TOURNAMENT RULES FOR ALL CATEGORY EXCEPT U9
Safety Notice: Protective clothing is optional but gumshield must be worn in our schools tournament
All players should be born on or after
U11 – Player must have been born after 31st July 2012
U12 – Player must have been born after 31st July 2011
U14 – Players must have been born after 31st July 2009
U16 – Players must have been born after 31st July 2007
U18 – Players must have been born after 31st July 2005
10-a-side : U18, U16, U14 & U12 & U11
U11, U12, U14 One straight through 10 minute game.
U16 and U18 Two 8 minute halves with a 90 second half time. All games will be a running clock.
Each squad to comprise (up to) 15 players.
IRB Youth Laws apply with the following exceptions:
Scrums
The scrum to be formed by 5 players in the conventional formation.
All scrums on the instruction of the referee: (Crouch – Bind – Set)
If a coach does not feel that his side can safely conduct contested scrums he/she may request that scrums become uncontested. This may be due to a lack of preparation time or due to injuries to trained scrummagers.
Except for U11 – only hooker to contest, scrum but no push
We will aim to maximise game play for all teams.
The lineouts will be:
All Lineouts will follow IRB law.
Rolling substitutions allowed but this must be done through the Referee.
Team Colours: if the Referee decides there is a colour clash, the team named first in the programme is obliged to change.
The Winner of each pool will be the team with the most league points, 3 points – win, 1 point – draw. If these are equal then the positions will be decided by:
- the team with the best points difference
- tries scored
- the result between the two teams concerned in their group match
- the toss of a coin
The Tournament Director reserves the right to give the final judgement on the Competition Rules.
In the event of a sending-off, the player is not allowed to play for the remainder of the Tournament.
The team that scores will restart after a drop-kick conversion.
In the event of a draw in the KO stage then;
(i) Most converted tries wins
(ii) First to have scored
Code of conduct (Players): It is crucial that all the laws of the game are met on the day. We expect to see sportsmanship demonstrated in every match, and the referee’s decision is final. Please show respect to the referees throughout the day, and to the coaches.
Code of conduct (Coaches): The coaches have a very busy day and must remain in control of their team from the moment they arrive until they depart. Please ensure that players are a) of the correct age, b) on time to each match c) fully prepared to play i.e. they are wearing correct clothing, mouth guards, sun tan lotion and are fully hydrated throughout the day. Please also be respectful and helpful towards referees and other coaches.
Code of conduct (Parents): It is important that parents set a good example to the players and get the tone right. Please stand back from the pitch and allow the coaches and referees to do their job, without being challenged. Any parents not following the conduct will be asked to leave the pitch side by the pitch marshall.