Wellington Rugby Football Union (Inc.) - BY-LAWS Effective February 2017
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Wellington Rugby Football
Union (Inc.)
BY-LAWS
Effective February 2017
Updated March 2018
Updated February 2019
Updated March 2019
SECTION A – PRELIMINARY .............................................................................................................................. 3 1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF BY-LAWS ........................................................................................... 3 2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION...................................................................................................... 7 SECTION B – WRFU CLUB COMPETITION .......................................................................................................... 9 3. RULES, GRADES AND ENTRY .................................................................................................................. 9 4. CONDUCT OF MATCHES ....................................................................................................................... 10 5. DEFAULTS ............................................................................................................................................ 15 6. STANDINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 16 7. TROPHIES ............................................................................................................................................ 19 SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................. 20 8. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................................................. 20 9. AMATEUR STATUS ............................................................................................................................... 26 10. OTHER DISQUALIFIED PERSONS ........................................................................................................... 27 SECTION D – BREACHES, PENALTIES, DISPUTES AND APPEALS ....................................................................... 28 11. PROVISIONS RELATING TO BREACHES OF THESE BY-LAWS .................................................................. 28 12. COMPLAINTS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN CLUBS ...................................................................................... 30 13. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 30 14. APPEALS .............................................................................................................................................. 33 SECTION E – OTHER........................................................................................................................................ 34 15. MEMBERS GENERAL MEETINGS AND INFORMATION .......................................................................... 34 16. MATCHES WHICH ARE NOT WRFU CC MATCHES .................................................................................. 34 SCHEDULE 1 – WRFU FORMS ......................................................................................................................... 36 SCHEDULE 2 - TIME PERIODS .......................................................................................................................... 47 SCHEDULE 3 – WRFU TROPHIES ..................................................................................................................... 49 SCHEDULE 4 - PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF BY-LAWS................................................................................... 52
SECTION A – PRELIMINARY
1. Background and Purpose of By-Laws
Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU)
1.1 WRFU is an incorporated society established to foster, encourage and control the game of rugby
within the Wellington Rugby Province. The members of WRFU are its member Clubs, Wellington
Rugby Referees Association (WRRA), Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby Union (WSSRU) and Junior
Rugby Advisory Board (JRAB).
Where does WRFU fit in the Rugby Hierarchy?
1.2 WRFU is part of the rugby hierarchy which includes the following levels: World Rugby (WR), national
unions (New Zealand Rugby Union (NZR)), provincial unions, Clubs and individual participants. WRFU
is a member of the NZRU which in turn is a member of WR.
1.3 To ensure overall consistency, each level of the rugby hierarchy is required to follow the rules
required by the body which is immediately above it. Rugby participants in Wellington must therefore
follow the rules of their Club, Schools Union or Referees association. The WRFU then requires those
bodies and their members to follow its rules and so on.
Who has Responsibility for Club, School and Junior Rugby?
1.4 WRFU is governed by a Board of Directors which has overall responsibility for development and
management of rugby in Wellington. WRFU also has a Rugby Board (in effect a council of delegates of
WRFU members and some others) to which the Board of Directors have delegated all matters
relating:
a. to the playing and development of Club, school and junior rugby; and
b. all representative rugby below representative B level.
1.5 In turn, the Rugby Board has delegated to:
a. WSSRU: responsibility for the secondary school’s competition and all other matters relating to it
except for disciplinary procedures which are dealt with by the WRFU Disciplinary Committee (see
By-Law 13);
b. The JRAB Sub-Committee: responsibility for all aspects of junior rugby competitions, including
club, primary school, primary school zone representative rugby and all other matters relating to it
except for an appeal on a disciplinary matter (see By-law 14);
c. WRRA: responsibility for club, school and junior rugby Refereeing.
The bodies recorded above have adopted their own rules relating to their areas of responsibility.
Page 3
What are By-Laws?
1.6 These By-Laws are the specific rules developed by the Rugby Board (and approved by the Board of
Directors) to deal with operational and day to day matters primarily relating to Clubs and Club rugby,
but also dealing with aspects of representative, school, junior and other rugby.
What about Representative Rugby?
