wellington rugby football union (inc.)
TRANSCRIPT
Wellington Rugby
Football Union (Inc.)
BY-LAWS
Effective February 2017
Updated March 2018 Updated February 2019
Updated March 2019 Updated March 2020 Updated June 2020
Updated 5 April 2021 Updated 13 April 2021
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A – PRELIMINARY ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 . BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF BY-LAWS ....................................................................................................................................... 3 2 . DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION ................................................................................................................................................. 7
SECTION B – WRFU CLUB COMPETITION ................................................................................................................................... 8
3 . RULES, GRADES AND ENTRY .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 4 . CONDUCT OF MATCHES .............................................................................................................................................................. 10 5 . DEFAULTS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 6 . STANDINGS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17 7 . TROPHIES ................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
8 . PLAYER ELIGIBILITY .................................................................................................................................................................... 21 9 . AMATEUR CODE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26 10 . OTHER DISQUALIFIED PERSONS ................................................................................................................................................ 29
SECTION D – BREACHES, PENALTIES, DISPUTES AND APPEALS ................................................................................................. 30
11 . PROVISIONS RELATING TO BREACHES OF THESE BY-LAWS .............................................................................................................. 30 12 . COMPLAINTS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN CLUBS ............................................................................................................................... 32 13 . COMPLAINTS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN CLUBS ............................................................................................................................... 33 14 . APPEALS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 35
SECTION E – OTHER ................................................................................................................................................................. 37
15 . MEMBERS GENERAL MEETINGS AND INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 37 16 . MATCHES WHICH ARE NOT WRFU CC MATCHES ........................................................................................................................ 38
SCHEDULE 1 – WRFU FORMS ................................................................................................................................................... 39
SCHEDULE 2 - TIME PERIODS ................................................................................................................................................... 47
SCHEDULE 3 – WRFU TROPHIES ............................................................................................................................................... 49
SCHEDULE 4 - PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF BY-LAWS ............................................................................................................ 51
SECTION A – PRELIMINARY
1 . Background and Purpose of By-Laws
Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU)
1.1 WRFU is an incorporated society established to foster, encourage and control the game of rugby within the
Wellington Rugby Province. The members of WRFU are its member Clubs, Wellington Rugby Referees
Association (WRRA), Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby Union (WSSRU) and Junior Rugby Advisory Board
(JRAB).
Where does WRFU fit in the Rugby Hierarchy?
1.2 WRFU is part of the rugby hierarchy which includes the following levels: World Rugby (WR), national unions
(New Zealand Rugby Union (NZR)), provincial unions, Clubs and individual participants. WRFU is a member of
the NZRU which in turn is a member of WR.
1.3 To ensure overall consistency, each level of the rugby hierarchy is required to follow the rules required by the
body which is immediately above it. Rugby participants in Wellington must therefore follow the rules of their
Club, Schools Union or Referees association. The WRFU then requires those bodies and their members to
follow its rules and so on.
Who has Responsibility for Club, School and Junior Rugby?
1.4 WRFU is governed by a Board of Directors which has overall responsibility for development and management
of rugby in Wellington. WRFU also has a Rugby Board (in effect a council of delegates of WRFU members and
some others) to which the Board of Directors have delegated all matters relating:
a) to the playing and development of Club, school and junior rugby; and
b) all representative rugby below representative B level.
1.5 In turn, the Rugby Board has delegated to:
a) WSSRU: responsibility for the secondary school’s competition and all other matters relating to it except
for disciplinary procedures which are dealt with by the WRFU Disciplinary Committee (see By-Law 13);
b) The JRAB Subcommittee: responsibility for all aspects of junior rugby competitions, including club,
primary school, primary school zone representative rugby and all other matters relating to it except for
an appeal on a disciplinary matter (see By-law 14);
c) WRRA: responsibility for club, school and junior rugby Refereeing.
The bodies recorded above have adopted their own rules relating to their areas of responsibility.
What are By-Laws?
1.6 These By-Laws are the specific rules developed by the Rugby Board (and approved by the Board of Directors) to deal
with operational and day to day matters primarily relating to Clubs and Club rugby, but also dealing with aspects of
representative, school, junior and other rugby.
4
What about Representative Rugby?
1.7 These By-Laws apply to all representative matches held within the WRFU boundaries where NZRU does not
have jurisdiction (e.g. NZRU has jurisdiction for Provincial Senior "A" Rugby) but:
d) Each By-Law only applies to the extent that it is relevant (as determined by WRFU at any time); and
e) if a By-Law is relevant then it is deemed to be read with appropriate changes so that the specific By-Law
is appropriately applied to a representative rugby situation; and
f) WR’s "The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union" apply except as otherwise required by the NZRU Domestic
Safety Laws.
Who do these By-Laws apply to?
These By-Laws apply to all WRFU Members and to their respective members and anyone who participates in
competitions, teams or activities organised, recognised or sanctioned by WRFU.
Where do I look to obtain information about rugby By-Laws and processes?
1.8 WRFU
a) Constitution
b) By-Laws (including competition rules, WRFU time periods, WRFU forms)
c) Participation Agreement (an annual agreement between Clubs and WRFU)
d) Club Rugby Sub Committee Policies and Procedures
e) WRFU website www.WRFU.co.nz and also individual Club websites.
f) WRRA Rules and website www.wrra.org.nz
g) WSSRU Handbook – website www.collegesport.org.nz
h) WRFU Code of Conduct – http://www.WRFU.co.nz/fileadmin/Senior_Rugby/WRFU-code-of- conduct.pdf
i) JRAB Convenors Manual
j) WRFU Junior Rugby By-Laws
1.9 New Zealand Rugby
a) NZR Domestic Competitions Manual
b) NZR Domestic Safety Laws
c) Small Blacks Development Model Laws
NZR Black Book (Rules for Disciplinary Procedures) – www.WRFU.co.nz/senior/forms- documents/disciplinary/
Website - www.nzru.co.nz
5
1.10 World Rugby
a) The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union
Regulations - www.worldrugby.org/documents/handbook
b) Website – www.worldrugby.com
Purpose of By-Laws: Practical Rules, Forms and Time Periods
1.11 The overall intent of these By-Laws is to provide practical rules, forms and time periods to facilitate the effective
rugby operations of WRFU with and among its Members and all participants to foster safe, fair and enjoyable rugby
experiences for all participants. To support this overall intent Members and all participants are required to adhere
to the By-Laws with the spirit of the game in mind. Members and all participants are expected to display honesty
and integrity at all times in promoting the true values of the amateur game.
1.12 To enable the rules, forms and time periods to operate efficiently, it is necessary for WRFU, Clubs, schools, and
other persons involved in the game in Wellington to be familiar with the By-Laws including what the By-Laws
require of them and how, to whom and at what times they are required to communicate with each other.
Who has a role in these By-Laws?
1.13 The bodies or persons that have a role in the operation of the By-Laws primarily includes but is not limited to:
a) Board of Directors – approves any changes to By-Laws – meets regularly.
b) Rugby Board – responsible for Club, School and Junior Rugby - meets regularly.
c) Club Rugby Subcommittee of Rugby Board (CRSC) – meets regularly and as required to deal with all Senior Club
rugby issues on behalf of the Rugby Board
d) Premier Status Eligibility Committee (PSEC) – consists of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Rugby
Board, the Chairperson of the CRSC, and the Community Rugby Manager.
e) WRFU Executive – operates through various WRFU staff and volunteers under the control of the Chief Executive
including:
• WRFU Competitions Administrator (CA) – the primary contact for Senior Club Rugby whose role
includes, in conjunction with CRSC to formulate match draws and venues, to liaise with WRRA for
Referees appointments, to assist the CRSC and to co-ordinate the operation of judicial and disciplinary
matters;
• WRFU Junior & Representative Rugby Administrator – the primary contact for the administration of
WRFU Junior rugby and all WRFU amateur representative rugby;
• Head of Community Rugby (CRM) – the Manager of WRFU Club, School, and Amateur Representative
rugby;
• WRFU Club Capability Manager (CCM) – the person responsible for Club governance, and Club
development;
f) Club Officials – Club Captain, Secretary, Chairman and Delegate.
6
g) WRRA Executive – Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Delegate.
h) JRAB – Chairperson, 3 elected club members, 4 appointed members including schools representative and WRFU
JRA.
i) WSSRU – Chairman, Secretary.
j) WRFU Disciplinary Committee - Chairperson.
k) WRFU Appeal Committee – Chairperson.
How do these persons communicate with each other in respect of these By-Laws?
1.14 All persons who have a role in these By-laws are urged (in addition to complying with any specific By- Law process)
to meet with, or to use the telephone in dealing with, other persons as those are often the most immediate and
personable ways of commencing and progressing the various requirements of the By-laws.
Where any WRFU form, notice or other written information is required by the By-Laws, then it must be
communicated to the WRFU CA, or as otherwise required by these By-Laws.
1.15 Where the WRFU, WRFU executive, Rugby Board, Board of Directors or any of their respective subcommittees or
personnel is required by these By-Laws to communicate any information, then it shall be by such communication
methods as determined by WRFU.
1.16 Where a Club or other Member is required by these By-Laws to communicate any WRFU form, notice or other
written information to another Club or to the WRFU or to any other party, then it shall be undertaken by such
communication methods as required by these By-Laws and in the absence of such requirement, then as may be
required by the WRFU.
Who Acts on Behalf of WRFU?
1.17 The WRFU may act in respect of these By-Laws through the WRFU executive and/or through the Board of Directors
and/or the Rugby Board and their respective subcommittees as it so determines. A requirement of any of them is
binding on Members (subject to any applicable appeal process).
7
2 . Definitions and Interpretation
2.1 “Club” means any club that is a member of WRFU.
2.2 "Disciplinary Committee" means the Disciplinary Committee of WRFU.
2.3 Junior Club Rugby means all rugby played at the Under 13 level and below.
2.4 “Match” includes all WRFU CC Matches, and all non-WRFU CC Matches which occur within WRFU boundaries and
which involve a Club or a WRFU representative team.
2.5 "Member" means a member of WRFU.
2.6 “Overseas Player” see By-Law 8
2.7 “Premier Status Club” means a Club that has been granted Premier Status by the PSEC for that WRFU season.
2.8 "Referee" includes a substitute Referee.
2.9 “Senior Club Rugby” means all rugby played at the Under 19 level and above.
2.10 "WR", "NZRU", “WRFU”, "WSSRU", "JRAB", "WRRA", "CRSC", “CA”, “CRM”, "CCM" and “PSEC” are abbreviations for
the full name of each such body or person set out in By-Law 1.
2.11 “WRFU CC Match” means a match which is part of a WRFU Club Competition.
2.12 "WRFU Season" means the period commencing on 1 October of each year and expiring on 30 September of the
following year.
2.13 Additional abbreviations or definitions also appear in these By-Laws including:
a) WRFU CC which means WRFU Club Competition (By-Law 3.1).
b) Financial Reward (By-Law 9).
c) Levels (By-Law 8.11)
d) Grade Hierarchy (By-Law 8.11).
2.14 Unless a contrary intention is recorded, all words and expressions used in these By-Laws have the same meanings
given to them (if any) in the WRFU Constitution.
2.15 Any difference of opinion as to the meaning of these By-Laws shall be decided by the Rugby Board which shall notify
all Clubs (and others as deemed appropriate by the Rugby Board) of the decision. The decision shall be recorded in
the Minutes of a Rugby Board meeting and (subject to the right of appeal) shall be the true meaning unless
otherwise determined by the Rugby Board.
2.16 Where examples are given or where the words “including” are used, this is to assist interpretation, and the
examples and/or circumstances are not limited to the examples and/or circumstances recorded.
8
SECTION B – WRFU CLUB COMPETITION
3 . Rules, Grades and Entry
3.1 WRFU organises, controls and is responsible for all aspects of WRFU Club Competition (WRFU CC) and any other
WRFU tournaments, competitions or matches for which it takes responsibility. Its role includes but is not limited to:
a) Establishing and applying the Rules (including those for disputes, penalties and disciplinary procedures);
b) Providing administration and other resources as it determines;
c) Deciding eligibility to participate;
d) Keeping Members and others informed.
3.2 Matches in all Grades are played under WR’s "The Laws of The Game of Rugby Union" as varied by the NZRU
Domestic Safety Laws and with the following additional changes:
a) Scrums are always non-competitive in the Presidents (Over 30s) Grade;
b) Scrums may be uncontested in Under 21 B (Division Two), should a team not have the required front row
players
c) The number and qualification of players and replacements is set out in By-Law 4.4.
3.3 By 28 February each year, clubs should return a signed copy of the Club Rugby Participation Agreement along with
any required material.
3.4 A Club cannot have more than one team in the Premier Men’s Grade (Swindale Shield, Jubilee Cup, Hardham Cup)
or Premier 2 Men’s Grade (Harper Lock Shield, Ed Chaney Cup), unless so determined by the Rugby Board.
3.5 WRFU may divide any grade and/or any division into sections and may (subject to By-Law 3.4) determine the
composition of the number of teams within any grade, division and section.
3.6 A Club may participate in the WRFU CC in accordance with these By-Laws, and must ensure that its members are
aware of and comply with these By-Laws.
3.7 Each year a Club must forward to the WRFU a WRFU Grade Entry Form (WRFU Form 1) covering the grades in which
it seeks to enter teams and this must be done at least 7 days before the start of the WRFU Season. The CRSC has full
discretion as to whether it will accept late entries, and will work with Clubs in order to maximise the teams involved
in WRFU CC.
Club Playing Colours
3.8 The playing colours of each Club must be registered with WRFU and any changes to these must be approved by the
Rugby Board before use. New Clubs must have their proposed playing colours approved by the Rugby Board.
Team Names (Sponsorship)
3.9 A Club may, with the prior approval of the WRFU Executive, include the name of one sponsor in the title used for
one or more of that Club’s teams. A sponsor’s name must follow the name of the Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a
Club may have different sponsors for different teams within the Club.
9
Other Matches
3.10 For sevens and ten-a-aside Matches, and additional information about Matches that are not WRFU CC Matches, see
By-Law 16.
Eligibility for Premier Status
3.11 To be eligible to play in Premier Men or Premier 2 Men’s grade, Clubs must meet the criteria as set out by the Club
Participation Agreement as determined by the PSEC. Clubs must meet the criteria for the entire WRFU season. This
will be provisionally assessed by the PSEC.
3.12 If the PSEC provisionally assesses that a Club does not meet the criteria it must notify the Club of that assessment. If
within 7 days of being notified of that provisional assessment, the Club notifies WRFU in writing that it disputes the
provisional assessment, the PSEC will conduct a hearing to hear the Club on this matter. The Club in question will be
invited to attend and make submissions and the PSEC may involve other persons or Clubs as it sees fit. The PSEC will
then determine the eligibility of Clubs for Premier Status. The final decision can be appealed as if it were a decision
of the Rugby Board, see By- Laws 14.3(c) and 14.4.
3.13 If the PSEC provisionally assesses that a Club has failed or may have failed to adhere to the Premier Status Eligibility
Criteria, the PSEC will notify the Club and conduct a hearing to determine the matter and any penalty in accordance
with By-Law 11.5. The Club in question will be invited to attend and make submissions, and the PSEC may involve
other persons or Clubs as it sees fit.
3.14 The PSEC shall determine its own rules and processes.
10
4 . Conduct of Matches
4.1 WRFU organises, controls and is responsible for all aspects of WRFU Club Competition (WRFU CC) and any other
WRFU tournaments, competitions or matches for which it takes responsibility. Its role includes but is not limited to:
Referees
4.2 The WRRA appoints Referees under the jurisdiction of the WRFU. The WRRA shall notify Clubs of such Referee
appointments.
Where the Referee does not report to fulfil his or her appointment, or there has been no appointment of a Referee
for that Match, the respective team captains must endeavour to agree upon a substitute Referee who must have
completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the respective team captains fail to agree, the home
team appoints a Referee who must have completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the appointed
Referee arrives, he or she shall replace the substitute Referee.
If the Referee is unable to complete the Match the Referee’s replacement is appointed according to the instructions
of the CA. If the CA has given no instructions, the Referee appoints a replacement who must have completed an
Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the Referee cannot do so, the home team appoints a replacement
who must have completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course.
If no qualified Referee is available, then By-Law 4.3 applies. All relevant information relating to any situation
covered by By-Law 4.2 must be notified to the WRFU Competitions Administrator within 48 hours.
In accordance with NZR National Rugby Policy 2 (RugbySmart Safety Course for Referees and Coaches) a referee
who has not completed the RugbySmart course in a calendar year must not be appointed to any WRFU CC Match in
that same year.
Match Not Played
4.3 If a WRFU CC Match is not played because there was no Referee or for any other reason (other than a default for
the consequences of which see By-Law 5) or to the extent provided by By-Law 4.11, both teams may be given the
option to play that match at an agreed date and time, with home ground advantage being as per the original draw
where possible, but the WRFU will have final say on the venue. If the teams are given the option to play, that match
must be played before the end of the round or the commencement of semi-finals or finals. Should the teams not be
given the option to play, or be unable to agree on a date and time for that match, then both teams will be allocated
three WRFU CC points for that match and no other points are awarded to either team.
