THE WELSH RUGBY UNION NATIONAL LEAGUE RULES 2009/2010
Description:
The Competition shall be called:-
i) In respect of the Premier Division “The Principality Premiership”
ii) In respect of Divisions 1 to 6 “The SWALEC National Leagues”
Interpretation:
For the purposes of this competition, the following terms have the meaning assigned to them:
- THE UNION means the Welsh Rugby Union Limited.
- THE REGULATORY COMMITTEE means the Committee appointed by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions contained in the Articles of Association of the Welsh Rugby Union Limited (the “Articles”)
CLUB means the Club being a member of the Union only and does not include Affiliated Organisations (as defined in the Articles) or other entity which may be admitted to membership of the Union.
- PREMIER DIVISION CRITERIA means the criteria for entry into and prerequisite to remaining in the Premier Division as set out on the Annexure I to these League Rules
- DISCIPLINARY REGULATIONS means the disciplinary regulations approved by the Board of Directors of the Union for Season 2009/2010
All other defined terms must be interpreted in accordance with the Memorandum and the Articles of Association of the Welsh Rugby Union Limited.
- Form
The League comprises 24 Divisions formed as follows:
Premier Division - Up to 14 Clubs
Division 1 East - 12 Clubs
Division 1 West - 12 Clubs
Division 2 East - 12 Clubs
Division 2 West - 12 Clubs
Division 3 East - 12 Clubs
Division 3 South East - 12 Clubs
Division 3 South West - 12 Clubs
Division 3 West - 12 Clubs
Division 4 East - 12 Clubs
Division 4 South East - 12 Clubs
Division 4 South West - 12 Clubs
Division 4 West - 12 Clubs
Division 5 East - 12 Clubs
Division 5 South East - 12 Clubs
Division 5 South Central - 12 Clubs
Division 5 South West - 12 Clubs
Division 5 West - 12 Clubs
Division 6 East - 10 clubs
Division 6 South East - 10 clubs
Division 6 Central - 10 clubs
Division 6 West - 10 clubs
Division 1 North - 10 Clubs
Division 2 North - 12 Clubs
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Division |
Promotion and relegation at the end of 2009/2010 |
Number of Clubs in Division 2010/2011 |
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Premier |
At the end of season 2009/2010:-
1.1.1 the Club which is in last place in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1 for season 2010/2011 if the winner of the Play Off between the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1West at the end of season 2009/2010 shall have satisfied the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010;
1.1.2 if only one of the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West shall have satisfied the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010, the Club which is in last place in the Premier Division will be relegated and only that Division 1 Champion Club which meets the Premier Division Criteria will be promoted to the Premier Division;
1.2 any Club(s) in the Premier Division which fail to meet the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010 will drop to the bottom of the table for the final league placings for season 2009/2010 in the order of their playing records if more than one.
1.3 any Club(s) in the Premier Division which fail to meet the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010 will be relegated to Division 1 even if no First Division Club is promoted.
For full details of the Premier Division Criteria please refer to Annexure 1 to these League Rules.
1.4 When the Premier Division’s scheduled League fixtures for the 2009/10 season have been completed the Clubs that are placed in the Top 8 places in the Divisional Table will enter into a Play Off system. Details of the Play Off system appear in Annexure 2 hereto.
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Up to 14 Clubs |
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Division 1 East and 1 West |
At the end of season 2009/2010:-
2.1 If the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West shall both have satisfied the Premier Division Criteria as set out in Annexure 1 then the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West will play off to determine which Club may be promoted to the Premier Division in 2010/2011 and the last Club in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1 in the 2010/2011 season
2.2 if only 1 of the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West satisfy the Premier Division Criteria, that club shall be promoted to the Premier Division from season 2010/2011 and the Premier Division Club shall be relegated to Division 1;
2.3 There will be no play off between the Champion Clubs in Division 1 if only 1 (or neither) of the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West satisfy the Premier Division Criteria.
2.4 if both the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West fail to satisfy the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010, there will be no promotion from Division 1 but there will be relegation from the Premier Division to Division 1if one or more Clubs in the Premier Division at the end of season 2009/2010 have failed to meet the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010 (or at any time thereafter).
Further, and for the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances will any Club below the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West qualify for promotion to the Premier Division.
2.5 The bottom 2 Clubs in each Division 1 East and 1 West will be relegated from Division 1 at the end of the Season
For full details of the Premier Division Criteria please refer to Annexure 1 to these League Rules.
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12 Clubs in each Division.
(24 Clubs)
(Unless Premier Division Clubs are relegated without promotion in accordance with paragraphs 1.3, above and 2.4 below when the number of clubs in the First Division will be 24 plus those relegated from the Premier Division) |
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Division 2 East and 2 West |
The top 2 Clubs in each Division 2 at the end of the season will be promoted to Division 1 level.
The bottom 3 Clubs in each Division 2 at the end of the season will be relegated to Division 3 level. |
12 Clubs in each Division. (24 Clubs) |
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Division 3 East, 3 South East, 3 South West and 3 West |
The Champion Club in each Division 3 East, 3 South East, 3 South West and 3 West will be promoted to Division 2 level at the end of the season.
The two remaining promotion places will be determined by way of two play off fixtures. The runners up will be drawn to create two fixtures. The winner of each fixture will be promoted to Division 2 level.
The bottom 2 Clubs in each Division 3 East, 3 South East, 3 South West and 3 West will be relegated to Division 4 level at the end of the Season. |
12 Clubs in each Division. Clubs will be distributed amongst 4 Divisions at Division 3 level (aligned as far as possible on a Regional basis). (48 Clubs) |
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Division 4 East, 4 South East, 4 South West and 4 West |
The top 2 Clubs in each Division 4 East, 4 South East, 4 South West and 4 West will be promoted to Division 3 level.
The bottom 2 Clubs in each of Divisions 4 East, 4 South East, 4 South West and 4 West will be relegated to Division 5 level.