1.7 These By-Laws apply to all representative matches held within the WRFU boundaries where NZRU
does not have jurisdiction (e.g. NZRU has jurisdiction for Provincial Senior "A" Rugby) but:
a. Each By-Law only applies to the extent that it is relevant (as determined by WRFU at any
time); and
b. if a By-Law is relevant then it is deemed to be read with appropriate changes so that the
specific By-Law is appropriately applied to a representative rugby situation; and
c. WR’s "The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union" apply except as otherwise required by the
NZRU Domestic Safety Laws.
Who do these By-Laws apply to?
These By-Laws apply to all WRFU Members and to their respective members and anyone who
participates in competitions, teams or activities organised, recognised or sanctioned by WRFU.
Where do I look to obtain information about rugby By-Laws and processes?
1.8 WRFU:
a. Constitution
b. By-Laws (including competition rules, WRFU time periods, WRFU forms)
c. Participation Agreement (an annual agreement between Clubs and WRFU)
d. Club Rugby Sub Committee Policies and Procedures
e. WRFU website www.wrfu.co.nz and also individual Club websites.
f. WRRA Rules and website www.wrra.org.nz.
g. WSSRU Handbook – website www.collegesport.org.nz
h. WRFU Code of Conduct – http://www.wrfu.co.nz/fileadmin/Senior_Rugby/WRFU-code-of-
conduct.pdf
i. JRAB Convenors Manual
j. WRFU Junior Rugby By-Laws
Page 4
1.9 New Zealand Rugby:
a. NZR Domestic Competitions Manual
b. NZR Domestic Safety Laws
c. Small Blacks Development Model Laws
• NZR Black Book (Rules for Disciplinary Procedures) – www.wrfu.co.nz/senior/forms-
documents/disciplinary/
• Website – www.nzru.co.nz
1.10 World Rugby:
a. The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union
Regulations - www.worldrugby.org/documents/handbook
b. Website – www.worldrugby.com
Purpose of By-Laws: Practical Rules, Forms and Time Periods
1.11 The overall intent of these By-Laws is to provide practical rules, forms and time periods to facilitate
the effective rugby operations of WRFU with and among its Members and all participants to foster
safe, fair and enjoyable rugby experiences for all participants. To support this overall intent Members
and all participants are required to adhere to the By-Laws with the spirit of the game in mind.
Members and all participants are expected to display honesty and integrity at all times in promoting
the true values of the amateur game.
1.12 To enable the rules, forms and time periods to operate efficiently, it is necessary for WRFU, Clubs,
schools, and other persons involved in the game in Wellington to be familiar with the By-Laws
including what the By-Laws require of them and how, to whom and at what times they are required
to communicate with each other.
Who has a role in these By-Laws?
1.13 The bodies or persons that have a role in the operation of the By-Laws primarily includes but is not
limited to:
a. Board of Directors –approves any changes to By-Laws – meets regularly.
b. Rugby Board – responsible for Club, School and Junior Rugby - meets regularly.
c. Club Rugby Subcommittee of Rugby Board (CRSC) – meets regularly and as required to deal with
all Senior Club rugby issues on behalf of the Rugby Board.
Page 5
d. Premier Status Eligibility Committee (PSEC) – consists of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
of the Rugby Board, the Chairperson of the CRSC, and the Community Rugby Manager.
e. WRFU Executive –operates through various WRFU staff and volunteers under the control of the
Chief Executive including:
• WRFU Club Rugby Administrator (CRA) - the primary contact for Senior Club Rugby whose
role includes, in conjunction with CRSC to formulate match draws and venues, to liaise with
WRRA for Referees appointments, to assist the CRSC and to co-ordinate the operation of
judicial and disciplinary matters;
• WRFU Junior & Representative Rugby Administrator - the primary contact for the
administration of WRFU Junior rugby and all WRFU amateur representative rugby;
• WRFU Community Rugby Manager (CRM) – the Manager of WRFU Club, School, and Amateur
Representative rugby;
• WRFU Club Development Officer – the person responsible for Club governance, and Club
development;
f. Club Officials – Club Captain, Secretary, Chairman and Delegate.
g. WRRA Executive – Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Delegate.
h. JRAB – Chairperson, 3 elected club members, 4 appointed members including schools
representative and WRFU JRA.
i. WSSRU – Chairman, Secretary.
j. WRFU Disciplinary Committee - Chairperson.
k. WRFU Appeal Committee – Chairperson.
How do these persons communicate with each other in respect of these By-Laws?