11
Number and Qualification of Players and Replacements (Designated Premier Grades)
4.4 The number and qualification of players and replacements for a Match is as set out in WR’s "The Laws of the Game
of Rugby Union" except as varied by the NZR Domestic Safety Laws and/or by the following WRFU requirements:
The minimum numbers of players and front row players to start a Match is as follows:
a) If either team contesting a Match that is not a WRFU CC Match does not have the minimum required
numbers to start the Match, the Match may be played with less than the minimum, provided both teams and
the appointed Referee agree to do so.
b) If either team contesting a Match that is not a WRFU CC Match does not have the required number front row
players, the Match may be played with uncontested scrums provided both teams and the appointed Referee
agree to do so. At no stage should the Match revert to contested scrums.
c) Subject to 4.4(a) and 4.4(b) a failure to comply with By-Law 4.4 means the Match cannot start and By-
Law 4.6 applies.
Number and Qualification of Players and Replacements (Game On Grades)
4.5 The number and qualification of players and replacements for a Match is as set out in WR’s "The Laws of the Game
of Rugby Union" except as varied by the NZR Domestic Safety Laws and/or by the following WRFU requirements:
a) The minimum numbers of players and front row players to start a Match without using the Game On provisions
is as follows:
Grade
Minimum Players To Start
the Match
The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines The Required Number of Front Row Players
Premier Women
15 15-20 THREE
21 FOUR
22 FIVE Under 21
Under 85kg
Reserve Grade 12
12-20 THREE
21 FOUR
22 FIVE
Presidents (Over 30s) No Front Row Requirements as Scrums are Uncontested
Grade Minimum Players To Start the Match
The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines The Required Number of Front Row Players
Premier Men 18 18,19,20,21, or 22
FIVE
Premier 2 Men 15 15-20 THREE
21 FOUR
22 FIVE
12
b) If the minimum numbers of players and/or front row players to start a Match in the above table cannot be met,
the game may proceed under Game On provisions as set out in clause c below:
Grade Minimum Players
To Start the Match The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines
The Required Number of Front Row Players
Premier Women
10
Subject to availability of a minimum of three players trained to
play in front row positions to start in each team, the match will
commence with contested scrums, but for the avoidance of doubt
will revert to uncontested scrums if any of those trained players
leave the field
Under 21
Under 85kg
Reserve Grade
Presidents (Over 30s) No Front Row Requirements as Scrums are Uncontested
c) In the event that a team is unable to meet the minimum playing numbers and/or required number of front
row players the match may proceed under the Game On protocol as set-out below:
i. Team management are to liaise with the referee before commencement of the match to agree on
the following Game On provisions; Team Size, Match Length, Contested or Uncontested Scrums and
Scrum Formation. Once decided on by team management and the referee prior to kick-off, Game
On provisions will not change at any time during the match.
ii. Any matches played under the Game On provisions must be played with rolling substitutions.
iii. If no agreement is reached between team management and the referee, the match is to revert to
the following defaults:
o Team Size: The playing numbers are to match the team with the fewest players (but no
less than 10)
o Contested or Uncontested Scrums: Subject to availability of a minimum of three players
trained to play in front row positions to start in each team, the match will commence
with contested scrums, but for the avoidance of doubt will revert to uncontested scrums
if any of those trained players leave the field.
o Scrum formation: Based on the team size as follows:
• 10/11 a-side: 3-2 formation, i.e. no loose forwards
• 12/13 a-side: 3-2-1 formation, i.e. no flankers
• 14 a-side: 3-4 formation, i.e. no No. 8
• 15 a-side: normal 3-4-1 formation
o Length of match: Match duration will be based on the team size as follows:
• 10-a-side: 2 x 20 min halves, 40 min max.
• 11-a-side: 2 x 25 min halves, 50 min max.
13
• 12-a-side: 2 x 30 min halves, 60 min max.
• 13/14-a-side: 2 x 35 min halves, 70 min max.
• 15-a-side: 2 x 40 min halves, 80 min max.
iv. Failure to comply with By-Law 4.5 means the Match cannot start and By-Law 4.6 applies
Commencement Times
4.6 A WRFU CC Match must commence at the start time allocated by WRFU for that match.
A WRFU CC Match may not proceed where one or both teams do not meet the requirements as set out in By-Law
4.4 or 4.5.
If play has not commenced within twenty minutes of the allocated start time because one or more teams is in
breach of By-Law 4.4 or 4.5 the Referee must declare the team(s) which is unable or unwilling to proceed to have
lost by default. After this time, a friendly Match (i.e. not a WRFU CC Match) may proceed if both teams and the
appointed referee agree.
4.7 All teams must play in the playing colours as approved by Rugby Board for that Club. Approval may also be given by
WRFU for a Club team (e.g. a Presidents (Over 30s) Grade team) to play in a variation of the Club playing colours but
only on application by that Club. The Referee may order from the field of play any player not conforming with this
By-Law unless a player or team has a dispensation from WRFU, in which case the WRFU when issuing the
dispensation must send a copy to the WRRA.
Provision of Ball
4.8 In every WRFU CC Match each of the teams must provide a ball. WRFU may regulate the type and/or brand of ball.
WRFU Electronic Team Sheet and Result Submissions
4.9 Before the commencement of every WRFU CC Match, the Manager (or their nominee) of each team must allocate
their match day players to a position. For all grades other than Presidents (Over 30s), the Manager (or their
nominee) must submit the result within 1 hour of the completion of the match within the NZR MyRugby mobile app.
4.10 Should there be a breach of By-Law 4.9, in any grade other than Presidents (Over 30s), the CA must:
a) First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
b) Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
c) Third and further offence(s): removal of two WRFU CC points from the offending team.
If both teams fail to comply, the teams will be subjected to a penalty as per By-Law 4.10, the match shall be
recorded as abandoned and both teams shall be allocated no WRFU CC points.
4.11 Team Managers (or their nominee) are required to use the MyRugby app to record points scored, the scorers of
points, injuries and any cards issued by the referee throughout the match. It is the responsibility of the Manager (or
their appointed nominee) to ensure that the score and details of the game are recorded accurately. Penalties apply
for failure to comply with this by-law as set out in Schedule 4.
14
4.12 Any failure to submit team sheets under By-Law 4.9 will be taken into consideration by the CRSC or subcommittees
of the Rugby Board when determining any applications under By-Law 8.
Abandonment of Games
4.13 In consultation with the CA (if reasonably practicable to do so), the Referee may abandon a Match if the Referee
decides the ground or weather conditions are unfit for play or for any other safety reason (including as a
consequence of a serious injury being sustained). If the abandonment for such reason occurs before
commencement of the second half, then it will be covered by By-Law 4.3. If it occurs after that time, the score at
such time is the final score of the Match. For a Match called off for bad conduct see By-law 13.7.
WRFU Safety Regulations
4.14 Members must comply with the WRFU Club Rugby Subcommittee Policies and Procedures and in the case of an
injury in any Match must complete a WRFU Injury Form (WRFU Form 6). Any serious injury categorised as below
must be reported to the Head of Community Rugby immediately:
• A head or spinal injury that results in the player being admitted to hospital
• An injury or event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the death of a player during match play or rugby training
• An injury that is expected to result in some permanently disability (e.g. loss of use of a limb, loss of an eye)
Mandatory Coaching Accreditation
4.15 In accordance with NZR National Rugby Policy 2 (RugbySmart Safety Course for Referees and Coaches) all coaches
and referees of U14 level rugby and above, including assistant coaches, position specific coaches and technical
assistants must attend a RugbySmart coaching course prior to the commencement of their team’s first competition
Matches in that year.
Failure to attend the course will see the person stood down from all coaching activity until they have completed the
course.
The coach’s team will also be withdrawn from WRFU CC or school or representative competition if any of its coaches
fail to attend RugbySmart prior to the WRFU CC or school or representative competition commencing, until such
time as the requirement has been fulfilled.
Filming of Matches
4.16 All Premier Men’s matches must be filmed in full by the home team. For the avoidance of doubt, and in instances
where matches are played on ‘neutral’ venues the home team is the team listed first on the draw.
4.17 All Premier Men’s matches must be uploaded to the WRFU provided online storage facility within 48 hours of the
match finishing.
4.18 Should there be a breach of By-law 4.16 or 4.17 the CA must:
a) First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
b) Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
c) Third and further offence(s): remove two (2) WRFU CC points from the Premier Men’s team
15
5 . Defaults
5.1 Premier Status Clubs must not default a WRFU CC Match in the following grades: Premier Men and Premier 2 Men.
a) Should breach of this By-Law 5.1 occur in the first round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
i. may deem the breaching Club’s Premier Men’s side ineligible to play in the Jubilee Cup; and
ii. must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has already defaulted a
WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of five WRFU CC points from that team; and
iii. may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier Men’s team (unless the Premier team
was the defaulting team); and
iv. may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
b) Should breach of this by-Law 5.1 occur in the second round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
i. must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has already defaulted a
WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of five WRFU CC points from that team; and
ii. may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier Men’s team (unless the Premier
Men’s team was the defaulting team); and
iii. may deem the breaching Club’s Premier Men’s team ineligible for play-offs; and
iv. may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
c) Should a Premier Status Club default in a Premier Men’s grade WRFU CC Match, the Club will not be eligible for
Premier Status in the following WRFU Season, and each of that Club’s Premier 2 Men’s team and top Under 21
team will lose two WRFU CC points.
If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC) determines that there are special circumstances that partly or
fully excuse the default, the penalty may be reduced or waived.
5.2 If a team (including a team which is dealt with under By-law 5.1) loses a WRFU CC Match by default, (and default
includes but is not limited to the failure by a team to comply with By-Laws 4.4 or 4.5) a win and five WRFU CC points
are recorded to its opponents. The defaulting team receives no WRFU CC points. No points for and against for the
match are allocated except in the tie breaker situations referred to in By-Law 6.3.
5.3 Should a team (including a team which is dealt with under By-law 5.1) lose a WRFU CC Match by default (default
includes but is not limited to the failure by a team to comply with By-Laws 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 or 4.7) the CA must:
d) First offence: removal of two WRFU CC points
e) Subsequent offences: removal of five WRFU CC points
f) Failure to notify of a default at all (i.e. a no-show): removal of five WRFU CC points for the first and
subsequent occasions in a WRFU season.
In the event of a default, the Club Captain of a team in any WRFU CC Match (including a team referred to in By-
law 5.1) must notify the CRA and the Club Captain of the Club against which it is drawn to play.
16
5.4 If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC in relation to a default by a Premier Status Club’s Premier Men’s,
Premier 2 Men’s or Under 21 team, or acting through and by the CRSC for all other defaults) determine that there
are special circumstances that partly or fully excuse the default, the penalty may be reduced or waived.
5.5 Should any team default two WRFU CC Matches in succession, or three at intervals during a WRFU Season, it is
deemed to have withdrawn from the grade in which it is entered unless the Rugby Board (acting through and by the
CRSC , or through and by the PSEC if the default is by a Premier Status Club’s Premier Men, Premier 2 Men or Under
21 team) determines otherwise, and any WRFU CC Matches it may have played shall not be counted in that WRFU
CC round.
5.6 A Club's team may incur penalties under each of By-laws 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 (as may be applicable) for any one
match default.
5.7 Should a team apply to the PSEC or the CRSC (as appropriate) for reduction or waiver of a penalty under By-Law 5.1
and/or 5.3, the PSEC or the CRSC will hold a hearing to determine the matter. All Clubs with a team in that same
grade should (if appropriate) be invited to attend and/or make written submissions. The PSEC and the CRSC shall
otherwise determine their own rules and processes.
5.8 See also By-laws 11.10 and 11.11.
17
6 . Standings
WRFU Club Competition Points (WRFU CC points)
6.1 WRFU CC points shall be awarded in all WRFU CC Matches (unless the match is played under Game On provisions)
on the basis of four WRFU CC points for a win, two for a draw, one for the losing team within seven points or less of
the opponents’ score and one WRFU CC bonus point for a team(s) that scores four or more tries.
6.2 Should a WRFU CC Match be played under Game On provisions, the team(s) that are unable to meet the minimum player
numbers and/or required front row players will be limited to half the WRFU CC points issued in By-Law 6.1. This excludes
the one WRFU CC bonus point for the losing team within seven points or less of the opponents’ score and one WRFU CC
bonus point for a team(s) that score four or more tries.
6.3 Subject to By-Laws 6.7 and 6.8, the team scoring the greatest number of WRFU CC points shall be deemed to be the
winner of the grade or grade division unless play-offs are played.
6.4 For the purposes of determining points for and points against in this By-Law, if a team has been defaulted against in
the relevant round of WRFU CC, that team will be awarded an average points for, and points against tally for the
defaulted WRFU CC Match. This average will be calculated using the average points scored against, and conceded
to, the defaulting team by all other teams in the same round of WRFU CC.
Determination of Winners in Semi-Finals
6.5 If, at full-time in a semi-final two teams are tied, two ten minute spells will be played. Teams will initially play in the
same direction as they did in the first half of regulation time, with the same team kicking off first. Teams will swap
for the second half with a one-minute half time break. There will be no "golden point". If the scores are still tied at
the conclusion of extra time the result will be determined as follows:
a) In the event that Game On provisions are used, the team (if any) that were able to meet the minimum playing
numbers and/or required number of front row players, without needing to use the Game On provisions, will be
deemed the winner;
b) The team scoring the most tries in the match shall proceed to the final, but if these are equal;
c) The team with the better head to head record (i.e. wins/draws/losses between the two teams) in the second
round of the WRFU CC shall proceed to the final, but if this head to head record is even (including where the
teams didn’t play each other, they only played each other once and drew, they played each other twice and
won one match each, or played each other twice and drew both matches);
d) The team with the higher differential between points scored for and points scored against in the second round
of the WRFU CC (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.4 shall apply) shall proceed to the final, but if this is equal;
e) The finalist shall be determined by the toss of a coin conducted by a WRFU Official.
Determination of Winners in Finals
6.6 If, at full-time in a final two teams are tied, two ten minute spells will be played. Teams will initially play in the same
direction as they did in the first half of regulation time, with the same team kicking off first. Teams will swap for the
second half with a one minute half time break There will be no "golden point". If the scores are still tied at the
18
conclusion of extra time the result will be determined as follows.
a) In the event that Game On provisions are used, the team (if any) that were able to meet the minimum playing
numbers and/or required number of front row players, without needing to use the Game On provisions, will be
deemed the winner;
b) The team scoring the most tries in the final (including extra time); but if this is equal
c) The team with the best point differential through the current WRFU CC round, that being the difference
between the amount of points scored and points conceded in that WRFU CC round, (and in respect of defaults
By-Law 6.4 shall apply) is the winner, but if this is equal;
d) Shared Title
Two Teams Tied on WRFU CC Points
6.7 In the event that two teams are tied on WRFU CC points then:
a) The team that has fewer match defaults in that WRFU CC round shall have the higher position;
b) The team that has the best head to head record (i.e. wins/draws/losses between the teams) in that WRFU CC
round shall have the higher position;
c) If the two teams have the same head to head record in that WRFU CC round (including where the teams
didn’t play each other, they only played each other once and drew, they played each other twice and won
one match each, or played each other twice and drew both matches) the team with the higher aggregate
points differential in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.4 shall apply) shall have the
higher position;
d) If the two teams have the same aggregate points differential in that WRFU CC round, the team which has
scored the most points (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.4 shall apply) shall have the higher position;
e) If the two teams have scored the same amount of points in that WRFU CC round, and this is a question of
promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for playoffs, then the teams will be split with a coin toss
with the winner of the coin toss given the higher position. A neutral WRFU Official will assign each team to
either “heads” or “tails”, and will then toss the coin, which will be allowed to hit the ground;
f) In the event that the two teams have scored the same amount of points in that WRFU CC round, and this is
not a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for playoffs, then the teams will share
equal position.
Three or More Teams Tied on WRFU CC Points
6.8 If three or more teams are tied on WRFU CC points then the positions will be decided by applying the following
steps in alphabetical sequence until the required number of positions are determined. Should a team (or teams)
have a higher ranking at any step in the following, that team (or teams with the same ranking) will have a higher
position than the teams with a lower ranking at that step. Teams that are still tied for a ranking will be separated by
applying such of the remaining steps as required to distinguish between the teams still tied.
a) The team that has fewer match defaults in that WRFU CC round shall have the higher position;
19
b) Most wins from all Matches in that WRFU CC round;
c) Highest aggregate points difference from all Matches in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults By-
Law 6.4 shall apply);
d) Most points scored from all matches in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults By- Law 6.4 shall
apply);
e) If two teams are still tied, and this is a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for
playoffs, the teams will be split by a coin toss with the winner of the coin toss given the higher position. The
coin toss will take place in the same format as in By-Law 6.7(d) above;
f) If three or more teams are still tied, and this is a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams
for playoffs, the teams will be split by drawing names from a hat, with the first team drawn taking the highest
position, and so on;
g) If teams are still tied (after 6.8 c.) and this is not a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between
teams for playoffs, then the teams will share equal position.
