Age Grade Rugby Disciplinary Regulations 2016/17

WELSH RUGBY UNION Age Grade Rugby Disciplinary Regulations 2016/17 1. Introduction The Union emphasises that Clubs and Schools are responsible for the behaviour of their players, coaches, officials and supporters during and after matches. Adherence to the principles of good discipline will enhance Rugby in Wales. Those Clubs or Schools that are reported to have breached the Disciplinary regulations will be dealt with fairly but if they are found to have transgressed they will be penalised severely. Please ensure that your Club or School acts to support the Welsh Rugby Union in its campaign to improve disciplinary standards at Mini, Junior and Youth levels of the Game in Wales. 2. Definitions In the Age Grade Rugby Disciplinary Regulations the following words shall have the following meanings: Appeal Panel means a panel appointed by the Committee to hear an Appeal in accordance with Regulation 6 hereof. Club means a Welsh Rugby Union Club, involving full member Clubs, District member Clubs, and unless expressly excluded Regional teams and District teams at U19 and younger age groups. Codes of Conduct means the codes set by the WRU and which appear in Appendix 3 hereto. Disciplinary Report means a report received from a Referee on a player sent off, a player who was sin binned or a breach of the codes of conduct. Foul Play means a breach or breaches of Law 10 of the Laws of the Game. Game means rugby union football. World Rugby Regulations means the rules and regulations from time to time of the World Rugby. Laws of the Game means the laws of the game as framed from time to time by the Council of World Rugby Misconduct means any act of Foul Play by a Player and/or any conduct, behaviour, statements or practices by a Club and/or any its 1

Players, its other Persons or its supporters or spectators on or off the Field, during a match or otherwise that is a breach of the Codes of Conduct or any act that may bring the game into disrepute. Person means a player, trainer, referee, touch judge, coach, selector, medical officer, physiotherapist or any other individual who is or has been at any time involved in the Game, or in any organisation, administration or promotion of the Game or any supporter or spectator of the Game. Player means a player of the Game. School means a school in Wales affiliated to the Welsh Schools Rugby Union. Secretary means the person appointed by the WRU to act as the administrator of the Age Grade Rugby Disciplinary Committee. Committee means the Committee appointed by the WRU to deal with Age Grade Rugby Disciplinary matters in accordance with Regulation 3.1 hereof. Disciplinary Officer means the person appointed by the WRU to act on its behalf in matters of Age Grade Discipline. 3. Jurisdiction, Organisation and Structure 3.1 The WRU, through its Disciplinary Committee, has delegated to the Committee responsibility for dealing with disciplinary matters involving U19 rugby and age groups below U19 level in Wales. 3.2 The Committee shall be appointed by the WRU on an annual basis. 3.3 The Disciplinary Officer will be the WRU s Rugby Heritage Manager. 3.4 The Committee shall comprise: Chairman Deputy Chairman Secretary The Disciplinary Officer, when deemed appropriate such members as are appointed from time to time by the WRU. 3.5 The Committee shall be responsible for dealing with: i. Reports from referees on the misconduct of players on the field of play. ii. iii. Reports from referees on the misconduct of Club Officials, those associated with the organisation of schools teams, coaches or supporters if the Disciplinary Officer deems that it is appropriate for the Committee to deal with the case. A complaint by a Club or School against another Club or School or those associated with another Club or School on a disciplinary matter if the Disciplinary Officer deems that it is appropriate for the Committee to deal with the case. 3.6 The Secretary of the Committee shall advise the Disciplinary 2

Officer of sanctions imposed on players within 24 hours of the meeting at which the sanctions were imposed. 3.7 An appeal against a decision of the Committee may be referred to an Appeals Panel. The procedure on appeals is set out in paragraph 6 hereof. 3.8 The quorum for a meeting of the Committee or the Appeals Panel shall be three members. 4. Procedures 4.1 Players who are sent off in Club and School matches in Wales at age Grade levels of Under 19 years and below shall be allowed to continue to play until the case involving them is dealt with by the Committee. 4.2 If a player is sent off by a referee appointed by the Welsh Rugby Union the referee should forward his report on the incident to the Disciplinary Officer at the WRU offices. 4.3 If a player is sent off by a referee appointed by a Club or School it is the responsibility of the appointing Club or School to forward the referees report on the incident to the Disciplinary Officer at the WRU offices. 4.4 Referees, Clubs or Schools should submit reports using the form prescribed by the WRU, a copy of which appears in Appendix 2 hereto. 4.5 Within 24 hours of receiving the referee s report on a sending off the Disciplinary Officer should forward it to the Secretary. 4.6 The Secretary of the Committee should within 48 hours of receipt by him send the referee s report to the player s Club or School. The player shall be offered three options a. To accept the referee s report, or b. To submit written observations on the referee s report, or c. To apply for a hearing before the Committee. 4.7 If a player seeks a hearing the player s Club or School shall make it s request for a hearing in writing to the Secretary of the Committee no later than seven days after the receipt of the referee s report and the request shall be accompanied by a cheque for 100 made payable to the Welsh Rugby Union. 4.8 In the case of a player who is 14 years old or older he or she should attend the hearing requested in company with an official from the Club or an appropriate person from a School. The player s parent or guardian may also attend the hearing. 4.9 In the case of a player who is under 14 years of age he or she shall not attend the hearing. A Club official or an appropriate person from a school shall represent the player at the hearing. The player s parent or guardian may also attend the hearing. 3

