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All games will be governed and played under current World Rugby Laws, supplemented by RFU Rules and Regulations and specific Tigers Challenge Rules.
For further guidance see www.englandrugby.com > Governance > Regulations > Regulation 15.
To see actual playing rules see Regulation 15 – Appendix 4.

For those clubs who play under a different National Governing Body (NGB) other than the RFU, we strongly recommend that you read the above Rules and Regulations in conjunction with this document. In particular the playing rules/regulations as they may differ from your own NGB.

Permission – Under current World Rugby Regulations (formerly iRB), for those clubs attending, who play under a different National Governing Body (NGB) permission must be obtained to tour from your NGB or an appointed agent (e.g. Province or Region). A copy of this permission must be forwarded to ESF Events at least six weeks prior to the tour date.

AGE GRADES
A player must be Under 10 as at midnight on 31st August at the beginning of the current season. (see RFU Regulation 15.2.1)
Clubs may only play players that are within Age Grade. (See dispensations below)
Consideration will be given to official dispensation where held Under Regulation 15. However this is at the discretion of the Organisers and subject to specific Tigers Challenge Rules.

Dispensation Under RFU Regulation 15.3.4 (insufficient numbers) is subject to the following additional conditions.

1. For a club where their NGB is not the RFU, approval must be given to tour and play all players by their NGB or its’ approved agents.
2. All teams seeking dispensation under RFU Regulation 15.3.4 may only do so for players who are no more than two months overage. i.e. Players to qualify must have been born on or after the 1st of July.
3. Notwithstanding Regulation 15.3.4(c) Tigers Challenge will only allow 2 players on the pitch at any one time from the older age group. They may also be subject to assessment if deemed necessary.
4. In respect of any tour fixtures, the club (team) must inform match officials and the opposing team of any players playing down (under RFU Regulations and Tigers Challenge Competition Rules) in a reasonable time prior to the fixture.

Where a player is playing down an age grade under RFU Regulation 15.4, consideration will be given by the organisers, subject to:-

1. The club must inform ESF Events a minimum of 14 days before the Festival, providing written confirmation that a suitable assessment on the player has been carried out in accordance with Regulation 15, signed by your club Safeguarding Officer, together with a copy of approval from your Constituent Body or National Governing Body.
2. In respect of any tour fixtures, the club (team) must inform match officials and the opposing team of any players playing down (under RFU Regulations) in a reasonable time prior to the fixture.

REGISTRATION
ESF Events will email all Group Leaders a Tigers Challenge Player Registration Form, which must be completed in full and returned at least 3 weeks before the Festival. Any player joining after this date can only play at the discretion of the organisers.

Team managers will be required to produce for inspection copies of any registration documents required under RFU Regulation 15.15.2 if requested by the organisers.

As part of the entry process consent is given for all players to receive free membership to the Leicester Tigers, Junior Tiger Club. This will enable them to stay up to date with the latest Tigers news and rugby opportunities. We therefore require each player’s name, date of birth and parental/guardian email address.

All details will be held in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and only used by the Leicester Tigers to communicate relevant tournament and Junior Tiger Club information. Parents/Guardians can unsubscribe from the Junior Tiger Club at any point through the process identified in emails/communications from the Leicester Tigers.

AGE GRADE ALLOCATION
The Festival will count towards players Age Grade Allocation. (RFU Regulation 15.14.1)

TIGERS CHALLENGE GENERAL INFORMATION
The event will be staged at a local club, school or sports field. ESF Events will send full details regarding pitch locations, festival formats, schedules and game times to Group Leaders in the Final Briefing email, approximately 7 – 10 days before the event.
Squad Sizes: The organisers wish to see as many young players playing as possible, therefore the following shall apply: - The touring squad can be of any size. (see below) From the touring squad the nominated playing squad is per game, so where clubs have a large touring squad there is scope to accommodate all players by rotation, or they can enter more than one team.

For clubs entering more than one team, it is expected that players will be nominated to play for a particular team. However in the event of injuries only (not tactical substitution) and with the organiser’s permission, players may be utilised in more than one team, as a substitute. Players however, would not be allowed to play full consecutive games.
Referees – Although it is anticipated that referees will be supplied, clubs may be asked to provide a competent referee in case of need.
Equipment – Players may only use studs and other clothing that are in accordance with World Rugby Laws of the Game. (See RFU Regulation 15.13)
Players may not wear “tracksuit bottoms” but can wear “cycling” type shorts.
Players are not permitted to wear spectacles or glasses. Players are only permitted to wear specifically designed sports goggles, subject to meeting the requirements stated in RFU Regulation 15 – RFU goggles updates. The information required in RFU Regulation 15 – RFU Goggles Update must be provided to ESF Events in advance of the festival, for approval to be granted.

TIGERS CHALLENGE EVENT FORMAT
There will be two separate festivals, one on each day, both played on a round robin basis. 4 Category Fair Play Scoring System will cover all fixtures (see below). Overall Fair Play score at the end of each day determines group standings. Group standings after day 1 will determine into which tier teams are invited into for the day 2 Festival (based on teams of similar ability). Fair Play champions in each tier will receive a team award.

TIGERS CHALLENGE UNDER 10 FAIR PLAY SCORING SYSTEM
Each club in all their games will be scored out of 20.
Individual game scores for each game will be recorded for two purposes (1) to ensure that we comply with RFU Regulation 15.14.3(a) regarding “six try differential” and (2) that we have a means of identifying teams of more or less equal ability. Points will be awarded that make up to 25% on the overall scorecard.
The other 75% will be made up from the new “Fair Play” scores, which are awarded by the referees who are the sole arbiters with marks between one and five. One being poor, five being excellent.
It is possible therefore with this scorecard to outscore the opposition on the pitch but “lose” a game because of behaviours
Therefore to decide the outcome of a game, 4 categories will be taken into consideration. Three are Fair Play categories, and the fourth is the score. The Fair Play Categories cover: -

1. Coaches/Management
2. Players
3. Overall General Ethos

A guidance breakdown of the categories is as follows: -
Category 1 – Coaches/Management – Marked from 1 to 5
Did the Coaches/Management

1. Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment
2. Appreciate the needs of the players
3. Be a positive role model
4. Encourage their players to behave with dignity in all circumstances
5. Respect all match officials
6. Recognise the core values of Rugby Union

Category 2 – Players – Marked from 1 to 5
Did the Players

1. Recognise and appreciate the efforts of their coaches, parents and match officials
2. Thank the referee
3. Understand the loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates
4. Encourage team-mates even if they make a mistake
5. Recognise the efforts of their opponents
6. Recognise the core values of Rugby Union

Category 3 – Overall General Ethos – Marked from 1 to 5
Did everybody (Including Parents and Supporters)

• Appear to provide a positive and constructive environment
• Be realistic about all young players’ ability
• Acknowledge good individual and team performances from all young players irrespective of which team they play for
• Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence
• Encourage all participants irrespective of their ability
• Never ridicule an individual player, regardless of the team they play for
• Respect match officials decisions
• Keep winning and losing in perspective
• Recognise the sanctity of the pitch for players and officials only
• Recognise the core values of Rugby Union

Category 4 – Match Score – 5 points for win – 2 points for a draw

RUGBY UNION CORE VALUES

TEAMWORK / RESPECT / ENJOYMENT / DISCIPLINE / SPORTSMANSHIP