6.9 By-Law 6 applies in its entirety at any stage of a WRFC CC match.
20
7 . Trophies
7.1 The WRFU shall award the WRFU Trophies as set out in Schedule 3.
21
SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY
8 . Player Eligibility
Base Requirement
8.1 To be eligible to play in the WRFU CC and to be eligible for selection to WRFU representative teams, a player must
comply with the requirements of By-Laws 8 and 9 unless otherwise expressly stated. Additional requirements may
also be applied by WRFU for representative team eligibility.
a) For eligibility to play for a Club in any WRFU (but not WRFU CC) tournament (such as sevens or ten- a-side)
see By Law 16.2.
WRFU Discretion
8.2 The WRFU has an overriding discretion as set out in By-Law 8.27 to restrict or confer eligibility for any player.
Registration
8.3 Prior to first playing for any Club or secondary school during that WRFU Season, a player must register with that Club
or secondary school:
a) which is located within the WRFU provincial boundaries or has been accepted by WRFU or WSSRU to
compete in a WRFU or WSSRU Competition; and
b) which is a participant in WRFU or WSSRU Competitions; and
c) by completion of the NZRU online registration process.
For the purposes of this By-Law, registration is deemed to be effected upon completion of the WRFU online
registration form and the Club ‘activating’ the registration record in the Sporty registration system.
Clubs must not withhold activating any registration on the basis of non-payment of subscription fees, or for any
other reason other than for disciplinary reasons (e.g. a player has been suspended for the whole year).
WR and NZRU Eligibility Requirements
8.4 A player must comply with all applicable WR regulations including those for the transfer (WR International
Clearance Form) of a player between WR countries. (See WR Regulation 4 governing player status, player contracts
and player movement).
8.5 A player must comply with all applicable NZRU regulations including those for the transfer of a player between
NZRU Provincial Unions (See NZR Registration Policies & Procedures).
WRFU Transfer By-Laws
8.6 A player from another NZRU province may, subject to By-Law 8.5 above, transfer to WRFU by registering with a
WRFU Club or secondary school.
8.7 A Club player may play for a Club which is different from the WRFU Club for which the player last played by
registering with the new Club. Additionally, a player must first obtain a transfer in accordance with By-Law 8.9 if the
player wishes to change Clubs during a WRFU Season.
22
8.8 Any player who has played in five or more WRFU CC Matches for a Club in a WRFU season, is not permitted to
transfer clubs in that WRFU Season unless exceptional circumstances apply.
8.9 Except as permitted by this By-Law 8, a player cannot register with more than one Club in or for the same WRFU
Season unless they successfully transfer. The process for a transfer is set out here:
a) The player must complete the online registration form for the new club they wish to play for;
b) The registration administrator at the new club must activate the registration. At this point a prompt will
appear asking the administrator of they wish to transfer the player;
c) The old club’s registration administrator will receive an email asking them to approve or decline the transfer;
d) The new club’s registration administrator will receive an email confirming if the transfer is approved or
declined.
8.10 Clubs must not withhold a player transfer for any reason other than the transferring player still being in possession
of Club issued gear and/or unpaid fees in the current season.
Regrading
8.11 The Regrading rules which apply to all WRFU CC competitions are:
a) Players are free to move between teams within the Club with which they are registered until (and including)
Round 10 of the Premier Men’s competition.
b) Unless a regrade is approved, from Round 11 of the Premier Men’s competition no player may move down a
level once they have started three games in any level above the one to which they wish to move.
By way of definition, each grade is a level and each division within that grade (if there are multiple divisions) is a
separate level. E.g. A player who has started three games for a Premier team from Round 11 of the Premier Men’s
competition, cannot then play in Premier 2 Men, or a player who has started two games for Premier 2 Men and
one game for a Premier Men’s side cannot move to the Under 85kg grade.
Unless otherwise determined under By-Law 8.27, regrades will not be granted for a player after the last WRFU CC
Match of that player’s team in that WRFU Season.
By way of example, if a player has started for an Under 85kg side three times from Round 11 of the Premier Men’s
competition, once the Under 85kg Grade side finishes, that player cannot play in a lower level (such as Reserve
Grade) without successfully applying under By-Law 8.27.
c) The Grade Hierarchy, as determined by the CRSC annually is set out below:
Men’s Grades
1. Premier Men
2. Premier 2 Men, Under 21
3. Under 85kg
4. Reserve Grade
5. Presidents (Over 30s) Grade
Women’s Grade
1. Premier Women 15-a-side (Division 1)
2. Premier Women 15-a-side (Division 2)
3. Women’s 10-a-side
d) A player who is restricted from moving to another level may apply for a regrade using the WRFU Regrading
23
application form (WRFU Form 2), which must be submitted to the CA not less than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of the next Match. The application may be approved or denied by the CRSC in its discretion.
e) A regrade request (WRFU Form 2) must comply with these requirements:
i. Only one player per form.
ii. The form must include all rugby played by the player during the previous 6 weeks, including appearances
(and specifying whether each appearance is starting or off the reserves bench) for any team in which the
player appeared, and the approximate length of time played in each of those weeks.
iii. Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection (or non-selection), the other players
selected ahead of the player requesting the regrade must be named. If it is due to injuries, the form must
include the injured players and the injuries.
iv. The form must be signed by a Club official.
v. The form must be submitted to the WRFU not less than 48 hours prior to commencement of the Match.
Any application received after this time will not be dealt with until the following week.
The CRSC and CA will keep and update a record of all requests for regrades. This will be available to clubs.
Age Restricted Players
8.12 A player who as at and including 31 December in the previous year meets the relevant age restriction (e.g. the
player is under 21 as at 31 December of the previous year) may register for and play for that age restricted team.
This is relevant not only for WRFU CC but also for WRFU representative teams.
Weight Restricted Players
8.13 A player who on each playing day meets the relevant weight restriction (e.g. the player is 84.9kgs or under) may
register for and play for the relevant weight restricted team.
Dispensation for Overage Players
8.14 Overage players may apply for dispensation to play in a WRFU age restricted competition. To satisfy the
requirements of the CRSC, a dispensation request (WRFU Form 3) for an overage player to play in a WRFU age
restricted competition must include the following information and be submitted no later than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of the Match. Any application received after this time will be dealt with in the following week.
8.15 Only one player per form
a) The form must include previous playing history (if any);
b) Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection or non-selection, the players who have
been selected ahead of the player must be named. If it is due to injuries, the form must include the name/s
of the injured players and the injuries;
c) The form must be signed by a Club official.
The CRSC’s decision under this By-Law is final.
24
The CRSC and CA will keep and update a record of all requests for dispensation, whether approved or declined. This
is to promote consistency of approvals/declines. This will be publicly available on the WRFU website.
Suspended Players
8.16 Suspended players are not eligible to play any WRFU CC Match during the period of their suspension. Unless the
suspension extends to training and/or performing any non-playing role on Match day, the player may undertake
such activities.
Proof of Eligibility
8.17 WRFU may require proof (in such form as it requires) of satisfaction of any of the player eligibility rules. The WRFU
may in its discretion restrict the eligibility of a player until the WRFU is satisfied as to the eligibility of such player.
Finals Eligibility
8.18 Unless exempted by By-Law 8.27 or a WRFU contracted player, to be eligible to participate in WRFU CC Finals series
a player must have played at least three WRFU CC matches during the WRFU season for their registered club.
Overseas Players
8.19 A non-New Zealand citizen who does not hold a valid Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa (“Overseas Player”)
is not eligible to play in any WRFU CC Match from Round Ten of the Premier Men’s competition, unless the Overseas
Player has legally played in a WRFU CC Match before this round for a WRFU Club in the same WRFU season.
If a player has resided in New Zealand on an approved New Zealand visa other than a valid Resident Visa or
Permanent Resident Visa for a period of 36 months of more; upon written application to the CA, approval can be
given by the CRSC for the player to be considered a “Local” player rather than “Overseas Player”. Any applications
received will be considered by the CRSC at their next monthly meeting.
Disciplinary, Medical or Other Restrictions on Eligibility
8.20 A player's eligibility may be restricted as a result of disciplinary procedures, health and safety requirements, medical
rules, doping, corruption offences, or other reasons as may arise within the laws of New Zealand, the laws of the
game or through the application of WR, NZRU, WRFU or WRFU Rules or By-Laws.
8.21 If a player receives a Blue Card (Concussion Card), that player is not permitted to transfer to a non- WRFU club, or
play at any level, until the player has completed:
• the Graduated Return To Play protocols, and;
• medical clearance has been granted by a medical professional, and;
• the Club has received approval from the CA.
The CA will not consider any request for clearance for a Match if that request is received within 24 hours of the
Match. The player may train as allowed by the Graduated Return to Play protocols.
25
Non WRFU Contracted Hurricanes Players
A Non WRFU Contracted Hurricanes Player is defined as an individual who is in the Hurricanes Squad either full time
or on a temporary basis, who doesn’t have a WRFU Provincial Union contract.
8.22 Any further players currently contracted by the Hurricanes, who are not contracted to WRFU, are not permitted to
play in WRFU competitions unless provided a dispensation by the WRFU.
8.23 Dispensated players are only permitted to play in the Premier Men’s grade.
8.24 In any clubs Premier Men’s match day 22, only one dispensated player is permitted.
Contracted Player Eligibility
8.25 Any contracted players (any type of Provincial Union contract or higher) are only permitted to play in the WRFU
Premier Men’s/Women’s, Premier 2 Men’s, or Under 21 grades.
Breaches
8.26 For penalties for breaches of By-Law 8, see By-Law 11.
General WRFU Discretion to ensure fairness in application of By-Law 8
8.27 On written application to it, the Rugby Board has an overriding discretion to restrict or confer eligibility (including
granting or rescinding a transfer) on such conditions as it determines but only where the Rugby Board determines
that:
a) the application of the By-laws is unfair or may produce a consequence that is unfair, to any person or is not
in the spirit of fair play; or
b) the specific situation is not appropriately covered by the By-Laws; or
c) where special circumstances occur or there are special circumstances which excuse a failure to comply with
a procedure, time period or other requirement of By-Law 8.
Any decision under By-Law 8.27 is made on the facts of a specific situation and is not to be regarded as a binding
precedent for any future use of By-Law 8.27. Any decision under this By-Law 8.27 must be communicated to all
Members.
Any Member which may be affected by a decision under this By-Law is entitled to be heard at the decision-
making session and/or provide written submissions for consideration. Otherwise, the Rugby Board will determine
its own rules and processes in relation to this By-Law.
26
9 . Amateur Code
Purpose
To promote the spirit of amateur sport and provide transparency and clarity to all stakeholders of WRFU club rugby
whilst allowing for, and enhancing, the wellbeing of players, coaches and volunteers.
Foundation Principle, Spirit and Intent
9.1 The WRFU and its member clubs agree that at club level the game of Rugby Union is an amateur sport in which
participants engage without material benefit.
9.2 The WRFU and its member clubs agree to always act in good faith to ensure that Rugby in the Wellington Region
thrives by providing an environment free of Player/Coach inducement.
9.3 If a Member is unsure of the effect of a proposed activity it should seek clarification under By-Law 9.16.
Stakeholders
9.4 The application of the Amateur Code applies to all clubs affiliated to the Wellington Rugby Football Union and
includes parties associated formally or informally to the club such as members, friends of the club, sponsors, trusts
and any other entity that is linked to the club. This does not include employees of or contractors to the WRFU, such
as WRFU Academy or fully contracted players.
Material Benefit
9.5 Material Benefit is defined as money, consideration, gifts, or any other benefits whatsoever promised or given to a
person or any other individual, body corporate, partnership (or any other entity or body whether incorporated or
not) at his/her direction in respect of such Person's participation in the Game, but shall not include bone fide
reimbursement of expenses incurred for reasonable travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred solely and
directly in relation to the Game.
Certain exceptions to what could normally be considered Material Benefit are allowable under the terms of the Club
Charter
• Playing apparel
• Dress apparel
• Gear bags
• Tours
• Gym fees
• Scholarships – refer clauses 9.6 & 9.8-9.12
• Coach disbursement – refer clauses 9.7 & 9.8-9.12
Scholarships
9.6 Clubs are entitled to promote scholarships to players and coaches in their respective clubs, which will not violate the
Amateur Code on the proviso the following criteria are met:
a) All scholarships are to be linked to an academic programme at a recognised tertiary institute and have
27
academic attainment criteria defined that must be met.
i. For those clubs offering scholarships for apprentices, the academic portion of that programme is to be
defined in the same manner.
b) The scholarship money is not to be paid to the individual; it is to be paid directly to the Tertiary Institute
(and receipts provided to WRFU as part of the disclosure).
Coach Disbursement
9.7 Clubs are entitled to provide disbursement(s) to coaches for expenses incurred when coaching teams. As per clauses
9.8-9.12 disclosure must be provided.
Disclosure
9.8 All scholarships and disbursements to coaches are to be registered with the WRFU prior to 1 March each year on
WRFU Form 7.
9.9 Any clubs offering new scholarships or disbursements to coaches during the rugby season shall advise the
recipient’s names and details of the scholarships/disbursements to the WRFU prior to the first payment on WRFU
Form 7.
9.10 For scholarships, evidence of academic enrolment and attainment is required by the WRFU at the commencement
and completion of the academic period.
9.11 Disbursement(s) to coach(es) must be supported by appropriate documentation.
9.12 Clubs must be prepared to disclose their financial information, and ensure all persons employed by the club disclose
any financial information requested and be prepared to be subject to audit by the WRFU upon request.
Game Development Officers (GDOs)
GDOs include, but are not limited to Coach Development Officers, Rugby Development Officers and Directors of
Rugby including those that deliver the WRFU Community Participation Programme ‘Work Plan’.
It is the expectation that the above persons do not contravene clauses 9.13-15 while holding one of these roles.
Should there be a circumstance that contravenes these clauses a dispensation may be permitted under clause 9.16.
This dispensation must be sought in advance of the circumstance and cannot be applied retrospectively.
9.13 GDOs are not permitted to play any competitive grades of WRFU Senior Rugby. Grades classed as non-competitive
are limited to Presidents (Over 30s) Grade and Golden Oldies.
9.14 GDOs are not permitted to hold any coaching role including, but not limited to; Head, Assistant, Technical or
Resource Coach for any teams entered into WRFU Senior Rugby grades. As an exception to this a GDO may provide
Technical or Resource Coach services to their Club’s Age Grade team.
9.15 GDOs are not permitted to hold any coaching role including, but not limited to; Head, Assistant, Technical or
Resource Coach for any teams entered into WSSRU College Rugby grades. As an exception to this a GDO may
provide Technical or Resource Coach services to any secondary school team at 2nd XV level or below.
Application to Rugby Board for Determinations/Dispensations
28
9.16 A Member may apply in writing to the Rugby Board for:
a) a determination as to whether or not a proposed activity or undertaking will be in breach of this By-Law 9;
and/or
b) a dispensation from the application of this By-Law 9 in respect of a proposed activity or undertaking by that
Member.
If a determination or dispensation is made, WRFU must communicate that decision to all Members.
Breaches
9.17 For penalties for breach of this By-Law, see By-Law 11.
29
10 . Other Disqualified Persons
10.1 Persons who are not players but who are the subject of a suspension imposed by the WRFU, NZRU, SANZAAR,
World Rugby or any WRFU Member or NZRU Member, are not eligible to participate in the WRFU CC or WRFU
tournaments during the period of that suspension.
30
SECTION D – BREACHES, PENALTIES, DISPUTES AND APPEALS
11 . Provisions Relating to Breaches of these By-Laws
Rugby Board Process and Powers to deal with any breach of By-Laws
11.1 Any alleged breach of these By-Laws must be made in writing on the WRFU Complaint/Dispute Form (WRFU Form
4) to the CA.
11.2 The CA will determine a preliminary indication of penalty by making an initial assessment of the evidence and by
applying the applicable WRFU By-Laws. A Club has 24 hours from receipt of assessment to accept the sanction or
request a full hearing as per By-Law 11.4.
11.3 The CA may refer the matter to a full hearing of the Rugby Board if they believe that a full hearing is required to
fairly and justly deal with the case, or there are factors that reasonably indicate that a sanction would be wholly
disproportionate to the level and type of offending. If a party disputes that it was in breach, then the process in By-
Law 11.4 must then be followed.
11.4 Unless otherwise specified, the Rugby Board or if it so determines then by its designated committee (referred to
for the purposes of this By-Law 11 as Rugby Board) must allow the parties involved to be heard before the Rugby
Board. The Rugby Board must impose penalties as required in these By-laws within any penalty restrictions (if any)
set out in these By-Laws and as recorded in the Schedule of Penalties for Breaches of By-Laws (Schedule 4) and
otherwise as it determines.
11.5 Where the PSEC (acting on behalf of the Rugby Board) considers that a Club has failed to adhere to the Premier
Status Eligibility Criteria, the PSEC will notify the Club of this, and if the Club disputes this the PSEC will conduct a
hearing to determine the matter and potential penalty in accordance with this By-Law. The PSEC will determine its
own process. All Members who may be potentially affected by the PSEC’s decision have the right to appear to give
evidence and/or make submissions before the PSEC determines the matter and penalty. The PSEC must impose
penalties as required, and as authorised to do so on behalf of the Rugby Board, in these By-Laws within any
penalty restrictions (if any) set out in these By-Laws and as recorded in the Schedule of Penalties for Breaches of
By-Laws (Schedule 4) and otherwise as it determines.
