rugby south carolina

Affiliation:

Rugby South Carolina is recognized by USA Rugby as the State Based Rugby Organization for youth and high-school rugby in the state. All recruiting, competition, information, media, public relations, etc. is to be conducted/published under the name of Rugby South Carolina. Conferences or geographic regions will not separate themselves as individual entities.

All advertisements, publications, websites, social networking sites, meetings, fundraising, and any other business conducted on under the name or on behalf of Rugby SC will be done in a professional manner.

Registration:

All members of Rugby SC will register using the approved registration system through Rugby SC and USA Rugby.  This will include all administrators, coaches, players, teams, and any other individual acting in an official capacity within Rugby SC.

Player fees will be determined by the Executive Committee and will be published to the membership at the AGM.  Payment of player fees will be required before they are allowed to participate in practices, scrimmages, or games.

Teams registered with Rugby SC will only compete against other High School/Club teams that are recognized as being in good standing with their SYRO (if one exists) and USA Rugby. Competition with teams outside the borders of SC must be approved in writing by the Executive Committee prior to the competition

Team Requirements:

Eligibility - In order for a team to be considered eligible for competition in Rugby SC, the team must:

- Declare their intent to do so by the November 15 preceding the competition season.

- Be registered with Rugby SC and USA Rugby (CIPPed) by the December 15 preceding the competition season. 

- Have 15 players that are registered with Rugby SC and USA Rugby by the December 15 preceding the competition season

- Have at least one CDP-certified coach in attendance at ALL practices and ALL matches

- Not be mixed-gender

Second/Third teams:

Clubs will be required to have a roster of 44 CIPP enrolled players to enter a second side in any division. Clubs will be required to have a roster of 66 CIPP enrolled players to enter a third side in any division.

Clubs entering more than one team in league competition must identify and declare a “Championship eligible” team prior to the start of the season.

Any junior varsity teams must only contain freshman and sophomores.

Movement of players between teams:

Players may move between teams in a club throughout the season, but cannot play on more than one team during any one week.  A week is defined as Monday - Sunday

Select/All-star teams:

Rugby SC will field select/all-star teams in the U17 & U19 divisions.

Players will be invited to try out for Rugby SC all-star teams based on nominations received by the Executive Committee. All nominated players are strongly encouraged to attend try outs.

Tryout dates and locations will be announced by the coaches running the teams and posted on the Rugby South Carolina website.

Player Requirements:

All players must be registered (CIPPed) with Rugby SC and USA Rugby before they are eligible to

practice.  Violations will result in player being ineligible for the first two weeks of the season.

All players must participate in a minimum of four practices, with coach-supervised tackling prior to

participating in any match. Front-row players must have at least four live scrum sessions before competing in any match.  Violations will result in the team forfeiting any match that the player has played in.

Age/Enrollment – For a player to be eligible they must be:

- Eighteen years of age or less on 1 September of the academic year

- Enrolled in high school during the academic year (early graduates are eligible)

- Home-schooled and GED students must be enrolled in a program that is recognized by the SC Board of Education.

- Not be in their fifth year of high school (Applies to home-school and GED students as well)

- Meet and maintain compliance with applicable amateur standards

Club Affiliation:

Only residents of South Carolina are permitted to register and play for youth / high school rugby clubs in South Carolina. If a parent or legal guardian of a prospective player is a resident of South Carolina, then that player is allowed to play in South Carolina. 

During the Winter league, South Carolina players are required to play with the youth / high school rugby club that is affiliated with the school they attend regardless of age. If the school which the player attends does not have a youth or high school rugby club (or their school / club team is not playing in the South Carolina Winter league), they may play for a nearby team who is participating in the South Carolina Winter league.

If a player attends a club that is not affiliated with their school, and a new youth / high school rugby club is started and affiliated with the school they attend; the player will be required to attend, play for and register with their school affiliated youth / high school rugby club for the Winter league. 

At the conclusion of the Winter League (after Ruggerfest), school based affiliation no longer applies and players are free to play for any team in their state that is continuing to play in the Spring.  If a player wishes to play out of state in the Spring, the player must apply for an exemption via the Rugby SC Board.

The Rugby South Carolina Executive Committee has the sole authority and jurisdiction to review and approve or deny any exemption, so as to promote the best interests of solidarity and commitment to South Carolina youth / high school rugby clubs.

To apply for an exemption for a player, please fill in this form.

