ESSEX COUNTY RFU COMPETITION RULES
1.1 These rules shall be known as the Essex County Rugby Football Union Ltd ("the County") Competition Rules ("the Rules").
1.2 Only clubs in membership of the County ("Essex Clubs") shall be eligible to compete in the County Competition.
1.3 Failure by a Club to pay the required membership subscription by the 31st October will result in disqualification from these competitions.
2 COMPETITIONS
2.1 Each season the County will hold the following Competitions:
2.1.1 Senior Cup (This competition is open to all the Essex clubs of level six and above in the RFU Leagues).
2.1.2 Intermediate Cup (This competition is open to the Essex clubs at level seven and eight in the RFU Leagues).
2.1.3 Presidents Shield (This competition is open to any other member club of the Union who normally play their matches on a Saturday and not eligible to take part in the Senior or Intermediate Cup Competitions).
2.1.4 2nd XV Cup (This competition is open to 2nd XV’s of the 16 highest placed Essex Clubs by virtue of their position in the RFU Leagues).
2.1.5 John Adler Trophy (This competition is open to 2nd XV’s of any other member club of the Union who normally play their matches on a Saturday).
2.1.6 Clubs U19’s Cup (This competition is open to U19 Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.7 Clubs U17’s Cup (This competition is open to U17 Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.8 Clubs U16’s Cup (This competition is open to U16 Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.9 Clubs U15’s Cup (This competition is open to U15 Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.10 Clubs U14’s Cup (This competition is open to U14 Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.11 Clubs U13’s Festival (This competition is open to U13 Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.12 Clubs Mini Midi Festival (This festival is open to Mini-Midi Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
2.1.13 Clubs Seniors 7’s (This competition is open to Essex Clubs).
2.1.14 Clubs Colts 7’s (This competition is open to Youth sections of Essex Clubs).
3 PLAYING
3.1 All games in the competitions shall be played under the Laws of Rugby Union Football and comply with all Bye-laws, Regulations, Rules and Resolutions of the Rugby Football Union
3.2 Competitions will be controlled by the Management Committee, which shall delegate the organisation of Competitions to the Competitions Committee ("the Committee").
3.3 The Committee shall have the power to deal with all disputes and transgressions including the power to disqualify participating Clubs which have infringed the rules or spirit of a competition.
3.4 The Chairman ("organiser") has the responsibility for the day to day running of the competitions.
3.5 The Essex County Referees Society will be responsible for appointing a referee for all County Competition matches.
3.6 Replacements and Substitutions -
For the purposes of the Essex County RFU Cup Competitions only, not more than six replacements or substitutes are permitted by either team.
3.6.1 In the interest of safety each team playing in the an Essex County Cup Competition must have at least five players in their nominated match squad, who are suitably trained and experienced to be capable of playing in the front row to ensure that on the first or second occasions (whether due to injury or consequent to a player(s) being temporarily suspended or ordered off) that a front row player is required to be replaced, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
(NOTE Under NO circumstances may a player under 18 years of age be permitted to play in the front row during a Senior Essex County RFU Cup Competition match.)
3.6.2 If on any occasion any front row player requires to be replaced and his team cannot provide a replacement or other player suitably trained and experienced from those who started the match or from the nominated replacements to enable the match to continue safely with contested scrums the referee having made enquiry of and having confirmed this fact with the captain of the team or such other person nominated by the Club as the manager or other person responsible for the team, the match will continue with uncontested scrums. If the match is completed with uncontested scrums the result of such match will stand and not be altered by the Organising Committee.
3.6.3 Where a player(s) is/are temporarily suspended from the field of play (which includes a blood injury) which creates a second or subsequent occasion in an Essex County RFU Cup Competition that a front row forward requires to be replaced and his team cannot provide a replacement or suitably trained and experienced player to enable the match to safely continue with contested scrums the referee having made enquiry of and confirmed this fact with the team captain (or other person nominated by the Club as manager or other person responsible for the team) the match shall continue but for the duration (and only for the duration) of the temporary suspension with non-contested scrums and the match result will be unaffected.
3.6.4 The Committee will review the circumstances in every case where a match is completed with uncontested scrums. The Organising Committee will be entitled to take such action as it deems appropriate other than the alteration of the match result where it is of the view that a Club in a match in the Competition is in breach of or acting other than in good faith has taken advantage of the provisions of this Rule for its own benefit.