By-Laws 8, 9 and 10
11.6 Any person who, or Member which, is found to be in breach of By-Law 8, 9 or 10 (and is not covered by By-law
11.6 or 11.7) or any person who, or Member which, fails or refuses to co-operate with a request of the Rugby
Board in the course of any determination of a complaint, may be suspended from participating in the game of
rugby for, or within, the WRFU for such period of time as the Rugby Board deems fit.
11.7 If, following the process in By-Law 11.1, the Rugby Board finds that any of the persons referred to in By-Law 9.1
have breached By-Law 9, it may impose such penalty on the Member as it deems fit, including but not limited to:
a) Removal of WRFU CC points of the team to which the breach is related to a maximum of fifteen (15) WRFU CC
points
b) Allocation in its discretion of the WRFU CC points from the WRFU CC Match or Matches;
31
c) Removal of the availability of WRFU resources;
d) Removal of any financial benefits the Member may enjoy by reason of its membership of WRFU;
e) Removal of a team or teams of a Club from WRFU CC for such period as the Rugby Board deems fit;
f) Suspension of the Member as a Member of the WRFU for such period as the Rugby Board deems fit;
g) Removal of that Club’s Premier Status (if applicable).
11.8 If a player plays in breach of By-Laws 8 or 9 the Rugby Board:
a) Must remove the WRFU CC points of the team for which the player played while ineligible to a maximum of
fifteen (15) WRFU CC points;
In addition, the Rugby Board:
a) May impose disqualification of the player for such period as it sees fit;
b) May in its discretion allocate WRFU CC points from the WRFU CC Match or Matches;
c) May impose any other penalty on a Club or player as deemed appropriate in the circumstances.
11.9 If a player breaches By-Law 8.20 (Blue Card) the Rugby Board:
a) Must remove any WRFU CC points attained by the team in Matches in which the player played while ineligible,
and a further five CC points; and
b) May impose any other penalty on a Club or player as deemed appropriate in the circumstances.
By-Law 5 - Defaults
11.10 A Club that has failed to comply with By-Law 5 is liable to the penalties as set out in By-Law 5 and as also recorded
in the Schedule of Penalties for Breaches of By-Laws (Schedule 4).
11.11 If a Club denies that it has failed to comply with By-Law 5.3 or believes that there are special circumstances under
either By-law 5.1 and/or 5.3 which warrant a lesser penalty or no penalty at all under By-law 5.1 and/or 5.3, the
Club must within five days of the date of such WRFU CC Match, request in writing to WRFU that the matter be
referred to the Rugby Board (acting through and by either the CRSC or the PSEC depending on the circumstances).
32
12 . Complaints or Disputes Between Clubs
12.1 In case of any complaint or dispute as between Clubs, Members or other bodies in relation to these By-Laws and
not otherwise covered by these By-Laws, a written statement on the WRFU Complaint/Dispute Form (WRFU Form
4) prepared by the Club, Member, or body which wishes to initiate this complaint/dispute process and which
clearly sets out the points on which the complaint/dispute is based, must, not later than 48 hours following the
incident (or latest incident) or the matter on which the complaint/dispute is based be forwarded by that Club,
Member, or body to the WRFU and to the secretary of the other Clubs, Members or bodies involved.
12.2 A Complaint/Dispute Form (WRFU Form 4) is not received until payment of a $200 plus GST deposit is received by
WRFU. This deposit may be returned if the Club is successful with their complaint/dispute or if the body deciding
the complaint decides it is appropriate to do so.
12.3 The Chairman of the Rugby Board has the authority to allow a complaint to be lodged outside the 48 hour
timeframe should they deem the were exceptional circumstances. The Chairman must consider this on a case by
case basis on the merits of the complaint and is not to be regarded as a binding precedent for any future use of
By-Law 12.
12.4 The Rugby Board or its appointed subcommittee will determine its own process and will hold a hearing at which
any of the Clubs, Members or bodies involved have the right to appear to give evidence and/or make submissions.
The Rugby Board or its subcommittee will then determine the matter and will have the same powers as in By-Law
11.1.
33
13 . Complaints or Disputes Between Clubs
General
13.1 The Disciplinary Committee has the powers and jurisdiction set out in the NZR Black Book (Rules for Disciplinary
Hearings) and as may be further provided in these By-laws. It operates in accordance with the Black Book and as
may be further provided in these By-laws.
Composition of Senior Club Rugby Disciplinary Committees
13.2 The Disciplinary Committee shall comprise 3 persons appointed by the Rugby Board including an independent
Chairman (i.e. a person who has no affiliation to any Club or secondary school in the WRFU province) and 2
members of the Rugby Board. If an independent Chairman is unavailable a replacement Chairman (who may have
affiliation to a Club or school in the WRFU province) must be designated by the Rugby Board to perform the role
of Chairman.
Composition of College Rugby Disciplinary Committees
13.3 In respect of disciplinary hearings involving players in a school team, or a school team under the jurisdiction of the
WSSRU or any match involving a secondary school played in the WRFU province, the Disciplinary Committee shall
comprise an independent Chairman and two members appointed by the WSSRU.
All disciplinary hearings involving referee abuse, or hearings that involve persons other than a player will be heard
by the WRFU Senior Club Rugby Disciplinary Committee.
Composition of Junior Rugby Disciplinary Committees
13.4 In respect of disciplinary hearings involving players in a school team, or a school team under the jurisdiction of the
WSSRU or any match involving a secondary school played in the WRFU province, the Disciplinary Committee shall
comprise an independent Chairman and two members appointed by the WSSRU.
All disciplinary hearings involving referee abuse, or hearings that involve persons other than a player will be heard
by the WRFU Senior Club Rugby Disciplinary Committee.
Players ordered off
13.5 The provisions of Rules 15-19 of Section 3 and Rules 50-107 of Section 4 (where applicable) of the Black Book shall
apply in respect of a player who has been ordered off in any Match.
Other functions of Disciplinary Committee
13.6 The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to hear, deal with and impose penalties in respect of any other
matters which are referred to it by these By-laws and the Black Book.
Match Called Off
13.7 Where a Match for which the WRFU has jurisdiction is called off early by the Referee because of:
a) Persistent or serious Illegal and/or Foul Play by Players; and/or
b) Persistent or serious Misconduct by team management or supporters; and/or
34
c) Bad conduct generally;
of one or both teams involved in the Match, the provisions of Rules 46-49 of Section 3 and Rules 50- 107 of
Section 4 of the Black Book shall apply.
35
14 . Appeals
14.1 The WRFU Appeal Committee has the powers and jurisdiction set out in Section 5 (Rules 108-132) of the Black
Book and operates in accordance with the Black Book and as may be further provided by these Bylaws.
14.2 Any notice of appeal to the WRFU Appeal Committee shall be accompanied by a deposit of $500.00 plus GST. The
notice of appeal is only valid if both it, and the deposit, are received by the WRFU within 7 days of notification of
the decision being appealed.
14.3 Appeals may relate to varying subject matters and are dealt with as listed below:
a) Appeal against a decision of the WRFU, WSSRU, or JRAB Disciplinary Committees is dealt with by the WRFU
Appeal Committee – see By-Laws 14.5-14.7 and the Black Book;
b) Appeal against a decision of the WRFU Appeal Committee – see Black Book Section 6;
c) Appeal against a decision of the Rugby Board and including a decision of the CRSC (see By- Laws 5.3, 5.4 and
11.7) or PSEC (see By-Laws 3.12, 3.13, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 11.7 and 11.10) (but excluding a decision of the Disciplinary
Committee which is dealt with under a. above) is by way of review by the Board of Directors - see Rule 10.13 of
Constitution.
14.4 The process to be followed for a party to dispute a decision of the Rugby Board under By-Law 14.3(c) is as follows:
a) Disputes must be lodged within 7-days of the notification of the decision of the Rugby Board on the particular
matter or within such shorter time period as determined by the Rugby Board or its authorised Subcommittee in
the particular circumstances.
b) For lodgement to be effected WRFU Notice of Appeal (WRFU Form 5), containing the grounds that are to be
advanced, and a $500 plus GST deposit must have been received by the WRFU.
c) Subject to the following, if the notice of the dispute and/or the deposit is received outside the deadline, the
right to dispute the decision will be deemed to have been abandoned. If the Chairman dealing with the dispute
considers that exceptional circumstances have caused a delay then the Chairman may decide that the review
will proceed.
d) Unless the Board of Directors determine that exceptional circumstances exist requiring the postponement of
the hearing, a hearing will be conducted within 7-days of the lodgement of the dispute.
e) The hearing will be by way of review and shall be conducted in accordance with Rule 10.13 and Schedule One of
the WRFU Constitution.
f) As well as having the power to award any penalty set out in Schedule 4 of these By-Laws the Body hearing the
dispute may, if it sees fit in the circumstances, award costs against a party to the dispute of a sum not
exceeding $2,000.00 plus GST.
g) The body hearing the dispute may, in its discretion, order that any deposit paid on the lodgement of a dispute
be refunded in full or in part. This discretion is to be exercised in the particular circumstances of the case and
although an unsuccessful applicant is unlikely to receive a refund of their deposit, a successful applicant cannot
expect the deposit to be refunded merely by reason of that success.
36
Appeal Committees
Upon receipt of an appeal a decision will be made as to which of the following bodies has jurisdiction to consider
the matter:
Senior Rugby
14.5 The WRFU Appeal Committee shall comprise an independent Chairman (i.e.. a person who has no affiliation to any
Club in the WRFU province) appointed by the Rugby Board and not less than 2 other persons selected by the
Rugby Board from the President and/or Vice Presidents for the time being of the WRFU and/or Presidents of Clubs
of the WRFU. All members of the Appeal Committee shall be independent of all parties to the appeal. If the
Independent Chairman is unavailable the same replacement provision applies as for By-law 13.2.
College Rugby
14.6 The College Appeal Committee shall comprise an independent Chairman and two members appointed by the
WSSRU.
All disciplinary hearings involving referee abuse, or hearings that involve persons other than a player will be heard
by the WRFU Senior Club Rugby Disciplinary Committee as specified in By-law 14.5.
Junior Rugby
14.7 The JRAB Appeal Committee shall comprise an independent Chairperson, one member of the Rugby Board
(appointed by the Rugby Board) and one member of the JRAB (appointed by the JRAB).
37
SECTION E – OTHER
15 . Members General Meetings and Information
15.1 The WRFU may at its discretion require the production of books of account, papers, documents and other relevant
material of any Member for the purpose of audit by WRFU.
15.2 Every year each Member of the WRFU must notify the WRFU of all general meetings (e.g. AGM, SGM), and must
send to the WRFU completed annual reports and financial statements for the preceding financial period within
two weeks of the AGM being held.
38
16 . Matches which are not WRFU CC Matches
Within WRFU boundaries:
16.1 All non-WRFU CC Matches (including those of junior teams and including WRFU tournaments referred to in By-
Law 16.2) which occur within WRFU boundaries and which involve a Club, come under the jurisdiction of WRFU
and unless otherwise specified by WRFU or NZRU, WR’s "The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union" apply.
The WRFU may impose such requirements as it deems fit in respect of such Matches and any such requirements
shall be deemed to be By-Laws for the purposes of Section D of the By-Laws.
Clubs must give prior notification of such Matches to WRFU. Prior to hosting or playing against an overseas touring
team, the Club must comply with all NZRU Regulations including ensuring that the overseas Club has obtained
permission of its national union for the tour, and the Club must notify this to the WRFU.
WRFU Tournaments
16.2 A player is eligible to participate in any WRFU tournament (such as sevens or ten-a-side) for the WRFU club for
which the player is registered in the current WRFU Season (1 October-30 September).
16.3 Section D (including breaches and disciplinary procedures) of the By-laws apply to Matches in By-Laws 16.1 and
16.2.
Outside the WRFU boundaries but within NZRU boundaries:
16.4 All host provincial union disciplinary procedures apply to such Matches unless Rule 6 of Section 2 of the Black
Book applies or as otherwise required by NZRU.
Outside NZRU boundaries:
16.5 Where a Club (which for the purposes of this By-Law includes any Member or other affiliated body) wishes to
arrange a match for its team or teams (including any junior teams) outside New Zealand, the Club must comply
with all NZRU Regulations and the Club must:
a) apply for approval on the required NZR form; and
b) lodge the NZR form with WRFU within the required WRFU time period of 3 months prior to date of departure;
and
c) obtain WRFU written approval which will not be granted if there is any conflict with WRFU CC fixtures involving
the relevant Club team or teams; and
d) obtain the WRFU's approval of the management of the Club's touring team; and
e) obtain the NZRU's written approval;
before making a final commitment to any proposed trip.
16.6 All host country disciplinary procedures apply to such games unless otherwise required by WR or by agreement
between NZRU and the host country.
39
SCHEDULE 1 – WRFU FORMS
By-Law Name of Form Form Number
3.7 WRFU Grade Entry Form WRFU Form 1
8.11 WRFU Player Regrading Application Form WRFU Form 2
8.14 WRFU Player Dispensation Form WRFU Form 3
12.1 WRFU Complaint/Dispute Form WRFU Form 4
14 WRFU Notice of Appeal Form WRFU Form 5
4.14 Serious Injury Form WRFU Form 6
9 Amateur Code Disclosure WRFU Form 7
40
WRFU FORM 1 - GRADE ENTRY FORM
CLUB: ____________________________________________________________ YEAR: ___________________
NOTE:
Clubs are requested to indicate for all grades the number of 18, 19, 20 and 21 year olds in their respective teams.
Clubs are also requested to indicate with their lower grade entries:
1. Anticipated strength of respective teams, including how the team compares to the previous seasons team.
(NB: For an U21 team made up of largely U19 players, Division 2 would be appropriate).
2. Please also indicate any teams with a large number of students, so as to assist the Union with the draw
around University holidays, exams etc.
Grade No. of entries Remarks
Premier Men
Premier 2 Men
Premier Women
Under 21 – Division 1 (as at 1 Jan)
Under 21 – Division 2 (as at 1 Jan)
Under 85kg
Reserve Grade
Presidents (Over 30s)
TOTAL NUMBER OF TEAMS ENTERED: ______________________________________________________________
SIGNED BY SECRETARY/CLUB CAPTAIN: _____________________________________________________________
41
WRFU FORM 2 - PLAYER REGRADING APPLICATION FORM
Please submit to the Competitions Administrator - [email protected], no less than 48 hours prior to the Match which is the subject of the regrade application.
PLAYERS NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________________
CURRENT PLAYING GRADE: __________________________________________________________________________
GRADE TO BE REGRADED TO: ________________________________________________________________________
RECENT PLAYING RECORD
(List last six playing weeks, grades played, and approximate length of time played. Include matches where the player backed up
for another team):
DATE GRADE/MINUTES PLAYED + BACK UP IF APPLICABLE
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
REASONS FOR REGRADE APPLICATION
(Please include as much information as possible to assist the Club Rugby Sub Committee to reach a decision. If the regrade is
due to injuries or selections, then players and/or injuries must be stated – see also CRSC Policies and Procedures).
(CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED)
SIGNED (CLUB CAPTAIN): DATE:
________________________________________ ________________________________________
CLUB RUGBY SUB COMMITTEE USE ONLY:
APPROVED / DECLINED SIGNED: ________________________________________
DATE: __________________________________________
42
WRFU FORM 3 – PLAYER DISPENSATION APPLICATION FORM
Please submit to Competitions Administrator - [email protected], no later than 5pm of the Thursday prior to the match
which is the subject of the dispensation application.
PLAYERS NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________
GRADE SEEKING DISPENSATION FOR: __________________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH: _____________________________WEIGHT: _______________________________________
PLAYING POSITION: _________________________________________________________________________
PREVIOUS PLAYING RECORD (List previous schools/clubs and grades played previously):
DATE CLUB + GRADE PLAYED
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________
REASONS FOR DISPENSATION APPLICATION (Include as much information as possible to assist the Club Rugby Sub
Committee to reach a decision – see also CRSC Policies and Procedures).
(CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED)
SIGNED (CLUB CAPTAIN): DATE:
________________________________________ ________________________________________
CLUB RUGBY SUB COMMITTEE USE ONLY:
APPROVED / DECLINED SIGNED: ________________________________________
DATE: __________________________________________
43
WRFU FORM 4 - WRFU COMPLAINT/DISPUTE FORM
I, ______________________________________________am hereby lodging a complaint / dispute on behalf of the
________________________________________________RFC against __________________________________________________
The incident occurred on_____/_____/_______at_____________________________________________________________
The complaint is based upon Bylaw/s: __________________________
_______________________
_______________________
Description of complaint/dispute:
Were any WRFU Officials present who may have witnessed these events? If so, who?
SIGNED: DATE:
________________________________________ ________________________________________
CLUB POSITION (if applicable): ______________________________________________________________
44
WRFU FORM 5 - WRFU NOTICE OF APPEAL FORM
Bylaw 14 - Appeals
14.1 Appeals may relate to varying subject matters listed below and are dealt with as listed below:
a) Appeal against a decision of WRFU Disciplinary Committee is dealt with by WRFU Appeal Committee – see
By-Laws, 14.5-14.7 and the Black Book;
b) Appeal against a decision of the WRFU Appeal Committee – see Black Book;
c) Appeal against a decision of the Rugby Board (but excluding a decision of the WRFU Disciplinary Committee
which is dealt with under a. above) is by way of review by the WRFU Board of Directors - see Rule 10.13 of
Constitution. When urgency applies, the Rugby Board may shorten the time period involved in the appeal
process.
