Mid Canterbury/Ellesmere/
North Canterbury
Guidelines for the Combined Grade
Under 16 Competitions
2017
1|P age
Sections
1.
Regulation of Matches
2.
Team Entries and Draw
3.
Player Registrations
4.
Rules of the Competition
5.
Points System and Rules for Resolving Ties
6.
Defaults and Cancellations
7.
Cancellation/Postponement of matches in combined competitions
8.
Duration of Matches in Adverse Conditions
9.
Judicial Procedures
Sin Bin
Orderings Off
10.
Protests / Disputes
11.
Grade Exemptions/ Regrades
12.
Appendix 1 - Concussion/graduated return to play Guidelines
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1.
REGULATION OF MATCHES
1.1
This competition shall be administered by the “Executive of the Combined Competition”
which shall consist of two nominees each from the Mid Canterbury Rugby Football
Union, the Ellesmere Rugby Sub Union and the North Canterbury Rugby Sub Union.
1.2
Each year the Executive of the Combined Competition shall:
1.2.1 Determine the playing dates and structure of the competition, as soon as the
number of entries is known.
1.2.2 Appoint a Cancellation Committee consisting of 1 representative from each
Union/Sub Union
1.2.3 Meet on an “as required” basis to resolve any contentious issues that may arise
during the season. All protests and disputes affecting any matters relating to the
conduct of the Combined competition must be made in writing, on Club
letterhead, to the Executive of the Combined Competitions. If the dispute
relates to a particular game it must be forwarded within 48 hours of the
completion of the game.
1.3
Prior to the start of each season’s competition, a meeting of coaches and managers will
be convened at a central venue, such as Dunsandel, to clarify any issues relating to the
competition for the coming season.
1.4
The Executive of the Combined Competition should meet within one month of the
conclusion of the competition each season. At this meeting the Executive should:
1.4.1
Debrief on any issues that may have arisen during the season
1.4.2
Make any required amendments to these playing conditions
1.4.3 Decide on which Union/Sub Union will be responsible for the administration of
the Combined competition in the following year. That Union/Sub Union will be
responsible for constructing the draw for the season (in consultation with the
other Union/Sub Unions), and for maintaining and circulating the points tables
on a weekly basis.
1.4.4 Determine a provisional start date for the following season’s competition.
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2
TEAM ENTRIES AND DRAW
2.1
Clubs must forward entries for the Combined competition to their Union/Sub Union no
later than the 1 March each year. On receipt of these entries, each Union/Sub Union
must immediately forward the entries on to the Union/Sub Union responsible for
administering the competition.
2.2
Team Lists may be checked for authenticity by the relevant Union/Sub Union.
2.3
Any special requests pertaining to the draw (e.g. Club Days, requests to align home
matches with home matches of Senior teams wherever possible) must be forwarded to
the Union/Sub Union responsible for administering the competition no later than 1
March.
2.4
In constructing the draw top priority should be given to ensuring that
2.4.1 There is a balance of home and away matches
2.4.2
All teams are scheduled for home matches when their Club has been allocated
a “Club Day.”
2.4.3
No team has an unfair number of particularly long trips.
2.5
All games will be set down to be played on a Saturday where possible unless otherwise
directed by the Executive of the Combined Competitions
2.6
On long weekends, teams will be drawn against opponents in their own Union/Sub
Union wherever possible.
2.7
The allocation of grounds, times and referees on a weekly basis shall be the
responsibility of the Union/Sub Union in which the game is to be played. If it becomes
necessary to transfer any match from one ground to another or to change the time of
start from that originally scheduled, it shall be the responsibility of the Home Union/Sub
Union to notify both teams and the referee as soon as possible.
2.8
Where possible the match shall be scheduled to begin no earlier than 1.00 pm. If
possible, when long travelling distances are involved, games will be scheduled for a later
start.
2.9
The games are to be played as scheduled in the draw published at the start of the season
unless both teams agree by mutual consent 10 days before the date set down for the
match to be played. The Executive of the Combined Competitions must be advised of
any agreed change 10 days before the match is to be played.
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3
PLAYER REGISTRATIONS AND TEAM LISTS
3.1
Each Union/Sub Union is responsible for ensuring that all players are correctly
registered in accordance with NZRFU requirements.
