Rules of the game - Open Age
North East Rugby League Open Age Competition 2012
Policy Statement
The North East Rugby League Regional competition is committed to eradicating all
forms of racial discrimination and racism, a commitment that will enhance equality of
opportunity in all aspects of the game. Racist language or behaviour has no part to
play within the game and as a result will not be tolerated. Anyone that engages in
racist language or behaviour will be dealt with promptly through the relevant
procedures. We must all be responsible for tackling racism and ensure that Rugby
League is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The North East Rugby League Management constantly strive to ensure that the
competition is open and available to everyone who wishes to participate.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
North East Rugby League Open Age Competition – Rules & Regulations March
2012
“Standards”
Refers to the minimum requirements for admission and participation in the RLC
Regional competition and are divided in to three sections:
Standards are divided into three sections:
i. Playing Standards
ii. Match Day Facilities Standards
iii. Off Pitch Administration Standards
Introduction
a) The standards, rules and regulations governing conduct, discipline and
expulsion for entry to and participation in any competition operated by the
NERL Management shall apply to all clubs admitted to participate in the North
East OA competition.
b) The NERL Management are charged with the formulation of policy for the
North East OA competition. Operational decisions may be taken by the NERL
Secretary alone, or as a result of reference (by the Secretary) to the NERL
Management. To reflect this operational process, throughout this document
reference will only be made to ‘NERL Management’ with respect to decision
making authority etc.
c) References to the ‘NERL Secretary’ do not preclude any situation whereby
tasks identified may be carried out by any other person or persons involved in
North East OA Administration and approved by the NERL Secretary. Clubs
will be notified of any such individuals and of appropriate procedures etc.
d) The standard rules and regulations shall apply to participating clubs until
varied by the NERL Management.
e) Clubs shall be admitted annually at the discretion of the NERL Management.
f) The Standards shall be the minimum required for admission to and
participation in the North East OA competition.
g) It is acknowledged that the facilities offered by clubs may vary, however, in
the event a club being unable to fulfil the standards, that club must make
written application to the NERL Secretary (on behalf of the NERL
Management) outlining the reasons for its inability to fulfil standards and must
have the written approval of the NERL Management which may be withheld
entirely at the NERL Management’s discretion.
Playing Rules and Standards
1 Rationale
1.1 All games in the North East OA competition shall be played in accordance
with the Playing Rules of the Rugby Football League unless varied by these
rules and regulations or otherwise those implemented by the NERL
Management from time to time.
2 Local Playing Arrangements
2.1 Each team may name a maximum of 20 players per match .In Play Off ties
that number per side shall be regulated to a maximum of 17.
2.2 An unlimited number of interchanges may be utilised from the player’s names
on the Official Team Sheet.
2.3 In extremes of heat or should conditions dictate the match referee at his
discretion may opt for quarterly breaks The decision to exercise this option
during the playing of games will be relayed to the participating clubs by the
match referee prior to the official kick off time.
3 Playing Attire
3.1 All teams shall wear suitable matching kit incorporating numbered shirt, shorts
and socks. The referee will be asked to verify this on an Official Report Form
and offenders may be fined. A player must not use equipment nor wear
anything – including jewellery – which is dangerous to himself or another
player.
3.2 Each member shall before the commencement of each season file with both
members and Central Administration a simple digital photo depicting their
regular strip.
4 Player Registration
4.0 All club players shall be registered with the NERL Secretary before
commencing training or playing in a match (whichever is the sooner). Should
any unregistered player take the field for any club that club may be subject to
expulsion from the North East OA competition or such other disciplinary action
as the Management shall decide is appropriate in the circumstances.
4.1. In their first year of registration as a player in the North East OA competition
all players must be registered with NERL Secretary using an official form
designated for this purpose.
.2 To maintain effective administration of the central database, all North East OA
players held on record during that season shall be moved to but retained in an
historical database.
4.3 Players subject to these conditions - save for those in debt to the club
currently holding their registration - shall, if they so desire to play in a winter
competition complete the requisite registration documentation with a club of
their choice.4.4 All players returning thereafter – including those having completed their winter
commitments – shall be required to re-register in respect of the new summer
season using the appropriate stationary provided by the League’s
Administrator.
4.5 Players owing monies to the club currently holding their registration shall not
be permitted a move to another competition until the debt with that club is
cleared in full.
4.6 The fielding by clubs either on match days or in training of players without an
accredited form of registration may invalidate the insurance provisions of
everyone involved in that activity. Clubs must therefore ensure total
compliance with all standardised administrative practices by leaving nothing to
chance.
4.7 Discipline action as deemed appropriate shall be taken against clubs by the
NERL Management in the event of proven administrative irregularities
4.8 A player is only registered with the NERL when the completed registration
form (or a faxed copy of the completed registration form plus any other
relevant documentation) is in the possession of the NERL Secretary
4.9 A player may on the day of the game be registered by completing the required
form of registration and having his signature witnessed and countersigned by
the match official.
4.10 Unless his employer allows him permission in writing to do so, a player
registered with the Rugby Football League as a contracted professional may
not register nor play in the North East OA competition. In any event the NERL
management must in the first instance approve the registration of players
wishing to participate for clubs in membership of the competition.
4.11 A player not contracted may sign for any NERL club with whom he chooses
however the onus is on the club wishing to register that player to conduct a
thorough check to confirm his current status.
4.12 The procedure for adoption by clubs shall follow a standard format as follows:
By e-mail from the club to the NERL Secretary requesting verification of a
player’s current status. The request must include key data i.e. the player’s full
address and Date of Birth.
By e-mail from the NERL Secretary requesting RFL operations to ascertain a
player’s current status.
By e-mail from RFL Operations to the NERL Secretary confirming the player’s
current status.
By e-mail from the NERL Secretary to the club wishing to register the player to
confirm his current status.
4.13 A club having received from the NERL Secretary that a player about whom an
initial enquiry regarding status was lodged is deemed eligible to compete in
the North East OA competition, may at this point, arrange for completion by
the player of a standard registration form.
4.14 No “loan” players will be allowed to register after the second Saturday of
August in any season.4.15 To be eligible for North East OA competition registration, players must be
have attained their 16
th
birthday.
4.16 No club whose membership in this competition has been duly accepted shall
register more than 60 players in any one season – up to 75 if running a team in
the parallel NERL Competition - A club may at any time by email contact the
NERL Secretary to de-register a player.
4.17 A player can only be registered with one NERL Club at a time.
4.18 The NERL Management shall have an unfettered discretion to decide on the
eligibility of any player for registration to play for any club admitted to any
competition controlled by the NERL Management in any year.