1.14 All persons who have a role in these By-laws are urged (in addition to complying with any specific By-
Law process) to meet with, or to use the telephone in dealing with, other persons as those are often
the most immediate and personable ways of commencing and progressing the various requirements
of the By-laws.
Where any WRFU form, notice or other written information is required by the By-Laws, then it must
be communicated to the WRFU CRA, or as otherwise required by these By-Laws.
1.15 Where the WRFU, WRFU executive, Rugby Board, Board of Directors or any of their respective
subcommittees or personnel is required by these By-Laws to communicate any information, then it
shall be by such communication methods as determined by WRFU.
Page 6
1.16 Where a Club or other Member is required by these By-Laws to communicate any WRFU form, notice
or other written information to another Club or to the WRFU or to any other party, then it shall be
undertaken by such communication methods as required by these By-Laws and in the absence of such
requirement, then as may be required by the WRFU.
Who Acts on Behalf of WRFU?
1.17 The WRFU may act in respect of these By-Laws through the WRFU executive and/or through the Board
of Directors and/or the Rugby Board and their respective subcommittees as it so determines. A
requirement of any of them is binding on Members (subject to any applicable appeal process).
2. Definitions and Interpretation
2.1 “Club” means any rugby club that is a Member of the WRFU.
2.2 "Disciplinary Committee" means the Disciplinary Committee of WRFU.
2.3 Junior Club Rugby means all rugby played at the Under 13 level and below.
2.4 “Match” includes all WRFU CC Matches, and all non-WRFU CC Matches which occur within WRFU
boundaries and which involve a Club or a WRFU representative team.
2.5 "Member" means a member of WRFU.
2.6 “Overseas Player” see By-Law 8
2.7 “Premier Status Club” means a Club that has been granted Premier Status by the PSEC for that WRFU
season.
2.8 "Referee" includes a substitute Referee.
2.9 “Senior Club Rugby” means all rugby played at the Under 19 level and above.
2.10 "WR", "NZRU", “WRFU”, "WSSRU", "JRAB", "WRRA", "CRSC", “CRA”, “CRM”, "CDO" and “PSEC” are
abbreviations for the full name of each such body or person set out in By-Law 1.
2.11 “WRFU CC Match” means a match which is part of a WRFU Club Competition.
2.12 "WRFU Season" means the period commencing on 1 October of each year and expiring on 30
September of the following year.
2.13 Additional abbreviations or definitions also appear in these By-Laws including:
a. WRFU CC which means WRFU Club Competition (By-Law 3.1).
b. Financial Reward (By-Law 9).
c. Levels (By-Law 8.11)
Page 7
d. Grade Hierarchy (By-Law 8.11).
2.14 Unless a contrary intention is recorded, all words and expressions used in these By-Laws have the
same meanings given to them (if any) in the WRFU Constitution.
2.15 Any difference of opinion as to the meaning of these By-Laws shall be decided by the Rugby Board
which shall notify all Clubs (and others as deemed appropriate by the Rugby Board) of the decision.
The decision shall be recorded in the Minutes of a Rugby Board meeting and (subject to the right of
appeal) shall be the true meaning unless otherwise determined by the Rugby Board.
2.16 Where examples are given or where the words “including” are used, this is to assist interpretation,
and the examples and/or circumstances are not limited to the examples and/or circumstances
recorded.
Page 8
SECTION B – WRFU CLUB COMPETITION
3. Rules, Grades and Entry
3.1 WRFU organises, controls and is responsible for all aspects of WRFU Club Competition (WRFU CC) and
any other WRFU tournaments, competitions or matches for which it takes responsibility. Its role
includes but is not limited to:
a. Establishing and applying the Rules (including those for disputes, penalties and disciplinary
procedures);
b. Providing administration and other resources as it determines;
c. Deciding eligibility to participate;
d. Keeping Members and others informed.
3.2 Matches in all Grades are played under WR’s "The Laws of The Game of Rugby Union" as varied by the
NZRU Domestic Safety Laws and with the following additional changes:
a. Scrums are always non-competitive in the Presidents Grade;
b. Scrums may be uncontested in Colts B (Division Two), should a team not have the required
front row players
c. The number and qualification of players and replacements is set out in By-Law 4.4.
3.3 By 28 February each year, clubs should return a signed copy of the Club Rugby Participation
Agreement along with any required material.