Rugby South Carolina Affiliation:

As a registered club of Rugby South Carolina, every club shall be entitled to participate in all youth / high school rugby club practices, games, leagues, competitions and tournaments. Any club that wishes not to participate in the Rugby South Carolina league, must submit an exemption request. If a registered South Carolina youth / high school rugby club chooses not to participate in the South Carolina League, and the Rugby South Carolina Executive Committee approves the exemption request, their coaches, administration and players will not be eligible to participate in the SC State Championships, SC All-Star Teams or any SC Scholarships, provided by Rugby South Carolina.

The Rugby South Carolina Executive Committee has the sole authority and jurisdiction to review and approve or deny any exemption, so as to promote the best interests of solidarity and commitment to Rugby South Carolina and its members.  

College/Club Interaction:

High-school players will not practice, scrimmage, or play with college or senior clubs. Any player that is found in violation of this requirement will be disqualified from competition for the remainder of the season.

Players receiving invitations to visit and/or train with college or elite-level club programs must submit a request in writing to the Executive Committee. The EC will review such requests on a case-by-case basis.

Coach Requirements:

All coaches must be registered (CIPPed) with Rugby SC and USA Rugby prior to participating in any practice, scrimmage, match, or any other capacity with any Rugby SC team. This includes assistant coaches, “part-time” coaches, “parent coaches”, or “consultants” from college or senior clubs.

Head Coaches:

The head coach is responsible for the compliance of all parties affiliated with their club/team with all Rugby SC constitutional rules and by-laws. This includes coaches, players, administrators, parents, and spectators.

Head coaches must be certified through the USA Rugby Coach Development Program, and continue to gain relevant coaching education as approved by the Rugby SC Executive Committee.

Rugby SC will facilitate the required training courses for coaches to gain and maintain certification.

Coaches may be exempt from this requirement if the Rugby SC board fails to coordinate the necessary training.

Assistant Coaches:

Assistant coaches (includes part-time) must complete the on-line classes (PCA Double Goal Coach & IRB Rugby Ready) required in the USAR CDP.

Cannot be solely responsible for their team at any practice or match unless they are 21 years of age, and are certified through the USAR CDP.

Substance Policy:

Coaches will not use alcohol, tobacco in any form, or other drugs while engaged in any activity

with their players. This includes practice, travel, matches, fundraising, or other social events.

Competition Guidelines:

Rugby South Carolina follows all the laws and rules of the game as stipulated by the IRB and by USA Rugby

unless otherwise stipulated in these by-laws.

Schedules/Seasons:

League schedules are developed and maintained by the Rugby SC Executive Committee.  Once the schedule is published, it will not be changed.  Any team/coach attempting to change the schedule without permission from the Rugby SC Executive Committee will forfeit the match in question and may be subject to additional sanctions at the discretion of the EC.

Winter League – January – March

Spring League - March - May/June

All-Star/Select season – March – July

Off-season/Practice season – August - December

Cancellations:

The Executive Committee will have sole responsibility for the cancellation of any league event. All reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule any match that is cancelled.

Field Requirements:

Matches must be played on adequately sized fields (USA Rugby field specification located on

their website).  All pitches must be properly lined, equipped with flags and goal post pads, and have crowd

restraints on both sides of the field. Prior t o the start of the game, coaches and referees must check pitch for hazards (rocks, holes, water, etc.).  Teams should be on separate sidelines when venues allow it. When venues don’t allow, the

teams will remain on separate halves of the pitch with a divider to determine the middle. Spectators or other non-essential personnel will not be allowed inside the crowd restraint ropes at any Rugby SC competition.

Kit Requirements:

Proper equipment is required for all matches.

Team kit must match and be clean with no tears.

- Sleeves must cover the player’s bicep and not be cut.

- Basketball or other non-rugby shorts will not be allowed.

- No clothing may show below the rugby shorts except compression-type shorts.

- No advertisements for alcohol, tobacco, or related products can be displayed on the kit.

- Numbers on jerseys are mandatory.

- Mouth guard is required.

- Rugby boots or soccer/football cleats with the front spike removed

- Scrum caps, gloves, pads, and braces must be IRB approved.

- Jewelry must be removed.

Conference Structure:

Teams will be organized in conferences as determined by the Executive Committee.

The number and size of conferences will be dictated by the number of teams participating in league competition.

Conferences will be organized around geographic regions to the extent as is possible based on the number of teams in each region.

League Point System/Seeding:

Conference standings will be calculated based on points awarded during conference play.