4.19 The minimum term of registration for a player with one club will be 14 days or
two games which ever is the sooner
4.20 The minimum player eligibility qualification in respect of the North East OA
Championship Play Offs Semi-Finals and Finals shall be determinant upon
The registration criteria with that club having been met implicitly
All players being considered for selection by the participating club having been
duly registered with the NERL Secretary prior to the Play Offs commencing
All players being considered for selection having competed in at least two
scheduled weekly round games
4.21 A club shall face disqualification from the Championship Play Offs if having
wilfully or knowingly fielded a player whose registration:
Fails to meet without prejudice the standardised criteria as set out hitherto
Has not received pre-match clearance by the NERL Secretary
4.22 The NERL Secretary shall forward to each participating club, at least seven
days ahead of the Championship Play Offs, a copy of their register of players
eligible for selection.
4.23 Clubs shall at least 24 hours before the first Championship Play Off game is
staged confirm by return email with the NERL Secretary that their player
database is accurate.
4.24 A player registered in the RFL National competition is eligible to represent his
own club in the North East OA competition at any time during the season.
4.25 A non-contracted player fielded in an RFL competition may likewise register
for an NERL club of choice subject to rule 14.11.
4.26 It is the responsibility of the club to check that the registration process has
been completed correctly to include checking before play that documents
have been received and verified as correct by the NERL Secretary.
Transfer of Registration
5.1 A player may provided that all financial obligations have been fulfilled in
advance transfer his registration from one NERL club to another at any point
during the season until the second Saturday in August – inclusive - of that
season. After this date players transferring from one club to another may not
represent their new club in that season.
5.2 In order to transfer internally the player must in the first instance obtain from
his existing club a form of De-Registration, which on completion in full and
signed by the existing club is subsequently handed to the new club. The
transfer document should not be held for an unreasonable period nor refused
unless the player owes monies to the club from whom he intends to leave.
The transfer document, together with a new generic registration form must be
sent to the NERL Secretary and becomes valid only when he duly
acknowledges confirmation of its receipt.
5.3 Clubs should to prevent potential losses by post retain for their own records a
copy of all forms released to the NERL Secretary.
5.4 It will not be possible for transferred players to register for a new club on the
day of a game.
6 Unfulfilled Fixtures
6.1 Should a fixture not be played because of one club’s inability to field a side,
the following rules will apply with regard to the fixture outcome:
6.2 The ‘non-offending’ club shall be awarded a victory.
6.3 The score awarded to the ‘non-offending’ club will be in line with the previous
league result(s) of both clubs.
6.4 The score awarded to the ‘non-offending’ club will be their average points
scored per match (played during that season).
6.5 The score awarded to the “offending club” will be the average points
conceded by the “non offending club”
6.6 In the event of this formula resulting in a “win” for the “offending club” then the
result will be declared as 24-0.
6.7 Such an average point’s difference will be rounded up to the nearest whole
number if necessary.
6.8 The minimum score awarded to the ‘non-offending’ club is therefore 24-0.
6.9 Should the first match of the season not be played because of one club’s
inability to field a side, the ‘non-offending’ club shall be awarded a victory by
the score-line of 24-0.
6.10 In the Play off stage an unfulfilled fixture will lead to the expulsion of the
offending club.
6.11 The failure of a club to fulfil a scheduled fixture is a serious breach of the
NERL Rules. An offending club will face disciplinary action. In the event of
clubs failing to fulfil fixtures, the NERL Management will decide the level of
punishment which may include a fine, deduction of league points or expulsion
from the League. All clubs failing to fulfil two fixtures in a given season will be
required to seek their re-application to the North East OA competition.
7 Postponement due to Mechanical Failure of Coach Transportation
7.1 Where a mechanical breakdown on the coach transporting the players to a
game prevents the scheduled North East OA match the following shall apply:7.2 The Secretary/Club contact must notify the NERL Secretary by telephone,
providing details of the breakdown and the exact location.
7.3 Notify the host club secretary/contact/alternative contact.
7.4 Notify the Match Official.
7.5 Confirm the full details in writing to the NERL Secretary within seven days of
the breakdown.
7.6 The host club shall submit to the NERL Secretary in writing within seven days
of the postponement, receipts or invoices for any unrecoverable costs
incurred in the postponement of the game.
8 Loaning of Players
8.1 Should one team be short of players to make up a side of 12 on the day but is
still fulfilling the fixture then the ‘loaning’ of players by their opponents is
acceptable.
8.2 Clubs are not compelled to ‘loan’ players whether they do so or not is
discretionary.
8.3 ‘Loaned’ players are to be clearly endorsed on the Official Team Sheet – as
“LOAN”
8.4 If ‘loaning’ occurs, the game remains an official fixture. The score-line and
result of the actual match stands officially. In other words, if team ‘A’ loans
players to team ‘B’ to make up a side, and then team ‘B’ wins the game 10-0,
the result stands as a 10-0 victory to team ‘B’.
9 Abandoned Matches
9.0 If less than three quarters of the laid down playing time has elapsed when a
game is abandoned, then the NERL Management may order it to be replayed.
If more than three quarters of the game has elapsed before the game is
abandoned then the result will stand.
9.1 If a match is abandoned for misconduct the discipline committee as part of its
adjudications remit will decide whether the result of the game stands or
otherwise.
9.2 The NERL Management shall, taking each case on its merits, decide whether
in the event of an abandoned game, for whatever reason, the results stands
or a replay is necessary.
9.3 The match official has the authority to abandon the game to which he/she is
appointed. Should this occur the match official must forward for receipt within
three working days from the game in question a written report detailing the
reason for the abandonment.
9.4 Should the match official decide that on the day of the fixture the pitch is unfit
then the following procedure must be applied:
9.5 The host club must immediately contact the NERL Secretary. Only following
that contact is the game considered postponed.9.6 The match official must send to the NERL Secretary in writing within three
working days of the scheduled game the reason for the postponement.
9.7 The NERL Secretary will in consultation with the two clubs attempt to
accommodate a suitable date upon which the match may be re-arranged.
9.8 Should it not be feasible to re-arrange the game the result shall be recorded
as a nil – nil draw with both teams allocated one Championship Point.
9.9 In the event of a dispute between teams with regard to the fitness for play of a
ground, the final and binding decision will be with the match official.
9.10 If following confirmation of play by the match official a team still refuses to play
it will be deemed to have defaulted on the game and discipline action taken
against a club found guilty of meeting its obligations.
10 Play off Games: Drawn Games
10.1 If the scores are level at the end of normal time then a ‘Golden Score’, i.e. a
‘Sudden Death’ first score shall determine the outcome.
