2013 SEASON

1. 2013 SEASON Managers Meeting

2. “True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing” Socrates

3. 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 • Ground Marshals, Codes of Conduct, conditions of entry, Team Zones, and much more

4. 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.

5. Ground Marshals • If a Team does not provide a Ground Marshal then that Team will bedeemed 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 • Responsibilities of a Ground Marshal: • Introduce themselves to both Match Referee and opposition Ground Marshal • Wear the vest at all times • Ensure crowds and officials maintain Codes of Conducts • Manage the behaviour of participants and officials within the team zone • Complete two (2) laps of the playing enclosure with the opposition Ground Marshal at approximately 10 minutes into both halves

6. The Ground Marshal Card 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 0 • 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 • Referees are being re-educated of the ATE Dot Points • Don’t participate • Don’t debate • Don’t escalate • Vacate the area

7. The Ground Marshal Card Process • 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 (Black Card) • Both HOME & AWAY 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

8. Aim of the GMC • To alert the Ground Marshal to an off-field problem that he or she may not have seen • Transfers 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 • 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

9. Abandoning the Game • If the Ground Marshals are 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

10. 2013 Rule Snapshot

11. 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

12. Imports • Clubs cannot actively seek to entice players from another Club • All suspected activity of this should be reported to the Competition Manager • For each age group a Club cannot register more than two Imports from any other club • This number may be exceeded so long as a President’s Release is provided to the Competition Manager • For each age group a Club cannot register more than two Representative players regardless of a President’s Release

13. Team Lists • Team Lists should be based on a players’ ability and experience • For players wanting to play in their chronological age, as well as the age group above, they are to be listed in their ‘correct’ age group • For the U10 and U11 age groups, a Team List must contain a minimum of 12 players. A minimum of 10 players must be listed as non-transferable (NT) • For the U12 age group and above, a Team List must contain a minimum of 15 players. A minimum of 15 players must be listed as non-transferable (NT) • All Representative Players must be nominated in the highest ranked team. All Representative Players can only play in their nominated Team

14. Team List cont’d • No player is permitted to play ‘down’ from their nominated Team or Age Group • NEW RULE: 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 • Maximum number of Players allowed to be signed-on and used in a match: - 18 players for a 12-a-side Competition - 23 players for a 15-a-side Competition • 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. Signing on Process... 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, whilst checking the teams PHOTO SHEET. 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 – financial penalties will be imposed for late entries • 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

18. Match Results & Games Played • Once the sign-on sheet has been signed by a Team Official then the Teams surrender the right to appeal over any signing-on irregularities. • Both Teams are to 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 – financial penalties will be imposed for late submission • 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. 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 • Field are to be set up with two (2) Team Zones to be placed on each of the 10 meter lines. • Make sure the Expectations of Behaviour sign is set up in a visible place. • 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

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. 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

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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. Uncontested Scrums • U10 – U12 Age Group • Must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker, LHP and THP to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement is required in each of these positions, one is available and play can safely continue • No ‘fewer playing number’ sanction imposed • Any team which plays uncontested scrums in more than 3 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 to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement is required in each of these positions, 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 3 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

27. 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

28. Sharing & Matching Players • U10 – U12 Age Group • Teams MUST share players to reach the maximum number of equal players on the field for each Team. • Players shared will need to be adjusted for injured, blood rule or send offs. • U13 – Opens Age Group • Team playing short MAY request additional players from the opposition Team so as to share players at any time during the match. • If the opposition team refuses to share and match players as requested then the opposition Team will be deemed to have forfeited the match. Note: • If a team is short numbers and for whatever reason is reduced to less than the Minimum number of players then that team will be deemed to have forfeit the match. • If a team matches/shares players in more than 50% of matches they will be ineligible for finals • No sharing/matching players in final series

29. 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 • Qualified in the competition • 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

30. Suitably Qualified Medical Personnel • It is highly recommended that Clubs provide suitably qualified medical personnel for each Match • 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

31. Persons Entering Playing Enclosure • The only persons permitted within the Playing Enclosure during a Match are • The Referee • Assistant Referees or Touch Judges • 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 – must be VISIBLE BY YELLOW VEST • 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

32. Trainers • Clubs may have a MAXIMUM of two (2) trainers at every match • At least one (1) Trainer must be visible by the yellow vest • Trainers MUST NOT coach on the field • May only enter field of play when ball is dead or when a player is down injured • Must remain in Team Zone at all times

