2014 SEASON

1. 2014 SEASON Coaches and Managers Meeting

2. Welcome!!

3. Communication Policy Player / Coach / Manager / Other Club President SJRU/Competition Manager

4. Club Volunteers • ALL volunteers must be entered into Buddha • ARU Insurance policy covers registered volunteers for injury and liability (this includes volunteer First aid personnel ) • Working with Children on line registration not available til April 2015 • Use old WWC forms or similar or State Dec for all new volunteers

5. Coaches • U8 and above must have one coach per team Smart Rugby accredited • Qualification lasts two years and courses are free of charge • Re-accreditation for a further two years is attainable online • SmartRugby Accreditation must be obtained by 31st May 2014 to avoid penalties such as loss of competition points • Course schedule available at www.rugby.com.au/nswcourses • Coaching resources are available through http://tv.rugby.com.au/

6. SmartRugby CoursesFor people new to the game, you need to attend a Foundation Course or Coaching Kids U8-U12 or Refereeing Kids U8-U12 Course in the first instance. These courses incorporate SmartRugby.Duration is approximately 2.5 hours.The course contains practical (outdoor) components.SmartRugby courses are free of charge • Pennant Hills– Tuesday 18 March 6:00pm • Rose Bay– Monday 24 March 6:00pm • Roseville Chase– Tuesday 25 March 6:00pm • Blacktown– Monday 31 March 6:30pm • Canterbury– Tuesday 1 April 6:00pm • Camden– Wednesday 2 April 6:00pm • Sydney Sth TBC– Wednesday 28 April 6:00pm • Manly– Tuesday 29 April 6:00pm • Burwood– Monday 5 May 6:00pm • South Coogee– Tuesday 6 May 6:00pm

7. Kids Rugby CoursesSmartRugby courses are free of chargeCoaching Kids Rugby and Refereeing Kids Rugby Courses are $30 Coaching Kids Rugby U8s-U12s • Only for people wanting to coach U8-U12 age group teams. • The course includes SmartRugby. • Duration is approximately 3.5 hours. • The course contains practical (outdoor) components. • Easts Rugby– Wednesday 19 March 6:30pm • Concord– Thursday 27 March 6:30pm • Moore Park – Monday 31 March 6:30pm Refereeing Kids Rugby U8s-U12s • Only for people wanting to referee U8-U12 age group teams. • The course includes SmartRugby. • Duration is approximately 3.5 hours. • The course contains both theory (indoor) and practical (outdoor) components. • Mosman– Wednesday 19 Mar 6:00pm • Haberfield– Tuesday 25 March 6:00pm

8. FOUNDATION (Player Coach Level 1 and Referee Level 1)Only for people wanting to coach and/or referee U12 and above age group teams.This course includes SmartRugby.Duration is approximately 8.5 hours.The course contains both theory (indoor) and practical (outdoor) components.Foundation Course fee is $95 • Brookvale Sunday 30 March 8am-4:30pm • Fairfield West Sunday 6 April 8am-4:30pm • Stanmore Sunday 27 April 8am-4:30pm • Mosman Wed 7 and 14 May 6pm-10pm • Glenfield Wed 21 and 28 May 6pm-10pm • Moore Park Sunday 15 June 8am - 4:30pm • Sydney (TBA) Saturday 4 Oct 8am -4:30pm

9. Assistant Referee (Touch Judge)Level 1This course qualifies you to act as an Assistant Referee (ie Touch Judge) for all Junior gamesAssistant Referee Course fee is $30NOTE: AN ON LINE COURSE IS BEING DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR U10S, U11S AND U12S GAMES. THIS WILL BE AVAILABLE PRIOR TO ROUND 5. • Waverley Sunday 30 March 9am-12noon • St Ives Monday 31 March 6:30-9:30pm • Newport Monday 7 April 6:30- 9:30pm • Manly Monday 5 May 6:30-9:30pm • Moore Park Sunday 15 June 8:30-11:30am

10. 2014 Rule Snapshot

11. MATCH DAY MANUAL • Designed to help Managers and Coaches • Does NOT replace Rules • Summarises important Rules • Contains field set up and Law summary • Medical protocol attached

12. Imports • Clubs cannot actively seek to entice players from another Club. Incidents to be reported to Competition Manager. • Players must play within the District in which they reside. • For each age group a Club cannot register more than two Imports from any other club unless released by President of previous Club. • For each age group a Club cannot register more than two Representative players regardless of a President’s Release • Competition Manager may grant dispensation in certain circumstances.