Match Day Facilities Standards
11 Facilities and Support
11.1 The following facilities shall be made available to teams, referees and other
officials:
a) Separate clean and tidy changing facilities available at least one hour
before kick off
b) Changing facilities to be available at half time
c) Hot water, baths or showers available after match
d) A post match meal and refreshments to be provided by the host club,
e) The visiting club shall remain after the match to accept the hospitality
of the host club for a reasonable period unless otherwise agreed
between both clubs
11.2 The following on pitch arrangements shall be completed and available prior to
kick off:
a) Pitch mown and marked clearly for the playing of Rugby League. The
playing area should also be roped off or enclosed as a minimum
requirement.
b) Tannoy and scoreboard to be utilised if available.
c) Qualified medical care to at least Red Cross/St Johns Ambulance
standard to be available.
d) Match balls, corner flags, post protector pads and touch judge flags
e) A Touch Judge to be provided by each club
f) Dug Outs for the coach, substitutes and other team management.
g) Changing rooms to be locked during game, or otherwise secured
against theft or damage
h) The pitch shall be cleared of litter and any other dangerous or
unacceptable objects
i) Rules for spectator conduct shall be produced and visible at all playing
venues where possiblej) The visiting club shall arrive at the ground no later than one hour
before kick off
k) The home club shall text the match result immediately on the final
whistle to the NERL Secretary. A fine may be imposed in the event of
non-compliance.
l) Match cancellations or postponements for whatever reason shall be
reported to the NERL Secretary immediately they arise and in
particular before the scheduled kick-off time and date
m) The home club shall prepare and hand to the referee prior to play
commencing a Match Team Sheet to be completed both accurately
and legibly using block letters with Full Names of the players
participating to include substitutes.
The Home club shall forward the Official Team Sheet by post to the
NERL Secretary for receipt at his home address within three working
days of the game’s conclusion. Official Team sheets should also be
faxed to the NERL Secretary Manager not later than ninety minutes
after the end of the game.
n) Both clubs are responsible for ensuring that the team sheets are fully
completed and lodged with the match official at least 15 minutes prior
to the scheduled kick off time.
12 Game Day Arrangement
12.1 All clubs are to provide an emergency number for contact all day on match
day. This number needs to be given by the home club to the NERL Secretary
the visiting club and to the match official.
12.2 If a travelling club is going to be late for kick off, it should contact the NERL
Secretary and the home club with an explanation and an estimated time of
arrival. The home club should then contact the NERL Secretary.
12.3 Should a kick off be delayed by more than one hour from the published time
the game is forfeited by the Club responsible for that delay.
12.4 Games in the North East OA competition will kick off at 2:30pm on a Saturday
afternoon unless there is mutual agreement between both competing teams
confirmed by the NERL Secretary. Any variation to this will normally be
agreed before the start of the season. The NERL Secretary retains the right to
vary kick off time if deemed appropriate.
12.5 Play Off games, Semi Finals and Finals shall be arranged solely by the NERL
Secretary in conjunction with the NERL Management.
13 Fixture List
13.1 Each year, following the submission of a draft fixture list to clubs by the NERL
Fixture Secretary, any club may request an alteration or a number of
alterations to their club’s scheduled fixtures by responding to a date stipulated
by the NERL Fixture Secretary. Clubs need to make enquiries regarding the
availability of their home ground for Saturday afternoons, in good time prior to
fixtures being drafted and sent to clubs Problems encountered if mutual
agreement between both parties cannot be agreed must be notified to the
NERL Fixture Secretary.13.2 Clubs making a fixture alteration request shall respond in writing (NERL
Fixture Secretary) stating clearly the request and the reason(s) for the
request. Following consideration of the request, the NERL Fixture Secretary
will notify only the club making the request of the decision in writing.
13.3 Once a confirmed and final fixture list has been formalised and distributed to
the clubs by the NERL Fixture Secretary, the fixtures are to be played as
scheduled, unless clubs receive a letter from the NERL Fixture Secretary
informing them otherwise. See also 6.8
13.4 All issues relating to fixture alterations are to be channelled through the NERL
Fixture Secretary.
13.5 Each fixture alteration request will be considered on its own merits, but
approved only under exceptional circumstances.
13.6 Agreement by the two clubs concerned regarding a fixture alteration does not
necessarily mean the granting of such an alteration request by the NERL
Fixture Secretary
13.7 Deadlines given by the NERL Fixture Secretary regarding fixture submissions
and alteration requests will be adhered to.
13.8 In the event that a club cannot fulfil a fixture as scheduled (e.g. ground
becoming unavailable at short notice during the course of the season), that
club is to immediately notify the NERL Fixture Secretary in writing or by fax,
including all relevant information. The fixture alteration request process will
apply.
13.9 The decision communicated to the club making the fixture alteration request is
final. There is no right of appeal.
14 Touch Judges
14.1 Touch Judges will normally be appointed by the RFL Match Officials
department however one touch judge is to be provided by each club on match
day in the event of encountering problems or the non-arrival for whatever
reason of the assigned personnel.
14.2 Unqualified touch judges are only to indicate touch/touch-in-goal, and kicks at
goal from penalties/conversion attempts.
14.3 Unqualified touch judges a) cannot indicate knock-ons and forward passes; b)
have no jurisdiction over foul play; c) cannot enter the field of play, other than
to judge goal kicks; d) are at all times subject to the authority of the referee
who may over-rule and may also dispense with their services if he/she
considers they are acting in a partisan manner.
14.4 If a club provides a qualified touch judge, bearing accreditation, that touch
judge has full touch judge powers and responsibility, i.e. he/she will be used
as a qualified official. This applies even if there is only one qualified touch
judge present.
15 Match Officials
15.1 The home club shall be responsible for liasing with both the visiting club and
the referee appointed to control the match. This shall include written
confirmation of kick off time/date, directions to ground and any other
information of benefit to visitors such as parking facilities and other relevant details. The clubs and referee shall be provided with official team sheets,
referee dismissal report forms and any other official documentation distributed
by the NERL Secretary.
15.2 North East OA clubs will be notified with address/contact numbers etc; for the
match officials.
15.3 The appointed match official for every North East OA game is to be contacted
by the home club not later than the Wednesday evening prior to the game, to
confirm the fixture. The match official is to be supplied by the home club with
map/directions to the ground and telephone contact number(s) for the home
club up to and including the day of the game. This information is to be
received by the Match Official in question no later than the Wednesday prior
to the game. It is the responsibility of the home club to email such information
in good time and to confirm its receipt by the match official.
15.4 Any change in information given to the match official (e.g. change of
venue/cancellation/any detail etc) up to and including the Thursday evening
prior to the game, is to be dealt with by the home club directly with their
appointed and confirmed match official. In such an event, the home club are
also to contact the NERL Secretary.
15.5 After the Thursday evening prior to the game, the only contact for all parties is
via the Match Officials Appointments Officer.
15.6 If a home club has tried, but not managed, to contact their appointed match
official by the Thursday evening prior to the game, the club needs to relay this
information to the NERL Secretary during the Friday prior to the game.
15.7 If match officials do not receive a telephone call and information in the post
regarding the game to which they have been appointed, they will assume that
the game is off. It is therefore the duty of clubs to follow the outlined
procedures.
15.8 Clubs are to communicate directly with the Appointments Officer- concerning
problems with match officials beyond their control.
Off Pitch Standards of Administration
16 Match Results
16.1 The home club shall, within 15 minutes of the game concluding and after
agreement with the match day opposition/referee text the match result to the
NERL Secretary.
16.2 Clubs shall thereafter, as soon as possible, send to the NERL Secretary on a
template provided for that purpose an e-mail showing a list of players in each
team and give a match report to include Final Score, Try/Goal Scorers, Match
Official and Brief Report.