Except if one of the District Clubs in Divisions 5 take one of the promotion places from that Division. In that case the Division 4 Club that would otherwise have been relegated with the best playing record of those Clubs that finished the season in the bottom two of the Division 4 will remain in Division 4 for the 2010/2011 season.
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12 Clubs in each Division. Clubs will be distributed amongst 4 Divisions at Division 4 level (aligned as far as possible on a Regional basis). (48 Clubs) |
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Division 5 East, 5 South East, 5 South Central, 5 South West and 5 West |
The Champion Club in each Division 5 East, 5 South East, 5 South Central, 5 South West and 5 West will be promoted to Division 4 level.
In addition, the runner up with the best playing record, from Division 5 East, 5 South East, 5 South Central, 5 South West and 5 West, will be promoted to Division 4 level.
The remaining two promotion places will be determined by way of play off matches between the other four runners up. The Clubs will be drawn to create two fixtures. The winner of each fixture will be promoted to Division 4 level. To determine which of the runners up shall have the best playing record there will be a straightforward comparison, where the Divisions are of equal sizes, of playing records in the following order:-
League points where equal Number of Wins where equal Number of Tries where equal Points ratio.
If the best runner up cannot be determined by this method, or Divisional sizes are different, then the number of matches will be divided into the total number of League points gained to give a ratio. The Club with the highest ratio will be promoted.
If the league point ratio is equal the Clubs will be ranked in order by dividing the number of matches played into the ratio of points recorded, that ratio being determined by dividing the points scored in league matches against the Club into the number of points scored by the Club. The Club with the highest ratio will be promoted.
The 5 “District member Clubs” in Divisions 5 East, 5 South East, 5 South Central, 5 South West and 5 West will not be eligible for promotion from those Divisions to Division 4 at the end of the 2009/2010 season.
There will be no relegation from Divisions 5 to Divisions 6 at the end of the 2009/2010 season.
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12 Clubs in each Division. Clubs will be distributed amongst 5 Divisions at Division 5 level (aligned as far as possible on a Regional basis). (60 Clubs) |
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Division 6 East, 6 South East, 6 Central and 6 West |
There will be no promotion for any Club in Divisions 6 East, 6 South East, 6 Central and 6 West at the end of the 2009/2010 season
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10 Clubs in each division (40 Clubs) |
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Division 1 North
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The Club that tops the Divisional table at the end of the 2009/2010 season will be declared to be the Divisional Champion Club and the Champion Club of North Wales. That Club will not gain promotion to any other Division of the National League in the 2010/2011 season.
The Club that finishes in 10th place in the table for Division 1 North at the end of the 2009/2010 season will be relegated to Division 2 North in the 2010/2011 season.
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10 Clubs |
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Division 2 North |
The top Club in Division 2 North at the end of the 2009/2010 season will be promoted to Division 1 North in the 2010/2011 season.
At the beginning of the 2009/2010 season the 12 Clubs in Division 2 North will be placed in one of two Divisions of 6 Clubs, Division 2 North North and Division 2 North South. Clubs will complete the 10 League fixtures in these Divisions. The top 3 Clubs in Division 2 North North and Division 2 North South after these 10 fixtures will be placed in Division 2 North. The bottom 3 Clubs in Division 2 North North and Division 2 North South will be placed in Division 3 North. The Clubs in the “newly” constituted Division 2 North will play matches against each other and those in Division 3 North will play matches against each other. In both Divisions the results of matches played earlier in the season between Clubs will be counted to complete the final League tables for the Divisions.
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12 Clubs |
If a WRU Club in the Premier Division, Divisions 1, 2, 3 or 4 withdraws from the National League either before the 2009 / 2010 Season or during that Season, or if a Club in those Divisions fails to complete it’s League programme, that Club will automatically be relegated to Division 5 Level for the 2010 / 2011 Season.
In such a case, to maintain the balance of Clubs in the Divisions of the National League, one additional Club to the number described earlier in rule 3 will be promoted for the 2010 / 2011 Season from the Division which is two below the Division from which the Club withdrew with consequential adjustments in the Divisions below that.
If a WRU Club in Division 5 withdraws from the National League it will not be relegated at the end of the Season to Division 6 level. If a District Member Club in Division 5 fails to fulfil its fixtures for 2009/2010 it will be relegated to Division 6 in 2010/2011. If a District Member Club in Division 6 fails to fulfil its fixtures for 2009/2010 it will not play in Division 6 in 2010/2011.
4. Eligibility to Participate
- Clubs
(i) The Competition will be restricted to those Clubs who are members of the Union and in Divisions 5 and 6 and Division 1 North and Division 2 North only, Clubs which are District Members of the Union, and who conform to the provisions for the time being of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Union and which, taking part therein, must be represented by each Club’s First XV.
(ii) No League matches may take place in Wales on the day of a senior Home International or the day of the SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl Finals unless authorised, in advance, by the Union’s Regulatory Committee.
- Players
(i) No player may represent a Club in the National League unless he is a registered or dual registered member of that Club, he is on loan to that Club or a permit has been granted for him to play by his parent Club.
A player has to be registered in Wales with a Club, a Regional Team or Regional Academy, and his registration must be notified to the Union before he is eligible to play for a Club in the National League.
All players must be named on the team sheet submitted by the Club to the Match official prior to the match. (see protocol for matches played in Wales)
The team sheet must identify any player(s) on permit, dual registration or on loan and their parent Club.
4.1.1 Subject to the current requirements for endorsement agreed by the Union, as lodged with the UK Border Agency, a Club may register 2 overseas players at any one time who will be eligible to play in the National League (i.e. if one or both overseas player(s) leave the Club he/ they may be replaced providing the number of overseas players does not exceed 2). However, a work permit application for a Professional Rugby Player has to be supported by the Union in which the player proposes to play. The WRU will not support a work permit application for Professional Rugby Players other than those who wish to register with a Regional Team or a Premier Division Club. The numbers of overseas players which may be registered by Regional Teams is governed by the Participation Agreements between the WRU and the Regional Members.