4.10 If the player does not attend or is not represented at a hearing his or her Club or School has requested the case shall proceed and the WRU shall retain the fee of 100, and the Committee may determine to impose an additional fine on the Club. 4.11 When a hearing is requested the Secretary shall set a date for the meeting within 14 days of receipt of the request. 4.12 If the Club or School indicates that it accepts the Referees report on a player who has been sent off the Secretary in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee, but without a meeting of the Committee, shall determine the case on it s merits, undertake an assessment of the seriousness of the player s conduct that constitutes the offence and categorise the offence as being at the lower end, mid range, or top end of the scale of seriousness in order to identify the appropriate entry point on the World Rugby sanctions list and shall apply the recommended sanctions for offences in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 17. the list of sanctions appears in Appendices 1, 1a and 1b hereto. All such suspensions imposed shall be communicated to the Club or School in the same way as decisions taken by the Committee. Such decisions will be reported as matters of information to the next meeting of the Committee. 4.13 In cases where there is no reply from a player or a player s Club or School, or where a player, his or her Club or School has submitted a defence or plea in mitigation the Committee dealing with the case shall determine the case on its merits and shall apply the World Rugby List of recommended sanctions for offences, in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 17. The Committee shall undertake an assessment of the seriousness of the player s conduct that constitutes the offence and categorise the offence as being at the lower end, mid range, or top end of the scale of seriousness in order to identify the appropriate entry point on the World Rugby Sanctions list such assessment of the seriousness of the player s conduct shall be determined by reference to the following features of the offence: a. The offence was intentional, that is committed intentionally and deliberately b. The offence was reckless, that is the player knew or should have known that there was a risk of committing an act of illegal or foul play. c. The gravity of the player s action in relation to the offence. 4.14 When determining the suspension that a player shall serve a player s disciplinary record may be considered by the Committee. 4.15 Playing suspensions shall be imposed in numbers of weeks or months. 4.16 When the Committee has determined the case, and if appropriate, decided upon the sanction to impose the Secretary shall notify the player s Club or School of the Committee s decision and the term of any suspension that the player shall serve. 4.17 The Player s suspension shall commence immediately following the meeting of the Committee that makes the decision on his or her case and the player may not play rugby anywhere during the period of suspension. 4

4.18 If a player s suspension has not terminated by the end of the current playing season it shall continue until a stated date in the next playing season, unless he has been selected for a close season tour or he intends to play during the close of season in another Union. In this event the period of tour in the playing season in the visited Union and the fact that he intends to play in another Union must be taken into account in determining when the suspension shall come to an end. The playing season shall be between 1 st August and 31 st May. 4.19 Referee s reports in respect of disciplinary breaches by Club or School officials, coaches or supporters shall be forwarded by the referee to the Disciplinary Officer at the WRU Offices, if he is appointed by the WRU or by the Club or School if the referee has been appointed by the Club or School. 4.20 If a Club or School has a complaint against another Club or School on a disciplinary matter that complaint shall be made in writing to the Disciplinary Officer no later than 10 days after the incident complained of. 4.21 On receipt of a report or complaint of the nature described in paragraphs 4.19 and 4.20 the Disciplinary Officer shall determine whether the case should be dealt with. If the case is to be one dealt with by the Committee the Secretary shall deal with it in the same manner as the report on a player who has been sent off. The complainant and all parties complained of shall be invited to attend this hearing. 4.22 Where it is not appropriate to impose a playing suspension, for example in cases where a Club or School has offended or in cases where Club or School officials, or supporters of Clubs or Schools, offend the range of sanctions available to the Committee are: To issue a reprimand or warning To impose a fine on a Club, School or individual To suspend the Club, School or individual from all their activities associated with rugby To recommend to the Board of Directors of the WRU that an individual be prohibited permanently from any involvement in rugby To recommend to the Board of Directors of the WRU that a junior team be expelled from the District Junior Rugby Association, District Youth Rugby Union or Welsh Schools Union to which it is affiliated and that the team be disbanded. The level of sanction shall be a matter of discretion for the Committee in each case. 4.23 If a School or Club plays a player after that School or Club has been notified that the player has been suspended from playing and that suspension has not been served the School or Club shall be required to appear before the Committee and shall be sanctioned as the Committee deems it appropriate. 4.24 Players that are involved in a match that a referee abandons for 5