13. Team Lists • Team Lists nominate players into a particular team and are used for eligibility purposes (This is NOT the sign on sheet) Club Registrars or Presidents will submit the team lists. • List players wanting to play up an age group in their correct age. • If the Club has more than one team in an age group all players are classified either Transferable (T)or Non Transferable (NT). • Non Transferable players CANNOT play down a grade. • Representative players are Non Transferable . • U10 and U11 team lists must contain a minimum of 12 players with 10 marked as NT. • U12s to Opens team lists must contain a minimum of 15 players with 15 marked as NT. • Maximum number of Players allowed to be signed-on and used in a match: - 18 players for a 12-a-side Competition (U10,U11) - 23 players for a 15-a-side Competition (U12 to Opens)

14. Multiple Teams in the Same Age Group • Team Lists should be based on a players’ ability and experience • All Representative Players must be nominated in the highest ranked team. All Representative Players can only play in their nominated Team (They are Non Transferable) • All Registered Players (except Representative Players) may play ‘up’ in any higher Team within their Age Group. • All Registered Players (except Representative Players) may play ‘up’ an Age Group, provided that the Grade is no lower than one Grade below their registered team in their chronological Age Group i.e. An U12B player may play U12A, U13C, U13B or U13A • Where a Club has two teams in the same grade • in U10 or U11, a minimum 5 NT players are to be nominated • in U12 or above, a minimum of 8 NT players are to be nominated

15. Sign-on Sheets 1. Each player must be registered on Buddha prior to taking the field 2. Each Club is to print out their Sign-on Sheet and take it to the Match 3. Each Team signs their respective sheet in front of the opposition at the sign on table. Teams then swap their Sign-on Sheet with the opposition . 4. Both Teams then tick their players off on the opponent’s sheet. 5. At the end of the Match, the Referee, Assistant Referees and Ground Marshals PRINT their name on both sheets and the Managers cross check the infringements & result before signing the sheet. Ideally this is done together so that the records are accurate 6. Failure to bring a Sign-on Sheet to the ground may render the Match a Forfeit by review of the Competition Manager. In this instance, the Match will always be played with outcomes to be decided by SJRU Administration through the following week

16. Photo ID Sheets • Every Players’ Registration must be supported by a valid entry on the Photo ID Sheet • Players must provide a photo of themselves, taken within the last 12 months, to a Club administrator for upload to Buddha • A printed Photo ID Sheet with all Registered Players for every Team is to be available by Round 1 • Failure to provide an ID Sheet upon request may render the Match a forfeit by review of Competition Manager. In this instance, the Match will always be played will outcomes to be decided by SJRU Administration through the following week

17. Match Results & Games Played • Both Teams individually record the match score, yellow cards, red cards, serious injuries, Assistant Referee MRA numbers, uncontested scrums, ground set up etc. • The Home Team upload the Match Result via Buddha sign-on update by 12 midday on the first business day after the match • While updating the Match Result, the Home Team tick off their opponent’s players. • The Away Team are to login and tick off the Home Team’s players. This is to be done by 5pm of the fourth business day after the Match • Teams who fail to submit this by the cut-off may not have the information recorded, with SJRU potentially imposing financial penalties on Clubs at fault

18. Match Results & Games Played • Both Teams will forward, by fax or email, the completed Sign-on Sheet to the Administrator by no later than 12 midday on the first business day following the Match. Teams are asked to retain copies of their Sign-on Sheets • Buddha is locked at 12 midday on the Friday before the next Round – Results cannot be entered after this time • Any dispute regarding an opponent’s games played record for a Match have until the eighth business day following the Match to lodge an objection. Requests for any correction must be made in writing from Club President to the Competition Manager

19. SJRU Competition Rules • If there is a conflict between the Team Officials from each Team, then the view of the Home Team will prevail • The Referee MUST NOT impose their own version of the SJRU Competition Rules • Similarly, Teams MUST NOT request referees to “suspend” any SJRU Competition Rules to suit their own purposes

20. Assistant Referees • Every Team must provide an Assistant Referee/ Touch Judge • From Round 5 onwards, Every Team that provides an Assistant Referee will receive a Bonus Point • ARs must introduce themselves to the referee before the game • They must be distinguishable as an Assistant Referee with a flag in hand, and are asked to not wear club colours • Any AR who officiates in a Match MUST PRINT THEIR NAME AND THEIR ARU NUMBER ON THE SIGN-ON SHEET