4.1.2 An overseas player is one who is not qualified to play for Wales at the date of registration and who can not prove to the satisfaction of the WRU that he is entitled to the rights granted under Title III of the EC Treaty or under the EEA or other European Agreement (i.e. a person who has European workers rights).
4.1.3 Any Premier Division Club registering more than two non Welsh qualified players
(being players who at the date of registration are not qualified to take the field of play
as a member of a team at senior level to represent Wales in accordance with IRB
Regulation 8.1), will forfeit £15,000 from their WRU Distribution monies for every
additional non Welsh qualified registered player in the squad.
4.2. Clubs in the Premier Division which run only one senior team will be limited to registering up to 32 players who will be eligible to play for the Club in National League Matches. Clubs in the Premier Division which run two or more senior teams, the second team which plays at least 16 matches a Season, will be allowed to register more than 32 players who will be eligible to play in the National League. Failure to fulfil 16 second team matches for Clubs that register more than 32 players will result in the Club being penalised.
4.3. A Player will be ineligible to play for a Club in any National League fixture if he transfers, or is registered, after 31st January in any season, unless such a player is:
a. A player, registered with that Club’s Youth team, who has attained the age of 18 and is subsequently registered as a Senior player with that Club.
b. A player who is subject to a permanent residential relocation from another area where extensive travel (in excess of 100 miles round trip) precludes the player continuing to play for his former Club (applies to Divisions 1 – 6 only). Before such a player may play in WRU Competitions the player’s registration must be sanctioned by the Union’s Regulatory Committee.
c. A player not previously registered with any other rugby Club. Before such a player may play in WRU Competitions the player’s registration must be sanctioned by the Union’s Regulatory Committee.
NB. Player Registration forms must be lodged with the Operations Section of the Welsh Rugby Union Ltd by midnight on the 31st January or first business day after the 31st January if it is a weekend day. Otherwise, although the registration will be processed, the player will not be eligible to play in National League and/ or SWALEC Cup, Plate or Bowl matches for the Club for the remainder of the season.
4.4. A player who transfers in the period between the end of the previous season and 31st January will be eligible to play for his new Club in National League matches, provided the properly completed player transfer and registration form is received within the Union’s Operations Section, as follows:-
(i) At least 2 days prior to the match kick off time if the player has not been registered with another Club or, if transferring from another Club, the registration / transfer form has been countersigned by his previous Club. For avoidance of doubt, the deadline to allow a player to play in a Saturday fixture is 12 noon on the Thursday prior to the fixture; for a Wednesday fixture the deadline is 12 noon on the Monday prior to a fixture and so on.
(ii) At least 7 days prior to the match kick off time if the player is transferring from another Club and the registration / transfer form has not been countersigned by his previous Club and that Club has been given the opportunity to countersign the form (Clause 3 c(ii) Player Registration and Transfer Regulations)
4.5. Player Loan scheme
Details of the Player Loan scheme are outlined in Regulation 6 of the Player Registration and Transfer Regulations.
4.6. Player Permits
The Player Permit scheme will operate as follows:
4.6.1 Subject to paragraph 4.6.2, in any National League match:-
(i) With the exception of Clubs in the Premier Division a Club may play up to a maximum of 4 players on permit (in any position).
(ii) Premier Division Clubs may have a maximum of 22 permit players per match.
(iii) A Regional Team player may play only on permit for a Premier Division Club.
There is no limit on the number of Regional players who may play on permit for a Premier Division team in League matches up to and including the 31st January 2010. After that date a Regional player may play on permit for a Premier Division Club only if he has before that date played for that Club in at least 5 League matches in the 2009/10 season. In calculating the number of matches played the Premier Division club must show that the Regional player has been on the field as a player for at least 45 minutes in a match for the appearance to count as one of the 5 League matches.
(iv) No overseas players (as defined in paragraph 4.1.2 above) may play on permit unless that player is registered with a Regional Team.
(v) A player who is registered solely with a Regional Academy may play on permit for a Club in any Division. The requisite permits may be granted only by the Manager of the Regional Academy, or nominated deputy, and lodged with the Union’s Operations Administrator before the match takes place.
(vi) Permits may be obtained as stipulated in and subject to the restrictions contained in the following table:-
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Division |
Clubs from where permits may be obtained |
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Premier Division |
Regional Teams (no limit provided the Premier Division Club meets the Premier Division Criteria at the time of playing) Regional Academy (no limit provided the Premier Division Club meets the Premier Division Criteria at the time of playing) Premier Division Club (max 1) Divisions 1 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 22 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) If the Premier Division Club does not meet the Premier Division Criteria at the time of playing, no permits may be granted for Regional Team Players and any permits granted in respect of Regional Team Players shall automatically be revoked. In addition, the overall limit of other permit players available to such a Club will reduce to four (4). |
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Division 1
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Regional Academy (max 4) Divisions 1 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 4 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) |
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Division 2 |
Regional Academy (max 4) Divisions 1 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 4 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) |
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Division 3 |
Regional Academy (max 4) Divisions 2 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 4 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) |
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Division 4, Division 1 North and Division 2 North |
Regional Academy (max 4) Divisions 2 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 4 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) |
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Division 5 |
Regional Academy (max 4) Divisions 2 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 4 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) |
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Division 6 |
Regional Academy (max 4) Divisions 2 to 6 (max 4) District Member Clubs (max 4) (OVERALL MAXIMUM OF 4 PERMIT PLAYERS PER MATCH) |
(vii) A permit must be sought for each match in which a player plays and such permit may be granted for a match at any time in the season. Any permit issued must be made in writing (via fax, posted letter or email), by both the Club with which the player is registered, and the Club with which he is to play on permit and lodged with the Union before the match takes place. In exceptional circumstances, where a permit is agreed during WRU office closure hours (e.g. a Saturday), the permit may be lodged by telephoning 02920 822407 or 02920 822404 and leaving a voicemail message. The written confirmation must be sent to the Union as soon as possible after lodging the voicemail message.