reasons of indiscipline, whether they are on the field of play or any replacements/substitutes or players who have been previously replaced or substituted, at the time of the abandonment may continue to play in matches. If he has been appointed to the match by the WRU, the referee shall report the abandonment to the Disciplinary Officer. If the referee was appointed by a Club or School that Club or School shall forward the referee s report to Disciplinary Officer. The Disciplinary Officer shall refer reports of abandoned matches to the Committee and a meeting of inquiry into the circumstances of the abandonment shall be made within 21 days of the date of the receipt of the report by the Disciplinary Officer. 4.25 The Committee shall monitor the behaviour of all Clubs and Schools throughout the season and record offences committed by players from each Club or School. Each offence by an individual shall be recorded as penalty points against the Club or School. The penalty points to be recorded, and the sanctions to be imposed on Club and Schools that accumulate the appropriate number of penalty points are set out in Appendix 1b. 4.26 The time limits established in these procedures are guidelines for the Committee and are recommended for application. However the Committee does have a discretion to deal with each case on it s merits and if the need arises may proceed with a case outside a recommended time limit. 4.27 The standard of proof in all Disciplinary cases (including those before Appeal Panels) is the balance of probabilities. 4.28 Proceedings, findings or decisions of the Committee shall not be invalidated by reason or minor defect, irregularity, omission or technicality unless such defect, irregularity, omission or technicality raises a material doubt as to the reliability of the relevant proceedings, findings or decisions. 4.29 A Person or a Club or a School whose conduct is subject of a misconduct compliant may be represented at a Disciplinary hearing by one person of their choice in addition to the representatives of the Club or School. 4.30 In circumstances which the Disciplinary Officer, after consulting with the Chairman and the Secretary of the Committee determines that an action by a person or a Club is detrimental to the best interests of the Game in an exceptional manner he may impose an interim suspension on a person or Club. That interim suspension shall remain in place until the case concerned has been heard fully by the Committee or until it is lifted by the Disciplinary Officer. 5. Temporary suspensions ( Sin Bins/ Yellow cards ) 5.1 In matches where a referee is appointed by the WRU, players who are temporarily suspended from playing for 10 minutes by the Referee, that is sin binned or yellow carded, shall be reported by the referee and that report, in the form prescribed by the WRU, should be forwarded to the Disciplinary Officer. He will forward the report to the Secretary. 5.2 The Secretary shall record each report received but shall not send this 6

report to the player s Club. 5.3 If a player has been sin binned on three occasions during the season he or she shall be suspended from playing for a week and the Secretary shall notify the player s Club of the period of suspension. 5.4 Should a player receive any further sin bins in the season he or she shall be suspended from playing for a further and for each additional similar offence the player will be suspended from playing for 2 further weeks. The Secretary shall notify the Club of the player s further period of suspension. 5.5 If a player is temporarily suspended twice in the same match and at least one of the temporary suspensions was for foul play this will constitute a sending off offence. He or she shall be sent from the field of play and shall subsequently be suspended for a period consistent with the sanctions set out in Appendix 1 for the relevant act of foul play. 5.6 If a player in a match is issued with one yellow card for a technical offence and subsequently receives a second yellow card for an act of foul play he or she shall be sent off but the appropriate sanction shall be determined by reference to the sanctions list in Appendix 1. 5.7 If a player who has been sent off reenters the field of play for whatever offence that player shall receive the suspension applicable to his/her original offence and in addition a further 3 weeks suspension for the offence of reentering the field of play. 6. Appeals 6.1 A Person or Club which has been found guilty of an offence may appeal the decision of the Committee to an Appeal panel. 6.2 The WRU shall have a right to appeal any decision of the Committee to an Appeal Panel. 6.3 Pending an appeal, a Player who has been suspended shall not be eligible to play the Game until the earlier of: a) the appeal being determined by an Appeal Panel; and b) the suspension imposed by the Committee being lifted by the Committee. 6.4 The parties to an appeal shall be entitled to make oral submissions to the Appeal Panel but ordinarily an appeal shall be by way of a review of documents only without witness evidence. The evidential assessment of the Committee at first instance should not be overturned save as in circumstances where central findings of fact made by the Committee are clearly wrong. 6.5 A de novo hearing against the decision of the Committee may be permitted if the Appeal Panel considers it to be in the interests of justice. This will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as when new evidence which was not reasonably available at the original hearing is to be adduced. Notice of Appeal 6.6 An appeal must be lodged with the Disciplinary Officer within 7 days of the date on which the decision of the Disciplinary Committee 7