21. Competition Points Rounds 1 - 4 • Win = 4 points • Loss = 2 points • Draw = 3 points • Win on Forfeit = 4 points • Loss on Forfeit = 0 points • Bye = 4 Points • No Match = Zero points for both teams • Rounds 5 onwards • Win = 3 points* • Loss = 1 point* • Draw = 2 points* • Win on Forfeit = 4 points • Loss on Forfeit = 0 points • Bye = 4 Points • No Match = Zero points for both teams • *Accredited AR Signs On = 1 point

22. Re-Grading of Competitions • At the conclusion of Round 4, the Competition Manager may regrade any Team, Grade or Age Group • Any Team wishing to be considered for re-grading, must submit a Form before the commencement of Round 3 • From Round 5 onwards, any competition that includes a re-graded Team will have all Competition Points revert to zero

23. Forfeits If a Team is going to forfeit a Match, the Club must submit a Forfeit Form by 5pm on Wednesday before the Match Any forfeits received after this date may result in financial penalties and further deduction of Competition Points

24. Deferment of Match • Notice of deferment must be signed and dated by the Club President, and provided to the Competition Manager by 9:00am the Monday in the week prior to the original scheduled Match • Any Deferment Form received after the Lodgement Date may result in approval being denied • The Match may be deferred only by agreement with the opposing Team. Requests may be denied in which case the original match will stand • If neither Team can come to an agreement then the Match will be played at the original time or forfeited by the Team who originally requested the deferment • All deferments need to be played within 21 days or the original Match • Matches deferred in the first 4 rounds HAVE to be played prior to the completion of Round 4 otherwise it will be a 0-0 result (Sunday Comp only) • All other deferred Matches have to be played prior to the completion of the Final Round, otherwise it will be a 0-0 result

25. Uniforms • Teams are to have an official uniform for Registered Players to wear • “Each jersey is to be identified uniquely by a number, a letter or no letter or no number in accordance with the Sign-on Sheet, with no two players in the one Team displaying the same number or letter or no letter or no number.” – Competition Rule 5.11 (C) • Breaches of this Rule will require the Team to show cause as to why the Match should not be deemed a forfeit

26. Time of Games • Teams are to be ready two minutes prior to their kick-off time • If a Team fails to take the field with the Minimum Number of Players within ten minutes of the Scheduled Game Time, the Match shall be deemed a forfeit • All Matches must finish two minutes before the scheduled start time of the following Match (Competition Rule 6.5 (D))– if there is no match following, this may be waived • If in a prior match there is a serious injury or other event that prevents a Match starting on time, Competition Rule 6.5 (F) may be waived by agreement by both Teams, a Club Official of the Home Team and the Referee

27. Replacements or Substitutions • U10 – U14 Age Group: • Unlimited rolling substitutions • Players replaced due to serious injury are not allowed to return • U15 – Opens Age Group: • Teams are allowed to make unlimited rolling substitutions at two designated times in each half. Changes are also allowed at half-time • U15 & U16 – 30 minute halves mean subs at roughly the 10 & 20 min mark • U17 & Opens – 35 minute halves mean subs at roughly the 12 and 24 min mark • Team Officials to have players ready to take the field at the designated substitution times • Players who leave the game outside of the designated substitution time, will be deemed permanently replaced and will not be allowed to take any further part in the Match • The Referee will be the sole judge of time regarding substitutions

28. Uncontested Scrums • U10 – U12 Age Group • Must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker, LHP and THP and ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement prop is required or a replacement hooker is required, one is available and play can safely continue. • No ‘fewer playing number’ sanction imposed • Any team which plays uncontested scrums in more than 2 Matches during the regular season, of which a maximum of 1 can occur in the last seven rounds, shall be deemed ineligible to participate in Finals Series • U13 – Opens Age Group • Must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker, LHP and THP and ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement prop is required or a replacement hooker is required, one is available and play can safely continue. • Should a Team not be able to meet this obligation at any point in a Match, that Team must play with one player fewer than would otherwise be allowed • Any team which plays uncontested scrums in more than 2 Matches during the regular season, of which a maximum of 1 can occur in the last seven rounds, shall be deemed ineligible to participate in Finals Series

29. Mercy Rule • U10 – U12 Age Group • If the difference in score between two Teams reaches 50 points or more then the losing Team may call to stop the Match, irrespective of time remaining • Team Officials, in conjunction with the Referee, are expected to encourage the development and enjoyment of the game using ‘friendly game’ initiatives • U13 – Opens Age Group • If the difference in score between two Teams reaches 40 points or more then the winning Team must take 1 player off the field. If the difference reduces to less than 40 then this player may return • If the difference in score between two Teams reaches 50 points or more then the winning Team must take 2 players off the field. If the difference reduces to less than 50 then 1 player may return • Regardless of this, you must still have a sufficient front row