3.4 A Club cannot have more than one team in the Premier Grade (Swindale Shield, Jubilee Cup, Hardham
Cup) or Premier Reserve Grade (Harper Lock Shield, Ed Chaney Cup), unless so determined by the
Rugby Board.
3.5 WRFU may divide any grade and/or any division into sections and may (subject to By-Law 3.4)
determine the composition of the number of teams within any grade, division and section.
3.6 A Club may participate in the WRFU CC in accordance with these By-Laws, and must ensure that its
members are aware of and comply with these By-Laws.
3.7 Each year a Club must forward to the WRFU a WRFU Grade Entry Form (WRFU Form 1) covering the
grades in which it seeks to enter teams and this must be done at least 7 days before the start of the
WRFU Season. The CRSC has full discretion as to whether it will accept late entries, and will work with
Clubs in order to maximise the teams involved in WRFU CC.
Page 9
Club Playing Colours
3.8 The playing colours of each Club must be registered with WRFU and any changes to these must
be approved by the Rugby Board before use. New Clubs must have their proposed playing
colours approved by the Rugby Board.
Team Names (Sponsorship)
3.9 A Club may, with the prior approval of the WRFU Executive, include the name of one sponsor in the
title used for one or more of that Club’s teams. A sponsor’s name must follow the name of the
Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club may have different sponsors for different teams within the
Club.
Other Matches
3.10 For sevens and ten-a-aside Matches, and additional information about Matches that are not WRFU
CC Matches, see By-Law 16.
Eligibility for Premier Status
3.11 To be eligible to play in Premier or Premier Reserve grade, Clubs must meet the criteria as set out
by the Club Participation Agreement as determined by the PSEC. Clubs must meet the criteria for
the entire WRFU season. This will be provisionally assessed by the PSEC.
3.12 If the PSEC provisionally assesses that a Club does not meet the criteria it must notify the Club of
that assessment. If within 7 days of being notified of that provisional assessment, the Club notifies
WRFU in writing that it disputes the provisional assessment, the PSEC will conduct a hearing to hear
the Club on this matter. The Club in question will be invited to attend and make submissions and the
PSEC may involve other persons or Clubs as it sees fit. The PSEC will then determine the eligibility of
Clubs for Premier Status. The final decision can be appealed as if it were a decision of the Rugby
Board, see By- Laws 14.3(c) and 14.4.
3.13 If the PSEC provisionally assesses that a Club has failed or may have failed to adhere to the Premier
Status Eligibility Criteria, the PSEC will notify the Club and conduct a hearing to determine the
matter and any penalty in accordance with By-Law 11.5. The Club in question will be invited to
attend and make submissions, and the PSEC may involve other persons or Clubs as it sees fit.
3.14 The PSEC shall determine its own rules and processes.
Page 104. Conduct of Matches
4.1 WRFU sets and must issue the draw for WRFU CC Matches.
Referees
4.2 The WRRA appoints Referees under the jurisdiction of the WRFU. The WRRA shall notify Clubs of such
Referee appointments.
Where the Referee does not report to fulfil his or her appointment, or there has been no
appointment of a Referee for that Match, the respective team captains must endeavour to agree
upon a substitute Referee who must have completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course.
If the respective team captains fail to agree, the home team appoints a Referee who must have
completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the appointed Referee arrives, he or she
shall replace the substitute Referee.
If the Referee is unable to complete the Match the Referee’s replacement is appointed according to
the instructions of the CRA. If the CRA has given no instructions, the Referee appoints a replacement
who must have completed an Associate Referee and Rugby Smart course. If the Referee cannot do
so, the home team appoints a replacement who must have completed an Associate Referee and
Rugby Smart course.
If no qualified Referee is available, then By-Law 4.3 applies. All relevant information relating to any
situation covered by By-Law 4.2 must be notified to the WRFU Club Rugby Administrator within 48
hours.
In accordance with NZR National Rugby Policy 2 (RugbySmart Safety Course for Referees and Coaches)
a referee who has not completed the RugbySmart course in a calendar year must not be appointed to
any WRFU CC Match in that same year.
Match Not Played
4.3 If a WRFU CC Match is not played because there was no Referee or for any other reason (other than a
default for the consequences of which see By-Law 5) or to the extent provided by By-Law 4.11, both
teams may be given the option to play that match at an agreed date and time, with home ground
advantage being as per the original draw where possible, but the WRFU will have final say on the
venue. If the teams are given the option to play, that match must be played before the end of the
round or the commencement of semi-finals or finals. Should the teams not be given the option to
play, or be unable to agree on a date and time for that match, then both teams will be allocated three
WRFU CC points for that match and no other points are awarded to either team.