14.2 To lodge an appeal under By-Law 14.3(c), a WRFU Notice of Appeal Form (WRFU Form 5) must be completed and
submitted to WRFU within any applicable time period.
Name of person lodging the appeal: _________________________________________________________________________
Are you lodging the appeal on behalf of the club of a player? Yes / No
If yes, written authority from the player concerned must accompany the Notice of Appeal
The decision being appealed against:
The date of the decision being appealed against: ________________________________________________________________
The specific grounds for the appeal:
SIGNED:__________________________________ CLUB POSITION (if applicable): ______________________________________
Timeframes for lodging notice of appeal:
A: Appeal against decision of WRFU Disciplinary Committee See Bylaws, 14.5-14.7 and the NZRU Black Book Notice of appeal must be accompanied by $500 + GST deposit
B: Appeal against a WRFU Appeal Committee decision 7 days + any deposit applicable See NZRU Black Book
C: Appeal against a decision of the Rugby Board (ie, complaint/dispute) See Rule 10.13 of the WRFU Constitution and By-Law 14.3 (c)
45
WRFU FORM 6 - SERIOUS INJURY FORM
This form is now available on line at - https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/92999
46
WRFU FORM 7 – AMATEUR CODE DISCLOSURE
Amat
eur C
ode
| Cl
ub D
isclo
sure
Club
:
Paid
Indi
vidu
als:
Paym
ents
that
requ
ire d
isclo
sure
inclu
de a
ny p
erso
n re
ceiv
ing
a sa
lary
or w
age,
or a
nyon
e w
ho re
ceiv
es a
n ho
nora
rium
In
divi
dual
Ro
le W
ithin
Clu
b Be
nefit
Va
lue
of B
enef
it Pe
r Ann
um
Mic
hael
Lan
gley
Di
rect
or o
f Rug
by
Sala
ry
$45,
000
Scho
lars
hips
: Pl
ease
pro
vide
rece
ipts
from
the
trai
ning
pro
vide
r as e
vide
nce
Indi
vidu
al
Role
With
in C
lub
Bene
fit
Valu
e of
Ben
efit
Per A
nnum
Re
ason
for B
enef
it M
icha
el L
angl
ey
Dire
ctor
of R
ugby
IR
ANZ
Cour
se
$4,0
00
Pers
onal
dev
elop
men
t so
he ca
n
supp
ort t
he co
ache
s bet
ter
Co
ach
Disb
urse
men
ts:
Indi
vidu
al
Team
Coa
chin
g Di
sbur
sem
ent F
or:
Valu
e of
Disb
urse
men
t Per
M
onth
Re
ason
for B
enef
it
Mic
hael
Lan
gley
Pr
emie
r M
obile
Pho
ne &
Fue
l $6
0 Re
imbu
rse
part
s of t
he co
sts h
e in
curs
in h
is ro
le a
s Pre
mie
r Coa
ch
Si
gned
by
Club
Cha
irper
son:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
__
Date
d: _
____
____
____
____
____
_
47
SCHEDULE 2 - TIME PERIODS
BY-LAW REQUIREMENT TIME PERIOD
3.3 Clubs to forward a signed Club Rugby Participation
Agreement to WRFU By 28 February each year
3.7 Clubs to forward WRFU Grade Entry Form (WRFU
Form 1) to WRFU.
At least 7 days before the start of WRFU
Season.
3.12 Club to advise WRFU they dispute the provisional
assessment of the PSEC Within 7 days
4.2 Referees must have attended a RugbySmart course Before the first WRFU CC match they referee
4.5
The period for teams that don’t met the Minimum
Player Requirements under 4.4 to find eligible
players
Twenty minutes post scheduled kick- off
time
4.9 Clubs to complete WRFU Electronic Team Sheet Pre-match
4.9 Clubs to submit scores for all matches (excluding
Presidents (Over 30s)) Within 1 hour of the completion of match
4.15 Coaches must have attended a RugbySmart course By the commencement of the team’s first
WRFU CC match
4.17 Clubs must upload Premier Men’s match footage to
the WRFU provided online storage facility Within 48 hours of the match finishing
8.3 A player must register with Club or secondary school
Prior to playing for that Club or
secondary school in that WRFU
Season.
8.11 Time period for receipt by WRFU of WRFU Player Re-
grading Application Form (WRFU Form 2)
No less than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of the match.
8.14 Time period for receipt by WRFU of WRFU Player
Dispensation Application Form (WRFU Form 3)
No less than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of the match.
8.21
Time period for receipt by WRFU of Medical
Clearance for a player to return from Blue Card stand
down.
No less than 24 hours prior to the
commencement of the match.
48
BY-LAW REQUIREMENT TIME PERIOD
9.8 Time period for Clubs to disclose all scholarships and
disbursements Prior to 1 March
9.9
Time period for Clubs to provide disclosure of
scholarships and disbursements offered post 1
March
Prior to the first payment
11.7
Time period for Clubs to advise WRFU that they
dispute the sanction imposed due to default under
5.1 or 5.3
Within five days of the WRFU CC match in
question
12.1
The period for submitting a complaint or dispute as
between Clubs, Members or bodies in respect of
dispute with another Club, Member or body.
Within 48 hours following the incident
(or latest incident).
13.7 & 4.9
Time Period for Referee to submit a report to WRFU
that on a match called off, red or yellow card issued,
or referee abuse.
Within 48 hours of the match finishing.
14 Appeals Various time periods – see By-Law 14 and
Black Book.
16.5 Time Period to lodge WRFU and NZRU Approval
Form for match (outside NZ). Three months prior to date of departure.
49
SCHEDULE 3 – WRFU TROPHIES
PREMIER WOMEN
Rebecca Liua’ana Trophy – Division 1, 1st Round
Currently Unnamed - Division 2, 1st Round
Tia Paasi Memorial Trophy – Division 1, 2nd Round
Izzy Ford Cup – Division 2, 2nd Round
Gary Hilsdon Challenge Cup – played for on a challenge basis at the holder’s home venue, or at neutral venues
where the holder is listed first on the draw.
Currently Un-named Best and Fairest – awarded to the best and fairest player in the Premier Women’s club competition,
based on weekly points awarded by the match referees
PREMIER MEN
Swindale Shield – 1st Round
Jubilee Cup – Division 1, 2nd Round
Hardham Cup – Division 2, 2nd Round
Bill Brien Challenge Cup – played for on a challenge basis at the holder’s home venue
Billy Wallace Best and Fairest – awarded to the best and fairest player in the Premier Men’s club competition, based on
weekly points awarded by the match referees
PREMIER 2 MEN
Harper Lock Shield – Division 1, 1st Round
National Mutual Cup – Division 2, 1st Round
Ed Chaney Cup – Division 1, 2nd Round
HD Morgan Memorial Cup – Division 2, 2nd Round
UNDER 21
Paris Memorial Cup – Division 1, 1st Round
JRD Cup – Division 2, 1st Round
James Gilbert Memorial Trophy – Division 3, 1st Round
John E Kelly Memorial Cup – Division 1, 2nd Round
Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup – Division 2, 2nd Round
Eric Connolly Memorial Cup – Division 3, 2nd Round
50
UNDER 85KG
JC Bowl – Division 1, 1st Round
Phillip Wiggins Trophy – Division 2, 1st Round
Paul Potiki Memorial Shield – Division 1, 2nd Round
Tony O’Brien Shield – Division 2, 2nd Round
Centurions Challenge Cup – played for on a challenge basis at the holder’s home venue
RESERVE GRADE
Mike Copeland Cup – Division 1, 1st Round
Currently Unnamed – Division 2, 2nd Round
John Davies Cup – Division 1, 2nd Round
Alan Seerup Cup – Division 2, 2nd Round
TOURNAMENT TROPHIES
American Ambassadors 7s – Men’s, Women’s & Under 21 Cup, Plate and Bowl.
DEWAR SHIELD
The Club or Clubs scoring the highest aggregate of WRFU CC points in all grades shall be declared the winner of the Club
Championship and be awarded the Dewar Shield.
SIR WILLIAM PERRY MEMORIAL TROPHY
The Club or Clubs with the highest average of WRFU CC points per team shall be declared the winner of the Sir William Perry
Memorial Trophy.
51
SCHEDULE 4 - PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF BY-LAWS
To apply to breaches which occur during the same WRFU Season.
BREACH BY-LAW PENALTY
Club fails to forward WRFU Grade Entry Form – (WRFU Form 1) at least 7 days prior to start of WRFU Season
3.7 Clubs run the risk that they will miss out on their preferred grades
Club fails to adhere to the Premier Status Eligibility Criteria, as determined by the Premier Status Eligibility Committee.
3.13
The Rugby Board may impose such penalty on the Member as it deems fit, potentially including but not limited to:
• Premier Men’s team deemed ineligible to compete in playoffs, win trophies and/or win awards for that season.
• Loss of Premier Status • Loss of WRFU CC points for the Premier Men’s team.
If the breach of this By-Law occurs in the first round of competition, the Rugby Board must deem the Premier Men’s team ineligible for Jubilee Cup.
For defaults – see By-Law 5.1
Failure to provide the required number of players or front row players and/or replacement players
4.4 Match cannot commence. Offending team/s default the match and receive no WRFU CC points.
Failure to commence match within 20 minutes of the allocated start time
4.6 Match cannot commence. Offending team/s default the match and receive no WRFU CC points.
Failure to submit a team sheet and score
4.9
First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
Third and further offence(s): removal of two WRFU CC points from the offending team.
Failure to either film or upload Premier Men’s match footage within 48 hours of the match finishing
4.16 & 4.17
First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
Third and further offence(s): remove two (2) WRFU CC points from the Premier Men’s team
Premier Status Clubs defaulting a WRFU CC match in Premier Men, Premier 2 Men and Under 21 grade
5.1
Premier Status Clubs must not default a WRFU CC Match in the following grades: Premier Men; Premier 2 Men; Under 21 (this only applies to a Club’s top Under 21 team).
Should breach of this By-Law 5.1 occur in the first round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
• may deem the breaching Club’s Premier side ineligible to play in the Jubilee Cup competition; and
• must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has already defaulted a WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of five WRFU CC points from that team; and
52
• may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier Men’s team (unless the Premier Men’s team was the defaulting team); and
• may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
Should breach of this By-Law 5.1 occur in the second round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
• must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has already defaulted a WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of five WRFU CC points from that team; and
• may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier Men’s team (unless the Premier Men’s team was the defaulting team); and
• may deem the breaching Club’s Premier Men’s team ineligible for play-offs; and
• may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club. • Should a Premier Status Club default in a Premier grade WRFU CC
Match, the Club will not be eligible for Premier Status in the following WRFU Season, and each of that Club’s Premier 2 Men’s team and top Under 21 team will lose two WRFU CC points. If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC) determines that there are special circumstances that partially or fully excuse the default, the penalty may be reduced or waived.
Defaulting a match 5.2 Offending team receives no WRFU CC points.
Failure to notify of default in accordance with By-law 5.3 5.3, 11.5
First Offence: loss of 2 WRFU CC points
Subsequent Offences: loss of 5 WRFU CC points
Default of two matches in succession or three at intervals
5.2, 5.4, 11.5
Offending team receives no WRFU CC points.
Team withdrawn from the grade (unless WRFU determines otherwise – See By-Law 5.4)
Player found in breach of By-Law 8 or 9 (Player Eligibility or Amateur Code)
8 & 9
If a player plays in breach of By-Laws 8 or 9 the Rugby Board:
a) Must remove the WRFU CC points of the team for which the player played while ineligible to a maximum of fifteen (15) WRFU CC points;
In addition, the Rugby Board:
a) May impose disqualification of the player for such period as it sees fit; b) May in its discretion allocate WRFU CC points from the WRFU CC
Match or Matches; c) May impose any other penalty on a Club or player as deemed
appropriate in the circumstances.
53
Club found in breach of By- Law 9 (Amateur Code) 9
The Rugby Board may impose such penalty on the Member as it deems fit, including but not limited to:
a) Removal of WRFU CC points of the team to which the breach is related to a maximum of fifteen (15) WRFU CC points
b) Allocation in its discretion of the WRFU CC points from the WRFU CC Match or Matches;
c) Removal of the availability of WRFU resources; d) Removal of any financial benefits the Member may enjoy by
reason of its membership of WRFU; e) Removal of a team or teams of a Club from WRFU CC for such
period as the Rugby Board deems fit; f) Suspension of the Member as a Member of the WRFU for such
period as the Rugby Board deems fit; g) Removal of that Club’s Premier Status (if applicable).
Person/s playing in breach of Blue Card protocol 8.21
The Rugby Board may impose such penalty as it deems fit and: Must remove the WRFU CC points of the team for which the player played while ineligible, and a further five CC points;
May impose any other penalty on a Club or player as deemed appropriate in the circumstances.
Any person or Member in breach of By-Law 8, 9 or 10 or any person who or Member which fails or refuses to co-operate with a request of the Rugby Board in the course of any determination of a complaint
8, 9, 10, 11.2
May be suspended from participating in the game of rugby for, or within, the WRFU for such period of time as the Rugby Board deems fit.
Any other By-law breach 11.8 Such penalty as determined by the Rugby Board.
For all disciplinary matters 13 See By-Law 13
Breach of player eligibility or other requirements for non- WRFU CC matches (including WRFU tournaments)
16.1, 16.2 See WRFU requirements for that WRFU match or WRFU tournament.
54
Wellington Rugby Football
Union (Inc.)
CLUB RUGBY SUBCOMMITTEE AND
WRFU POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Effective February 2017
Updated March 2018 Updated March 2020 Updated April 2021
55
Section A - Club Rugby Subcommittee Policies & Procedures
1 . Introduction
2 . Objective
3 . Club Rugby Subcommittee & WRFU Management Responsibilities
4 . Method of Operation
5 . Specific Tasks and Timelines
6 . Grade Competitions
7 . Assessment of Grounds and Facilities
8 . Cancellation, Transfers, Regrades and Policy Considerations
9 . Registration – number of players per team
10 . Under 85kg Restricted Policy
11 . General
12 . Tournaments
• Seven-a-side Tournaments
• Ten-a-side Tournaments
Section B - WRFU Policies & Procedures
1. WRFU Policy on Club Allocation of Academy Players
2. WRFU Policy on Club Allocation of Provincial Union Contracted Players
3. WRFU Committee for Club Allocation of Academy, Contracted and Draft Players
4. WRFU Policy on Club Reallocation of Academy and Contracted Players
5. Protocols – WRFU Policy on Club Allocation of Academy, Contracted and Draft Players
6. WRFU Policy on Coach selection process for Amateur Representative Teams
7. Youth Player Eligibility Policy – Senior Competitions
56
1. Introduction
1.1 The constitution of the WRFU provides for the Rugby Board to appoint from its own number or otherwise, as
it sees fit, subcommittees for special purposes and also to provide for setting up of Advisory Boards as it may
from time to time determine.
1.2 The purpose of these policies and procedures is to assist the operation of the Club Rugby Sub- Committee
(CRSC) of the Rugby Board.
2. Objective
2.1 The objective of the CRSC is to administer and determine policy on all senior club rugby so as to contribute to
the vision statement in the WRFU strategic plan - Providing great Rugby experiences
3. Club Rugby Subcommittee & WRFU Management Responsibilities
3.1 The responsibilities delegated to the CRSC are:
a) Recommending to the Rugby Board the format for all grade competitions, including fixture lists, semi-finals and
finals
b) Control of transfers, regrades and other applicable By-laws.
c) Special issues that arise from time to time.
3.2 The responsibilities delegated to the CRSC, but performed by the WRFU CA are:
a) Overall responsibility for the draw, including ground allocations and match times, of all grades
b) Assessment of grounds and facilities
c) Cancellations and defaults
d) Pre-season and post-season competitions
e) Approval of Club Team Sponsors
4. Method of Operation
4.1 The CRSC will set operating policy, procedures and guidelines with the administration of these being
undertaken to the maximum extent practical by the WRFU CA under the leadership of the Head of
Community Rugby. The Committee will meet on a regular basis to review activities and where necessary
revise policies or procedures and guidelines. The Committee will provide regular reporting to the Rugby
Board.
5. Specific tasks and timelines
5.1 Prior to the commencement of the playing season the Head of Community Rugby or delegated staff member
will provide the CRSC with a draft plan for the season. The plan will include a schedule of the key events and
activities together with the responsibility for actions as well as timings. Once approved by the CRSC the
operational plan will come into effect and become the basis for the season's activities. The operation of the
plan will be subject to regular review by the CRSC.
57
6. Grade Competitions
6.1 Competitions outside the Premier Men and Premier 2 Men’s competitions shall be structured to utilise the
maximum number of playing days available. The objective is to provide rugby every Saturday, commencing at
least as early as the first Saturday in April and concluding the last Saturday in August; as defined in the
operational plan and in consultation with Club Captains. Non-competition (friendly) fixtures shall be provided
where necessary.
6.2 The fixtures list will be structured into grades and divisions to accommodate all teams entered by Clubs,
provide teams with even matches and competition, and strictly conform to the Union's By- laws. Where
possible, the minimum number of teams per grade or division shall be 8 subject to grade entries.