has been notified to the Person or Club. 6.7 The notice of appeal shall be sent to the Disciplinary Officer in writing and must be signed by the Person or Club lodging the appeal (the Appellant ). The notice of appeal must be accompanied by a cheque of 100 (made payable to The Welsh Rugby Union Limited) which may or may not be returned and shall specify: a) the name of the Person or Club lodging the appeal; b) the decision appealed against; c) the date of the decision appealed against; and d) the specific grounds of the appeal. In cases of players, coaches and managers the appeal must be lodged on the headed paper of the Club which they represent 6.8 For the purposes of Regulation 6.6 above, the written notification of the disciplinary decision will be deemed to have been delivered: a) when it is communicated at the end of the disciplinary hearing; b) the second day after it has been sent by first class post to the Club and/or Person; or c) where written notification is served by email, on the second day after the day on which it is transmitted. 6.9 For the purposes of Regulation 6.6 above, the Notice of Appeal will be deemed to have been served: a) the second day after it has been sent by first class post by the Appellant; b) where it has been sent by fax, if it is transmitted on a business day before 4pm, on that day, or in any other case, on the business day after the day on which it is transmitted; or c) Where written notification is served by email, on the second day after the day on which it is transmitted. 6.10 In the case of any dispute in relation to the sending of a Notice of Appeal, the burden shall be on the Person making the appeal to produce evidence of posting or confirmation of transmission (as appropriate). 6.11 An appeal may only be withdrawn if the Chairman of the Appeal Panel grants his permission to such withdrawal. Composition of Appeal Panel 6.12 The Disciplinary Officer shall appoint an Appeal Panel made of three members to hear any appeal under these Disciplinary Regulations and shall designate one of those members to act as Chairman. 8

Powers of Appeal Panel 6.13 The Appeal panel has the power to: a) dismiss the appeal; b) quash a finding and any sanction imposed by the original Committee; c) remit the matter for a rehearing; d) substitute an alternative finding; e) reduce or increase the original sanction; and/or f) make such further order as it considers appropriate. Attendance of the Appeal Hearing 6.14 Where the appeal is against a decision which followed a citing or is in respect of a Code of Conduct case not arising from a player being sent off ( a citing case ), the party responsible for the complaint shall be entitled to a copy of the documents to be referred to at the appeal and shall be invited to attend the appeal hearing to prosecute the case. 6.15 A match official or referee adviser (if one was present at the relevant match) may be invited to attend the appeal hearing where there is an issue of fact to be determined and in any case where the Disciplinary Officer considers it desirable. Such attendance is not mandatory and no inference may be drawn if the match official does not attend. The hearing may proceed without such attendance. 6.16 A member of the original panel which heard the case at first instance may attend the appeal hearing as an observer. He may give evidence at the appeal hearing about the first hearing where it becomes apparent that the Appellant or any witnesses (where witness evidence has exceptionally been allowed) have changed their account of what had occurred. 6.17 A Secretary shall be appointed to the Appeal Panel and shall be in attendance and shall record the decision of the Appeal Panel. Procedure for Appeal 6.18 The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Chairman of the Appeal Panel who may give directions as to the procedure for the appeal and the evidence to be adduced in order to limit the issues to be adjudicated upon or for the more efficient determination of the hearing including, but not limited to: a) requiring that parties make written submissions in advance of the hearing; b) extending or abridging time limits; c) requiring disclosure of documents in possession of the parties; 9