3.2
Team registration sheets must be forwarded to the relevant Union/Sub Union no later
than 14 days before the first scheduled competition match. It is the responsibility of
each Union/Sub Union to forward the registration sheets from teams from their
Union/Sub Union to the Chairperson of the Executive of the Combined Competition by
5.00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the first competition game.
3.3
No player may play in a competition match unless they appear on the team registration
sheet forwarded at the start of the season or a late registration is recorded.
3.4
Any late registrations must be lodged with the Registration Convenor of the relevant
union/Sub Union by 5.00 p.m. the previous day before the player is entitled to play.
3.5
In the event of any club entering more than one team in the grade, each team must be
regarded as a separate entity. No player, having already played for one team, may then
play for another team from the same club, unless approval has been gained in advance
from the relevant Union/Sub Union.
3.6
A player may not play for any other club, except the one to which they are registered,
unless exceptional circumstances apply and approval is gained in advance from the
relevant Sub Union/Union.
3.7
Secondary School students playing for their school in another competition are
permitted to play for a club where they have had a previous affiliation, provided they
meet other eligibility criteria. NZRU Guidelines restrict players to a maximum of ninety
minutes play in a day.
If a player plays for Club & School teams in one day to comply with the DSLV Laws he
may only play half a game for each team and then if the situation allows they can play a
further 20 minutes as a substitute player.
3.8
Any Age Grade player who has started six (6) or more games in a higher grade may not
play back in a lower grade (even if they are age eligible) until the player has been
regraded by the relevant Union/Sub Union.
3.9
To be eligible to play in Semi Finals or Finals a player must have played at least three
competition games.
3.10
Any team that plays a player who is not registered, or not eligible to play in the grade,
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will forfeit any points gained in the match.
3.11
4
Each sub Union/Union will keep a register of all players registered.
COMPETITION RULES
4.1
In accordance with NZRFU policy, no alcohol or drugs will be tolerated.
4.2
Playing Periods: 2x 35 minute halves shall be played.
4.3
Playing jerseys
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.3.1
All jerseys must be numbered 1-22.
4.3.2
Where jerseys clash, the visiting team should wear an alternative strip.
The home team must supply 2 match balls; the visiting team must supply 1 match ball.
There will be an after match function and speeches after every match.
It is recommended that the Host club have suitably trained First Aid personnel who
currently hold a valid first aid certificate present at all home venue matches. Suitably
qualified First Aiders who may be present should be identified before the
commencement of the match to the Officiating Referee, Touch Judges and both Team
officials.
4.7
The team management is responsible for any player’s valuables and gear. It is strongly
recommended that no valuables or gear are left in changing rooms that cannot be locked.
It is the team management’s duty to leave all changing rooms clean, and swept out and all
rubbish to be placed in the rubbish bins following your match.
4.8
Crowd barriers must be erected on all fields to delineate the playing enclosure. No spectator
shall be allowed inside the playing enclosure until the match is completed. The referee shall
have the power to terminate any match in which he is officiating if the ground cannot be
cleared.
4.9
The referee shall be the sole judge of the fitness of any ground to be played upon on any
particular day. If he decides that it is unfit he may move the game to any unoccupied ground
that is conveniently situated or may declare the match postponed, the date of playing to
be fixed by the relevant Union/Sub Unions of the teams concerned.
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4.10
THE COMPETITION IS PLAYED UNDER NEW ZEALAND DOMESTIC
SAFETY LAW 2017 VARIATIONS.
THEREFORE, THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUITABLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED PLAYERS IN
THE FRONT ROW IS AS FOLLOWS
(i)
DSLV LAW 3.5 (e) - If a team nominates 15,16,17,18,19 or 20 players it must have
a minimum of 3 players who are trained to play in front row positions
(ii)
If a squad is 21 players, then it must have a minimum of 4 players who are trained
to play in front row positions.
(iii)
If a squad is 22 players, then it must have a minimum of 5 players who are trained
to play in front row positions.
(iv)
The replacement of a front row forward must come from suitably trained and
experienced players who started the match or from the nominated replacements.
(v)
Should a team be unable to provide 3 competent players for the front row prior
to the game starting they shall forfeit the match.