(viii) A Permit is a letter of permission written by an Official of the Club with which the player is registered. All permit requests will be acknowledged in writing by the Union. (see Player Registration and Transfer Regulations)
(ix) Team sheets submitted to the match official prior to the start of a match must identify players on permit, loan or dual registration and their parent Club.
4.6.2 In relation to Premiership games no player registered to a Regional Organisation or a
Regional Academy shall be allowed to play in a play off match for a Premier Division Club pursuant to a permit unless that player has played for that Premier Division Club at least 5 times (at least 45 minutes on the field in each match) in competitive matches that season
4.7 Dual Registration scheme
Details of the Dual Registration scheme are outlined in Regulation 8 of the Player Registration and Transfer Regulations.
4.8 Replacements
In the Premier Division up to 7 replacements may be named for any National league fixture provided, of the 22 named players and replacements, there must be 5 (five) suitably trained and experienced players who can play in the front row to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement hooker is required and, on the first occasion that a replacement prop forward is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
In Division 1 (not Division 1 North) up to 5 replacements may be named for any National League fixture provided, of the 20 named players and replacements, there must be five (5) suitably trained and experienced players who can play in the front row to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement hooker is required and, on the first occasion that a replacement prop forward is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
In Divisions 2 to 6 (and Division 1 North and Division 2 North) no more than 4 replacements may be named. If a Club does name 4 replacements there must 5 (five) players who are suitably trained and experienced who can play in the front row to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement hooker is required and, on the first occasion that a replacement prop forward is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
A Club may play without any named replacements. If that Club names 15 players only there is no need to name more than three (3) suitably trained and experienced front row players.
For clarification, the Laws of the Game (3.5) state:-
Each player in the front row and any potential replacement(s) must be suitably trained and experienced.
When 16, 17 or 18 players are nominated in a team there must be four players who can play in the front row.
When 19, 20, 21 or 22 players are nominated in a team there must be five (5) players who can play in the front row to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement hooker is required and, on the first occasion that a replacement prop forward is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
The replacement of a front row forward must come from suitably trained and experienced players who started the match or from the nominated replacements.
If after a front row player has been sent off or during the time a front row player is temporarily suspended, and there are no further front row players available from the nominated team, then uncontested scrums will be ordered. It is not the responsibility of the match official to determine the suitability of trained front row replacements nor their availability, as this is a team responsibility.
To avoid confusion and to make everyone aware of the rules relating to the number of substitutes that can be used, please see the following examples, relating to IRB Law 3 (Number of Players) and WRU National League Rules.
(a) If Team A have only fifteen players (or less) available and they have three suitably trained front row forwards, then the match will start with contested scrums.
(b) If Team A has fifteen players (or less) and do not have three suitably trained players to play in the front row, then the match will start with uncontested scrums. Obviously Team A do not have any replacements.
(c) If Team A turn up with only three suitably trained front row forwards and Team B turn up with four suitably trained front row forwards, then the match will start with contested scrums. Team A are not entitled to any substitutes, but Team B will be able to have two additional replacements (i.e. total of three replacements).
(d) If Team A turn up with less than three suitably trained front row forwards and Team B have five suitably trained front row forwards, either on the field or on the replacements bench, then Team A are not entitled to any substitutes and Team B will be entitled to the full complement of replacements. The match will start with uncontested scrums.
In all cases, in relation to Team B, for them to have the full benefit of the replacements bench, they must start with the required number of suitably trained front row players and also the ability of replacing a front row forward with a nominated suitably trained front row replacement.
All suitably trained front row players must be highlighted on the official team sheet prior to the match.
If a match goes to uncontested scrums the relevant details are to be forwarded by the Match Official to the Operations Manager at the Welsh Rugby Union.
AT ALL TIMES SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT.
In relation to uncontested scrums IRB Law 3.13 (e) defines:
“An uncontested scrum is the same as a normal scrum, except that the teams do not compete for the ball, the team throwing in the ball must win it, and neither team is allowed to push.”
The above allows the Number 8 to pick up from the base of the scrum.
5. Entry Conditions
All Clubs participating in the National League shall conform with:-
- the rules contained herein
- the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Union, Regulations and Resolutions of the Board of the Union
- the Bye Laws, Resolutions and Regulations relating to the Game of the International Rugby Board, and
- the Laws of the Game
6. Responsibility for Organisation
(i) All matches in every Division of the National League will be under the control of the Union.
(ii) The Regulatory Committee will deal with all matters relating to the rules for the Premier Division and Divisions 1 to 6 of the National League and Division 1 North and Division 2 North.
7. Finance
In the normal National League programme, all gate receipts will be retained by the Home side and match expenses to the match official(s) being claimed in the normal way. The Away side will be responsible for meeting its travelling expenses subject to the Board of Directors authorising the payment of £2.00 per mile expenses incurred in a round journey in excess of 60 miles.
The Regulatory Committee will be responsible for the apportionment of money attributed to the National League on the following basis:-
- The Prize money to be paid to the Champion Club and the runner up Club in all Divisions 1 to 5 will be
Champion Club - £1,000
Runner up Club - £ 500
8. Match Programmes
Receipts from separate programme sales may be retained by the Home Club. Similarly, any loss sustained in the production of a programme shall be borne by the Home Club.