d) granting an adjournment; and/or e) establishing the date, time and place of the hearing. 6.19 Where a de novo hearing is exceptionally permitted, the Appeal Panel shall have regard to, but shall be entitled to depart from, the procedure for the appeal hearing set out below: a) the body or person responsible for the citing or complaint shall call his evidence first; b) where the appeal is against a finding of fact, the evidence against the Person making the appeal shall be called first; c) the Person making the appeal may call witnesses in support of his case; d) at the discretion of the Chairman of the Appeal Panel, additional evidence may be presented by the Person making the appeal irrespective of whether or not additional evidence was available to that Person or by reasonable enquiry could have been made available to that Person at the time of the original hearing; e) the Appeal Panel shall have discretion to hear any further witnesses and to seek such other evidence as they consider will be of assistance; f) the Appeal Panel may question the Appellant or any of the witnesses; g) in cases of match official abuse, the match official may, through the Chairman of the Appeal Panel, question: i. the Person making the appeal; and ii. witnesses who have given evidence against the Person making the appeal; and h) the Appellant shall be given the right of the last word. Decision 6.20 The Appeal Panel shall consider their decision in private and shall reach a decision on a majority vote with the Chairman having the casting vote in the event of equality. 6.21 Any sanction or suspension imposed, confirmed or varied by the appeal panel shall normally commence on the day following the date of the appeal, but may be delayed to take account of the end of the season or other relevant factors, or backdated of the player has not played since the incident. 6.22 The decision of an Appeal Panel shall be final and binding upon the parties, and there shall be no further right of appeal from it. 6.23 The Appeal Panel shall deliver its decision to the parties to the appeal proceedings orally at the end of the hearing or in writing within five days after the conclusion of the hearing. 10

Costs 6.24 Whilst the Appeal Panel shall have discretion in this regard, a Person making an unsuccessful appeal will normally be required to pay the costs of the appeal which may include: 7. Codes of Conduct a) the costs of the Appeal Panel (including the cost of any independent members of the Appeal Panel); b) the travelling expenses of any match official or referee adviser that attended the appeal hearing; All Clubs and Schools, and all individuals shall comply and apply the Codes of Conduct that appear in Appendix 3. 11

Appendix 1 TAB OF RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS FOR OFFENCES WITHIN THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE Law No. 10.4(s) 10.4 (m) 10.4(s) 10.4 (m) 10.4(s) 10.4 (m) Description Verbal Abuse of Match Officials Threatening Actions or Words at Match Officials Physical Abuse of Match Officials 10.4 (a) Striking another Player with a hand, arm or fist 10.4 (a) Striking another Player with the elbow Entry point based on scale of seriousness of the player s conduct, which constitutes the offending. Lower end (), mid range (), top end () 10.4 (a) Striking with Knee 10.4 (a) Striking with head 10.4 (b) Stamping/Trampling on an Opponent 10.4 (c) Kicking an Opponent 6 weeks 1 18+ weeks 1 24 weeks 48+ weeks 24 weeks 48 weeks 96+ weeks 5 weeks 8+ weeks 5 weeks 9+ weeks 3 weeks 8 weeks 12+ weeks 4 weeks 10 weeks 16+ weeks 5 weeks 9+ weeks 4 weeks 8 weeks 12+ weeks Maximum sanction 260 weeks Life 104 weeks 12

10.4 (d) Tripping an Opponent with the foot/leg 10.4 (e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent including early or late and including the action known as the stiff arm tackle 10.4. (e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent including a tackle or attempted tackle above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders 10.4 (f) Holding, pushing or obstructing an Opponent not holding the ball, by a player who is not in possession of the ball, except in a scrum, ruck or maul 10.4(f) 10.4(k) Dangerous charging or obstructing or grabbing of Opponent without the ball, including shouldering. 10.4 (g) Dangerous charging or knocking down an Opponent with the ball, including shouldering. 10.4(h) A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without use of the arms, or without grasping a player 10.4 (i) Tackling, tapping, pushing or pulling an Opponent jumping for the ball in a lineout or in open play 4 weeks 8+ weeks 6 weeks 10+ weeks 6 weeks 10+ weeks 4 weeks 6+ weeks 5 weeks 10+ weeks 5 weeks 10+ weeks 5 weeks 10+ weeks 3 weeks 6 weeks 12+ weeks 13

10.4 (j) Lifting a Player from the ground and either dropping or driving that Player s head and/or upper body into the ground whilst the Player s feet are off the ground 10.4 (k) Causing a scrum, ruck or maul to collapse. 10.4 (m) Testicle grabbing or twisting or squeezing 10.4 (m) Biting 10.4 (m) Contact with Eye (s) or the Eye Area 4 weeks 8 weeks 12+ weeks 4 weeks 8+ weeks 1 18 weeks 24+ weeks 1 18 weeks 24+ weeks 1 18 weeks 24+ weeks 208 weeks 208 weeks 208 weeks 10.4 (m) Spitting at Players Verbal abuse of Players 10.4 (m) based on Religion, Race, Colour or National or Ethnic Origin, sexual orientation or otherwise 10.4 (m) Any other acts (not previously referred to) which are contrary to good sportsmanship 10.4 (m) Hair pulling or grabbing 4 weeks 7 weeks 11+ weeks 4 weeks 8 weeks 16+ weeks 4 weeks 7 weeks 11+ weeks 4 weeks 6+ weeks 14