(vi)
DSLV LAW 3.5 (a) - Where a team is unable to provide 15 players (including three
trained front rowers) to start the match, this team shall forfeit the competition
points. The match may still be played.
(vii) Maximum 1.5 metres push. A team in a scrum must not push the scrum more than
1.5m towards the opponent’s goal line.
(viii) No Wheeling of the Scrum. If a wheel reaches 45 degrees the scrum is reset, with
the same team having the put in.
(ix)
4.11
The Scrum half may advance past the tunnel but must be behind the ball.
NZRU DSLV Law 3.14 – Minimum playing time. All players must play a minimum of half a
game per match. It is each team and clubs responsibility to adhere to this within the sprit
of the game.
If a complaint is received, the Combined Competition committee will investigate and if the
complaint is upheld, penalties maybe applied in accordance with the competition rules.
The penalty will be dependent on the seriousness of the offence and may include a
warning, a fine, forfeiture of match or loss of competition points.
4.12
Rolling subs are not permitted.
4.13
If a team begins a match with 15 players but through injury cannot field a full complement
for the whole match, the opposition team may choose to loan some players so a 15-a-side
game can proceed. If they are not prepared to do so, the opposition team must reduce the
number of players on the field to match. Law 20 of the NZ Domestic Safety variations shall
apply.
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4.14
Where a team is unable to provide 15 players (including three trained front rowers) to start
the match, this team shall forfeit the competition points. The match may still be played
(NZRU DSLV-Law 3.3).
4.15
Team sheets with correct names and initial of each player, including all reserves who took
the field, shall be supplied by each team to the referee, immediately at the end of the game
showing the following: The Final Score, Replacements (by jersey number), Names of
players Sin Binned or ordered off, Team sheets provided by the North Canterbury or
Ellesmere Sub Union are to be used by all teams.
4.16
The team sheets must be signed by a team official plus the referee. The referee will fill in
the result on each team slip, print his name, sign it and return to the respective team
representative.
The team sheet must legible and submitted to the appropriate Union/ Sub Union as soon
as possible after the game and certainly no later than Wednesday 9.00 am following the
game.
The failure to submit team sheets may be subject to fines set by the relevant Union/Sub
Union.
4.17
4.18
Also note
WEARING OF MOUTHGUARDS
NZ Rugby will be adopting a stronger stance re the wearing of mouth guards in 2016.
The wearing of a mouth guard has been compulsory at all levels of New Zealand Domestic Rugby
since 1998. In previous years this law has not been adhered to. The safety of players is
paramount and this DSLV (Domestic Safety Law Variation) is to be strictly enforced in 2016.
Match Officials are to apply the following actions on players observed not wearing a mouth
guard:
 The first player observed not wearing a mouth guard is to be penalised (Law 10.2 (a)
Intentionally Offending) and instructed to leave the field. and will not be permitted to
return until they are wearing a mouth guard.

Play will continue while the offending player is off the field and no replacement will be
permitted during this time. This player, once having obtained a mouth guard can only
return at the next stoppage in play.
If the offending player is unable to return wearing a mouth guard, then that player can
only be replaced after a period of 10 minutes (playing time) has elapsed.

This will be deemed to be a permanent replacement and the offending player will not be
permitted to return to the field of play under any circumstances.
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
If subsequent players from the same team are observed not wearing a mouth guard
these players will be issued a Yellow Card in accordance with Law 10.3 (b) Repeated
Infringements by the team.
If a player produces a medical certificate stating, they should not wear a mouth guard that
player will be exempt from the requirement. The medical certificate must be presented to the
referee prior to the match.
5.
POINTS SYSTEM AND RULES FOR RESOLVING TIES
5.1
Points will be awarded in all round robin matches on the following basis:
4 points for a win
2 points for a draw
1 point for loss by 7 or fewer points
4 points to any team winning by default.
Please note there is no bonus point for scoring four tries.
5.2
No match will be recorded as a points differential of more than 55 points (e.g. if the
losing team scores 5 points in a very high scoring match the score will be recorded as
60-5). A win by default will be recorded as 55-0 for purposes of determining points
differentials.
5.3
Ties at Conclusion of Round Robin
5.3.1 In the event that two or more teams finish the round robin tied on the same
aggregate points on the points table, the finishing positions will be determined
in accordance with the following criteria, which shall be applied in order in which
they appear until a result is determined.