9. General Rules
a. All National League matches must be played and each Club must complete its National League programme. In the event that a National League match is not played the matter will be reported to the Regulatory Committee who will conduct an inquiry to establish why the match was not played. Where a match does not take place it is the responsibility of the Honorary Secretary of each Club to inform, within 4 working days, the Union’s Operations Administrator, in writing, of the reasons for the postponement. If the Regulatory Committee is not satisfied with the explanation of the Club or Clubs concerned it may apply in its absolute discretion whatever sanction it deems appropriate. Sanctions available to the Regulatory Committee include but are not limited to the deduction of League points, the imposition of a fine and / or the Club’s League points total may be expunged and/or expulsion from the National League.
b. Passive scrums
i) For all divisions other than the Premier Division
No game may be postponed because of the lack of suitably trained/experienced front row forwards. The game must be played on the due date with uncontested scrums. If prior to any match a Club becomes aware that it will be unable to field for that match a sufficient number of suitably trained/experienced front row forwards it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the opposing club and match officials that it will elect to take uncontested scrums during that match. Following the match an enquiry shall be undertaken by the Regulatory Committee to consider the conduct of the Club and the reason for uncontested scrums and to consider whether any sanction is appropriate. The Regulatory Committee may apply any sanction it deems fit if not satisfied with the club’s explanation.
ii) For the Premier Division
If a club postpones a match because of the lack of suitably trained/experienced front row forwards the Regulatory Committee will conduct an inquiry into the postponement. It shall be a matter for the Club which caused the match to be postponed to justify its decision. The Regulatory Committee may apply any sanction it deems fit if not satisfied with the Club’s explanation.
iii) For all Divisions
If during the course of a match the team elects to take uncontested scrums the matter will be reported to the Regulatory Committee. The Regulatory Committee may conduct a post match inquiry into why passive scrums had been necessary during a match. It shall be a matter for the Club which opted for passive/uncontested scrums to explain to the inquiry why it did so. The Regulatory Committee may apply any sanction it deems fit if not satisfied with the Club’s explanation.
c. Declaration of winners. Winners of matches will be teams which have scored the greater number of points at the end of each match. League points awarded are as follows:-
Win - 4 points
Draw - 2 points
Defeat - 0 points
Bonus Points - 1 point for a team scoring 4 or more tries
1 point for a team losing by 7 points or less
d. National League placings will be decided on the basis of League points gained in the season. Where teams have gained equal numbers of League points, the team with the most wins shall be given preference. If the number of wins is equal then the Club having recorded the most tries in the Season shall be given preference. If the number of tries is equal the points ‘for’ shall be divided by the points ‘against’ and the team with the highest factor shall be declared to have the better record.
e. Duration of play – 80 minutes each match (40 minutes each half) plus any time permitted by the Match Official for delays (Laws of the Game – Law 5). At half time an interval of not more than 10 minutes is allowed.
f. Fixture Arrangements. National League matches must be played on the dates allocated unless otherwise previously agreed by the Regulatory Committee. These will be decided by the Regulatory Committee and circulated to the Clubs as soon as practicable. The match will take place on the home Club’s first pitch or on a suitable alternative.
g. Notification of Results. The appointed Match Official will notify the Union of the result of each match by completing a result card which should be signed by an official of each Club and sent to the Union’s Operations Section within 4 postal delivery days of the match having been played. Each notification must be accompanied by team lists, which must be completed by officials of each team and handed to the match official prior to the kick off.
h. Postponed, rearranged and abandoned matches
(i) Postponed or Rearranged Matches
National League fixtures must be played on the allocated dates unless a match is postponed because of ground or weather conditions or the Clubs concerned have mutually agreed to the postponement and have received the prior consent of the Union to the rearrangement. Consent to postpone fixtures in such circumstances will not be given if sought less than seven (7) days prior to the fixture. Where Clubs have received the consent of the Union to postpone a fixture, then that fixture must be played, where practicable, within 21 days of the postponement. If the Clubs cannot agree on an alternative date, within 21 days, the Union will determine the date of the rearranged fixture and will, where practicable, give the Clubs 7 days’ notice of the rearranged date.
If the ground of the Home Club is not fit because of weather or ground conditions, or for any other reason unavailable and the away fixture has not yet been played Clubs should endeavour to switch the venue to the Away Club so that the fixture is played on that date.
Any postponed National League fixture must be rearranged by the Clubs and the date of the rearrangement notified to the Union’s Operations Administrator within 21 days of the postponement. If details of the rearrangement are not supplied by the due date then the Union will determine the date on which the rearranged fixture will be played. Where practicable, the Clubs will be given 7 days’ notice of the rearranged date.
Both Clubs must notify the Union’s Operations Administrator, in writing, of the new fixture date at least 4 working days prior to the match being played.
Any dispute in respect of such cancellation, postponement or rearrangement shall be immediately referred to the Regulatory Committee.
Postponed SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl matches will take precedence over National League matches when postponed or abandoned matches are rearranged.
Where Clubs cannot agree on the date of a rearranged fixture the Union will determine the new date. Clubs will be given, where practicable, at least 7 days notice of that date.
When ground or weather conditions demand, and if requested to do so, an opportunity must be given to an official representative of the visiting Club, a WRU Match Official living locally of similar standing to the appointed match official or an Officer of the Union to view the situation in sufficient time to allow matches to be postponed to prevent unnecessary travelling. Clubs should undertake ground inspections no earlier than 3 hours before the scheduled kick off time except in cases where an earlier inspection is required to prevent an Away Club undertaking a long journey or in cases where the match official is travelling from a long distance. Should the Clubs disagree on the condition of the ground, the match will not be played. The match official appointed by the Union will report on the matter and that report will be considered by the Regulatory Committee.
(ii) Abandoned Matches
All matches must be played to full time. The match official is to be the sole judge of the amount of time played. If a match is abandoned then both Clubs’ Honorary Secretaries must notify the Union of the fact in writing within 4 postal delivery days of the abandonment .
If both Clubs agree then the Union may permit the score, at the time of the abandonment, to stand. Such permission to be granted by the Regulatory Committee.