33. 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

34. Miscellaneous • Please note any issues/problems/incidents that arise on the sign on sheet and have both managers initial the sign on sheet. This may include: • Agreement of clubs regarding AR • Sharing players • Uncontested Scrums • Field Setup • Misbehaviour

35. 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 • If a player is sent off in a Friday Night match they must sit out all other rugby matches on the Saturday and Sunday . • Any case where there is abuse of a Match Official, it will automatically result in that player having to come before the Judiciary

36. 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 by approval of the Competition Manager 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

37. Judiciary • The Judiciary usually meet each Wednesday at 6pm at NSWRU Offices, Moore Park unless otherwise notified • A fee of $100 will apply to all matters brought before the Judiciary. Invoices are issued by the Competition Manger • 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 • A player must serve their sentence in the competition in which the offence occurred.

38. 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 Forms available on the SJRU Website and must be submitted by Club President.

39. 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 2013 to avoid penalties such as loss of competition points • Coaching resources are available through www.rugby.com.au/tryrugby • Ensure all Volunteers (Coaches, Asst. Coaches, Managers etc) have filled out a Working with Children Declaration Form

40. 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 • Easts Rugby – Friday 1 March 9:30am • King’s School – Sunday 3 March 9:30am • Trinity Grammar – Sunday 10 March 9:30am • Parramatta Rugby – Wednesday 13 March 6pm • Oakhill College – Sunday 17 March 9:30am • Vikings Rugby – Monday 18 March 6pm • Mosman – Wednesday 3 April 6pm • Waverley College – Sunday 7 April 9:30am • Barker College – Sunday 7 April 9:30am • Hurlestone Ag High – Sunday 28 April 9:30am • Northern Beaches Christian School Sunday 6 May 9:30am • Sydney Grammar Playground – Sunday 2 June 9:30am

41. Kids Rugby CoursesSmartRugby courses are free of charge 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. • Dural Rugby Club – Saturday 9 February 9:10am • Easts Rugby – Friday 1 March 9:30am • Riverview – Sunday 3 March 9:30am • Syd North (TBA) – Sunday 17 March 9:30am 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. • Sydney West (TBC) – 4 March 6pm • Sylvania Waters – 11 March 6pm • Sydney North (TBA) – 20 March 6pm • Haberfield – 26 March 6pm • Sydney West (TBC) – 17 April 6pm • Sydney North (TBA) – 22 April 6pm • Sydney North (TBA) – 5 May 6pm

42. 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 $75 • Parramatta Wednesdays 21 & 28 March 6pm • St Pius Saturday 24 March 2012 8am • Forshaw Park Sunday 1 April 8am • Northern Beaches Christian College Sunday 6 May 8am • Knox College Sunday 13 May 8am • Mosman Mondays 14 & 21 6pm • Hurlstone Ag College Sunday 20 May 8am • SFS Moore Park Sunday 3 June 8am

43. FAQ on the Draw When will the draw be released? Prior to Easter Why aren’t all my teams playing at home at the same time? If your team is in an 6,8,10 or 12 team competition they will be scheduled to play at home at different times, this is due to the sequencing on the competition. Why is my team playing away every week? Your team will play at home at least six (6) times during the year, this may occur in the last 6 games of the season. It is depended upon which competition you play in, ground availability and special requests. Why are my teams playing late/early? Games may be played at any time during 8am – 5pm (Saturday/ Sunday) or 5:30pm – 9pm (Friday Nights). Dedicated rounds have been set to playing age groups early and late to take into consideration representative trials.

44. Communication Policy Player / Coach / Manager / Other Club President SJRU/Competition Manager ** SJRU will not communicate directly with anyone who is not a Club President

45. Need More Information? • Read the SJRU Competition Rules • Visit the SJRU Website: Juniors.rugby.com.au • Contact your club representative

46. General Business & Important Dates • Waratahs Junior Membership - Available for 2012 Registered Players. $10 registration fee • Special Waratahs deal for 2013 registered players –please get club to contact SJRU • Clubs to receive 2 Mazda balls in 2013 - should be issued to clubs by Round 3 IMPORTANT DATES: • Round 1 – 5 - 7th April • March Past – Waratahs v Reds ANZ Stadium Saturday 13 July • U11 - U17 State Championships – 8 - 10 June • U10 State Championships – 29 & 30 June • Grand Finals – 30 & 31 August & 1 September

47. 2013 SJRU CALENDAR