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We do not set hard-and-fast laws, as with
league or Cup rugby, but rather guidelines, designed to provide
sufficient structure to the competition, without being too rigid.
These
are listed below:
1.
Merit league fixtures should take
precedent over other fixtures.
2.
Results should be communicated as soon as
possible after the game.
3.
Players do not need to be registered in
order to play – this is to help where clubs wish to try out a new
member, prior to registration.
4.
If a team has to call off a fixture,
a.
due to lack of player availability, then a
‘default’ victory of 14-0 is awarded to the opposition subject to
the match being re-scheduled – the onus is therefore on the
cancelling team to endeavour to get the match played. Last season,
there were too many late call-offs, several on Saturday morning – we
appreciate that one-off/extenuating circumstances can happen, we
feel that clubs should have a good idea by Thursday night, and
should know for sure on Friday evening, still allowing the
opposition therefore a chance of securing a friendly fixture via the
pool.
b.
due to unplayable pitches, we suggest that
the first course of action is to reverse the fixture if that is
possible. Secondly, some clubs may find it possible to play at a
neighbouring club. The more likely event is that the game should be
re-scheduled, which both clubs should endeavour to do. If the
weather is at fault, and both clubs have made reasonable effort,
then neither will forfeit.
5.
Teams should start the game with an
experienced front row, and therefore with contested scrums. In the
event that, at the last minute, this is not possible, on agreement
between both captains, the game can take place with uncontested
scrums. The referee should obviously be advised.
6.
A maximum of 5 replacements can be used,
where player availability allows, and we advise front row cover
where possible. Teams can, however, play without replacements, or
anything up to 5, if player availability, or requirements in other
teams dictate this
7.
Similarly, if a team cannot quite raise a
full complement of 15 players, ie. They have 12, 13, 14, on
agreement between the two captains, they can play short – games
should not be called off for this reason if the sides are happy to
play.
8.
If a game does not take place, we will
allow up to 8 weeks for a new date to be set (not necessarily
played). If this cannot be done in the time scale, the forfeit of
the fixture, or the ‘void result’ will stand. This is to avoid late
chase-ups of games/results and/or frantic re-arrangements late in
the season.
9.
In the case of a disputed result or an
issue over a particular game, myself and Rob, in consultation, will
be judge of who forfeits the game, or any other impact. Due to our
respective interest in Ledbury and Droitwich, we will not judge on
our own clubs. If we feel unhappy in making ant particular
decisions, we will refer to the Worcester and Hereford RFU Committee
10.
In the event of an unsatisfactory
conclusion an appeal can be made, by doing so in writing to the
North Midlands RFU Competitions Committee.
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