Where such an agreement is not reached then:-
All such matches may be played at the original venue or at a venue determined by the Home Club. Any National League fixture which has been abandoned must be rearranged by the Clubs and the date of the rearrangement notified to the Union’s Operations Administrator within 21 days of the original date. If details of the rearrangement are not supplied by the due date then the Union will determine the date on which the rearranged fixture will be played. Where practicable, the Clubs will be given 7 days’ notice of the rearranged date. Both Clubs must notify the Union’s Operations Administrator, in writing, of the new fixture date at least 4 working days prior to the match being played.
i. Protests and Disputes
Protests or disputes arising out of the National League Competition or the rules relating thereto must be made in writing to the Group Chief Executive of the Union and accompanied by a fee of £100.00 which may or may not be refunded. No protest or dispute relating to matches played in the Competition will be entertained if made more than 10 days after the match in question has taken place. The Regulatory Committee shall have discretion to investigate any breach of rules at any time and to take such action as it shall deem appropriate.
Any Club dissatisfied with a decision of the Regulatory Committee shall have the right to appeal to a Sub Committee appointed by the Board of Directors provided that the Club’s appeal is lodged in writing, with the Group Chief Executive of the Union within 14 days of the Regulatory Committee’s decision being notified, accompanied by a fee of £100 which may or may not be returned. If the decision is given orally, the period of 14 days shall run from the date of the oral decision but otherwise from the date of receipt in writing by the Hon Secretary of the Club,
j. Penalties
Before taking action under (a) or (b) above the Club will be offered the benefits of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Union.
c. An official representative of both home and visiting teams will hand to the match official a team and replacement sheet prior to the kick off. Only those players named on this list will be eligible to play in the match. An official representative of each Club has the right to examine their opponent’s team list before the match. A Club wishing to make an objection will bring it to the notice of the match official who will record the same. The Club raising the objection will bring it to the notice of the Union within 10 days of the match taking place, accompanied by a deposit of £100.00 which may, or may not be returned. The match official will also bring the matter to the notice of the Union in writing.
k. Match Officials
Shall be appointed by the Union’s National Referee Manager for all matches. Match Officials shall be appointed on a national basis and without geographical qualification.
l. Kick Off
The time of the kick off shall be in accordance with the Union Resolution 15, however, it is recommended that it is standardised at 2.30pm for Saturday matches for Divisions 1 to 6 while Premier Division matches will kick off at times by agreement between the Clubs the Union and the Broadcasting Authorities.
m. Adjudication
The Regulatory Committee shall have discretion in dealing with any protest or dispute relating to the National League, whether or not provided for in this scheme or rules.
10. Play Off Matches in Divisions 3 and 5
Play off matches in these Divisions will be played at neutral venues and on dates to be determined by the Union. A draw will take place in advance of any play off match to designate the ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ Club in that match for choice of dressing rooms.
The Union will appoint a referee and two assistant referees to the play off matches
(a) In the event of an equal number of points being scored by each Club at the end of the match, Winners will be declared in the following priority:-
(i) The Club which has scored the greater number of tries
(ii) the Club which has scored the greater number of goals (converted tries)
(iii) If after (i) and (ii) have been applied no clear winner has emerged extra time of 20 minutes (10 minutes each way) will be played and the winning Club declared in accordance with (a) (i) and (ii)
(iv) If the result is still a tie then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin.
(b) If a Club elects to take uncontested scrummages the matter will be dealt with by the Regulatory Committee by way of an inquiry.
Annexure 1 to the National League Rules 2009/2010
CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO
PREMIER DIVISION WITH EFFECT FROM 31st July 2009
1. At the end of season 2009/2010:-
1.1 promotion and relegation at the end of season 2009/2010 shall be determined in accordance with paragraph 1.2 below;
1.2. the Club which is in last place in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1 for season 2010/2011 if the winner of the Play Off between the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West at the end of season 2009/2010 shall have satisfied the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010;
1.2.1 if only one of the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West shall have satisfied the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010, the Club which is in last place in the Premier Division will be relegated and only that Division 1 Champion Club which meets the Premier Division Criteria will be promoted to the Premier Division;
1.3 any Club(s) in the Premier Division which fail to meet the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010 will drop to the bottom of the table for the final league placings for season 2009/2010 in the order of their playing records if more than one;
1.4 any Club(s) in the Premier Division which fail to meet the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010 will be relegated to Division 1 even if no First Division Club is promoted;
1.5 If the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West shall both have satisfied the Premier Division Criteria then the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West will play off to determine which Club may be promoted to the Premier Division. If the Club which wins the play off match between the Champion Clubs in Divisions 1 East and 1 West satisfies the entry criteria to the Premier Division then that Club shall be promoted to the Premier Division from season 2010/2011 and the lowest placed Premier Division Club shall be relegated to Division 1;
1.6 if only 1 of the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West satisfy the Premier Division Criteria, that Club shall be promoted to the Premier Division from season 2010/2011 and the Premier Division Club shall be relegated to Division1;
1.7 There will be no play off between the Champion Clubs in Division 1 if only 1 (or neither) of the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West satisfy the Premier Division Criteria;
1.8 if both the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West fail to satisfy the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010, there will be no promotion from Division 1 but there will be relegation from the Premier Division to Division 1, if one or more Clubs in the Premier Division at the end of season 2009/2010 have failed to meet the Premier Division Criteria by 31st January 2010 (or at any time thereafter). Further, and for the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances will any Club below the Champion Clubs in Division 1 East and 1 West qualify for promotion to the Premier Division.
2.1 Any Clubs in the Premier Division that failed to meet the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division as at 31st January 2009 or at any time thereafter will not receive any:-
(a) funding from WRU; nor
(b) Ticket Allocation for international rugby matches
until the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division shall have been satisfied and if and when satisfied, in the case of (a) will only receive such funding on a pro rata basis and in the case of (b), if the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division is satisfied after 30th August 2009 but before 31st December 2009 for season 2009/2010 or after 30th August 2010 but before 31st December 2010 for season 2010/2011, the relevant Club shall be entitled to its normal allocation for RBS Six Nations matches.