16.3 Fines may be imposed for non compliance of this fundamental administrative
process.
16.4 Fines to act as a deterrent will be imposed for non-compliance of these
fundamental administrative processes. Fines for 2012 season will be as follows;
£5 per team for non submission of team sheet
£5 per team for non submission of result by text within the time frame stated in
rule 16.1
All fines will be deducted from the £50 League bond which all NERL clubs will
pay by 1
st
February 2012.
17 Insurance
17.1 All clubs participating in the North East OA competition shall, as a minimum
requirement, insure for Public Liability and all players under an agreed,
approved or recognised player insurance policy in existence. The failure to do
so will result in such clubs being entirely responsible for the consequences of
their actions and the subsequent likely imposition by the NERL Management
of disciplinary sanctions.
17.2 Clubs shall display in an appropriate place to be read by players, parents, club
personnel etc details of the Personal Accident and Public Liability cover and
should ensure that all such persons have access to these Insurance policies.
Players should be encouraged by their club to arrange any additional
insurance cover over and above that provided through the approved
schemes.
18 Point Of Contact
18.1 The NERL Secretary is the point of contact for all matters relating to the North
East OA competition.
18.2 Every NERL club should have one direct and one secondary point of contact
for the NERL Secretary.
18.3 The NERL Secretary RLC Administrator requires on a regular basis up-todate details for each individual club contact and all club officials. The
Administrator needs to be informed of all changes as and when they occur so
maintaining the accuracy of entries held on the NERL club database.
18.4 Every NERL club should provide promptly any necessary information required
by the NERL Secretary for the effective organisation of the competition.
18.5 Every NERL club will provide up to date information regarding their club
annually by completing the RFL Club Survey.
19 Discipline
19.1 The League's disciplinary committee shall unless there is provision within its
own Rules deal with all matters of misconduct in accordance with the NERL
Constitution. The League's management shall appoint a disciplinary
committee whose roll shall be to adjudicate upon clubs players and officials or
other persons reported to them by referees or touch judges for any reason
whatsoever.
19.1.1 The NERL Secretary – acting as an observer – reserves the right to attend
hearings but shall not be involved in either in the process or the making of
decisions by an appointed adjudications panel.
19.2 Clubs must ensure that referees are given the full name of any dismissed
player. They must, at all times, assist the referee in identifying any person,
official or spectator of whom the referee has cause to enquire. No person,
other than the appointed match officials, club secretary, or in their absence an
authorised representative may enter the referee’s dressing room either during
the half time interval or the period beginning 30 minutes prior to and 30
minutes after the game’s conclusion. Unauthorised entry shall be deemed as
misconduct and the person/s concerned dealt with accordingly.
19.3 A match official's report arising from the misconduct of a player, club official or
other persons shall be forwarded to the NERL Secretary for receipt inside
three working days of the game's conclusion copies of which to be lodged by
the match official with the reported parties concerned. The referee is obliged
to record by hand on the official match day team sheet the names of players
temporarily dismissed from the field (sin bin) to include the nature of offence
committed.
19.4 A club which does not receive within three working days a written report
alleging misconduct by a player, club official or other persons cited by a match
official, must contact the NERL Secretary immediately however, the failure of
a club to receive a report shall not prevent a case from being dealt with by the
discipline committee.
19.5 Any reported club, player, official or any other person may in their own
defence of an allegation contained in a referee’s report and provided that they
notify NERL Secretary by email within five working days of the alleged
offence, request representation. An administration fee of £40 – payable to the
North East Rugby League and released under separate cover shall be
forwarded for receipt within five working days to the NERL Secretary. The fee
shall be returned to the club if the appellant or his appointed representative
appears in person at the discipline hearing.
19.6 The referee or touch judges if so instructed shall attend any such disciplinary
hearing whereby the allegations lain in reports and considered extremely
serious in composition warrants the appearance in person of individuals cited
notice of which shall be given in writing by the Chairperson representing the
appointed discipline panel.
19.7 Where an unedited DVD recording is deemed inconclusive or the quality is
poor then the adjudication’s panel shall make its determination based solely
on the content of the referee’s/touch judge’s report.
19.8 Every player club or other persons shall have the right of appeal to the Rugby
Football League in respect of adjudications by the NERL discipline committee
provided that, at the initial stage of the proceedings, representation was made
either in writing in person or on the production of an unedited DVD recording
of the alleged incident.
19.9 An appeal shall be granted on two counts only a) the finding of guilt or b) the
severity of punishment. All appeal requests accompanied by a fee of £40
payable to North East Rugby League shall be forwarded in writing for receipt by the NERL Secretary within seven days of the original decision having being
communicated.
19.10 A player’s suspension shall begin on the first Saturday following
communication of the decision by the discipline panel chairperson.
19.11 A suspended player shall neither be selected nor fielded in any game of rugby
league by the club holding his registration until the suspension is served. Any
club deemed to have violated this rule shall be fined not less than £100 and
the offending player suspended for a further period of six matches.
19.12 If a player is fined he shall not be permitted to play in any game until the fine is
paid, whilst it is the responsibility of the club with whom the player is
registered to settle the fine within fourteen (14) days from the date of
imposition.
19.13 All administration and discipline fines payable to the RFL shall within fourteen
(14) days of notification be paid directly to and collected by the NERL
Secretary who acts for and on behalf of the League.
20 Agreement
20.1 Any club admitted to the North East OA competition shall as a condition of
participation, agree to be bound by these Standards, Rules, Regulations, the
Disciplinary Code and others adopted from time to time by the NERL
Management.
20.2 The failure to comply with the Rules may result in expulsion or exclusion from
any North East OA competition, which shall be entirely at the discretion of the
NERL Management or such other penalty as it shall in its discretion
determine.RLC REGIONAL COMPETITION
RULES AND REGULATIONS
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Introduction
1 Rationale
2 Local Playing Arrangements
3 Playing Attire
4 Player Registration
5 Transfer of Registration
6 Unfulfilled Fixtures
7 Postponement Due to Mechanical Failure
8 Loaning of Players
9 Abandoned Matches
10 Play Off games: Drawn Games
11 Facilities & Support
12 Game Day Arrangement
13 Fixtures List
14 Touch Judges
15 Match Officials
16 Match Results
17 Insurance
18 Point of Contact
19 Discipline
20 Club Agreement
Rugby League Conference Regional - 2012
Confirmation and Acceptance by clubs of the Rules and
Regulatory Practices
On behalf of the _____________________________ Rugby
League Club and as members of the North East Open Age
Competition we confirm that having read and understood the
Rules and Regulations for the 2012 Playing Season we shall do
all in our power to ensure compliance with and abidance of the
spirit and lettering of its Rules and Regulatory Practices.
