand-off / fend-off is any movement of the hand or arm to ward off an opponent. Methods of Scoring At conversions, the ball must be kicked from where the try was scored. At penalties, the ball may be kicked for touch or points. In open play, the ball can only be struck by the foot inside a player s own 22 metre line. Substitutions
-10- Unlimited substitutions during any stoppage in play. Length of Game Two halves, 20 minutes in duration, followed by a development period, 20 minutes in duration. Results stand after 40 minutes. Equipment Shoes must not have a toe cleat. Mouthguards must be worn. Regulation sized ball. Coaches Agreement The primary objective of U-14 rugby is to introduce players to the game. An emphasis on developing proper skills in a safe and sportsmanlike atmosphere is the priority for all coaches and referees at this level. It is an expectation that all coaches work together to create an environment that fosters positive competitions based upon respect.
-11- APPENDIX B Appendix B Rules for 7 Aside Rugby will act as a guideline for CISAA play for a one year trial period (2014 season). All those involved in 7 aside must accept that the IRB Laws of 7 aside rugby are in affect with the following amendments deemed necessary for CISAA play. 1. Rules RULES FOR 7-A-SIDE RUGBY All rules of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Laws of the Game: Rugby Union Seven-a-Side Variation will be followed except the following: 3.4 - does not apply. 3.12 does not apply. 5.6 if extra time is required at the championship tournament, only 1 extra period of 5 minutes will be played and the first team to score will win. If the extra period of 5 minutes does not determine a winner then it will go to kicks as outlined in 10e above. Note that the kicks must be drop kicks and the kicks from the left and right side will be taken 15m in from the sideline. At U14 kicks will not be used after the 1 extra period and the tie will stand. 2. Rosters Each school will submit their roster for each tournament. This can be done on the day of the tournament. Listed players do not have to play, but all players who are dressing for the tournament must be listed. 3. Scheduling a) All games will take place at tournaments. Ideally all teams in a league will attend the same tournament. If the league grows to the point where it is impossible for all teams to attend the same tournament, then the league should strive to hold two tournaments on the same day to accommodate all teams. b) Ideally, teams will only play 3 games in any one tournament, though a 4 th game may be necessary in some championship tournaments, or a team may request a 4 th game at a regular season tournament. Note that the maximum playing time for any day is 90 minutes in accordance with IRB policy as adopted by Rugby Canada, May 6, 2004. c) Each team must play 2 league games against each opponent prior to the final championship. Other exhibition games can be played. The league games are used to seed each team in the championship tournament. Win = 2 points, Tie = 1 point, Loss = 0 points. Teams must identify which tournaments they will attend prior to the season starting so that games can properly be identified as league or exhibition. Boys Rugby 2013-14
-12-4. Championship Tournament a) The champion from the previous year will host the championship tournament if they have appropriate facilities to handle the number of teams and games that will need to be played. If the previous champions cannot host, then an alternative will be decided upon as soon as possible. b) The Championship tournament will be attended by all teams and the structure will follow the formats in Section 5 below. c) The point totals from the season will be used to seed the teams, but then the points are wiped clean and a team is awarded 2 points for each win note that ties are not allowed at the championship tournament except at U14 and below. The team with the highest point total on the day is the champion. In the event of a tie at the end of the tournament, the tie-breaking procedures will proceed as follows: i) If two teams are tied, then the winner of the head-to-head competition wins. ii) If three or more teams are tied, then the point differential for every game in the tournament will be used (note that the maximum point differential for any one game will be 20 points). iii) If this does not break the tie, then the difference in number of tries scored for every game in the tournament will be used. iv) If this does not break the tie, then the team that has scored the highest number of points in every game in the tournament will win (with a maximum differential of 20 points). v) If this does not break the tie, then the team that has scored the highest number of tries in the tournament will win. vi) If this does not break the tie then the tie stands. vii) Note that if there is a three-way tie, and the tie is broken for one team, then that team is removed and the process starts again from i above. 5. Tournament Structures 3 Teams 4 Teams 5 Teams 6 Teams (2 pools / 1 Field) 1 st vs 3 rd 1 st vs 3 rd 1 st vs 3 rd 1 st vs 4 th (Pool A) Break 2 nd vs 4 th 2 nd vs 4 th 2 nd vs 3 rd (Pool B) 2 nd vs 3 rd Break 3 rd vs 5 th 4 th vs 5 th (Pool A) Break 1 st vs 4 th 1 st vs 4 th 3 rd vs 6 th (Pool B) 1 st vs 2 nd 2 nd vs 3 rd 2 nd vs 5 th 1 st vs 5 th (Pool A) Break 3 rd vs 4 th 2 nd vs 6 th (Pool B) 3 rd vs 4 th 1 st vs 5 th Break 1 st vs 2 nd 2 nd vs 3 rd Pool A 3 rd vs Pool B 3 rd 4 th vs 5 th Pool A 2 nd vs Pool B 2 nd 1 st vs 2 nd Pool A 1 st vs Pool B 1 st Boys Rugby 2013-14