Appendix 1a Recommended Sanctions for Offences by Club, Team, Officials, Parents, Spectators or Supporters on or off the playing enclosure Range of Penalties Norm Parents/ Spectators/Supporters Entering field of play 8 16 weeks 1 Abusive behaviour 8 16 weeks 1 Threatening & Abusive behaviour 12 24 months 18 months Physical abuse 2 yrs to Sine die 5 years Repeated incidents of above: 2 nd offence Double first sanction 3 rd offence Sine Die ban thereafter Club/ School Officials Entering field of play 8 36 weeks 1 Abusive behaviour 8 36 weeks 1 Threatening & Abusive behaviour 12 36 month 18 months Physical abuse 2 yrs to Sine die 5 years Repeated incidents of above: 2 nd offence Double first sanction 3 rd offence Sine Die ban thereafter If found guilty of any of these offences the Committee can order a retraining programme for those concerned Club/ School failing to submit discipline reports to the appropriate the WRU Players, teams, officials, parents or supporters brawling before, during or after any game Club/ School failing in its responsibility to prevent bad behaviour by their players, officials or supporters and/or failing to protect match officials from abusive or threatening behaviour One or more instances of offences committed by a coach Fine or other sanction at the discretion of the Committee Suspension, fine or other sanction at the discretion of the Committee Fine (without maximum), suspension or other sanction at discretion of the Committee Suspension, retraining, or other sanction at discretion of the Committee 15

Appendix 1b Sanctions on Clubs or Schools The Committee will record each offence committed by an individual associated with a Club or School and offences by Club/ School coaches or officials or supporters of the Club or spectators at the Club s ground. The penalty points to be attributed to these offences shall be: Each sending off 3 penalty points Each proven case against a Club/ School coach or official Each abandoned match (both Clubs and Schools) 3 penalty points 3 penalty points The points will be accumulated and recorded separately against: 1) The Mini and Junior section of each Club or School 2) The Youth section of each Club or School When a section of a Club or School reaches the defined penalty points threshold sanctions will be imposed as follows: Penalty points Sanctions 9 Warning letter to senior Club Secretary or School 12 Club to be fined 50 and second warning letter to senior Club Secretary or School 15 Under 19 or Junior section of Club or School suspended from playing for 2 weeks Every additional 3 points Club fined 50 and Under 19 or Junior section of Club suspended for a further 16

If a Club s Junior or Youth sections exceed an accumulated total of 15 points for two successive seasons that Club will not be allowed to run teams in that section for a season. In the 2016/2017 season the following additional sanctions will be imposed upon Clubs that have players sent off or yellow carded for offences of foul play but not technical offences or coaches reported for indiscipline: Offence Penalty Fine A Red card 50 A Yellow card (Foul Play only) 10 A coach reported for indiscipline 100 At the end of the season the number of offences at Junior and Youth level recorded against each Club will be added up and the total fine accumulated will be deducted from the WRU grant to be paid to the Club in the 2016/2017 season. 17

Appendix 2a SENDING OFF REPORT FORM FOR MINI, JUNIOR AND YOUTH RUGBY Match.. v Venue.. Date.. Weather conditions: dry/wet Ground conditions: firm/muddy Name of Player Sent Off.... Club or School.................... Nature of offence:. Law:.. Description of Incident (to include temper of game, if previous warnings given, relation of incident to phase of play e.g ruck, maul, lineout etc. provocation is seen)...... continue overleaf if required Did the incident require attention on or off the field or hospitalisation? YES/NO Referee s name WRU/District/Other (delete as appropriate) Address. Tel no... Years refereeing 1 st year/ 2 nd year/ 3 rd year/ over 3 years (delete as appropriate) Signed. Date.. To be completed by the referee and should be sent to: Peter Owens, Rugby Operations Manager, WRU, Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1NS as soon as possible after the match. Email powens@wru.co.uk/fax 029 20 822474 18