6.3 As far as practical matches will be allocated to provide teams with an equal number of home and away
games. Where games are transferred away from the scheduled ground, priority is given to provide the
maximum amount of rugby as possible. This may result in neutral venues.
6.4 The first team of every club should be drawn to play at the late time slot when playing at home.
6.5 In order to provide 'back-up' for first teams, priority will be given to playing the Club's next most senior team
or back-up team in an early game as near as possible to the first team's match.
6.6 Where possible all Clubs will have at least one third of their number of teams playing at home every
weekend.
6.7 Every attempt will be made to match as many teams in one club against teams in the same opposition club
on any one playing day.
6.8 Subject to circumstances the second round-robin of competition shall not commence until every team has
played each other in the first round-robin.
6.9 The playing of 'double-headers' i.e. playing Saturday and Monday of the same weekend will only take place as
a matter of last resort i.e. where there is no practical alternative.
6.10 Generally games will be scheduled at 11.30am for Women's rugby and 1:00 p.m. and 2.45 p.m. for men's
rugby. Friday night rugby is available for all grades, particularly; Age Grade, Women, Under 85kg, and Reserve
grades.
6.11 Subject to season structures the following grades will have promotion/relegation between divisions at the
completion of the first round;
a) Age Grade
b) Under 85kg
c) Reserve Grade
6.12 Subject to season structures it is intended that all grades other than Presidents (Over 30s) Grade will have
semi-finals and finals dependant on the season structure and available weeks. Semi-finals will be in the form
of 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. The winner of each match will proceed into the final.
6.13 The CA is responsible for the production of the weekly draw.
58
6.14 Should any team withdraw from the competition, either by decision of the team or through actions of the
Rugby Board, then as outlined in By-law 5.4, any matches it may have played shall not be counted in that Club
Championship round.
7. Assessment of Ground and Facilities
7.1 The provision of grounds and facilities is generally the responsibility of the Wellington region’s Councils. It is
expected that grounds will be marked out in accordance with the Laws of the Game, but reasonable tolerance
or variation is allowed. In all cases changing and showering facilities should be available on any ground to be
used for Rugby.
7.2 Under the Laws of the Game of Rugby Football, the playing enclosure is defined as the playing area and a
space around it, not less than 5 metres where practicable.
7.3 In addition to ground markings, all grounds must be provided with goal post pads for safety reasons and
should also be provided with touch flags. This equipment, along with flags, will be supplied by WRFU and will
display WRFU’s sponsor’s logo. Clubs cannot introduce other sponsors’ names to this equipment.
7.4 It is the responsibility of host clubs to set up pads and flags and other padding protecting fixed structures
within the playing enclosure, and removed upon completion, for all matches. There are some grounds not in
close proximity to club facilities or associated with any particular club. In such cases the home team in the
first game to be played on that ground that day is responsible for putting out the pads and flags. The weekly
draw will identify the duty team, which is responsible for ensuring the equipment is returned to the storage
facility after the match.
Clubs should also endeavour to provide seating for reserve players and management for Premier matches.
7.5 The below table sets out the WRFU’s recommended expectations for grounds dependant on grade
Grade Field Size Post Height Post Pad Type Technical Zones
Required Artificial Turf Acceptable
Sideline Management
Policy
Premier Men 120x70m 11m Removable Yes Yes Full SMP
Premier 2 Men 110x65m 8m Removable Yes Yes Full SMP
Under 21 110x65m 8m Removable No Yes None
Premier Women 110x65m 8m
Removable or Permanent No Yes None
Under 85kg 110x65m 8m Removable or
Permanent No Yes None
Reserve Grade 100x65m 8m Removable or
Permanent No Yes None
Presidents (Over 30s) 100x65m 8m
Removable or Permanent No Yes None
59
7.6 Premier Women, Premier Men, Premier 2 Men and Under 21 teams must all wear bibs.
7.7 In the case of Premier Men and Premier 2 Men’s matches on Club #1 grounds, there are additional minimum
standards which should be met. These are:
a) Under the Laws of the Game of Rugby Football, the playing enclosure is defined as the playing area and
a reasonable area surrounding it (refer Law 1 – Ground).
b) Each Club must appoint a Ground Manager to ensure that this policy is adhered to by the club for the
Premier Men and Premier 2 Men’s home games on the premier ground. The Ground Manager must make
themselves known to the match referees before the game. The Ground Manager must wear the WRFU
‘Ground Managers’ vest which will be supplied. The Ground Manager is responsible for ensuring the field is
set up in accordance with the relevant premier ground layout map.
c) The playing enclosure for each match is to be fully cordoned off with rope or fence.
d) Clubs should endeavour to provide seating (covered seating where possible) for reserve players and team
management.
e) The home club should endeavour to provide at least three ball kids for each Premier match.
f) Subject to clause 6, no person is permitted to enter the playing enclosure during a match, other than at
halftime, except for:
i. The playing XV from each team. (i.e., does not include reserves or substitutes)
ii. Match Officials – Referee and two Assistant Referees
iii. Up to two people from each team who will administer first aid (in accordance to clause g below.
iv. Ball kids appointed by the home club
g) Each playing team is permitted to have two designated Medics. Those individuals must wear the
appropriate identifiable WRFU ‘Medic’ vest and may only enter the field of play to attend to player
injuries. At all other times the designated first aiders are to remain in their team’s technical zone behind
the rope/fence.
i. If the Club can provide evidence of a medical qualification to the CA, the CRSC may allow the club
permission for one medic to move along the sideline so long as they don’t interact with match
officials. The minimum standard is a current Physiotherapy Board annual Practising Certificate
or World Rugby First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) qualification.
h) Each playing team is permitted to have two people designated as water carriers. Those individuals must
wear the appropriate identifiable WRFU ‘Water’ vest and may only enter the field of play when time off is
signalled by the referee, or at halftime. At all other times the designated water carriers are to remain in
their team’s technical zone behind the rope/fence.
i) Coaches connected to either playing team are permitted in front of the rope/fence behind the dead ball
line.
j) All other persons connected with the playing teams who are not permitted in the playing enclosure must
remain either behind the rope / fence in the marked technical zone, or alternatively behind the dead ball
60
line rope / fence. In the event that there is no marked technical zone, teams must situate themselves
between the 10-metre and half-way lines on the same side of the field.
k) Referees will be instructed that should this policy be breached during a match they are to stop the game
until the breach is remedied.
l) Any person who wilfully breaches this policy and refuses to leave the playing enclosure when requested to do
so will be reported to the Union by way of a complaint (WRFU Form 4) within 48 hours of the conclusion of
the match.
m) Any such person reported to the Union will be dealt with in accordance with the New Zealand Rugby
Rules for Disciplinary Hearings.
n) Clubs whose players or support personnel breach this policy will incur the following penalties:
i. First offence: first written warning from the WRFU CA
ii. Second offence: second written warning from the WRFU CA
iii. Third offence: removal of two (2) competition points
iv. Any subsequent offences: removal of four (4) competition points
7.8 Matches must be played at the ground allocated on the draw unless otherwise agreed by the two clubs
involved and the CA in consultation with the relevant local council. This applies particularly when games are
transferred due to weather or ground conditions.
7.9 Clubs are responsible for ensuring all fields, clubrooms and changing areas have appropriate emergency
access, and that the access ways are kept clear. In addition, clubs are also responsible for appropriately
maintaining and fully stocking a first aid kit.
8. Cancellations, transfers, regrades and policy considerations
8.1 The process of transfers and regrades shall be administered by the Competitions Administrator and the CRSC
in accordance with the By-Laws of the WRFU.
8.2 The closure of grounds is at the sole discretion of the relevant local council. When grounds are closed or
usage is restricted by a council, matches will be reallocated by the CA. When weather or ground conditions
make it necessary to cancel matches the objective will be to minimise disruption to the Premier competition
and spread the effects of cancellations equitably. To this end, available grounds will be allocated based on the
Grade Hierarchy, found in the WRFU By-Laws.
8.3 Where two teams are unable to play a scheduled match because of circumstances beyond their control,
WRFU Bylaw 4.3 will apply.
8.4 The CRSC will consider regrade requests provided they are submitted on the required WRFU Form and under
the directions as set out in the Bylaws. The CRSC Regrade Committee will consider these requests and
reserves the right to deny an application based on the supply of insufficient information.
8.5 The Regrade Committee will consist of 3 members of the CRSC (and will involve all members of the CRSC on a
rotation basis).
8.6 To satisfy the requirements of the CRSC Regrade Committee, a regrade request (WRFU Form 2) must include
61
the following information and be submitted 48 hours prior to the match kicking off. Any application received
after this time will not be dealt with until the following week.
a) Only one player per form.
b) The form must include all rugby played by that player during the previous 6 weeks, including appearances
(starting or off the reserves bench) for any team, and the approximate length of time played in each of those
weeks.
c) Full description of the reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection, those players who have
been selected ahead of the player requesting the regrade must be named. Likewise if it is due to injuries, the
club must name the injured players and the injuries.
d) The form must be signed by a Club official.
The CRSC and CA will keep and update a record of all requests for regrades, whether approved or denied, to ensure
consistency and precedence are adhered to during the course of a season.
9. Player Dispensations
9.1 The CRSC will consider dispensation requests provided they are submitted on the required WRFU Form and
under the directions as set out in the Bylaws. The CRSC Dispensation Committee will consider these requests
and reserves the right to deny an application based on the supply of insufficient information.
9.2 The Dispensation Committee will consist of 3 members of the CRSC (and will involve all members of the CRSC
on a rotation basis).
9.3 To satisfy the requirements of the CRSC Regrade Committee, a dispensation request (WRFU Form 3) must
include the following information and be submitted 48 hours prior to the match kicking off. Any application
received after this time will not be dealt with until the following week.
a) Only one player per form.
b) The form must include previous playing history (if any);
c) Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection or non-selection, the players who have
been selected ahead of the player must be named. If it is due to injuries, the form must include the name/s of
the injured players and the injuries
d) The form must be signed by a Club official.
The CRSC and CA will keep and update a record of all requests for regrades, whether approved or denied, to
ensure consistency and precedence are adhered to during the course of a season.
10. Registration – number of players per team
10.1 At the CRSC meeting in April each year the Club Rugby Subcommittee will be provided with a list of
registrations to each club and to each team.
10.2 Teams are required to have a minimum of 18 registrations.
10.3 The following day the WRFU CA will send letters out to clubs who have teams too few players against their
name to inform them that they have until the following CRSC meeting, in May, to register sufficient players to
62
the relevant team(s).
10.4 Regular communication with clubs by the WRFU will follow to track the process of these registrations.
10.5 If, come the CRSC meeting in May, a team does not have the required number of players registered to them
then they will be removed from the relevant competition.
11. Under 85kg Restricted Policy
11.1 Clubs must provide all registered Under 85kg teams with a set of scales.
11.2 Clubs must adhere to the following pre-match weigh in procedure:
a) It will be the duty of the home team for every game (if no team clearly at home then the team listed first in the
draw) to bring their set of scales to the match venue.
b) If the home team does not have their set of scales then the away teams can be used. However, failure to
produce your scales can result in a default on the part of the home team.
c) Team Managers will be required to weigh the opposition before the start of the match on and note the weights
of the players. Players are required to weigh in under 85kg, not including playing uniform or equipment.
d) The reading on the scales provided will be the final word on the weight, no discussion can be entered into. If a
player is 85kgs or over, they cannot play on that day.
e) If a player who has been weighed out by the opposition does play, then the game can be the subject of a
protest.
f) Players can only be weighed in pre-match or, in situations where a player has arrived after kick-off, during
halftime.
g) Should any team not be able to supply the required number of suitably trained and experienced front row
players as outlined in the WRFU By-laws (4.5), the team will be required to prompt Game On protocol.
11.3 Overweight Players:
a) Players who are 85kgs or over, not including playing uniform or equipment, at this point are ineligible to
participate in the match. Overweight players will be informed to change out of their playing gear so there is no
chance of the player taking the field as a substitute during the game.
b) No mutual agreement between the management or the captains of both teams will be accepted to allow
overweight players to play in any game, even if required to provide the necessary number of front row players.
12. General
12.1 These policies and procedures set out the broad basis on which the CRSC will operate. Generally, the policies
and procedures are administered by the WRFU CA. Where the application of the policies and procedures
results in dispute and the CA seeks help in resolving the issue, he will involve a minimum of two members of
the CRSC including the Chairman if available.
12.2 The policies and procedures will generally apply but from time to time circumstances will arise which may call
for some variation and this is to be expected.
12.3 These policies and procedures are in every case subordinate to the By-Laws of the WRFU and are subject to
amendment from time to time.
63
13. Tournaments
13.1 All WRFU tournaments are to be played in accordance with the tournament rules relevant to the specific
tournament and in accordance with the WRFU Bylaws, particularly Bylaw 16.2.
13.2 WRFU tournament rules are outlined below. These may change as the Tournament Director sees fit according
to the relevant tournament/s
13.3 Seven-a-side Tournament rules
1. Tournament Rules
All matches shall be played according to the World Rugby (WR) By-Laws, Regulations and Laws of the Game with
Seven-a-side variations as framed by WR. The overall winner of the Series will be determined by the team with the
most Series points as set out below:
2. Pool Play
a) If on completion of the pool matches, two or more teams in their respective pools have the same aggregate
number of points, the result will be determined in accordance with the following sequence:
i. The winner of the match already played between the teams involved shall have the higher standing.
ii. If the teams concerned had drawn the match indicated, the team which had scored the most tries in
the pool shall have the higher standing.
iii. The team which has the highest difference of points for minus points against in their pool matches
shall have the higher standing.
iv. When there is still a tie, the higher standing team will be declared by the toss of a coin.
b) If on completion of the pool matches, where teams play ‘cross pool matches’ (i.e don’t play any team listed in
their pool), two or more teams in their respective pools have the same aggregate number of points, the result
will be determined in accordance with the following sequence:
i. the team which had scored the most tries in the pool shall have the higher standing.
ii. The team which has the highest difference of points for minus points against in their pool matches shall
have the higher standing.
iii. When there is still a tie, the higher standing team will be declared by the toss of a coin.
3. Quarter/Semi Final Play
Should teams draw in Quarter Finals or Semi Finals, the winner shall be:
i. the team that scores the most tries.
ii. If the above is equal the winner shall be determined by which team scored the first try.
iii. If no tries are scored the winner will be determined by the toss of a coin.
4. Final
Should teams be drawn at the conclusion of normal play (14 minutes) an extra time period of ‘Golden Point’ will be
played, consisting of 2 x 5-minute spells. The team that scores first in this period of play will be deemed the winner.
5. Player Eligibility
a) All players must be over the age of 18 as at 1 January.
64
b) Any player under the age of 18 years is not eligible to participate unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Dispensation may be given for exceptional circumstances via written application on the WRFU Age Grade
Approval Form for assessment by the following persons
i. WRFU High Performance Manager
ii. WRFU Fitness Trainer
iii. WRFU Rugby Development Co-ordinator
iv. WRFU Rugby Board Member
c) When assessing an application, the following criteria will be considered:
i. Representation at either/both national and/or provincial age grade level or overseas equivalent.
ii. Players medical history.
iii. Players conditioning programme/fitness test results.
iv. A panel member in either a game or full contact situation must view player.
d) Parental/Guardian consent must also be obtained.
e) Clubs are required to submit applications well in advance of the tournament. Any applications received within 5
days of the tournament will not be considered.
6. Tournament Squads
All teams will be entitled to have up to 12 players in their American Ambassador Sevens squad each tournament.
• All players have to be registered to the club they are playing for.
• Players not registered to that club must register with the Club prior to the tournament beginning.
• Notwithstanding the above, players have the option of going through the standard transfer process to play
for another club.
Additionally, Subs will be ‘controlled subs’ (Field Manager will control introduction to the game), and teams are
reminded to ensure that all team members are within the Sub Bench Area.
7. Declaration of Squad
a) The team manager shall be required to submit a squad (max 12 players) for the tournament. The squad
including shirt numbers shall be submitted no later than 12:00pm on the day before the tournament
b) Players must retain the same shirt number throughout the Tournament
8. Substitutions
a) A player may be replaced on account of injury or substituted. In any given game, no more than 5 players in each
team may be replaced or substituted. A player who has been replaced (for injury or sub) may not resume
playing in the match except as a blood bin replacement.
b) A team that is unable to field 7 players and have 5 reserves (because of injury or illness) may borrow
players/reserves from teams that have already been eliminated from the competition. A player once borrowed
cannot play for any other team in the tournament and must remain with the new team. The approval of the
WRFU Tournament Director must be obtained before a borrowed player can play.
c) A player who had been replaced by a player from an eliminated team cannot take any further part in the
tournament.
65
d) If fit to play, a team’s nominated players must play before players borrowed from eliminated teams can be
used. Only players named in any team’s team sheet will be eligible to take part in the tournament as a
replacement player.
9. Referees:
a) All referees, and referee appointments will be determined by the Wellington Rugby Referees Association
b) Where assistant referees are officially appointed Law 6B(6) applies in relation to their reporting of foul play and
misconduct to the referee for the match.
c) Referees will strictly enforce Law 10(2) and particularly 10(2)(b) regarding “voluntarily wasting time”.