Points are only awarded for conference games. Non-conference games will not affect team points.

Division points will be awarded as follows:

- 4 points will be awarded for a win

- 2 points will be awarded for a draw

- 1 point will be awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer

- 1 point will be awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match

Tiebreak Guidelines for season standings:

- Head to head results

- Number of conference wins

- Number of overall wins

Match Play Guidelines:

Regular Season:

- 20 minute halves (for jamboree based matches, else 30 minute halves)

- No overtime/sudden-death

- 23-player match roster limit

- Free substitutions

Playoffs/Championships:

- 30 minute halves unless multiple matches are played in a single day

- Overtime/Sudden death explained in Playoff/Championship section

- 23 player match roster limit

- World Rugby substitution rules

- Forfeits will be recorded as a 7-0 score unless the match was played and a more beneficial outcome occurred for the team awarded the win by forfeit.

Mercy Rule:

If a match score reaches a differential of 35 points, the referee must stop the match and give the trailing team the option of invoking mercy or continuing play.

If a trailing team chooses to continue play and ultimately loses the match, the final score will be recorded as the point of the initial 35-point differential.

The referee reserves the right to stop any match that reaches a 35-point differential if he/she feels that continued play will result in a breakdown of player discipline or injury.

Playoff/Championship Guidelines:

Playoff structure will be determined by the number of teams participating in league competition.

There will be a playoff round (semifinal) and a championship/consolation round.

These events will take place on consecutive weekends whenever possible.

Playoff/championship matches cannot end in a tie. If the score is tied at the end of regular time, the following tiebreak rules will apply:

- 10-minute overtime period (full period)

- 10-minute sudden victory (first score)

- 22-meter kick-off (5 players from each team alternating at center mark of 22 meter line; 1-point each)

- Tries scored

- Tries converted

- Penalty kicks

- Coin toss

Teams pulling out of a competition:

Any team that withdraws after the start of any competition will be assessed a $250 fine, and will be ineligible for play at that level the following season.

Protest procedure:

Protests must be filed by the Head Coach to before kickoff of the match.

The Referee must notify the opposing coach that the game is going to be played "under protest" and for what reason.

The Referee should give the offending team a reasonable amount of time to correct the circumstances of the protest.

If the match is played under protest, the referee and protesting coach must notify the Executive Committee, in writing, within 72 hours of the reason for the protest. The EC will review the protest and the teams involved will be notified of the decision.

Reporting:

The head coach of the host club will be responsible for submitting (email or fax) match rosters for all games played at the venue within 72 hours of the matches (if required).

Match rosters must have the match score, the number of tries scored, and be signed by both coaches and the referee.

Failure to submit match rosters will result in forfeit of the given match by the host club.

Referee Feedback:

Feedback on referees should be emailed to the Rugby SC President for review.

Record Keeping:

Before any player steps on the pitch, the head coach must have in their possession the following:

USA Rugby registration (CIPP) form for all players, coaches, administrators, etc. affiliated with the club

Release of Liability form for all players, coaches, administrators, etc. affiliated with the club

Code of Conduct for all players, coaches, administrators, etc. affiliated with the club

Emergency contact information for players

- Clubs will keep copies of the records on file for the duration of the season.

- Clubs will submit electronic copies of the records to the Administrative Officer prior to the start of the season.

Safety:

Safety is the paramount consideration in all Rugby SC administration and events, and is the driving factor behind our policies. This includes the safety of our players, coaches, administrators, and fans.

- All players must participate in a minimum of four practices, with coach-supervised tackling prior to participating in any match.

- Front-row players must have at least four live scrum sessions before competing in any match.

- Violations will result in the team forfeiting any match that the player has played in.

Coaches must have emergency contact information for all players and a cell phone at all practices and matches.

Emergency Procedure Guidelines:

The league must have an Emergency Plan on file for every venue. The host team is responsible for submitting (electronically) the plan to the Administrative Officer at least 48 hours prior to any scrimmage or match, and is responsible for having copies of the plan onsite during all events.

This plan must include:

- Address of venue

- Address and phone number of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility

- Direction to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility

- Location of nearest storm shelter

Medical Guidelines:

Team coaches and administrators should familiarize themselves with the USA Rugby Medical and Safety Guide on their website: http://www.usarugby.org/collegiate/manage/medical.html

Coaches will have the players’ emergency contact, insurance information, consent to treat, and waiver release available.