Appendix 2b SIN BIN OFFENCE REPORT FORM FOR MINI, JUNIOR AND YOUTH RUGBY Match.. v Venue.. Date.. Weather conditions: dry/wet Ground conditions: firm/muddy Name of Player Sent Off.... Club or School.................... Nature of offence:. Law:.. Description of Incident (to include temper of game, if previous warnings given, relation of incident to phase of play e.g ruck, maul, lineout etc. provocation is seen)...... continue overleaf if required Did the incident require attention on or off the field or hospitalisation? YES/NO Referee s name WRU/District/Other (delete as appropriate) Address. Tel no... Years refereeing 1 st year/ 2 nd year/ 3 rd year/ over 3 years (delete as appropriate) Signed. Date.. Codes of Conduct To be completed by the referee and should be sent to: Peter Owens, Rugby Heritage Manager, WRU, Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1NS as soon as possible after the match. Email powens@wru.co.uk 19

Appendix 3. Codes of Conduct For breaches of the Codes of Conduct the Committee may impose such penalties as it deems appropriate but subject to the provision of Articles 14 to 17 of the WRU s Memorandum and Articles of Association. In the 2016/2017 season where a breach of the codes of conduct is proved the Committee will generally penalise by the imposition of a fine. The Codes of Conduct and the Protocol for the Game are as follows: Code of Conduct for Players 1. A Player shall accept and observe the authority and decisions of match officials and shall not use crude or abusive language or gestures towards match officials or spectators. 2. A player shall not abuse, threaten or intimidate a referee, touch judge or other match official, whether on or off the field of play. 3. A Player shall not make any public criticism of any match official or any other Team Manager, Club Official or any Player, or employee of his or another Club, but he will have recourse to the complaints procedure of the Union and which procedure should be adhered to. 4. A player shall not publish or cause to be published criticism of the manner in which the Committee handled or resolved any dispute or disciplinary matter arising from a breach of the Bye Laws, Regulations or Laws of the Game. 5. A player shall not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the ground of their religion, race, colour or national or ethnic origin. 6. A Player shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing. 7. A player shall not commit a Doping Offence as defined in World Rugby Regulation 21. 8. A Player shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of Rugby Union Football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute. Code of Conduct for Coaches/Team Managers/Club Officials 1. A Coach/Team Manager/Club Official shall comply with the Laws of the Game, the Regulations of the WRU, the Rules of any Competition in which his club participates and his Club Rules. The Coach/Team Manager/Club official shall not encourage or incite any person (including other employees of his Club) to act in breach of the same but shall take all possible steps to ensure that they comply with them. 20

2. A Coach/Team Manager/Club official shall use best endeavours to ensure that there is in force at his Club a fair and effective disciplinary policy applicable to Players and other employees under his control and that it is applied consistently. 3. A Coach/Team Manager/Club Official shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that Players and/or other employees under his control accept and observe the authority and decisions of match officials. 4. A Coach/Team Manager/Club Official shall not make any public criticism of any match official or any other Coach, Team Manager, Club Official or any Player, and/or employee of his or another Club but he will have recourse to the complaints procedure of the Union and which procedure should be adhered to. 5. A Coach/Team Manager/Club Official shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing. 6. A Coach/Team Manager/Club Official shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of Rugby Union Football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute. Code of Conduct for Match Officials 1. A Match Official shall not make any public criticism of any other match official or any Team Manager, Club Official or Player of any Club, but he will have recourse to the complaints procedure of the Union and which procedure should be adhered to. 2. A Match Official shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing. 3. A Match Official shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of Rugby Union Football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute. 4. A Match Official shall attain, and subsequently maintain, a level of fitness to the standards set by the WRU. 5. Match Officials will endeavour to apply the Laws of the Game fairly and to an agreed interpretation as specified by the WRU and to provide the style of play as determined by the WRU. 6. Match Officials must wear the agreed kit and adhere to any sponsorship agreement as determined by the WRU. 7. Match Officials are expected to attend disciplinary hearings involving them personally whenever possible. The reason for nonattendance must be given to the Secretary in advance of the hearing. 8. Match Officials are expected, whenever practicable, to attend all training sessions arranged by the WRU. The same would apply should these training sessions be incorporated into monthly District Match Official meetings. 21