10. Disciplinary
A disciplinary panel will be available to hear immediately following the match, any disciplinary matters arising from
a player or players sent from the field of play during a match. This panel will consist of 2 x WRFU officials and the
Tournament Director or his nominee, their decision will be final.
In the event the disciplinary panel deems the matter worthy, the hearing can be postponed until the following
week, and dealt with by the full WRFU Judicial committee. In this event the individual must not take any further part
in the tournament, and cannot be replaced.
a) A player sent off for a breach of the laws will be dealt with under the usual WRFU Disciplinary Procedures.
b) Players sent off will not be permitted to take any further part in the tournament, until a hearing is held.
c) A match called off will result in both teams not being permitted to take any further part in the tournament. The
matter will then be immediately referred to the WRFU Disciplinary Committee.
d) A yellow card offence will result in the player spending 2 minutes in the Sin Bin.
e) In the event of any dispute arising as to the meaning or interpretation of these regulations, or any contingency
arising not covered by the regulations a ruling shall be given by the Tournament Director and that ruling shall be
final.
f) The Tournament Director reserves the right to refer a dispute to the Club Rugby Subcommittee (CRSC) to be
handled at a later time or date if circumstances warrant it.
11. Series Points
a) The team with the most Series Points will be awarded the WRFU American Ambassador Sevens Series Trophy.
b) Points will be awarded as per the below table for each tournament in the series
Rank Points 1 20 2 18 3 16 4 14 5 12 6 10 7 8 8 6 9 4
10 3 11 2 12 1
66
12. General
1. Each team is required to send at least one representative to the Managers meeting to be held at the ground at
30 minutes prior to the first match kicking-off.
2. All teams are to supply their own LESLIE match balls and medical assistance.
3. It is preferable that conversions be taken from the other side of the goal posts if scored in front of the posts.
This will prevent time being wasted returning balls to the kick-off.
4. All matches and finals are 7-minutes each way (excluding extra time if required).
5. Points are awarded on the following basis:
a) 4 Points for a win,
b) 1 bonus point for 4 tries or more
c) 1 bonus point for finishing within 7 points
d) 2 Points for a draw.
13.4 Seven-a-side Tournament rules
The tournament:
1. Team sheets with the names of management and no more than 15 players must be sent to the Tournament
Director by midday of the Friday before the Tournament.
2. Teams in all matches should be ready to take the field 5 minutes before kick-off
3. Teams will be responsible for the supply of one Leslie rugby ball for use.
4. Teams are advised to arrive changed and ready to play due to limited changing facilities. It is also recommended
that teams provide a tent for their own use.
5. Team Managers are to ensure that their teams are adequately supplied with water and are responsible for
immediate first aid.
6. Referees are responsible for advising tournament headquarters of the results immediately after each game.
7. Clubs are advised that the conduct and control of their members and invited guests is their responsibility. The
dispensing of alcoholic beverages and the possession of alcoholic products of competitors of WRFU sponsors is
prohibited.
8. All players in the tournament must be eligible to represent their club in accordance with the By-Laws of the
WRFU. Secondary School players may be included in the club teams provided they have not played club rugby
for another club.
9. All decisions regarding the seeding and draws of teams are the sole responsibility of WRFU.
10. Clubs with more than one team in the tournament are required to have an alternative coloured set of playing
jerseys available for use if two of their teams should play each other or another team with similar jerseys.
The Rules:
1. The tournament will be played under the IRB Laws of the Game, i.e. 5 player scrums, normal methods of scoring,
full sized field, replacement of injured players during a match.
2. Each team will comprise 15 players maximum, and management. Players must be declared at the start of the
tournament. Once teams are declared there is to be no movement of players between teams, including those
from the same club, except as per Rule 6.
67
3. In each pool match, four points will be awarded for a win, and two points for a draw. One bonus point will be
awarded to team(s) scoring four or more tries in each match or losing by seven points or less. When there is a tie
at full-time in round robin or playoff matches, no extra time will be played. The winner will be the first scorer of
points in the match. If no points are scored, the result of the match will be decided by the toss of a coin. All
matches will be 10 minutes each way, with a 2-minute interval.
a) The winner of the match already played between the teams involved shall have the higher standing
b) If the teams concerned had drawn the match indicated, the team which had scored the most tries in
the pool shall have the higher standing
c) The team which has the highest difference of points for minus points against in their pool matches
shall have the higher standing
d) When there is still a tie, the higher standing team will be declared by the toss of a coin
4. A player may be replaced on account of injury or substituted. In any given game, no more than 5 players in each
team may be replaced or substituted. A player who has been replaced (for injury or sub) may not resume playing
in the match except as a blood bin replacement.
5. A team that is unable to field 10 players and have five reserves (because of injury or illness) may borrow
players/reserves from teams that have already been eliminated from the competition. A player once borrowed
cannot play for any other team in the tournament and must remain with the new team. The approval of the WRFU
Tournament Director must be obtained before a borrowed player can play.
6. A player who has been replaced by a player from an eliminated team cannot take any further part in the
tournament.
7. If fit to play, a teams nominated players must play before players borrowed from eliminated teams can be used.
Only players named in any team’s team sheet will be eligible to take part in the tournament as a replacement
player.
Referees:
1. Where touch judges are officially appointed Law 6B(6) applies in relation to their reporting foul play and
misconduct to the referee for the match.
2. Referees will strictly enforce Law 10(2) and particularly 10(2)(b) regarding “voluntarily wasting time”.
Disciplinary and disputes:
1. A player sent off for a breach of the laws will be dealt with under the usual WRFU Disciplinary Procedures. Players
sent off will not be permitted to take any further part in the tournament.
2. A match called off will result in both teams not being permitted to take any further part in the tournament. The
matter will then be referred to the WRFU Disciplinary Committee.
3. A yellow card offence will result in the player spending 2 minutes in the Sin Bin. 4. In the event of any dispute arising as to the meaning or interpretation of these regulations, or any contingency
arising not covered by the regulations a ruling shall be given by the Tournament Director and that ruling shall be
final.
5. The Tournament Director reserves the right to refer a dispute to the CRSC to be handled at a later time or date if
circumstances warrant it.
68
1. WELLINGTON RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION POLICY ON CLUB ALLOCATION OF ACADEMY PLAYERS
As at February 2017
The aim of the club allocation process is to provide the individual Academy players with a supportive
and positive learning environment in conjunction with the Academy Programme in developing the
individual to his full potential.
The following criteria will be used in deciding club allocation of academy players:
1. Existing affiliation to clubs before acceptance onto the academy programme, through:
1.1 Junior Club Membership - a minimum of 12 months (or one full season of rugby), as a player in the junior section
of a club.
1.2 Family Connection - this should be a strong, clearly established and influential link to an immediate family member
involved in a club.
1.3 Club-School Link - this should be a direct developmental relationship with the individual player(s) in the school,
through the club via the RDO Programme; but also through the immersion of club resources within the school such
as provision of coaches, team management and/or other volunteers.
1.4 Other additional supporting factors including:
• Sharing of facilities/resources between a club and college and player
• Unique factors, e.g. Marist fraternity connection between the Marist rugby clubs and St Pats Town and
Silverstream colleges.
2. The support structure offered by clubs to academy players.
2.1 Technical/tactical coaching expertise available at the club specific to the players playing position and individual
needs.
2.2 The ability of the club to provide a positive, supportive and friendly environment for the player.
2.3 Player mentoring and support available within the club.
2.4 Off field support such as work placement, study/accommodation grants. (NB: these
must fall within the WRFU Code regulations).
2.5 Host family support for academy players from outside the Wellington region.
3. The player’s personal preference in terms of factors such as proximity of home/work/tertiary institute to the club; family
considerations.
4. The player’s usual playing position and the ability of the club to play the player in that position at the agreed level (NB: it
may in some circumstances be better for a school leaver NOT to play Premier Men’s rugby in their first year).
The weighting of the criteria has been fixed, as follows:
Clause 1 – 30%
Clause 2 – 30%
Clause 3 – 30%
Clause 4 – 10%
Wellington Rugby Football Union reserves the right to reallocate academy players during the term of their time in the WRFU
Academy.
69
2. WELLINGTON RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION POLICY ON CLUB ALLOCATION OF PROVINCIAL UNION CONTRACTED PLAYERS
As at February 2017
The aim of the club allocation process is to:
• Provide a fair and equitable distribution of contracted players within Wellington Club Rugby, over a period of at least
five years. To create a starting point, allocations over the last 5 years will be taken into consideration.
• Ensure contracted players receive appropriate support from the club to allow them to develop to their full potential.
The qualifying criteria for clubs to be considered for allocation of Wellington Rugby Football Union contracted players are:
• Clubs must be compliant with Wellington Rugby Football Union rules, regulations and constitutional requirements.
• Clubs must be signatory to the Amateur Code.
Factors that will be taken into consideration in the allocation of contracted players are as follows:
1. The ability of the club to provide a positive, supportive, friendly environment
2. The need to achieve a competitive club competition and the promotion of club rugby in Wellington.
3. The opportunity for the player to assist in influencing and developing the club’s players and assisting and raising the
profile of rugby within the club and community.
4. The particular player needs of the club, in conjunction with the player’s personal preference.
5. The player’s usual playing position and the ability of the club to play the player in that position.
Contracted players are contracted to Wellington Rugby and as such Wellington Rugby reserves the right to reallocate contracted
players during the term of their contract. Contracted players will only require an allocation to a WRFU club if they don’t already
have an existing affiliation to a Wellington club.
70
3. WELLINGTON RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION COMMITTEE FOR CLUB ALLOCATION OF ACADEMY, PU CONTRACTED PLAYERS
As at February 2017
The committee to make recommendations on the allocation of academy and contracted players shall consist of:
• The CEO Wellington Rugby Football Union
• The Coach of the Wellington NPC team
• The High Performance Manager or Academy Manager
• The Manager of Community Rugby
• WRFU Rugby Board representative rugby delegate*
*Should there be a conflict of interest; the following position will substitute the Rugby Board delegate:
• Rugby Board Chairman, or
• WRFU Rugby Committee Chairman.
71
4. WELLINGTON RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION POLICY ON CLUB REALLOCATION OF ACADEMY AND CONTRACTED PLAYERS
As at February 2017
All Wellington Rugby Limited (WRL) academy and contracted players are allocated to Wellington Rugby Clubs based on the WRL
Policy on allocation of academy and contracted players. It is envisaged that these players will remain at that club for the duration
of their WRL contracts.
If however, during the period of their WRL contract a player should wish to apply to WRL for consideration for reallocation to
another club the following outlines this application process:
• The request needs to be in writing and addressed to: The Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) Wellington Rugby Limited.
P O Box 7201
Wellington
• The request needs to be received by the above no later than 31 December in the year prior to which reallocation is
being sought.
• The letter must outline in full the following:
• Current club and reasons why a move from that club is requested.
• Club or clubs, in order of priority, to which reallocation is sought
• Reasons why reallocation to this/these club(s) is requested
• Any other relevant information in support of the application.
• The club to which the player is currently allocated will be informed of the player’s application for reallocation and be
given the opportunity to discuss this with the player and the High Performance Manager and NPC Wellington Coach
as required.
• The application will be considered and viewed in conjunction with the Wellington Rugby Football Union policy on
academy and contracted player allocation.
• The application will be considered by the following committee for club allocation of academy and contracted players.
That committee consists of:
• The CEO Wellington Rugby Football Union
• The Coach of the Wellington NPC team
• The High Performance Manager or Academy Manager
• The Manager of Community Rugby
• WRFU Rugby Board representative rugby delegate
• All recommendations of the above committee are provided for the information of the Wellington Rugby Football Union
Rugby Committee.
• The player and club will be informed in writing of the outcome of the application by early February in the year for
which reallocation is sought.
NB: For Academy and contracted players, the Wellington Rugby Football Union reserves the right to re- allocate a player when
and where it believes it is in the best interests of the player and/or the Wellington Rugby Football Union.
72
5. PROTOCOLS INTO THE WELLINGTON RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION POLICY ON CLUB ALLOCATION OF ACADEMY PLAYERS
As at February 2017
ACADEMY PLAYERS
a) By the first week of November of each year, the WRFU Academy Manager will advise all clubs of the first year
intake of players for the following year. Any players who have requested they fall under the “Automatic Player
Allocation” will be identified at this time.
Automatic Club Allocation Process
The WRFU Academy Allocation Committee (as outlined in c) below) may take into consideration the automatic allocation of a player to a club if the following criteria can be met:
• The player has clearly stated in writing that their sole preference is the club seeking automatic allocation; and
• The player already has a significant and well-formed affiliation with the club concerned in respect of clauses
1.1 and/or 1.2 of the WRFU Policy on Club Allocation of Academy Players.
The automatic allocations will be announced in early November to allow clubs to concentrate on applying for any
remaining player.
b) Club applications for players from the intake must be submitted to the Academy Manager by mid- November. The
application to include a detailed plan of how the club will cater for the player’s and WRFU needs in regard to the
Six Pillars of Player Development Model, as outlined by the Academy Manager (see Appendix A).
c) The Academy Manager will assess all applications, in conjunction with the following committee:
• The CEO Wellington Rugby Football Union
• The NPC Coach/High Performance Manager
• The Manager of Community Rugby
• Rugby Board representative rugby delegate
d) The Academy Manager and the Manager of Community Rugby will meet with representatives of the preferred club
before the end of November to determine the individual plan for the player/s concerned.
e) The Academy Manager will confirm final allocation of players to clubs by the first week in December. This
information will also be conveyed to the Rugby Board and WRFU Board for their reference.
1. CONTRACTED PLAYERS
a) In late October/early November of each year, or as they become available, a list of newly contracted players will be
announced for the forthcoming year.
b) The following committee will consider this list of players for club allocation and provide recommendations to the
Rugby Committee for their information:
• The CEO Wellington Rugby Football Union
• The High Performance Manager or Academy Manager
• Rugby Board representative rugby delegate
• The NPC Coach
• The Manager Community Rugby
c) All clubs will be notified of the final allocations as soon as is practical.
Wellington Rugby Football Union reserves the right to reallocate a contracted player during the term of their contract.
73
Appendix A
Wellington Rugby Union Player Academy
“A partnership between schools, clubs and the Wellington Rugby Union High Performance Unit”
Aim:
To instil best practice behaviours in our elite players through the six pillars of player development.
The six pillars of player development are:
1. Technical. The ability to consistently execute the skills required under pressure.
2. Tactical. Understanding of the role within the team combined with game understanding and correct decision-making.
3. Physical. Conditioning the body to cope with the requirements of the game at an elite level.
4. Nutrition. Disciplined approach to fuelling the body to ensure it performs at it’s optimum.
5. Mental. Preparing the mind to cope with professional sport both on and off the field.
6. Holistic. Assisting the players to achieve a life balance. The concept that good people make good elite rugby players.
Schools, clubs and the Wellington Rugby Union must work in close partnership to ensure that the expectations, accountabilities
and messages the players receive are consistent, thus developing a player who will make a real contribution to his club and to
whichever Wellington representative team they are selected for.
74
6. WELLINGTON RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION POLICY ON COACH SELECTION PROCESS FOR AMATEUR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS
As at March 2021
The aim of the selection process is to provide a robust review and appointment process for all WRFU amateur representative
coaches, including feedback on their coaching and avenues of support and development. For the avoidance of doubt the teams
not covered by this policy (and are considered high performance teams) are the Lions, Pride, Under 19 and Development teams.
REVIEW PROCESS (November)
1. Completion of online survey by all members including management and players by early-November (or February for
Sevens teams).
2. Completion of in-depth one-on-one performance reviews of each coach, to be managed by the WRFU Coach
Development Manager. These will be conducted throughout the season.
3. De-brief interview conducted with each team coach by mid/late-November (or February for sevens teams).
4. Rep Rugby Review panel shall consist of:
• WRFU CEO (at his discretion)
• WRFU Community Rugby Staff Member
• WRFU Rugby Board Rep Rugby Delegate
• WRFU BOD Rugby Committee Chair or Delegate
5. At completion of the review process, the panel should decide what appropriate action to take with each coach.
6. A report should be provided to each coach indicating strengths and areas to develop. (i.e. a personal development
plan) by the WRFU Coach Development Manager.
APPOINTMENT PROCESS (Early December)
1. Each coach is confirmed for a two-year term of appointment, subject to favourable review after the first year.
2. A coach may be reappointed for a further two-year term; however, at the completion of the second term, the
Representative Rugby review panel has the discretion to reappoint coach(es) into representative teams.
3. Should a position be made vacant upon review, the position is to be advertised, and any placement of coaches
must go through the normal application process.
4. These recommendations and any identified vacancies are reported to the WRFU Rugby Board.
5. Vacancies advertised and personal approaches made to targeted prospective coaches to apply.
6. Interview Panel is established, applicants short-listed by the Panel, interview schedule produced, interviews
conducted, if considered necessary by the Panel.
7. All subsequent appointments are made in consultation with the WRFU Rugby Board.
8. Appointments made and letters of acknowledgement and thanks sent out, including meaningful feedback to
unsuccessful applicants.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
• Will consist of a review of the person’s background and skill-set both in and out of rugby.