5.3.2 Where any two teams are tied, the winning team of the round robin match
already played between the two teams shall have the higher position.
5.3.3 Where three or more teams are tied, the tied team with the most wins
against the other tied teams shall have the higher position.
5.3.4 The team having the higher differential of average of points scored for and
against in the round robin matches involving the tied teams shall have the
higher position.
5.3.5 The team that scored the most tries in the round robin shall have the higher
position.
5.3.6 By the toss of a coin.
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5.4
Ties in Semi-Finals
In the event that teams are tied at the end of a semi-final match, there will be no extra
time. The winners will be determined by the following criteria, which shall be applied
in order.
5.4.1 The team scoring the most tries in the match
5.4.2 If the scores remain tied the team with the higher ranking after the round robin
matches shall advance to the finals.
5.5
If the final is a draw the trophy shall be shared.
6.
DEFAULTS AND CANCELLATIONS
6.1
The Cancellation Committee, on behalf of the Executive of the Combined Competition, reserves
the sole right to postpone or cancel matches. Once such a decision has been made, it will be
the responsibility of each Union/Sub Union to notify clubs as soon as possible. In the case of
Ellesmere and North Canterbury, cancellations will be broadcast over Newstalk ZB (1098 A.M.)
6.2
Any Club/Team unable to keeps its engagement (defaulting) in any match must give notice to
the Rugby Union Office by 9am Friday morning (or the day before the match is due to be played
for other match days) prior to the match. In addition the Club/Team must also notify the other
Club/Team, the Referees Association, and where applicable St John Ambulance, as soon as
possible.
Clubs defaulting must make every effort to notify the affected Club directly by 7pm on the
Thursday evening to assist them in notifying their players.
Notification of a default after 9am the day before the scheduled match shall be deemed a late
default and may be liable for a fine.
6.3
All matches shall commence at the time appointed by the relevant Union/Sub Union. If play
does not commence within thirty (30) minutes of the appointed time, the actions of the team
that is unable or unwilling to proceed shall be adjudicated on by the Executive of the Combined
Competition.
6.4
Any team defaulting a match shall be required to travel if the two teams are drawn to meet
again later in the same season, even if it is in a semi-final. This requirement shall not be carried
over into any subsequent season.
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7.
6.5
If a team arrives without three players suitably trained and experienced to form a front
row, they shall forfeit the game, but may play a friendly game with non-contested
scrums.
6.6
If a team arrives at a game with less than 15 players, it shall forfeit the game. If both
teams agree, a friendly game may be played with playing numbers in each side evened
up.
6.7
Any team which defaults on three occasions will be subject to withdrawal from the
competition.
CANCELLATION/POSTPONEMENT OF MATCHES IN COMBINED COMPETITIONS
In the event that the venue of a match or matches is unavailable due to adverse ground
conditions or for any other reason prior to the day of the match, it shall be the
responsibility of the “home” Club to advise the Competition Management Committee,
the visiting Club and the Referee(s), by Noon on the day prior to the match.
The Competition Management Committee in consultation with Clubs involved shall then
direct as follows:
7.1
The match/matches be played at a suitable alternative ground on the scheduled day, or if
not available;
7.2
The match or matches must be played on the Tuesday immediately following the
postponed match/matches unless both Clubs agree to an alternative day/evening in the
week immediately following the postponed match. The Competition Management
Committee will have the final decision re any arrangements over the playing of matches.
7.3
If it is not possible to play the postponed match or matches, the Competition
Management Committee shall determine the status of the unplayed match or matches
and award competition points at its discretion.
7.4
Cancel the match or matches.
8.
DURATION OF MATCHES IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS
8.1
In order to constitute a match being played a minimum of 35 minutes continuous playing
time must be played for the result to be deemed valid.
8.2
A referee should only allow a match to start where there is a reasonable prospect that a
full match (70mins) can be played.
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8.3
Where a referee determines a match shall be played but conditions deteriorate to the
point that the referee deems it is no longer safe to continue playing, he may call the game
off at that point.
8.4
If there has been 35 minutes played, the result will stand subject to final decision on the
status of the game by the Competition Management Committee.
