Intercounty Competition Regulations
1. Description
The competitions are organised and run by Berkshire RFU and are open to all clubs from Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and invited other clubs. The regulations may be altered by Berkshire RFU at any point and their decision is final. The aim of ALL competitions are development driven, supported by competition. They are run by Adam Gillings – areg23@hotmail.com.
Competitions are created on a regional basis where possible and all competitions run to the relevant regulation appendix from Regulation 15.
2. Points Difference
We believe that one sided games do not promote development for either team so the maximum points difference across all age groups is 36. This means that matches MUST cease to record the scores when they cross the 30 point mark. We promote continuing to play but altering the teams or conditions to promote a more equal game for all concerned.
3. Dates & Formats
3.1 Important Dates:-
Midday Friday 30th June – All entries must be in
Midday Friday 28th July – Fixtures will be issued by this date
3.2 Competition Formats
U14s – Waterfall Cup U16s – League U18s – League
3.3 Squad Sizes & Playing Regs
3.3.1 Expected squad sizes should be declared on the Monday prior to the fixture to enable both sides to plan and meet the half game rule.
| Age Group | Minimum number of players commencing the game |
|---|---|
| U14s | 9 |
| U16s | 9 |
| U18s | 10 |
There is NO MAXIMUM SQUAD SIZE, however, you must satisfy the half game reg so please liaise in advance (prior to Wednesday) and if the opposition are playing 15, you can take 30, if they are playing 12, you can take 24 etc.)
3.3.2 Once the game has commenced, if injuries occur the game may continue with FEWER players in the interests of keeping girls playing. If a match commences on or above the minimum number of players and gets reduced for any reason then it should be completed, the playing regulations can be altered within a match to reflect this.
Except for the instance of numbers being reduced for foul play, sides must match numbers when playing. The offering of players from Team A to Team B should also be encouraged if it enables the game to be played.
To clarify, if a side starts at the minimum numbers and loses a player due to injury, the game can still continue at 1 below the minimum number, for both sides.
If a side starts at minimum numbers and loses a player for foul play, that side must play 1 below the minimum and the other team stays at minimum for the duration of the yellow card. If a red card is issued the game continues with one less player.
3.3.3 The half game rule must be followed and rolling subs are allowed. We recommend the logging of substitutes to confirm the HGR is met.
When reducing numbers below the maximum allowed under RFU regulation 15, then the referee’s decision is final on the pitch dimensions, numbers in a scrum and other playing regulations. The time allocated for each half will be determined by the referee and they may reduce this from the maximum allowed under regulation 15, on the basis of reduced player numbers.
3.3.4 A team not making the minimum size will unfortunately forfeit the game and 5 points will be awarded to the opposition. We would recommend borrowing players from the opposition before forfeiting as we would like the matches to be decided on the pitch where possible.
3.3.5 Uncontested scrums can only be requested due to non-trained front-row players. When uncontested scrums are played, the ‘pick and go’ from the base of the scrum is not allowed. There will not be a forfeit for going to uncontested scrums but it should not be used for a tactical advantage and we strongly encourage contested scrums for developmental reasons. If uncontested scrums are applied then both sides must match each other’s numbers in the scrum and teams MUST NOT do tactical substitutions to, for example, play 15 backs or 10 backs and 5 back row players.
3.3.6 Players that are sanctioned by a card will be removed as per Regulation 15 and all cards must be reported.
3.5 Fixture & Dates
3.5.1 The referee will be appointed as per the below: –
Independent and qualified as arranged by the home team, if one cannot be found by midday on the Wednesday prior then the away team should be given an opportunity to find an independent and qualified referee. Communication is the key.
If both sides cannot find prior to 1 hour before kick-off then the away coach will be offered the chance to appoint a non-independent referee to cover the whole game. If this is not possible then the home coach will ref or designate a ref.
3.5.2 Independent is defined as not being a parent of a player on the pitch or a coach for the team.
3.5.3 Qualified is defined as having passed the ERRA and/or the England Rugby Introduction to Refereeing Course.
3.6 Fixture Dates & Times
3.6.1 The dates of the competition have been sent to all Berkshire clubs, Hampshire & Oxfordshire prior to 17th March 2023, i.e. at least 6 months in advance. The exact fixtures will be given to you by 30th July.