30. Abandoning the Game • In the rare event that a Ground Marshal is unable to solve the problem outlined and it is obvious to the Ground Marshal and/ or the referee that it is unsafe to continue the Match, the referee has the ability to abandon the Match as allowed within the Laws of the Game • This is to be done by again showing the GMC and blowing “no-side”. Fairly extreme conditions will have to exist for this decision to be taken

31. Lightning Safety Code • This code applies to all Matches, tournaments, carnivals and training • Based on the 30/30 Rule • Play is to stop when the lightning/ thunder ratio is 30 seconds or less apart • This timing indicates that the next lightning strike poses a “significant risk” • Play should not commence until 30 minutes after the last time that lightning was observed or thunder was heard

32. Eligibility for Finals • To be eligible for a Finals Series, the Player must • Be a registered player • Have played 50% or more of all Matches played or won on forfeit for that particular Team during the Regular season • Have qualified for a lower graded Team within the same Age Group or a lower graded team in the Age Group immediately below • Washed out rounds will count provided the player has played a match prior • If a player doesn’t meet the above criteria, dispensation may be requested from the Competition Manager • Requests for dispensation will not be granted unless exceptional circumstances exist

33. Cup Finals Series • In a 6-team competition • Semi Final (Match A) = 1 v 4 • Semi Final (Match B) = 2 v 3 • Grand Final = Winner of Match A v Winner of Match B • In an 8-team or 10-team competition • Semi Final (Match A) = 1 v2 • Semi Final (Match B) = 3 v 4 • Preliminary Final (Match C) = Loser of Match A v Winner of Match B • Grand Final = Winner of Match A v Winner of Match C

34. Plate Finals Series • Plate finals series will be conducted in the U10 to U14 Age Groups where there are 8 Teams or more in the competition • In competitions where there are fewer than 8 Teams, or in the U15 to Opens, requests in writing to the Competition Manager will be accepted and reviewed – all Teams involved must agree to participate • In an 8-team or 10-team competition: • Consolation Semi Final (Match A) = 5 v 8 • Consolation Semi Final (Match B) = 6 v 7 • Plate Grand Final = Winner of Match A v Winner of Match B

35. Ground Marshals • At all times both Teams are to provide a Ground Marshal • If a Team does not provide a Ground Marshal then that Team will be deemed to have forfeited the Match • A Ground Marshal may be anyone that isn’t a coach or trainer • Ground Marshals are to be identifiable by wearing a coloured vest as provided by SJRU • Major responsibilities include spectator and crowd control and rectifying any issue brought to their attention by the Referee

36. Suitably Qualified Medical Personnel • It is mandatory that Clubs provide suitably qualified medical personnel for each Match. SJRU can provide at cost to the Club and prior arrangement. • Minimum requirement of qualified medical personnel is a current Senior First Aid Certificate. • They should be available, identifiable and in a prominent and accessible position to the field of play

37. Field Setup • All grounds are to be dressed in accordance with the Laws of the Game and the Competition Rules • Home Teams are to ensure that dangerous objects such as in-ground watering systems are filled in with sand or soil • Home Teams are to ensure ropes or barriers are erected a minimum of 5 metres back from the touch-line • Any complaint that there is a part of the ground which is not safe shall be determined by the Referee • Referees have the ability to abandon the Match if they feel that the ground is unsafe

38. Persons Entering Playing Enclosure • The only persons permitted within the Playing Enclosure during a Match are • The Referee • Assistant Referees or Touch Judges and Ground Marshals • Participating players (excluding reserves and any carded player) • A maximum of 2 Trainers per team to administer water, to deliver the kicking tee and to attend to injured players • During each half, the reserves of each Team and the Team Officials are required to remain in the Team Zone or behind the ropes. This includes Trainers! • Trainers are not to enter the field of play until after the ball is dead. Naturally, if there is an injured player, they are allowed onto the field to attend to them

39. No Appointed Referee • If only one qualified Referee is available, they will assume control until the appointed Referee arrives • If there are two qualified Referees, the Opposing Team officials will appoint the substitute by mutual consent. This substitute must be SmartRugby qualified • Failing such an agreement, each Team shall nominate an individual to referee one half of the game, with the Home Team’s nomination refereeing first. These individuals MUST be Smart Rugby qualified.