For and on behalf of _____________________________ Rugby League Club
Signed _______________________________ Chairperson
Print name _______________________________
Signed _______________________________ Secretary
Print name _______________________________
Signed _______________________________ Head Coach
Print name _______________________________
Date _______________________________
This form completed and signed by all relevant parties MUST be returned on or
Policy Statement
The North East Rugby League Regional competition is committed to eradicating all
forms of racial discrimination and racism, a commitment that will enhance equality of
opportunity in all aspects of the game. Racist language or behaviour has no part to
play within the game and as a result will not be tolerated. Anyone that engages in
racist language or behaviour will be dealt with promptly through the relevant
procedures. We must all be responsible for tackling racism and ensure that Rugby
League is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The North East Rugby League Management constantly strive to ensure that the
competition is open and available to everyone who wishes to participate.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
North East Rugby League Open Age Competition – Rules & Regulations March
2012
“Standards”
Refers to the minimum requirements for admission and participation in the RLC
Regional competition and are divided in to three sections:
Standards are divided into three sections:
i. Playing Standards
ii. Match Day Facilities Standards
iii. Off Pitch Administration Standards
Introduction
a) The standards, rules and regulations governing conduct, discipline and
expulsion for entry to and participation in any competition operated by the
NERL Management shall apply to all clubs admitted to participate in the North
East OA competition.
b) The NERL Management are charged with the formulation of policy for the
North East OA competition. Operational decisions may be taken by the NERL
Secretary alone, or as a result of reference (by the Secretary) to the NERL
Management. To reflect this operational process, throughout this document
reference will only be made to ‘NERL Management’ with respect to decision
making authority etc.
c) References to the ‘NERL Secretary’ do not preclude any situation whereby
tasks identified may be carried out by any other person or persons involved in
North East OA Administration and approved by the NERL Secretary. Clubs
will be notified of any such individuals and of appropriate procedures etc.
d) The standard rules and regulations shall apply to participating clubs until
varied by the NERL Management.
e) Clubs shall be admitted annually at the discretion of the NERL Management.
f) The Standards shall be the minimum required for admission to and
participation in the North East OA competition.
g) It is acknowledged that the facilities offered by clubs may vary, however, in
the event a club being unable to fulfil the standards, that club must make
written application to the NERL Secretary (on behalf of the NERL
Management) outlining the reasons for its inability to fulfil standards and must
have the written approval of the NERL Management which may be withheld
entirely at the NERL Management’s discretion.
Playing Rules and Standards
1 Rationale
1.1 All games in the North East OA competition shall be played in accordance
with the Playing Rules of the Rugby Football League unless varied by these
rules and regulations or otherwise those implemented by the NERL
Management from time to time.
2 Local Playing Arrangements
2.1 Each team may name a maximum of 20 players per match .In Play Off ties
that number per side shall be regulated to a maximum of 17.
2.2 An unlimited number of interchanges may be utilised from the player’s names
on the Official Team Sheet.
2.3 In extremes of heat or should conditions dictate the match referee at his
discretion may opt for quarterly breaks The decision to exercise this option
during the playing of games will be relayed to the participating clubs by the
match referee prior to the official kick off time.
3 Playing Attire
3.1 All teams shall wear suitable matching kit incorporating numbered shirt, shorts
and socks. The referee will be asked to verify this on an Official Report Form
and offenders may be fined. A player must not use equipment nor wear
anything – including jewellery – which is dangerous to himself or another
player.
3.2 Each member shall before the commencement of each season file with both
members and Central Administration a simple digital photo depicting their
regular strip.
4 Player Registration
4.0 All club players shall be registered with the NERL Secretary before
commencing training or playing in a match (whichever is the sooner). Should
any unregistered player take the field for any club that club may be subject to
expulsion from the North East OA competition or such other disciplinary action
as the Management shall decide is appropriate in the circumstances.
4.1. In their first year of registration as a player in the North East OA competition
all players must be registered with NERL Secretary using an official form
designated for this purpose.
.2 To maintain effective administration of the central database, all North East OA
players held on record during that season shall be moved to but retained in an
historical database.
4.3 Players subject to these conditions - save for those in debt to the club
currently holding their registration - shall, if they so desire to play in a winter
competition complete the requisite registration documentation with a club of
their choice.4.4 All players returning thereafter – including those having completed their winter
commitments – shall be required to re-register in respect of the new summer
season using the appropriate stationary provided by the League’s
Administrator.
4.5 Players owing monies to the club currently holding their registration shall not
be permitted a move to another competition until the debt with that club is
cleared in full.
4.6 The fielding by clubs either on match days or in training of players without an
accredited form of registration may invalidate the insurance provisions of
everyone involved in that activity. Clubs must therefore ensure total
compliance with all standardised administrative practices by leaving nothing to
chance.
4.7 Discipline action as deemed appropriate shall be taken against clubs by the
NERL Management in the event of proven administrative irregularities
4.8 A player is only registered with the NERL when the completed registration
form (or a faxed copy of the completed registration form plus any other
relevant documentation) is in the possession of the NERL Secretary
4.9 A player may on the day of the game be registered by completing the required
form of registration and having his signature witnessed and countersigned by
the match official.
4.10 Unless his employer allows him permission in writing to do so, a player
registered with the Rugby Football League as a contracted professional may
not register nor play in the North East OA competition. In any event the NERL
management must in the first instance approve the registration of players
wishing to participate for clubs in membership of the competition.
4.11 A player not contracted may sign for any NERL club with whom he chooses
however the onus is on the club wishing to register that player to conduct a
thorough check to confirm his current status.
4.12 The procedure for adoption by clubs shall follow a standard format as follows:
By e-mail from the club to the NERL Secretary requesting verification of a
player’s current status. The request must include key data i.e. the player’s full
address and Date of Birth.
By e-mail from the NERL Secretary requesting RFL operations to ascertain a
player’s current status.
By e-mail from RFL Operations to the NERL Secretary confirming the player’s
current status.
By e-mail from the NERL Secretary to the club wishing to register the player to
confirm his current status.
4.13 A club having received from the NERL Secretary that a player about whom an
initial enquiry regarding status was lodged is deemed eligible to compete in
the North East OA competition, may at this point, arrange for completion by
the player of a standard registration form.
4.14 No “loan” players will be allowed to register after the second Saturday of
August in any season.4.15 To be eligible for North East OA competition registration, players must be
have attained their 16
th
birthday.
4.16 No club whose membership in this competition has been duly accepted shall
register more than 60 players in any one season – up to 75 if running a team in
the parallel NERL Competition - A club may at any time by email contact the
NERL Secretary to de-register a player.
4.17 A player can only be registered with one NERL Club at a time.
4.18 The NERL Management shall have an unfettered discretion to decide on the
eligibility of any player for registration to play for any club admitted to any
competition controlled by the NERL Management in any year.
4.19 The minimum term of registration for a player with one club will be 14 days or
two games which ever is the sooner
4.20 The minimum player eligibility qualification in respect of the North East OA
Championship Play Offs Semi-Finals and Finals shall be determinant upon
The registration criteria with that club having been met implicitly
All players being considered for selection by the participating club having been
duly registered with the NERL Secretary prior to the Play Offs commencing
All players being considered for selection having competed in at least two
scheduled weekly round games
4.21 A club shall face disqualification from the Championship Play Offs if having
wilfully or knowingly fielded a player whose registration:
Fails to meet without prejudice the standardised criteria as set out hitherto
Has not received pre-match clearance by the NERL Secretary
4.22 The NERL Secretary shall forward to each participating club, at least seven
days ahead of the Championship Play Offs, a copy of their register of players
eligible for selection.