• Will involve and identify why the person seeks the role and their knowledge of the programme and what is
involved.
• Will involve questions of a rugby specific nature (scenario) for the applicant to have the opportunity to show and
present their rugby knowledge.
75
• Will involve a panel consisting of:
o WRFU CEO (at his discretion)
o WRFU Community Rugby Staff Member
o WRFU Rugby Board Rep Rugby Delegate
o WRFU BOD Rugby Committee Chair or Delegate
76
7. YOUTH PLAYER ELIGIBILITY POLICY FOR PARTICIPATION INTO SENIOR COMPETITIONS
As at March 2021
Following the lead of New Zealand Rugby, WRFU have created this policy to ensure the safety of youth in our game is always
considered.
Instances of players under the age of 18 playing Senior rugby have been encountered in the Wellington region in the past, with
one notable case in recent years sustaining a serious neck injury.
In 2021 New Zealand Rugby implemented an updated National Rugby Policy on the Age to play Senior Rugby (NRP #8). This
mandates that players under the age of 18 are not able to participate without completing a thorough screening process to
obtain dispensation.
In view of the above, the following policy will apply with respect to youth players in senior/open club grade competitions within
the WRFU:
1.1 ALL LEVELS OF MEN’S SENIOR RUGBY
For the avoidance of doubt this policy applies to the Premier Men, Premier 2 Men, Under 21, Under 85kg, Reserve and
Presidents grades. This also applies to Senior Sevens tournaments in which a Senior Men’s grade is offered.
Additionally, this policy applies to both pre/post-season matches and any in competition matches.
• Any male player under the age of 18 years and who will not turn 18 during the Senior Winter Club Rugby
season, is not eligible to participate.
• A dispensation can be obtained for those 16 and older (who are not college enrolled – see clause 1.3 of this
document) if screened by WRFU and provided a dispensation. NZR policies may dictate permitted playing
positions by age.
• To obtain a screening an application form must be completed by the player and have both parental/guardian
approval, and the sign-off from a medical GP (not physiotherapist).
• A screening will be completed by a representative of the WRFU High Performance Staff and tests undertaken
will be in line with NZR Policies.
• The screening test results will be reviewed, and a dispensation considered by the following WRFU
representatives:
o WRFU CEO (or their appointee)
o WRFU High Performance Unit Manager
o WRFU Strength & Conditioning Coach
• The decision of the above committee is final and there are no rights of appeal.
• Failure to comply with this policy, as outlined above, will result in the offending team(s) default of the match
and five WRFU CC points awarded to the opposing team for competition matches. For breaches in pre/post-
season matches five WRFU CC points will be deducted from the teams and will be applied to the teams starting
WRFU CC in the following season.
77
1.2 ALL LEVELS OF WOMEN’S SENIOR RUGBY
For the avoidance of doubt this policy applies to the Premier Women’s grade and any divisions within it. This also
applies to Senior Sevens tournaments in which a Senior Women’s grade is offered.
Additionally, this policy applies to both pre/post-season matches and any in competition matches.
• Any female player under the age of 18 years and who will not turn 18 during the Senior Winter Club Rugby
season, is not eligible to participate.
• A dispensation can be obtained for those 16 and older (who are not college enrolled – see clause 1.3 of this
document) if screened by WRFU and provided a dispensation. NZR policies may dictate permitted playing
positions by age.
• To obtain a screening an application form must be completed by the player and have both parental/guardian
approval, and the sign-off from a medical GP (not physiotherapist).
• A screening will be completed by a representative of the WRFU High Performance Staff and tests undertaken
will be in line with NZR Policies.
• The screening test results will be reviewed, and a dispensation considered by the following WRFU
representatives:
o WRFU CEO (or their appointee)
o WRFU High Performance Unit Manager
o WRFU Strength & Conditioning Coach
• The decision of the above committee is final and there are no rights of appeal.
• Failure to comply with this policy, as outlined above, will result in the offending team(s) default of the match
and five WRFU CC points awarded to the opposing team for competition matches. For breaches in pre/post-
season matches five WRFU CC points will be deducted from the teams and will be applied to the team’s
starting WRFU CC in the following season.
1.3 SECONDARY SCHOOL PLAYERS
• In the same calendar season, a player cannot be registered to play for both a WRFU senior club team and a
secondary school team, unless the player has left secondary school. If that player is still playing for their
secondary school, regardless of whether they have left school or not, they are ineligible to play for a WRFU
senior club team.
• Any player still at secondary school who wishes to play Senior Rugby must seek the approval of WRFU.
Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are to be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer in
the first instance. Requests will be assessed by:
o WRFU CEO (or their appointee)
o WRFU High Performance Unit Manager
o WRFU Strength & Conditioning Coach
o College Sport Wellington Sport Manager
78
New Zealand Rugby
NATIONAL RUGBY
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Effective February 2017
Updated March 2020
79
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICIES & PROCEDURES
• POLICY #01 PARTICIPANT SAFETY
• POLICY #02 RUGBYSMART SAFETY COURSE FOR REFEREES AND COACHES
• POLICY #03 COMPULSORY COACHING COURSE
• POLICY #04 DISPENSATIONS
• POLICY #05 POLICE VETTING
• POLICY #06 HALF GAME RULE
• POLICY #07 MIXED TEAMS AND OPPOSITION
• POLICY #08 AGE TO PLAY SENIOR RUGBY
• POLICY #09 AGE BANDS FOR AGE GRADE RUGBY
80
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY PARTICIPANT SAFETY
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
POLICY #01 PARTICIPANT SAFETY BACKGROUND As with many sports, rugby does involve an element of risk to the physical wellbeing of participants. New Zealand Rugby is committed to making the game as safe as we practically can for participants, ensuring they continue to enjoy playing rugby and have a lifelong love of the game.
POLICY
The first consideration in all decisions must be the safety of all participants. This requirement overrides all others. It applies to: 1. Grade compositions 2. Dispensations 3. Domestic Safety Law 4. Development Models 5. Coaching practises 6. Sideline behaviour
RESPONSIBILITIES All SANCTION(S) See specific policies
81
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY RUGBYSMART SAFETY COURSE
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
POLICY #02 RUGBYSMART SAFETY COURSE FOR REFEREES AND COACHES BACKGROUND In 2000 the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Board mandated that all referees and coaches of full contact tackle grade teams must attend the compulsory RugbySmart safety coaching course. Since the RugbySmart course was introduced catastrophic injuries have fallen from an average of nine per year, to two per year. This policy statement reaffirms the original NZRU Board mandate.
POLICY
All coaches and referees of U14 level rugby and above, including assistant coaches, position specific coaches and technical assistants must attend a RugbySmart coaching course prior to the commencement of competition games each season. For completeness, this includes all professional coaches, professional referees and representative coaches.
RESPONSIBILITIES New Zealand Rugby will: x Provide the course content and materials each year. x Train Provincial Union Course presenters each year. Provincial Unions will: x Nominate course presenters, venues and course timings. x Keep accurate records of teams in competitions, coaches involved and cross reference
to attendance at RugbySmart courses. x Remove teams from competitions should any coaching personnel, who have not attended
RugbySmart, engage in coaching activity once the competition commences. AUDIT New Zealand Rugby reserves the right to undertake spot audits of RugbySmart attendance lists and club and school team coaching lists. SANCTION(S) For coaches Failure to attend the course will see the designated coach stood down from all coaching activity until they have completed the course.
82
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY RUGBYSMART SAFETY COURSE
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
The coach’s team will be withdrawn from its relevant competition if any of its coaches fail to attend RugbySmart prior to the season commencing until such time as the requirement has been fulfilled. For referees Any referee who has not completed the RugbySmart course is not to be appointed to any fixture. This requirement is to be monitored by the Provincial Union in conjunction with the Provincial Union Rugby Referees Association (RRA) and cross-referenced between registration lists and RugbySmart attendance lists. For social teams A social team with no coach must designate a player/coach who must fulfil RugbySmart requirements.
83
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY COMPULSORY COACHING COURSE
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
POLICY #03 COMPULSORY COACHING COURSE
POLICY
Coaching is the most critical component of our players’ rugby experience. A good coach coaching the right skills and tactics in an engaging way at the right time will do more to enhance the player’s development and enjoyment than any other single factor. Having well qualified and well trained coaches is vital. A coach is defined as anyone who imparts technical or tactical rugby knowledge at an organised training session. Teenagers For all coaches of U14 to U19 grades all coaching staff must attend the NZ Rugby Coaching Teenagers Module at the commencement of each season. The course content, resources and training will be provided by NZ Rugby and delivered by the Provincial Union presenters. Small Blacks All coaches, including assistants, actively engaged in the coaching process must attend the relevant Small Blacks coaching course at the commencement of each season.
RESPONSIBILITIES New Zealand Rugby will provide course content, resources and training for presenters. Provincial Unions: x Will run the required courses and provide the presenters x Will keep accurate records of course attendees and cross reference against team records SANCTION(S) Failure of any coach to attend the course by the commencement of the season will require the coach to stand down from coaching until they have completed the course. Should the team not have a coach that has completed the course, it will be withdrawn from the competition until the requirement is fulfilled.
84
85
86
87
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY POLICE VETTING
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
POLICY #05 POLICE VETTING BACKGROUND
The safety and welfare of children and young people involved in rugby is paramount.
Children in New Zealand look up to sports stars, coaches, team captains and referees as heroes. Children regularly play sport and develop close relationships with their team members, coaches and support staff.
As part of New Zealand Rugby’s focus on ensuring a safe environment for Small Blacks Rugby, all coaches registering for Small Blacks Rugby (aged 12 and under) and referees registering solely for Small Blacks Rugby from 2013 are required to undergo Police vetting.
Police vetting provides parents, families and whanau with the confidence that children are participating in sport supported by coaches and referees who do not pose a risk to their safety.
POLICY
All coaches, including assistants, must undergo the Police vetting process when they initially become involved at a Small Blacks level. This vetting is valid for three consecutive years at the start of every fourth year thereafter, they must re-submit to the vetting process.
The Vetting Process The vetting process, procedures relating to failure to submit to vetting, and the appeals process are documented in the Police vetting documents available from www.communityrugby.co.nz/safety RESPONSIBILITIES New Zealand Rugby will: x Provide vetting rationale and process literature x Undertake vetting and notification on failed results x Manage database records x Organise and facilitate the appeals process Provincial Unions: x Notify all coaches of their requirements x Provide required information to New Zealand Police including required ID and approval
to vet forms
88
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY POLICE VETTING
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
x Notify clubs if coaches who have failed the vetting process refuse to stand down on their own accord, and ensure such coaches are removed from any coaching role.
SANCTION(S) Failure to agree to be vetted and provide the required signed form and ID will result in automatic removal from any coaching role.
89
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY HALF GAME RULE
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
POLICY #06 HALF GAME RULE BACKGROUND Following two pieces of significant research it has been identified that lack of game time is a significant cause of players leaving the game and low retention rates. Having sought the players’ views, and looking to honour the ‘player first’ sentiments of the Community Rugby Strategy, a minimum half game for every player policy has been introduced following a trial and an introductory year.
POLICY
At all rugby below First XV and including all representative rugby below Under 18 grades, it is compulsory for all players to play a minimum half game. For players at the Small Blacks level this can consist of two quarters. As part of this policy it is re-stated that rolling subs are not allowed, although substitutions at quarter time, half time or three-quarter time will be permitted.
RESPONSIBILITIES New Zealand Rugby: x Will ensure supporting rationale information is available in various forms and formats Provincial Unions: x Will actively implement the Half Game Rule in all required grades in competitions that
fall under their control x Proactively educate adults on the rationale for the Rule x Sanction organisations and individuals who are failing to comply with the policy at the
discretion of Provincial Unions SANCTION(S) Sanctions can be applied when breaches of this policy occur. It is noted that the sanction should apply to the adults involved rather than penalise the players. Sanctions are to be determined by each individual organising body/Provincial Union. New Zealand Rugby’s recommendation is as follows, on the next page:
90
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY HALF GAME RULE
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
1. First Offence. Formal letter to individual/organisation informing that any future breach will result in disciplinary action
2. Second offence. Disciplinary hearing with starting point a one week stand down from coaching for offender
91
NATIONAL RUGBY POLICY MIXED TEAMS & OPPOSITION
UPDATED 23 APRIL 2015 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY | PO BOX 2172 | WELLINGTON
POLICY 07 MIXED TEAMS AND OPPOSITION BACKGROUND For safety reasons, both physical and emotional, there needs to be an age limit for when males and females cease to play in the same team and on opposing sides. World Rugby guidelines suggest the appropriate boundary is age 12.
POLICY
Mixed gender teams are suitable for all levels of Small Blacks rugby (Under 13 and down). Post the Under 13 grade the teams must be single gender and can only play against the same gender teams i.e. male versus male and female versus female. This applies at all levels of rugby above Under 13.
SANCTION(S) x Game is not to commence until single gender team (of the appropriate gender) is fielded.
Failure to field a single gender team results in default
x Continued non-compliance the team is to be removed from the competition
92
National Rugby Policy #08 Age To Play Senior Rugby
Policy to follow – awaiting New Zealand Rugby
93
1
National Rugby Policy
POLICY #09 AGE BANDS FOR AGE GRADE RUGBY
Updated 20 February 2020 and effective immediately.
RELATED NZR POLICY This policy should be read and applied in conjunction with National Rugby Policy #04 DISPENSATIONS.
POLICY REVIEW This policy will be reviewed at the conclusion of the 2021 winter season.
BACKGROUND As with many sports, rugby involves an element of risk to the physical wellbeing of participants. New Zealand Rugby is committed to making the game as safe as we practically can for participants, ensuring they continue to enjoy playing rugby and have a lifelong love of the game.
Players up to the age of 19 years old need to be supported with policies and processes to ensure their safety and the safety of their opponents without unnecessarily limiting their ability to play. In some provinces, particularly in small schools, small towns and rural areas with smaller populations, the depth of the player base may warrant players playing with older cohorts than their current age, where it is safe for them to do so.
This policy is developed with consideration of the New Zealand context, and takes account of World Rugby guidelines to ensure player safety is the primary focus when considering players being approved to play outside their normal playing cohort. The policy recognises the difference in physical, mental, and emotional maturation of players across age and stage.
94
POLICY This policy applies to all players up to the age of 18 years old on the 1st of January of the year in question. This policy also applies to all contact forms of the game, including Sevens, Tens, and Fifteens.
The term ‘age window’ is defined as the year that caters for any particular playing cohort. This is typically defined by defining grades by age such as U11 years or U19 years. For the purposes of this policy, focus should remain on the age of the respective playing cohort rather than the grade description. To clarify, the absence of an age grade at a level within a competition structures does not mean that players can be automatically considered for the next available age grade.
Players may play within the following ‘windows’ by age and gender:
Males and Females Up to age 12 years old should play within the following age windows:
• Best Practice – Within same age window ie a 10 year old with other 10 year olds.
• Acceptable Practice – within one year age window ie a 10 year old with 11 year olds.
• Exceptional Circumstance Case – within two year age window ie a 10 year old with 12 year olds.
Males between 13 and 18 years of age should play within the following age windows: • Best Practice – Within same age window ie a 13 year old with other 13 year
olds. • Acceptable Practice – up to a two year age window ie a 13 year old with 14 or 15
year olds. • Exceptional Circumstance Case – within three year age window ie 13 year old
with 16 year olds.
Females between 13 and 18 should play within the following windows: • Best Practice – Within same age window ie a 13 year old with other 13 year
olds. • Acceptable Practice – up to a three year age window ie a 13 year old with 14, 15
or 16 year olds.
95
• Exceptional Circumstance Case – within four year age window ie a 13 year old with 17 year olds.
Players wishing to play in age windows that qualify as Exceptional Circumstance Case for their respective age and gender are required to undertake an Exceptional Circumstance Case assessment before being cleared to play in the desired grade or competition. This assessment will require:
• Parental consent, • Provision of individualised medical advice to the player and legal guardians, • a technical assessment by an independent and currently qualified Developing
Rugby Coach Level 2, and • Principal or Club Chair approval.
Assessments are to be completed in accordance with NZR Age Band Exceptional Case Assessment form (link).
RESPONSIBILTIES New Zealand Rugby will provide:
• Exceptional Circumstances Case Assessment form, and • Resources to support the assessment coach in undertaking the technical
assessment.
Provincial Unions will:
• Provide support to Players, Clubs and Schools in administering the policy, • Provide support for technical assessment for any player, • Record and retain approved assessment forms for any player, and • Administer and enforce the age grade policy properly and fairly within the
Provincial Union, with the health and wellbeing of players as the most important consideration.
Coaches/Schools/Clubs will:
• Comply with the policy to identify players requiring assessment, • Provide support to any player requiring assessment, and • Comply with policy in selecting players that meet age windows for the
grade/competition.
96
Principals/Club Chairs will:
• Review, assess, approve or decline Exceptional Circumstances Case Assessments in accordance with this policy and their duty of care to all players, and
• Submit approved Exceptional Circumstances Case Assessments to the organising PU for recording and recording.
SANCTIONS Coaches, Managers, Administrators, Clubs and Schools knowingly playing or allowing players to play outside age band policies and procedures will face Provincial Union disciplinary sanctions. These are to be determined by the Provincial Union.