Number and Qualification of Players and Replacements
4.4 The number and qualification of players and replacements for a Match is as set out in WR’s "The
Page 11Laws of the Game of Rugby Union" except as varied by the NZR Domestic Safety Laws and/or by the
following WRFU requirements:
a. The minimum numbers of players and front row players to start a Match is as follows:
Minimum Players The Number of Players Named in the Team Determines
Grade
To Start the Match The Required Number of Front Row Players
18,19,20,21, or 22
Premier 18
FIVE
Premier Reserve
Women’s 15-20 21 22
15
THREE FOUR FIVE
Colts
First Grade
Under 85kg
12-20 21 22
Reserve 12
THREE FOUR FIVE
Presidents 12 No Front Row Requirements as Scrums Are Uncontested
b. If either team contesting a Match that is not a WRFU CC Match does not have the minimum
required numbers to start the Match, the Match may be played with less than the minimum,
provided both teams and the appointed Referee agree to do so.
c. If either team contesting a Match that is not a WRFU CC Match does not have the required
number front row players, the Match may be played with uncontested scrums provided both
teams and the appointed Referee agree to do so. At no stage should the Match revert to
contested scrums.
d. Subject to 4.4(c) and 4.4(d) a failure to comply with By-Law 4.4 means the Match cannot
start and By-Law 4.5 applies.
Page 12Commencement Times
4.5 A WRFU CC Match must commence at the start time allocated by WRFU for that match.
A WRFU CC Match may not proceed where one or both teams do not meet the requirements as set
out in By-Law 4.4.
If play has not commenced within twenty minutes of the allocated start time because one or more
teams is in breach of By-Law 4.4 the Referee must declare the team(s) which is unable or unwilling to
proceed to have lost by default. After this time, a friendly Match (i.e. not a WRFU CC Match) may
proceed if both teams and the appointed referee agree.
4.6 All teams must play in the playing colours as approved by Rugby Board for that Club. Approval may
also be given by WRFU for a Club team (e.g. a Presidents Grade team) to play in a variation of the Club
playing colours but only on application by that Club. The Referee may order from the field of play any
player not conforming with this By-Law unless a player or team has a dispensation from WRFU, in
which case the WRFU when issuing the dispensation must send a copy to the WRRA.
Provision of Ball
4.7 In every WRFU CC Match each of the teams must provide a ball. WRFU may regulate the type and/or
brand of ball.
WRFU Electronic Team Sheet
4.8 Before the commencement of every WRFU CC Match (except President’s grade) the Manager (or
their nominee) of each team must allocate their match day players to a position within the NZR
MyRugby mobile app. If a team does not comply, the offending team defaults the match and shall be
allocated no WRFU CC points while the non-offending team is awarded 5 WRFU CC points. Subject to
By-Law 5.2, no points for or against are allocated. If both teams fail to comply, each team shall record
a loss and shall be allocated no WRFU CC points.
4.9 Team Managers (or their nominee) are required to use the MyRugby app to record points scored, the
scorers of points, injuries, and any cards issued by the referee throughout the match. It is the
responsibility of the Manager (or their appointed nominee) to ensure that the score and details of
the game are recorded accurately. Penalties apply for failure to comply with this by-law as set out in
Schedule 4 (except for President’s grade).
Page 13WRFU Result Submissions
4.10 Clubs must submit to the WRFU all WRFU CC Match results (and for Premier Grade matches the
names of all points scorers) for all grades within 30 minutes of the completion of the match. Penalties
apply as set out in Schedule 4.
(a) If the result submitted contains an error or omission the Club which has submitted the
incorrect WRFU CC Match result/s has until 5pm on the following Friday to rectify the error or
omission by notifying the WRFU in writing of the error or omission and submitting an amended
Match result. Failure to comply with this time restriction will mean that a Club's error or
omission might or might not be rectified. If the WRFU makes an error or omission in recording
a Match, the WRFU will rectify the error or omission to the extent that it can practically do so
bearing in mind all the circumstances at the time that the WRFU becomes aware of it's error
or omission.