3.6.5 Note: The intention of the review in 3.6.4 is to penalise any Club that tries improperly to take advantage of or create a situation to ensure a match is played (or finished) with uncontested scrums. For the avoidance of doubt any aggrieved Club has a right of appeal as set out in Rule 12
3.7 U19 Variations - The rules and regulations regarding the playing of the Game by persons Under 19 as laid down by the RFU and IRB will apply to the Essex Club Competitions.
3.7.1 Under 16, 17, 18 and Under 19 (Colts) - Playing time not to exceed 35 minutes each way with a size 5 ball. There will not be any extra time played at the end of normal playing time Rule 5.14 will apply to determine the winner.
3.7.2 Under 15 - Playing time not to exceed 30 minutes each way with a size 5 ball. There will not be any extra time played at the end of normal playing time Rule 5.14 will apply to determine the winner.
3.7.3 Under 14 - Playing time not to exceed 25 minutes each way with a size 4 ball. There will not be any extra time played at the end of normal playing time Rule 5.14 will apply to determine the winner.
3.7.4 Under 13 - The RFU Continuum regarding playing in festivals will apply.
4. THE DRAW
4.1 The draw for the first round of the Senior competitions (including a preliminary round if required) shall be made prior to the commencement of the season and will normally be carried out following the AGM of the County.
4.2 Where preliminary matches have to be played then byes will be dependant upon where in the league a club finished the previous year. The highest placed sides will have byes.
4.3 All National League sides will have byes to the semi finals and be seeded.
4.4 The draw for the youth competitions will be made at a suitable time by the committee.
4.5 Each subsequent round will be determined by a separate draw.
4.6 The first side to be drawn shall be designated the home side wherever the game shall be played.
4.7 The senior finals shall be played at venues determined by the Committee.
4.8 The youth finals will be played at venues determined by the committee
4.9 The competition secretary’s will notify all club secretaries of the result of the draw.
5 GROUNDS AND MATCH MANAGEMENT
5.1 The home side shall be responsible for informing their opponents, the referee, touch judges and the relevant competition secretary of the venue and kick-off time of the game.
5.2 Failure by a club to inform the secretary may result in the loss of home advantage if the club is drawn at home in the next round.
5.3 Except in the final the home side shall be responsible for the out of pocket expenses of the referee and appointed touch judges.
5.4 In games where Referee Society touch judges are appointed the relevant parts of Law 6(6) the Laws of Rugby Union Football shall apply
5.5 In the event of a clash of colours, (Except in the final, when the toss of a coin will decide who changes), the home side shall change.
5.6 The home side shall be responsible for ensuring that the pitch is clearly and correctly marked and that all spectators, replacements and others are kept at a reasonable distance from the field of play.
5.7 Each home Club playing in the Essex Cup Competition shall in addition make provision for two ‘technical areas’ one for each team competing in a match (each of which areas shall not exceed 10 sq. metres and which will be at least one metre from the touchline of the pitch. The ‘technical areas’ when occupied must not in any way impede the touch judges or a fourth official undertaking his responsibilities). The ‘technical areas’ must be clearly designated between the touchline of the pitch and any perimeter or pitchside fencing or other barrier as being that to which all those permitted within the pitchside or perimeter fencing (i.e. not more than two medical staff responsible for administering treatment to players and not more than two persons carrying water for the players) are to be restricted during the match other than the period of half time.
5.8 Each Club playing in the Essex Cup Competitions must (unless the Referee agrees otherwise or agrees an alternative) ensure that its replacements, medical staff, coaching staff and any other representatives are not permitted within the pitchside or perimeter fencing (or ten metres from the edge of the pitch if there is no such fencing) unless such personnel remain on the side of the pitch designated by the home Club within an area bounded by the centre and ten metre line on the pitch and two metres from the side line of the pitch at the end of the pitch in which it’s team plays the first half of the match.
5.9 Any reported breach of this Rule to the Committee by the referee so indicating on the match card will be acted upon and the Committee of the Essex Cup Competitions will have the power to impose such penalty as it deems appropriate upon any Club in breach thereof. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing and subject to a Clubs right to appeal, the Committee has the right to disqualify a team from further progress in the competition.