8.5
If there has not been minutes played - it is deemed that no match has taken place. The
match or matches must be played on the Tuesday immediately following the postponed
match/matches unless both Clubs agree to alternative day/evening in the week
immediately following the postponed match. The Competition Management Committee
will have the final decision re any arrangements over the playing of matches.
8.6
If it not possible to play the postponed match or matches, the Competition Management
Committee shall determine the status of the unplayed match or matches and award
competition points at its discretion.
8.7
Cancel the match or matches.
9. JUDICIAL MATTERSAll Judicial procedures are conducted in accordance with the NZR Rules for Disciplinary
proceedings (The NZR Black Book).
All Referees should carry with them, Ordering Off Report forms, Sin Bin forms and
Touch Judge report forms so that they have the paperwork to complete their duty
where necessary on the day the event occurred.
The Referee should notify the CEO/Administrator of the Union in which the match was
played on the day of the Ordering Off and, if possible, a copy of the Ordering Off report
to the Union CEO/Administrator of the player concerned, otherwise the report should
be in the hands to the Union CEO in which the match is played by 12 noon the following
day. Given the nature of the Competition involving 3 different Unions, the prompt
notification to Union’s allows them to commence processing of reports and proceed
arrangements earlier in the week following the match than might otherwise be the case.
If a referee is a visiting referee to your Union, he should notify the Union and complete
the necessary forms/reports before he travels home. These can be faxed, emailed or
delivered to the Union CEO/Administrator or given to a visited Union referee’s member
who is at the same venue, to pass on to the Union CEO that evening or by 12 noon the
next day.
For the avoidance of doubt, ultimately the requirements of the NZR Black Book on
deadlines shall take precedence. i.e. Reports or complaints must be in the hands of the
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CEO/Administrator within 48 hours of the match, unless leave for an extension is
approved by the Union’s Complaints Review Officer. Such approval must be sought via
the Union’s CEO/Administrator.
If a player is Ordered Off in a Union where he does not reside, he will be subject to the
judicial procedures that apply in the Union in which the match was played. The referee's
report will be forwarded to a Complaints Review Officer of that Union who will
determine whether a hearing should be held, or whether an alternative two-match
stand down procedure will apply.
If the player, or player's Club, wishes to plead not guilty or believes a suspension of less
than two weeks would be appropriate, the CEO of the Union of where the game was
played must be notified within 48 hours of the conclusion of the match so that a Judicial
Committee hearing can be held. The player and his club will be notified of the relevant
details and a copy of the Ordering Off report will be attached. All hearings will be run in
accordance with the NZRU Disciplinary Rules 2016 (a copy is available from your Union
Office). Earlier notice than 48hrs if a hearing is requested would be greatly appreciated.
The Union within whose boundaries a Match, under Rule 4, is played shall have
jurisdiction for any disciplinary proceedings arising from or in connection with that
Match. Where the Player or Person subject to disciplinary proceedings is a member of
or associated with a Club affiliated to a Union other than the one in whose boundaries
the Match is played, the disciplinary proceedings can, with the written agreement of
both Unions, be transferred to the Union to which the Player's or Person's Club is
affiliated ("the Home Union"). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that both
Unions do not agree to move the disciplinary proceedings to the Union to which the
Player's or Person's Club is affiliated, the disciplinary proceedings shall be dealt with by
the Union in whose boundaries the Match was played.
If a player fails to attend the Judicial Hearing as set down, he is not allowed to play again
until he has attend a Judicial Hearing.
Sin Bin (Temporary Suspension) ReportsMust be with the Union CEO/Administrator within 48 hours of the event occurring.
Two Sin Bin ReportsA Player Temporarily Suspended (Sin Binned) on two occasions during a playing season in
Matches for which any Union has jurisdiction shall be advised in writing by the CEO of his
Union that in the event he is Temporarily Suspended on any further occasion during the
same playing season in any Match for which any Union has jurisdiction he will be subject
to an automatic suspension of week (which will equate to one Match) to be applied from
the week immediately following third Temporary Suspension.
Three Sin Bin Reports
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A Player Temporarily Suspended on three occasions during the same playing season in
Matches for which any Union has jurisdiction, and having received the notification
required by Rule 35 of the NZR Black Book, shall be automatically suspended from all
rugby for a period of one week (which will equate to one Match) with the suspension to
be applied to the next match immediately following the match in which the third
Temporary Suspension was issued. The CEO of the Union shall advise the Player and his
Club or other rugby organisation of the one-week suspension in writing. This automatic
suspension is subject to the right of the Player to request a hearing under Rule 37 of the
NZR Black Book.