40. Send Offs • Under 10 – 12 Age Group • If it is the first offense by a player in a season it will be an automatic 1 Match suspension. This automatic suspension can be referred to the Judiciary if either the Referee, or a Club whose Team was involved in the Match, believe a 1 week suspension is not sufficient. This must be made in writing to SJRU by 12 midday on the first business day following the Match • Under 13 – Opens Age Group • If it is the first offense by a player in a season and the Referee deems the offence to be low range, then the player may take an early plea and will receive an automatic 1 week suspension • In all other circumstances, the player will need to front the Judiciary • Any case where there is abuse of a Match Official, it will automatically result in that player having to come before the Judiciary

41. Citings • When a Club believes the conduct of an opposition Club is in breach of the Laws of the Game, the ARU Code of Conduct or the Competition Rules, they may Cite another Club or Club Affiliate • The Citing Club must submit the Citing Form to the Administrator by no later than 5pm on the third business day following the incident • This deadline can be extended if there are exceptional circumstances • The Competition Manager will then either: • take no further action regarding the Citing Report; or • request additional information, mediation etc; or • refer the Citing Report to the Citing Officer; or • refer the Citing Report to the Judiciary for Judicial Direction; or • refer the Citing Report to the Judiciary

42. Judiciary • The Judiciary deal with all protests, disputes, misconduct or other matters • The Judiciary usually meet each Wednesday at 6pm at NSWRU Offices, Moore Park unless otherwise notified • A fee of 2 penalty units will apply to all matters brought before the Judiciary. Invoices are issued by the Competition Manger • By 12 midday on the day of the hearing, the offending person should have responded to the charges in writing • The offending person will have the opportunity to reply to the charge at Judiciary by way of submission of evidence comprised of their written response and a maximum of 4 statutory declarations, to be submitted by 12 midday on the day of the Judicial hearing • If a player is suspended, the Suspension shall be effective immediately

43. Referee Feedback Form • Purpose • To provide feedback, good or bad, on referees • Process • Team Official (coach or manager) completes the form • Where ranking is Poor or Unsatisfactory, must provide a brief explanation why • Club RLO (ideally) or Club President to review before submitting to District Referee Assc. • District Referee Assc. to review and respond to club

44. Respect RugbyWhat is it? • A program being initiated at NSW Rugby which will enhance the culture of spectator and participant behaviour at all levels of Rugby • All encompassing • Ground Marshals, Codes of Conduct, conditions of entry, Team Zones, and much more • Referees are being re-educated of the ATE Dot Points • Don’t participate • Don’t debate • Don’t escalate • Vacate the area

45. The Definition of Abuse Any action directed at an individual, before, during or after a match, which would be considered unacceptable behaviour as outlined in the Australian Rugby Union Code of Conduct. This includes abusive, threatening or intimidating language, unnecessary obvious dissension, displeasure or disapproval directed at match officials, crude or abusive gestures, and any action or conduct which impairs public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of matches and competitions

46. The Ground MarshalCard Process • The GMC process is to be initiated by a referee when any participant in the Match is receiving an unacceptable level of abuse from off the field. The simple test for unacceptability is this abuse is affecting outcomes on the field. Examples of incidents which could be impacting on the Match are • The abuse is increasing the likelihood of foul play • The abuse is affecting decision making of players or officials; or • The Match Officials feel threatened • When this is reached, at the next stoppage of play the referee will: • Mark the stoppage position • Move away from the play to the centre of the field and hold up the GMC • Ground Marshals are to make their way to the Referee as quickly as possible • Referee to brief the Ground Marshals as to the problem and ask them to act on the issue • Immediately restart play, sparing no time waiting for the Ground Marshals to act

47. Aim of the GMC • It is merely a device to alert the Ground Marshal to an off-field problem that he or she may not have seen • It transfers the responsibility for an off-field problem to the Ground Marshals (and therefore the Clubs) and takes the referee out of the equation • The GMC is not a device to be used to solve an on-field problem. In fact, in using it the referee is saying to the players “you guys are not the problem, this is not aimed at you” • ARs are being reminded that if they see a problem, to report it to the Ground Marshal informally • Referees are being asked to apply common sense in all circumstances

48. REMEMBER • THESE ARE KIDS • THIS IS A GAME • THE COACHES ARE VOLUNTEERS • THE REFEREES ARE HUMAN • THIS IS NOT SUPER 15.