3.6.2 The only reason a fixture may be moved is for unplayable pitches & player welfare or progression in a National Cup or CB/ERDPP playing opportunity and this can only be used after giving the away team an opportunity to find a location as well. In addition,
a bona fide tour (with CB approval) with at least 2 months’ notice is an acceptable reason but the side going on tour must show suitable flexibility to reschedule around the opposition’s schedule.
Unfortunately, wishing to attend festivals, player availability, unsuitable kick-off time, other CB competitions and other reasons are not deemed acceptable to preserve the integrity of the competitions.
3.6.3 If a fixture is postponed for unplayable pitches and/or player welfare then it must be played on the next Sunday unless it clashes with a National Cup fixture, CB /ERDPP playing opportunity, is within the Christmas period (24th / 31st December 2023) or is Easter Sunday. If one side cannot play on that date then the other team will be granted a walkover. If both cannot, the fixture will be voided.
3.6.4 Competition fixtures must take priority over pre-existing friendlies and festivals and training schedules. It is vital we complete the fixture list and teams unwilling to cancel existing non-competition fixtures will be deemed to forfeit the fixture.
Due to matches not being completed in previous seasons, this rule will be strictly enforced.
3.6.5 Any team withdrawing partway through a competition will have its fixtures expunged
3.6.7 Kick-off times must be between 11.00 and 13.30 due to travelling.
3.6.8 All matches must be played on the Sunday, except where both teams are in agreement and then Friday night fixtures are acceptable and kick-off times can be between 18.00 and 19.45 if agreed.
3.7 Last-Minute Withdrawals
Due to feedback from previous clubs, any club withdrawing from a fixture after midday on the Wednesday prior will be deducted a league point and a walkover will be awarded. We acknowledge the frustration, and expense, that a cancellation creates when pitch space is secured, refs are booked and foot is ordered and this rule is created to encourage early communication.
We hope to avoid the need for its usage.
3.8 Weather & Welfare
As referenced above, the main reason that is acceptable to postpone a match is unplayable pitches and player welfare. Should a match be abandoned in the second half, other than for foul play, the result will stand at that point.
The decision on if the weather or welfare means the environment is unsuitable for playing falls with both sides, the referee and the home team’s groundskeeper.
4. Club Positions
In the league or league stages the points scoring will be: –
| Win | 4 Points |
| Draw | 2 Points |
| Loss | 1 Point |
| 4 Tries or More | 1 Try Bonus Point |
| Loss by 7 Match Points | 1 Losing Bonus Point |
| Walkover | 5 Points |
The league standings, including the league stages of waterfall cup will be decided on: –
- League Points
- In the event of a tie, Points Difference
- In the event of a tie, Head to Head
- In the event of a tie, the number of points scored,
- In the event of a tie, a toss of a coin with the team named first alphabetically choosing the toss.
- In the event of a tied match in a final only, the result will be awarded to the team that has scored the most tries, if this is even then the team that scored first. If the final is 0-0 then a single toss of a coin, called by the coach of the designated away team, will decide the winner.
- In the event of a tied match in a semi-final only, the result will be awarded to the team that has scored the most tries, if this is even then the team that scored first. If the final is 0-0 then the designated away team win.
- Extra time or a Goal Kicking shoot-out is not allowed
5. Notification of Match Results
BOTH clubs MUST ensure all Competition results are sent within 3 days of the match. They are to be submitted via email to the contact email address that will be provided.
As tries create bonus points, please submit the scores and number of tries scored by each side.
DO NOT use the EMC for these competitions.
6. Players & Non-Players
All players must be registered (formally affiliated) with their club on GMS and not played for another team within the competition. Playing a non-registered player will result in 5 points being deducted.
The home club’s head coach is responsible for the behaviour of their Non-Players and also any independent visitors.
The away club’s head coach is responsible for the behaviour of their Non-Players.
We strongly promote the use of TREDS and will deal with any behavioural issues in the strongest terms available to us and we reserve the right to pass on any issues to the relevant authority such as the RFU or the Police.
7. Disputes & Appeals
The Competition Organiser reserves the right to add, alter or remove items from the competition regulations as deemed required.
Any appeals should be directed to the Berkshire Youth Chair, who’s decision will be final and there shall be no further appeal to any other party.
8. Fees
Entry fees are £60 per team and payable by 31st July 2023. Payment details will be supplied by the Competition organiser.
9. Teams
The competition is strictly invitational only and we reserve the right to not include or remove any team for any reason (including TREDS, non-playing of fixtures, travel etc.) or none.
Updated 12th May 2023