2.2 For the avoidance of doubt:-
2.2.1 all four sections of the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division must be satisfied and the number of points which must be obtained under section four (Minimum Ground Facilities) shall be 70 for those clubs who do not wish to be considered for qualification to the British and Irish Cup in season 2010/2011. For those clubs wishing to attain British and Irish Cup standards the Ground Facilities criteria must be attained in all areas and will not be points based;
2.2.2 Works which have not been completed by 31st January 2010 for any reason whatsoever shall be disregarded in determining whether or not the Premier Division Criteria shall have been satisfied.
3. Any Club in the First Division which wishes to qualify for promotion from the First Division to the Premier Division at the end of season 2009/2010 for season 2010/2011 must:
3.1 submit an application accompanied by a self assessment form supported by a Statement of Truth by 28thAugust 2009; and
3.2 satisfy all aspects of the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division no later than 31st January 2010 (in respect of which time is of the essence). In respect of Section Four of the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division the number of points which must be obtained by 31st January 2010 shall be 70; and
3.3 provide any information and/or documentation in relation to all four sections of the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division no later than 31st January 2010:
3.4 submit a Statement of Truth in respect of and with any information upon which they intend the WRU to rely.
4.1 The WRU will publish a list of all applications which it receives under paragraph 3.1 above, by 4th September 2009.
4.2 All inspections of facilities will be completed by 31st January 2010. No re-inspections will be undertaken after 31st January 2010.
4.3 Existing Premier Division clubs will be re-audited between 1 September 2009 and 31st January 2010.
4.4 The results of the audits will be sent to the individual Clubs by 5th February 2010 and a list of those clubs who have passed the criteria will be published to all member clubs of the WRU by 12th February 2010. However, should there be a requirement to convene a meeting of the Appeals Panel, the notification date of the 12th February 2010 may be extended:
5. “Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division” shall mean the document which is printed at pages [ ] to [ ] of the 2009-2010 Handbook of the Welsh Rugby Union Limited, a copy of which is attached as Appendix “A”.
6. A “Statement of Truth” shall mean a statement in the form set out in Appendix B.
7. There shall be no further amendments to the League Rules in relation to Divisions below the First Division.
8. This document and the Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division shall form the basis of a formal Participation Agreement to be entered into by all Clubs in the Premier Division.
APPENDIX A
Entry/Participation Criteria to the Premier Division
Welsh Rugby Union Limited
Criteria for Entry to the WRU Premiership
The Premiership Division is fundamental to the sustainability and development of the game in Wales and forms a key platform in the performance and development pathway. The Division has played a proactive role in ensuring that the gap between the amateur and professional game has been bridged to the highest possible standard, allowing players and spectators the opportunity to consistently enjoy quality rugby.
The past few years has seen a key focus on the standard of facilities in all Premiership Clubs. As a result of the vast improvement reached by those clubs within the Premier Division and a consistent number of clubs who aspire to be promoted from the 1st Division, together we have been able to move forward, securing the opportunity for six Premiership clubs to represent the Division and Wales, in the British and Irish Cup from 2009.
Moving forward, a greater emphasis will be put on the performance and development pathway. Together the WRU and the Premier Division will drive the performance and development pathway, with each decision being considered to be player centred, development driven and competition supported, which will ensure the improvement of all Club Rugby Personnel, including coaches, players and referees.
The WRU is preparing an Operating Manual for Premiership Clubs which will provide clear guidelines to attain and maintain semi professional status. It will highlight the standards and detailed criteria expected of a semi professional club in order to continue the positive development of the grass roots community game and elite professional rugby.
There are four main areas of criteria:
1. Finance and Administration
• A management committee with written evidence of clearly defined individual roles and responsibilities.
• Written delegated authority in relation to individuals who attend Premier Division meetings and are required to vote in relation to matters pertaining to the Premier Division.
• A management flow chart for the whole club structure.
• A club constitution.
• An annual operating budget, agreed prior to the commencement of the Season and ring fenced for the sole operation of the Premier Division club.
• A business plan, including cash flow forecasts, for a five year period on confirmation from the WRU of its projected funding level for those five years.
• A capital expenditure plan for a corresponding period of 5 years, Clubs must provide a clear audit trail for such disbursements.
• An agreed repayment plan for all outstanding loans.
• A schedule of current assets and liabilities in line with the Club’s audited accounts.
• A sample standard contract and accompanying schedule of all employee contracts including terms and remuneration.
• Compulsory audit of Club accounts accompanied by a signed copy of the previous years audited accounts.
• Adherence to WRU commercial contracts that have specific regard for clubs within the Premier Division.
• Sufficient insurance cover, including club (Public Liability), player and coaching risks in accordance with IRB Regulations where appropriate.
• In line with WRU policy, clubs are to appoint a Child Protection Officer.
2. Regulatory Compliance
• Compliance with WRU and IRB rules and regulations
• Compliance with the RFU British & Irish Cup regulations
• Specific compliance with the WRU player permitting & release regulations.
3. Performance and Development
• Written evidence of the club’s commitment and adherence to the Rugby Performance and Development pathway for both players and coaches, always having regard to the national and regional player development structures and programmes
• A management structure for the all rugby management teams at all age levels, up to and including the 1st XV. This is to incorporate written evidence of reporting lines and clear role descriptions and key performance indicators (KPIs) where appropriate. A 1st XV rugby management team comprising the following roles:-
Director of Rugby
Team Manager
Two Level 3 coaches or above
Conditioning Coach(es)
Physiotherapist(s)
Baggage Man
Doctor(s)
Analyst(s)
• A Rugby Performance & Development Manual setting out club policies and procedures governing all aspects of the work undertaken by the rugby management teams. This will include established relationships within the clubs geographical area and their commitment to the development pathway of players and coaches. The Rugby Performance & Development Manual is to include the policies and procedures in operation within the club in relation to a number of protocols. These will include areas such as analysis, medical and injury prevention, conditioning & nutrition.
• Individual player development plans for players who have been identified as a player with potential to be permitted into the Regional Team.