Code of Conduct for Referee Advisors 1. An Advisor shall not make any public criticism of any other match official or any Team Manager, Club Official or Player of any Club, but he will have recourse to the complaints procedure of the Union and which procedure should be adhered to. 2. An Advisor shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing. 3. An Advisor shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of Rugby Union Football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute. Code of Conduct for Spectators 1. Spectators at Under 19 matches must uphold the best traditions of Welsh rugby and at all times exhibit the highest standards of good behaviour. 2. Spectators must not enter onto the field of play immediately before, during or immediately after a match. Clubs are required to provide a barrier, either permanent or temporary, and spectators must stay away from the touchline and behind this barrier at all times. 3. Spectators must not at any time throw objects onto the field of play. 4. While applause and vocal support from spectators will be welcome spectators must encourage players not decry them. 5. Spectators supporting one team must not be abusive to the players or officials of the opposing team. It is vital that spectators respect the players of both teams. 6. Spectators must not verbally or physically abuse Referees or other match officials before, during or after a match. The Referee s contribution to all matches is vital. Without referees there can be no match. 7. After a match spectators must respect the players and officials of both teams and not under any circumstances approach them in anything other than a sporting and friendly manner. 8. Spectators must not approach a Referee or any other match official after the match to discuss the events of the match. 22

Appendix 3 cont. Protocol for Games in Wales Before the Game. 1. Clubs are responsible for notifying match officials of the date, venue, kickoff time and team colours at least 72 hours before the game. 2. Match officials will arrive at the ground at least 60 minutes before kick off and Clubs should make their arrangements based on this. Failure to notify a match official of a postponement prior to his arrival at the ground, may result in the home Club having to reimburse the referee s travel costs. 3. Clubs are responsible for the safety of match officials during the time that they are at the Club in question. Where possible a referee liaison person should be appointed by the home Club to be responsible for the match officials. 4. Match officials will be available up to 30 minutes prior to kickoff to club captains and coaches for discussions regarding laws, kit, etc. 5. Access to the match officials dressing room is restricted to persons who have a legitimate reason for seeing them. 6. Clubs will submit their team sheet and replacements to the Match Official before taking the field for kick off, indicating the replacement front row players. Once this has been submitted no changes should be made without the permission of the Match Official. The team sheet must identify any player(s) on permit, dual registration and/ or loan and their parent Club. 7. A Player may not receive local anaesthetic on Match day unless it is for the suturing of bleeding wounds or for dental treatment administered by an appropriately qualified medical or dental practitioner. (World Rugby Reg 10.2.1) 8. The Match Official will ensure that the two captains are available to toss up prior to taking the field before kick off. Stud and padding inspection will take place immediately following the toss up. 9. The match balls should be available for inspection by the match officials a minimum of 15 minutes prior to kick off. 10. The home club shall be responsible for ensuring that the playing area/enclosure is fit to play on and is free of all materials/substances that would prevent the game starting at the allocated time e.g. broken glass, animal droppings, etc. 11. The playing enclosure must be roped off. 23

During the Game. 12. Clubs must restrict entry to the playing enclosure to all but players, match officials, ball boys, replacements when required, one coach, one water carrier, two medical support staff, and where necessary, television personnel 13. Coaching staff must remain within the confines of their own 10m line and halfway line throughout the match. At no time will they be allowed to move along the touchline. Medical staff will be allowed to enter the playing enclosure to treat injured players or to supply drinks in the agreed manner. Replacements will only be allowed to enter the playing enclosure when warming up and also when nominated to participate in the match. 14. Clubs will provide an area clearly indicated for medical support personnel and coaches. Clubs will provide a seated area for replacements on the same side of the ground, where applicable under the control of the fourth match official. 15. Replacements, where possible will remain seated at all times during the match unless they are warming up in the agreed area or are going onto the playing area as a replacement. Where no seating is available replacements must remain outside the playing enclosure. 16. Prior to kick off, depending on the ground, an agreed warm up area will be designated following consultation between the clubs and the match officials. 17. Replacements will only enter the field of play at the half way line after the player being replaced has left the field. Replacements will only be allowed during a stoppage of play and when the Match Official has clearly signalled the replacement. 18. Drinks will be permitted during a stoppage in play. Drinks must not be taken on following the awarding of a penalty. 19. Throughout the game, Clubs must ensure that spectators are not allowed to molest, or otherwise attempt to interfere with or intimidate or verbally/ physically abuse match officials (see Article 14 re available Sanctions) 20. Where match officials leave the field at half time, Clubs must ensure that there is no entry to their dressing room during that period by any player, coach, administrator or spectator. After the Game 21. At the end of the game Clubs should ensure that match officials are not harassed by players, coaches, club officials or spectators and are escorted safely to their dressing room. 24

22. There should be no unauthorised entry to the match officials dressing room area after the end of the match. Players, coaches and club officials should not attempt to enter this area unless with the express permission of the match officials. 23. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that match officials leave the clubhouse and ground safely without any harassment from players, coaches, club officials or spectators. 25