Rugby SC requires that a certified athletic trainer, EMT, or equivalent qualified individual be present at every match. A coach may fulfill this requirement as long as he is able to immediately pass his coaching responsibilities to another coach.

Should an injured player require more treatment than can be provided by on-site trainers or professionals, transport to the nearest emergency facility will be necessary.

Coaches will fill out an “Injury Incident Report” and submit it to the President within 48 hours for any reportable injury.

- A reportable injury is any incident that causes the player to be removed from the match for the duration of the match, or prevents a player from participating in practice or play the following day.

- Dental or fracture injuries should be automatically reported, even if no participation time is lost.

Head Injuries/Concussions:

Head injuries and concussions should be treated with an overabundance of caution. If a player displays symptoms or says anything that points to a possible concussion, they have to be cleared by their doctor before being allowed to return to play.

To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes:

- A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.

- Any change in the athletes behavior, thinking, or physical functioning:

- Loses consciousness (even briefly)

- Appears confused or stunned

- Headache or “pressure” in head

- Nausea or vomiting

- Balance problems or dizziness

- Double or blurry vision

- Sensitivity to light or noise

- Answers questions slowly

- Is unsure of game, score or opponent

- Can’t recall events prior to hit, tackle or fall

- Can’t recall events after hit, tackle or fall

- Shows behavior or personality changes

If a head injury occurs at practice, the coach must make contact with player’s parent/guardian and inform them of the injury and advise them to seek medical attention.

If the player loses consciousness, notify EMS immediately.

If a head injury occurs at a match, the on-site medical personnel will evaluate and make a determination as to the proper course of action.

Any player that is diagnosed as having a concussion will not be allowed to return to play for a minimum of three weeks, and must have a written authorization from their doctor before being allowed to return to practice or play.

The three week period may be reduced only if the player is symptom free and declared fit to play after appropriate assessment by a properly qualified and recognized neurological specialist.

Such declaration must be recorded in a written report prepared by the properly qualified and recognized neurological specialist who carried out the assessment.

Violations will result in suspension of the team for remainder of season.

Severe Weather Guidelines:

If a severe storm approaches the playing area, the safety of the players is the number one priority of coaches and referees and may require that the game be suspended while shelter is sought. In the event the game is suspended due to a severe storm ALL participants MUST clear the field immediately and move into a permanent shelter.

If lightning is within 5 miles, the game(s) should be suspended and shelter sought. A lightning detector can identify the distance accurately but may not be available. A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder. Games should not be restarted for at least 30 minutes after the last roll of thunder is heard.

Code Of Conduct:

All coaches, administrators, and players are required to sign the Rugby SC Code of Conduct prior to the start of the season. These forms must be electronically submitted to the Rugby SC President before the team will be allowed to participate in competition.

The Rugby SC Code of Conduct States:

Players are ambassadors of their club, Rugby South Carolina, and USA Rugby, as well as the game of rugby in general. As such, each player is expected to display good, responsible behavior at all times, both on and off the field.

Players should not exhibit obnoxious, impolite or antisocial behavior (dangerous play) of any sort that would adversely affect the image of the game as a serious and disciplined endeavor.

This includes verbal abuse of or provocative behavior towards opponents by coaches, players, parents, or their supporters.

No coach, player, or parent will threaten or address a referee or touch judge in insulting terms before, during, or after a match.

Referees and touch judges must likewise treat coaches, players and parents with equal respect.

All coaches, players, parents, and supporters must abide by all rules and prohibitions that are in effect at any given venue.

The use or display of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs by coaches, players, or team supporters will not be allowed at any practice or Rugby SC fixture.

Violations of this Code of Conduct will be immediately addressed by the Rugby South Carolina Executive Committee.

Alcoholic Beverage & Regulated Substance Policy

Advertisement, in any form, of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, or any related products is strictly prohibited by all members of Rugby SC.

This includes any flyers, clothing, kit, equipment, websites, and social media sites.

Referee Abuse:

Referee abuse will not be tolerated.

Allegations of referee abuse will be investigated by the Disciplinary Chair or the President of the League.  Substantiated allegations will result in 1-game suspension of offending coach.

If the suspended coach is the head coach, and no CDP certified assistant coaches are available, the team will not be allowed to play.

Second offenses will result in coach being suspended for remainder of season.

Contingencies/Adjustments:

The Rugby SC Executive Committee has the authority to make adjustments to these bylaws at any time as circumstances merit.