• Maintained levels of training equipment, in particular scrummage machines and contact equipment.
• A maximum of 2 non-Welsh qualified players
• Attendance of all relevant personnel at WRU led professional development courses, to include Child Protection and coaching seminars.
4. Minimum Ground Facilities
From 2009/2010 there will be two levels of facilities criteria within the Premier Division. The minimum standard of facilities required to gain entry and participate in the Premier Division which will remain points based, and an enhanced standard of facilities for those clubs who intend to compete with the intention of qualifying for the British and Irish Cup competition in Season 2010/2011.
• Security of Tenure
The club should own its own ground, or provide written proof of security of tenure for a rolling period of 5 years from August 2009 or from their date of entry into the WRU Premiership, whichever is later.
• Spectator Facilities
The production of a safety management plan covering areas such as crowd safety, emergency contingency plans and stewarding plans will need to be compiled by each club. Alternatively, a ground safety certificate will need to be produced for those venues in excess of a 10,000 capacity. A ground capacity of a minimum of which meets all the relevant health and safety regulations:
a) All spectator facilities are to be permanently enclosed.
b) A Grandstand will be required with a capacity of 501, which can be provided in a maximum of two areas.
c) Off Road Car Parking minimum 200 vehicles plus Team buses.
d) Disabled Facilities to include viewing areas, car parking and toilet facilities the ratio of which will be in line with the capacity of the venue.
e) The production of team sheets and a high quality match day programmes with appropriate content including correct and relevant team news for both sides.
f) Dedicated Team Dining area and guaranteed clubhouse facilities.
g) Catering facilities both inside and outside the venue.
• Playing Facilities
An even, full size playing surface, which will be graded by an independent assessor.Separate changing facilities for home and away teams situated at the playing venue
• Training Facilities
Guaranteed access to a separate training pitch with changing/showering and toilet facilities.
Guaranteed access to gym facilities.
Appropriate medical and physiotherapist cover at all times.
• Match Officials
Separate changing and showering facilities for match officials situated at the playing venue.
Separate car parking spaces in a secure, designated area within the boundaries of the ground or immediately adjacent to it. Separate private area at the ground for use by referees, advisors and assessors.
Club official assigned to the match officials from arrival to departure responsible for their security, hospitality and integration into post-match celebrations throughout their visit.
• Medical Facilities
Qualified medical doctor/paramedic for the duration of the game and at least one qualified physiotherapist available at all times during home matches for the assessment and treatment of injury to players of both sides.
Separate medical, physiotherapy and drug testing rooms, suitably equipped and staffed by qualified personnel.
Ambulance access to the area immediately adjacent to the playing field.
• Lighting, Media, Press & PA
Floodlighting is to be provided to a minimum lux capacity of 300. For those clubs who intend to assessed in line with the British & Irish Cup standard, the ability to increase their lux capacity to 500 must be available and in place.
Additional facilities are to include, but not limited to:
h) Television gantry for accommodating television cameras and analysis personnel,
i) Adequate power points, radio points and ISDN lines or equivalent for use by press, TV and radio,
j) Access to relevant areas to undertake pre and post match TV, radio and press interviews,
k) Clear, audible and competent PA system to all parts of the ground for spectator safety and enjoyment.
• Electronic Communication
The ability to comply with the electronic transfer of information between clubs, themselves and the WRU.
This will include, but not be limited to:
l) Email
m) Fax
n) Telephone/Answer phone
o) Match day hotline, with details of cancellations, team changes, etc.
p) Club website updated regularly which includes directions to the ground and relevant news and information about the club.
APPENDIX B
STATEMENT OF TRUTH & DECLARATION OF INTENT
(Deadline for submission to WRU – 28th August 2009)
By this document, which we have executed as a Deed, we [_________________] on behalf of
[_________________] in our capacity as [_________________] hereby confirm, warrant, represent and undertake that:
1. all of the information which has been provided to the Welsh Rugby Union Ltd prior to the date hereof on behalf of [_________________] in connection with the audit in respect of the Entry Criteria for the Premier Division of the Welsh Rugby Union Ltd for season 2008/2009 is true and accurate in all respects; and or
2. all of the information which will hereafter be provided to the Welsh Rugby Union Ltd on behalf of [_________________] in connection with the audit in respect of the Entry Criteria for the Premier Division of the Welsh Rugby Union Ltd for season 2009/2010 and all subsequent seasons will be true and accurate in all respects.
In addition, we [_________________] on behalf of [_________________] in our capacity as [_________________] hereby declare that it is the club’s intention to be considered for participation in the British & Irish Cup for Season 2010/2011 and in doing so, wish to be assessed under Section 4, Ground Facilities Criteria, at the enhanced standard which is to be met in all areas. (only applicable to clubs who intend to be considered for the British & Irish Cup Season 2010/2011)
Executed as a Deed this [___] day of [_________________] 2009
Executed as a Deed
by [_________________]
whose signature is here subscribed
in the presence of:
…………………………………….
Witness
Executed as a Deed
by [_________________]
whose signature is here subscribed
in the presence of:
…………………………………….
Witness
Executed as a Deed
by [_________________]
whose signature is here subscribed
in the presence of:
…………………………………….
Witness
PLAY OFF SYSTEM
Annexure 2
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Round 1 |
Round 2 |
Round 3 |
Final |
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Qualifying Play Off 1 1 V 4
Qualifying Play Off 2 2 V 3
Elimination Play Off 1 5 V 8
Elimination Play Off 2 6 v 7
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Preliminary Semi Final 1 QPO 1 Loser V EPO 1 Winner
Preliminary Semi Final 2 QPO 2 Loser V EPO 2 Winner |
Qualifying Semi Final 1 QPO 1 Winner V PSF 1 Winner
Qualifying Semi Final 2 QPO 2 Winner V PSF 2 Winner |
Grand Final QSF1 Winner V QSF2 Winner
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