4.23 Clubs shall at least 24 hours before the first Championship Play Off game is
staged confirm by return email with the NERL Secretary that their player
database is accurate.
4.24 A player registered in the RFL National competition is eligible to represent his
own club in the North East OA competition at any time during the season.
4.25 A non-contracted player fielded in an RFL competition may likewise register
for an NERL club of choice subject to rule 14.11.
4.26 It is the responsibility of the club to check that the registration process has
been completed correctly to include checking before play that documents
have been received and verified as correct by the NERL Secretary.
Transfer of Registration
5.1 A player may provided that all financial obligations have been fulfilled in
advance transfer his registration from one NERL club to another at any point
during the season until the second Saturday in August – inclusive - of that
season. After this date players transferring from one club to another may not
represent their new club in that season.
5.2 In order to transfer internally the player must in the first instance obtain from
his existing club a form of De-Registration, which on completion in full and
signed by the existing club is subsequently handed to the new club. The
transfer document should not be held for an unreasonable period nor refused
unless the player owes monies to the club from whom he intends to leave.
The transfer document, together with a new generic registration form must be
sent to the NERL Secretary and becomes valid only when he duly
acknowledges confirmation of its receipt.
5.3 Clubs should to prevent potential losses by post retain for their own records a
copy of all forms released to the NERL Secretary.
5.4 It will not be possible for transferred players to register for a new club on the
day of a game.
6 Unfulfilled Fixtures
6.1 Should a fixture not be played because of one club’s inability to field a side,
the following rules will apply with regard to the fixture outcome:
6.2 The ‘non-offending’ club shall be awarded a victory.
6.3 The score awarded to the ‘non-offending’ club will be in line with the previous
league result(s) of both clubs.
6.4 The score awarded to the ‘non-offending’ club will be their average points
scored per match (played during that season).
6.5 The score awarded to the “offending club” will be the average points
conceded by the “non offending club”
6.6 In the event of this formula resulting in a “win” for the “offending club” then the
result will be declared as 24-0.
6.7 Such an average point’s difference will be rounded up to the nearest whole
number if necessary.
6.8 The minimum score awarded to the ‘non-offending’ club is therefore 24-0.
6.9 Should the first match of the season not be played because of one club’s
inability to field a side, the ‘non-offending’ club shall be awarded a victory by
the score-line of 24-0.
6.10 In the Play off stage an unfulfilled fixture will lead to the expulsion of the
offending club.
6.11 The failure of a club to fulfil a scheduled fixture is a serious breach of the
NERL Rules. An offending club will face disciplinary action. In the event of
clubs failing to fulfil fixtures, the NERL Management will decide the level of
punishment which may include a fine, deduction of league points or expulsion
from the League. All clubs failing to fulfil two fixtures in a given season will be
required to seek their re-application to the North East OA competition.
7 Postponement due to Mechanical Failure of Coach Transportation
7.1 Where a mechanical breakdown on the coach transporting the players to a
game prevents the scheduled North East OA match the following shall apply:7.2 The Secretary/Club contact must notify the NERL Secretary by telephone,
providing details of the breakdown and the exact location.
7.3 Notify the host club secretary/contact/alternative contact.
7.4 Notify the Match Official.
7.5 Confirm the full details in writing to the NERL Secretary within seven days of
the breakdown.
7.6 The host club shall submit to the NERL Secretary in writing within seven days
of the postponement, receipts or invoices for any unrecoverable costs
incurred in the postponement of the game.
8 Loaning of Players
8.1 Should one team be short of players to make up a side of 12 on the day but is
still fulfilling the fixture then the ‘loaning’ of players by their opponents is
acceptable.
8.2 Clubs are not compelled to ‘loan’ players whether they do so or not is
discretionary.
8.3 ‘Loaned’ players are to be clearly endorsed on the Official Team Sheet – as
“LOAN”
8.4 If ‘loaning’ occurs, the game remains an official fixture. The score-line and
result of the actual match stands officially. In other words, if team ‘A’ loans
players to team ‘B’ to make up a side, and then team ‘B’ wins the game 10-0,
the result stands as a 10-0 victory to team ‘B’.
9 Abandoned Matches
9.0 If less than three quarters of the laid down playing time has elapsed when a
game is abandoned, then the NERL Management may order it to be replayed.
If more than three quarters of the game has elapsed before the game is
abandoned then the result will stand.
9.1 If a match is abandoned for misconduct the discipline committee as part of its
adjudications remit will decide whether the result of the game stands or
otherwise.
9.2 The NERL Management shall, taking each case on its merits, decide whether
in the event of an abandoned game, for whatever reason, the results stands
or a replay is necessary.
9.3 The match official has the authority to abandon the game to which he/she is
appointed. Should this occur the match official must forward for receipt within
three working days from the game in question a written report detailing the
reason for the abandonment.
9.4 Should the match official decide that on the day of the fixture the pitch is unfit
then the following procedure must be applied:
9.5 The host club must immediately contact the NERL Secretary. Only following
that contact is the game considered postponed.9.6 The match official must send to the NERL Secretary in writing within three
working days of the scheduled game the reason for the postponement.
9.7 The NERL Secretary will in consultation with the two clubs attempt to
accommodate a suitable date upon which the match may be re-arranged.
9.8 Should it not be feasible to re-arrange the game the result shall be recorded
as a nil – nil draw with both teams allocated one Championship Point.
9.9 In the event of a dispute between teams with regard to the fitness for play of a
ground, the final and binding decision will be with the match official.
9.10 If following confirmation of play by the match official a team still refuses to play
it will be deemed to have defaulted on the game and discipline action taken
against a club found guilty of meeting its obligations.
10 Play off Games: Drawn Games
10.1 If the scores are level at the end of normal time then a ‘Golden Score’, i.e. a
‘Sudden Death’ first score shall determine the outcome.