ComplaintsComplaints in regard to Misconduct must be received by Union CEO within 48 hours of
the match being played. They must be made in accordance with the requirements set out
in Part 5 of the NZR Black Book. All details must be correct and players/officials/other
person’s names must be correct. Judicial Review Officer will review the complaint and
Union CEO will notify the Club, player and official if further action is to be taken and when.
All teams should be aware that the Combined Competitions Committee takes a very dim
view of any foul play. In serious instances, such as all-in brawls, referee abuse, or the abuse
of participants, any teams found guilty are likely to be liable to substantial fines and/or
loss of competition points while individuals could be subject to substantial suspensions as
outlined in the "NZRU Disciplinary Rules - the Black Book " Sections 9-10.
9.1
MATCH CALLED OFF
9.1.1 In the event of a game being called off by the Referee for misconduct, foul play
etc the referee shall endorse the Team Sheet “Game Abandoned” and forward
a report of the reasons for abandoning the game within 24 hours to the
Union/Sub Union in which the game was played. The Judicial Committee of the
Union/Sub Union shall then act in accordance with the NZRU “Rules of
Disciplinary Hearings”.
9.2
MISCONDUCT OTHER THAN ON THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE
9.2.1 Any letter of complaint of misconduct by persons or clubs which occur before,
during or after a match (whether such misconduct occurs on the playing
enclosure or elsewhere in a rugby setting) must be received by the appropriate
Union/Sub Union within 48 hours of the act of misconduct. The complaint must
comply with the requirements set out in the NZR Rules for Disciplinary
proceedings (The NZR Black Book). The Judicial Review Officer will review the
letter of complaint and the appropriate Union/Sub Union will notify the person
or club if further action is to be taken and when.
9.3
OTHER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
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9.3.1 Any disciplinary matters other than temporary suspensions and ordering offs
will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures laid down in the New
Zealand Rugby Union booklet “Rules for Disciplinary Hearings.”
9.4
RIGHT OF APPEAL
9.4.1 Any appeal against the decision of the Judicial Committee, must be lodged with
the Appeal Committee of the Union/Sub Union which first heard the case. Any
appeal must be lodged within 7 days of being notified of the decision of the
Judicial Committee and be accompanied by the necessary deposit ($300 plus GST
in Ellesmere and North Canterbury, $250 in Mid Canterbury). For the purpose of
this rule, a decision of the Judicial Committee is deemed to have been notified
when presented orally at a Judicial Committee Hearing. A copy of the appeal
documents must be lodged with the player’s Union/Sub Union.
9.4.2 The lodging of an appeal shall not defer any suspension that had been imposed.
Once the period of any suspension has expired, however, the player may resume
playing even though the appeal has not been heard.
10.
PROTESTS/DISPUTES
10.1
If a specific cause for protest is known before the match the team at fault (opposing team)
shall be notified and the protest lodged in writing with the Referee or a member of Executive
of the Combined Competitions. The match must proceed at the time set down, but if the
team at fault remedies the cause of the complaint, no further action shall be taken.
10.2
If the team at fault is unwilling or unable to remedy the cause of the complaint, the game
will be played “Under Protest” and the protest shall be considered by the Executive of the
Combined Competition.
11.
GRADE EXEMPTIONS/REGRADES
In keeping with the policy of all three Unions/Sub Unions, the Executive of the Combined
Competition wishes to make it clear that grade exemptions allowing players who have already
turned the correct age by 1 January in the year of the competition to participate in this grade
will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. It is hoped that all clubs, mindful of
sportsmanship and fair play, will carefully consider their applications for this privilege.
11.1
All applications for grade exemption must be lodged on the appropriate form with the
respective Union/Sub Union and be forwarded with the team registration sheet at least
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7 days prior to the first scheduled competition match, or in the case of a late
registration, the grade exemption form must accompany the registration form.
11.2
All applications for grade exemption, including player’s name, date of birth, weight, the
reasons for the application, plus supporting documentation, must be completed in
duplicate with one copy to be retained by the Coach or Manager of the team so it can
be shown to the coach or manager of opposition teams.