5.10 Not more than four water carriers per team (including medical staff) are permitted within the pitchside or perimeter fencing or other barrier. Water carriers may only be permitted onto the playing area for the purposes of taking water to the players at such times as shall be approved by the Referee (on any other occasion players must come to the touchline to get water).
5.11 Any player temporarily suspended when playing in an Essex County Cup Competition must remain in the ‘technical area’ or leave the playing enclosure and be clearly and readily identifiable to the fourth official where one is appointed or remain between the posts in the in goal area which his team is attacking or in such other place as the referee may agree or direct.
Any player ordered off must leave the playing enclosure.
5.12 Rule 5.12 shall only apply to the Senior Competitions.
5.12.1 The Saturday date for each round of a competition shall be advised to the participating clubs prior to the start of the season. If a side is still participating in the EDF Cup then they must play the Essex Cup match on the first available cup Saturday.
5.12.2 If both teams agree games may be played on the Sunday of the same weekend but at least seven days notice is to be given to the senior secretary if the game is to be played on the Sunday.
5.12.3 Only in special circumstances will permission be given for games to be played at any other time. Requests for special consideration must be made in writing to the Organiser/secretary not less than 14 days before the date on which permission is sought to play the match.
5.12.4 Matches shall be played in normal daylight hours (unless being played under rule 5.12.3) - due regard must be made for the possibility of extra time. The semi-finals and final shall be afternoon kick-offs.
5.12.5 Under exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of both clubs and the secretary, matches may also be played under floodlights and midweek.
5.12.6 A late decision as to the fitness of the ground shall be made by the Captains of the teams involved and if they cannot agree the decision shall be made by the referee.
5.12.7 If conditions prevent a match being played, or if a match is abandoned at any time before no-side, it shall be played on the following weekend.
5.12.8 If a game is abandoned for disciplinary reasons, the offending side shall be disqualified.
5.12.9 Except in the final, if the scores are equal after 80 minutes of normal playing time, there shall be an immediate period of additional play between the same teams of 10 minutes each way with a one minute interval. If this does not produce a result:
5.12.9.1 the side scoring most tries shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then:
5.12.9.2 the side scoring most goals (conversions) shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then
5.12.9.3 the away side shall go through to the next round.
5.12.10 In the Final if the scores are equal after 40 minutes of normal playing time there shall be an immediate period of additional play between the same teams of 10 minutes each way with a one minute interval. If this does not produce a result:
5.12.10.1 the side scoring most tries shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then:
5.12.10.2 the side scoring most goals (conversions) shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then
5.12.10.3 the winner shall be decided by the application of rule 5.13
5.13 Kicking Competition - To determine the winner of a final, when scores are level a kicking competition will take place in the following manner:
5.13.1 Each team shall nominate one player from its number on the field of play at the final whistle to participate on its behalf in a drop-goal competition.
5.13.2 Each kicker in turn shall attempt a drop goal from predetermined positions as set out below, until such time as after an equal number of attempts; one kicker has kicked more goals than the other.
5.13.3 These attempts will be made towards the goal posts nominated by the referee. The team who kicked off the match shall kick first.
5.13.4 The attempts will be taken from the positions as detailed below, in turn, and if necessary repeating the sequence until a decision as set out in 5.13.2 can be determined: -
5.13.4.1 at the intersection of the 22-metre line and
5.13.4.2 the centre of the 22-metre line
5.13.4.3 the intersection of 22-metre and 15-metre lines to the left or right of the posts facing. This position may be at the kickers discretion
5.13.4.4 the intersection of 22-metre and 5-metre lines to left or right of the posts facing. This position may be at the kickers discretion
5.13.4.5 the intersection of 22-metre and 15-metre lines to left or right of the posts facing. The position to be on the opposite side of the pitch as to the option chosen by the kicker in 5.13.4.3
5.13.4.6 the intersection of 22-metre and 5-metre lines to left or right of the posts facing. The position to be on the opposite side of the pitch as to the option chosen by the kicker in 5.13.4.4
5.14 Rule 5.14 shall only apply to youth competition matches
5.14.1 Except in the final, if the scores are level at the conclusion of normal playing time:
5.14.1.1 the side scoring most tries shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then:
5.14.1.2 the side scoring most goals (conversions) shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then
5.14.1.3 the away side shall go through to the next round.