Match Day Facilities Standards
11 Facilities and Support
11.1 The following facilities shall be made available to teams, referees and other
officials:
a) Separate clean and tidy changing facilities available at least one hour
before kick off
b) Changing facilities to be available at half time
c) Hot water, baths or showers available after match
d) A post match meal and refreshments to be provided by the host club,
e) The visiting club shall remain after the match to accept the hospitality
of the host club for a reasonable period unless otherwise agreed
between both clubs
11.2 The following on pitch arrangements shall be completed and available prior to
kick off:
a) Pitch mown and marked clearly for the playing of Rugby League. The
playing area should also be roped off or enclosed as a minimum
requirement.
b) Tannoy and scoreboard to be utilised if available.
c) Qualified medical care to at least Red Cross/St Johns Ambulance
standard to be available.
d) Match balls, corner flags, post protector pads and touch judge flags
e) A Touch Judge to be provided by each club
f) Dug Outs for the coach, substitutes and other team management.
g) Changing rooms to be locked during game, or otherwise secured
against theft or damage
h) The pitch shall be cleared of litter and any other dangerous or
unacceptable objects
i) Rules for spectator conduct shall be produced and visible at all playing
venues where possiblej) The visiting club shall arrive at the ground no later than one hour
before kick off
k) The home club shall text the match result immediately on the final
whistle to the NERL Secretary. A fine may be imposed in the event of
non-compliance.
l) Match cancellations or postponements for whatever reason shall be
reported to the NERL Secretary immediately they arise and in
particular before the scheduled kick-off time and date
m) The home club shall prepare and hand to the referee prior to play
commencing a Match Team Sheet to be completed both accurately
and legibly using block letters with Full Names of the players
participating to include substitutes.
The Home club shall forward the Official Team Sheet by post to the
NERL Secretary for receipt at his home address within three working
days of the game’s conclusion. Official Team sheets should also be
faxed to the NERL Secretary Manager not later than ninety minutes
after the end of the game.
n) Both clubs are responsible for ensuring that the team sheets are fully
completed and lodged with the match official at least 15 minutes prior
to the scheduled kick off time.
12 Game Day Arrangement
12.1 All clubs are to provide an emergency number for contact all day on match
day. This number needs to be given by the home club to the NERL Secretary
the visiting club and to the match official.
12.2 If a travelling club is going to be late for kick off, it should contact the NERL
Secretary and the home club with an explanation and an estimated time of
arrival. The home club should then contact the NERL Secretary.
12.3 Should a kick off be delayed by more than one hour from the published time
the game is forfeited by the Club responsible for that delay.
12.4 Games in the North East OA competition will kick off at 2:30pm on a Saturday
afternoon unless there is mutual agreement between both competing teams
confirmed by the NERL Secretary. Any variation to this will normally be
agreed before the start of the season. The NERL Secretary retains the right to
vary kick off time if deemed appropriate.
12.5 Play Off games, Semi Finals and Finals shall be arranged solely by the NERL
Secretary in conjunction with the NERL Management.
13 Fixture List
13.1 Each year, following the submission of a draft fixture list to clubs by the NERL
Fixture Secretary, any club may request an alteration or a number of
alterations to their club’s scheduled fixtures by responding to a date stipulated
by the NERL Fixture Secretary. Clubs need to make enquiries regarding the
availability of their home ground for Saturday afternoons, in good time prior to
fixtures being drafted and sent to clubs Problems encountered if mutual
agreement between both parties cannot be agreed must be notified to the
NERL Fixture Secretary.13.2 Clubs making a fixture alteration request shall respond in writing (NERL
Fixture Secretary) stating clearly the request and the reason(s) for the
request. Following consideration of the request, the NERL Fixture Secretary
will notify only the club making the request of the decision in writing.
13.3 Once a confirmed and final fixture list has been formalised and distributed to
the clubs by the NERL Fixture Secretary, the fixtures are to be played as
scheduled, unless clubs receive a letter from the NERL Fixture Secretary
informing them otherwise. See also 6.8
13.4 All issues relating to fixture alterations are to be channelled through the NERL
Fixture Secretary.
13.5 Each fixture alteration request will be considered on its own merits, but
approved only under exceptional circumstances.
13.6 Agreement by the two clubs concerned regarding a fixture alteration does not
necessarily mean the granting of such an alteration request by the NERL
Fixture Secretary
13.7 Deadlines given by the NERL Fixture Secretary regarding fixture submissions
and alteration requests will be adhered to.
13.8 In the event that a club cannot fulfil a fixture as scheduled (e.g. ground
becoming unavailable at short notice during the course of the season), that
club is to immediately notify the NERL Fixture Secretary in writing or by fax,
including all relevant information. The fixture alteration request process will
apply.
13.9 The decision communicated to the club making the fixture alteration request is
final. There is no right of appeal.
14 Touch Judges
14.1 Touch Judges will normally be appointed by the RFL Match Officials
department however one touch judge is to be provided by each club on match
day in the event of encountering problems or the non-arrival for whatever
reason of the assigned personnel.
14.2 Unqualified touch judges are only to indicate touch/touch-in-goal, and kicks at
goal from penalties/conversion attempts.
14.3 Unqualified touch judges a) cannot indicate knock-ons and forward passes; b)
have no jurisdiction over foul play; c) cannot enter the field of play, other than
to judge goal kicks; d) are at all times subject to the authority of the referee
who may over-rule and may also dispense with their services if he/she
considers they are acting in a partisan manner.
14.4 If a club provides a qualified touch judge, bearing accreditation, that touch
judge has full touch judge powers and responsibility, i.e. he/she will be used
as a qualified official. This applies even if there is only one qualified touch
judge present.
15 Match Officials
15.1 The home club shall be responsible for liasing with both the visiting club and
the referee appointed to control the match. This shall include written
confirmation of kick off time/date, directions to ground and any other
information of benefit to visitors such as parking facilities and other relevant details. The clubs and referee shall be provided with official team sheets,
referee dismissal report forms and any other official documentation distributed
by the NERL Secretary.
15.2 North East OA clubs will be notified with address/contact numbers etc; for the
match officials.
15.3 The appointed match official for every North East OA game is to be contacted
by the home club not later than the Wednesday evening prior to the game, to
confirm the fixture. The match official is to be supplied by the home club with
map/directions to the ground and telephone contact number(s) for the home
club up to and including the day of the game. This information is to be
received by the Match Official in question no later than the Wednesday prior
to the game. It is the responsibility of the home club to email such information
in good time and to confirm its receipt by the match official.
15.4 Any change in information given to the match official (e.g. change of
venue/cancellation/any detail etc) up to and including the Thursday evening
prior to the game, is to be dealt with by the home club directly with their
appointed and confirmed match official. In such an event, the home club are
also to contact the NERL Secretary.
15.5 After the Thursday evening prior to the game, the only contact for all parties is
via the Match Officials Appointments Officer.
15.6 If a home club has tried, but not managed, to contact their appointed match
official by the Thursday evening prior to the game, the club needs to relay this
information to the NERL Secretary during the Friday prior to the game.
15.7 If match officials do not receive a telephone call and information in the post
regarding the game to which they have been appointed, they will assume that
the game is off. It is therefore the duty of clubs to follow the outlined
procedures.
15.8 Clubs are to communicate directly with the Appointments Officer- concerning
problems with match officials beyond their control.
Off Pitch Standards of Administration
16 Match Results
16.1 The home club shall, within 15 minutes of the game concluding and after
agreement with the match day opposition/referee text the match result to the
NERL Secretary.
16.2 Clubs shall thereafter, as soon as possible, send to the NERL Secretary on a
template provided for that purpose an e-mail showing a list of players in each
team and give a match report to include Final Score, Try/Goal Scorers, Match
Official and Brief Report.