11.3
No grade exemption will be approved if a player is more than four months over age
(born before September 1). Provisional approval to play may be granted by the
respective Grade Exemption Committees of each Union /Sub Union until such time as a
member of the Committee has the opportunity to view the player concerned.
11.3
No player who has been selected for a representative team in the previous season will
be eligible for dispensation.
11.4
Any applications for grade exemption that are declined will be advised in writing.
11.5
An over-age player who plays in a team without grade exemption having been approved
by the relevant Union/Sub Union is considered as an “unregistered player” and teams
will incur the same penalties as playing an unregistered player.
11.6
Grade exemptions which are granted are under continuous review by the relevant Sub
Union/Union and may be revoked at any time during the season. Any concerns
regarding a grade exempted player must be forwarded, on a club letterhead, to the
relevant Sub Union/Union for further consideration.
11.7
There may be a maximum of two (2) grade exempted players in any team. Any team
requiring more than two grade exempted players will apply to the Combined
Competition committee for consideration.
11.8
Teams playing any grade exempted player must notify the opposing coach and referee
before the commencement of each game.
11.9
Grade exempted players must be marked with a”G” on the Match Report sheet/Team
Card. No grade exempted player may participate in more than one half of any game
where that team has eligible players on the sideline. Only if there are no other eligible
players on the sideline (and in the case of front row players, no other players who are
suitably trained and qualified to play in the front row), may a grade exempted player be
allowed to play more than half a game.
11.10 The Executive of the Combined Competition will provide the coaches of teams with a
list of all grade exempted players in the grade by 1 May each season.
11.11 No grade exempted player will be eligible for representative selection.
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2017 COMBINED COMPETITION
UNDER 16 – DRAW
Saturday, 1 April 2017
Celtic-Methven v Northern Raiders
Rolleston v Tinwald
Ohoka/Oxford v Prebbleton
West Melt/BDI/Leeston v Hampstead
Waihora/Springston v Ashley/Saracens
Saturday, 8 April 2017
*Northern Raiders v West Melt/BDI/Leeston
*Hampstead v Celtic-Methven
Prebbleton v Waihora/Springston
Tinwald v Ohoka/Oxford
Ashley/Saracens v Rolleston
15 April 2017 – Easter – No Rugby
22 April 2017 – School Holidays – No Rugby
Saturday, 29 April
Hampstead v Rolleston
*Ohoka/Oxford v Celtic-Methven
*Prebbleton v Ashley/Saracens
Waihora/Springston v Northern Raiders
Tinwald v West Melt/BDI/Leeston
Saturday, 6 May 2017
Northern Raiders v Prebbleton
*Celtic-Methven v Ashley/Saracens
*Rolleston v Ohoka/Oxford
*West Melt/BDI/Leeston v Waihora/Springston
Tinwald v Hampstead
Saturday, 13 May 2017
*Ashley/Saracens v Tinwald
Ohoka/Oxford v Waihora/Springston
West Melt/BDI/Leeston v Celtic Methven
Hampstead v Northern Raiders
Prebbleton v Rolleston
Saturday, 20 May 2017
*Ohoka/Oxford v Hampstead
*Northern Raiders v Ashley/Saracens
*Celtic-Methven v Prebbleton
*Waihora/Springston v Tinwald
*West Melt/BDI/Leeston v Rolleston
Saturday, 27 May 2017
Prebbleton v Hampstead
Ohoka /Oxford v Northern Raiders
Rolleston v Waihora/Springston
Ashley/Saracens v West Melt/BDI/Leeston
Celtic-Methven v Tinwald
Saturday 3 June 2017
*Northern Raiders v Rolleston
Hampstead v Ashley/Saracens
Celtic-Methven v Waihora/Springston
West Melt/BDI/Leeston v Ohoka /Oxford
Tinwald v Prebbleton
Saturday, 10 June 2017
Northern Raiders v Tinwald
Ashley/Saracens v Ohoka /Oxford
*Waihora/Springston v Hampstead
Prebbleton v West Melt/BDI/Leeston
Rolleston v Celtic-Methven
Saturday, 17 June – Semi Finals / Playoff
Matches
Saturday, 24 June – Finals / Playoff Matches
*Club Days
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