5.14.2 In the final if the scores are level at the end of normal playing time:
5.14.2.1 the side scoring most tries shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then:
5.14.2.2 the side scoring most goals (conversions) shall be declared the winner. If this does not produce a result then
5.14.2.3 the winner shall be decided by the application of rule 5.13 - (kicking competition)
6 NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
6.1 Except in the final the winning side is responsible for emailing the result (before noon the following day) to cup.results@essexrugby.com
6.2 Clubs failing to do so may lose home advantage if they are drawn at home in the next round
6.3 Result match cards must be filled in by both teams (except for the second team cups) with a full team list signed by both team managers along with the referee and returned to the relevant secretary to arrive within three days after the match.
6.4 Failure to return the match card by the club may result in the loss of home advantage if the club is drawn at home in the following round.
7 WITHDRAWAL
7.1 Clubs wishing to withdraw form the competition must give 14 days notice in writing to the Competitions Committee, giving their reasons
7.2 Failure to give sufficient notice or to give an acceptable reason for withdrawing may result in the club being barred from the competition for one season or any other punishment as recommended by the Committee.
8 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY - Rule 8 applies to the Senior, Intermediate, President’s Shield and 2nd XV Competitions
8.1 Except in the 2nd XV Competitions, a club may only play or select as a replacement, players who hold effective registration for that club in accordance with the RFU Registration of Players Regulations.
8.1 Clubs which do not compete in the English Clubs Championship and so do not have registered players may still compete provided they can satisfy the organiser that the players are bona fide members of that club and that they will not field players who are registered with other clubs
8.2 A player who has played for a club in any round of an Essex Clubs Competition may not play for another club in any other Essex Club competition held during the same season.
9 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY – Rule 9 applies to Youth Competitions
9.1 As registration is mandatory by the RFU and the County for junior players competing in competitions, all player registrations must be completed. i.e. registrations up to date.
9.1.1 All players must be registered for their relevant club with the County Youth Registrar at least fourteen days BEFORE the date of the match.
9.1.2 Only the Registrar’s list will be accepted as proof that a player is properly registered.
9.1.3 Players may not be selected for more than one age group in any one season.
9.1.4 Players may not represent more than one club in any Essex County RFU organised competition during a season.
9.1.5 All player transfers between clubs must be completed by October 1st and be both effective and registered by this date.
9.2 Age Limits
9.2.1 In the youth competitions, age limits will apply and all players must be under the stated age limit on the first day of September of the current season
9.2.2 A Club found to have fielded an ineligible player will be disqualified.
9.3 Mini-midi Festival
9.3.1 The rules of the RFU continuum will apply.
10 SECOND XV CUP COMPETITIONS - Rule 10 provides variations to the Rules which are applicable to 2nd XV Cup competitions
10.1 The finals shall be played at venues determined by the Committee.
10.2 The home side will provide the normal hospitality as expected in inter club matches.
10.3 The committee shall set the date of the final.
10.4 All matches will be played on a Saturday when the first XV’s of both clubs have League, RFU Cup or Essex Cup competition matches.
10.5 The dates of 2nd XV Cup matches will be notified to clubs by the secretary having taken into consideration the Essex Clubs Merit Table and First XV fixtures where applicable.
10.6 Postponed games or games abandoned due to injury or the weather with less than 60 minutes played, must be replayed on the next available date which complies with rule 10.5. In the event that more than 60 minutes has been played the score shall stand.
10.7 In the spirit of the competition registered players will not be insisted upon, but clubs must only field genuine players who are fully paid up members of the club.
10.8 Players registered for another club may not be selected.
11 RIGHT OF APPEAL
11.1 There is a right of appeal to the Management Committee in respect of a decision made under rule 3.3 or by the Organiser.
11.2 Such appeal shall be made in writing within 48 hours of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the appeal and shall be made to the President of the County through the Hon. Secretary of the County.
11.3 The President of the County shall appoint a sub-committee of not less than three neutral members of the Essex County RFU.
11.4 If deemed necessary the President may also co-opt such other person to the sub-committee as required.
11.5 In the absence of the President the Immediate Past President will take his place for the purposes of the appeal.
11.6 The right of appeal shall apply to all senior and youth competitions. Any decision must be made at least seven days before the date of the next round of the competition concerned.
11.7 The decision of the appeals panel is final and binding.