16.3 Fines may be imposed for non compliance of this fundamental administrative
process.
16.4 Fines to act as a deterrent will be imposed for non-compliance of these
fundamental administrative processes. Fines for 2012 season will be as follows;
£5 per team for non submission of team sheet
£5 per team for non submission of result by text within the time frame stated in
rule 16.1
All fines will be deducted from the £50 League bond which all NERL clubs will
pay by 1
st
February 2012.
17 Insurance
17.1 All clubs participating in the North East OA competition shall, as a minimum
requirement, insure for Public Liability and all players under an agreed,
approved or recognised player insurance policy in existence. The failure to do
so will result in such clubs being entirely responsible for the consequences of
their actions and the subsequent likely imposition by the NERL Management
of disciplinary sanctions.
17.2 Clubs shall display in an appropriate place to be read by players, parents, club
personnel etc details of the Personal Accident and Public Liability cover and
should ensure that all such persons have access to these Insurance policies.
Players should be encouraged by their club to arrange any additional
insurance cover over and above that provided through the approved
schemes.
18 Point Of Contact
18.1 The NERL Secretary is the point of contact for all matters relating to the North
East OA competition.
18.2 Every NERL club should have one direct and one secondary point of contact
for the NERL Secretary.
18.3 The NERL Secretary RLC Administrator requires on a regular basis up-todate details for each individual club contact and all club officials. The
Administrator needs to be informed of all changes as and when they occur so
maintaining the accuracy of entries held on the NERL club database.
18.4 Every NERL club should provide promptly any necessary information required
by the NERL Secretary for the effective organisation of the competition.
18.5 Every NERL club will provide up to date information regarding their club
annually by completing the RFL Club Survey.
19 Discipline
19.1 The League's disciplinary committee shall unless there is provision within its
own Rules deal with all matters of misconduct in accordance with the NERL
Constitution. The League's management shall appoint a disciplinary
committee whose roll shall be to adjudicate upon clubs players and officials or
other persons reported to them by referees or touch judges for any reason
whatsoever.
19.1.1 The NERL Secretary – acting as an observer – reserves the right to attend
hearings but shall not be involved in either in the process or the making of
decisions by an appointed adjudications panel.
19.2 Clubs must ensure that referees are given the full name of any dismissed
player. They must, at all times, assist the referee in identifying any person,
official or spectator of whom the referee has cause to enquire. No person,
other than the appointed match officials, club secretary, or in their absence an
authorised representative may enter the referee’s dressing room either during
the half time interval or the period beginning 30 minutes prior to and 30
minutes after the game’s conclusion. Unauthorised entry shall be deemed as
misconduct and the person/s concerned dealt with accordingly.
19.3 A match official's report arising from the misconduct of a player, club official or
other persons shall be forwarded to the NERL Secretary for receipt inside
three working days of the game's conclusion copies of which to be lodged by
the match official with the reported parties concerned. The referee is obliged
to record by hand on the official match day team sheet the names of players
temporarily dismissed from the field (sin bin) to include the nature of offence
committed.
19.4 A club which does not receive within three working days a written report
alleging misconduct by a player, club official or other persons cited by a match
official, must contact the NERL Secretary immediately however, the failure of
a club to receive a report shall not prevent a case from being dealt with by the
discipline committee.
19.5 Any reported club, player, official or any other person may in their own
defence of an allegation contained in a referee’s report and provided that they
notify NERL Secretary by email within five working days of the alleged
offence, request representation. An administration fee of £40 – payable to the
North East Rugby League and released under separate cover shall be
forwarded for receipt within five working days to the NERL Secretary. The fee
shall be returned to the club if the appellant or his appointed representative
appears in person at the discipline hearing.
19.6 The referee or touch judges if so instructed shall attend any such disciplinary
hearing whereby the allegations lain in reports and considered extremely
serious in composition warrants the appearance in person of individuals cited
notice of which shall be given in writing by the Chairperson representing the
appointed discipline panel.
19.7 Where an unedited DVD recording is deemed inconclusive or the quality is
poor then the adjudication’s panel shall make its determination based solely
on the content of the referee’s/touch judge’s report.
19.8 Every player club or other persons shall have the right of appeal to the Rugby
Football League in respect of adjudications by the NERL discipline committee
provided that, at the initial stage of the proceedings, representation was made
either in writing in person or on the production of an unedited DVD recording
of the alleged incident.
19.9 An appeal shall be granted on two counts only a) the finding of guilt or b) the
severity of punishment. All appeal requests accompanied by a fee of £40
payable to North East Rugby League shall be forwarded in writing for receipt by the NERL Secretary within seven days of the original decision having being
communicated.
19.10 A player’s suspension shall begin on the first Saturday following
communication of the decision by the discipline panel chairperson.
19.11 A suspended player shall neither be selected nor fielded in any game of rugby
league by the club holding his registration until the suspension is served. Any
club deemed to have violated this rule shall be fined not less than £100 and
the offending player suspended for a further period of six matches.
19.12 If a player is fined he shall not be permitted to play in any game until the fine is
paid, whilst it is the responsibility of the club with whom the player is
registered to settle the fine within fourteen (14) days from the date of
imposition.
19.13 All administration and discipline fines payable to the RFL shall within fourteen
(14) days of notification be paid directly to and collected by the NERL
Secretary who acts for and on behalf of the League.
20 Agreement
20.1 Any club admitted to the North East OA competition shall as a condition of
participation, agree to be bound by these Standards, Rules, Regulations, the
Disciplinary Code and others adopted from time to time by the NERL
Management.
20.2 The failure to comply with the Rules may result in expulsion or exclusion from
any North East OA competition, which shall be entirely at the discretion of the
NERL Management or such other penalty as it shall in its discretion
determine.RLC REGIONAL COMPETITION
RULES AND REGULATIONS
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Introduction
1 Rationale
2 Local Playing Arrangements
3 Playing Attire
4 Player Registration
5 Transfer of Registration
6 Unfulfilled Fixtures
7 Postponement Due to Mechanical Failure
8 Loaning of Players
9 Abandoned Matches
10 Play Off games: Drawn Games
11 Facilities & Support
12 Game Day Arrangement
13 Fixtures List
14 Touch Judges
15 Match Officials
16 Match Results
17 Insurance
18 Point of Contact
19 Discipline
20 Club Agreement
Rugby League Conference Regional - 2012
Confirmation and Acceptance by clubs of the Rules and
Regulatory Practices
On behalf of the _____________________________ Rugby
League Club and as members of the North East Open Age
Competition we confirm that having read and understood the
Rules and Regulations for the 2012 Playing Season we shall do
all in our power to ensure compliance with and abidance of the
spirit and lettering of its Rules and Regulatory Practices.
For and on behalf of _____________________________ Rugby League Club
Signed _______________________________ Chairperson
Print name _______________________________
Signed _______________________________ Secretary
Print name _______________________________
Signed _______________________________ Head Coach
Print name _______________________________
Date _______________________________
This form completed and signed by all relevant parties MUST be returned on or
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