Abandonment of Games
4.11 In consultation with the CRA (if reasonably practicable to do so), the Referee may abandon a Match if
the Referee decides the ground or weather conditions are unfit for play or for any other safety reason
(including as a consequence of a serious injury being sustained). If the abandonment for such reason
occurs before commencement of the second half, then it will be covered by By-Law 4.3. If it occurs
after that time, the score at such time is the final score of the Match. For a Match called off for bad
conduct see By-law 13.7.
WRFU Safety Regulations
4.12 Members must comply with the WRFU Club Rugby Sub-Committee Policies and Procedures and in the
case of a serious injury in any Match must complete and forward to the WRFU a NZR Serious Injury
Form (WRFU Form 6). A serious injury is categorized as:
a. Any concussion or suspected concussion
b. Hospitalisation
c. An injury that is likely to keep a participant out of the game for six or more weeks
Mandatory Coaching Accreditation
4.13 In accordance with NZR National Rugby Policy 2 (RugbySmart Safety Course for Referees and Coaches)
all coaches and referees of U14 level rugby and above, including assistant coaches, position specific
coaches and technical assistants must attend a RugbySmart coaching course prior to the
commencement of their team’s first competition Matches in that year.
Failure to attend the course will see the person stood down from all coaching activity until they have
completed the course.
Page 14The coach’s team will also be withdrawn from WRFU CC or school or representative competition if any
of its coaches fail to attend RugbySmart prior to the WRFU CC or school or representative competition
commencing, until such time as the requirement has been fulfilled.
Filming of Matches
4.14 All Premier matches must be filmed in full by the home team. For the avoidance of doubt, and in
instances where matches are played on ‘neutral’ venues the home team is the team listed first on the
draw.
4.15 All Premier matches must be uploaded to the WRFU provided online storage facility within 48 hours of
the match finishing.
4.16 Should there be a breach of By-law 4.14 or 4.15 the CRA must:
a. First offence: issue the offending Club a formal warning
b. Second offence: issue the offending Club a final formal warning
c. Third and further offence(s): remove two (2) WRFU CC points from the Premier team
5. Defaults
5.1 Premier Status Clubs must not default a WRFU CC Match in the following grades: Premier; Premier
Reserve; Colts (this only applies to a Club’s top colts team).
a. Should breach of this By-Law 5.1 occur in the first round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
i. may deem the breaching Club’s Premier side ineligible to play in the Jubilee Cup;
and
ii. must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has
already defaulted a WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of
five WRFU CC points from that team; and
iii. may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier team (unless
the Premier team was the defaulting team); and
iv. may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
b. Should breach of this by-Law 5.1 occur in the second round of WRFU CC, the PSEC:
i. must remove two WRFU CC points from the team in default, but if that team has
already defaulted a WRFU CC Match in that WRFU Season, must remove a total of
five WRFU CC points from that team; and
ii. may remove two WRFU CC points from the breaching Club's Premier team (unless
the Premier team was the defaulting team); and
iii. may deem the breaching Club’s Premier team ineligible for play-offs; and
Page 15iv. may remove the Premier Status of the offending Club.
c. Should a Premier Status Club default in a Premier grade WRFU CC Match, the Club will not be
eligible for Premier Status in the following WRFU Season, and each of that Club’s Premier
Reserve team and top Colts team will lose two WRFU CC points.
If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC) determines that there are special circumstances
that partly or fully excuse the default, the penalty may be reduced or waived.
5.2 If a team (including a team which is dealt with under By-law 5.1) loses a WRFU CC Match by default,
(and default includes but is not limited to the failure by a team to comply with By-Laws 4.4 or 4.5) a win
and five WRFU CC points are recorded to its opponents. The defaulting team receives no WRFU CC
points. No points for and against for the match are allocated except in the tie breaker situations
referred to in By-Law 6.3.
5.3 Any Club unable to keep its team engagement in any WRFU CC Match (including a team referred to in
By-law 5.1) must notify the CRA and the Club Captain of the Club against which it is drawn to play and
in all cases must do so no later than 12.00pm (noon) on the day prior to the match to avoid
unnecessary expense and inconvenience.
Failure to do so results in the loss of two WRFU CC points for the first occasion and five WRFU CC
points for every other occasion in a WRFU Season.
Failure to notify of a default at all (i.e. a no-show) will result in the loss of five WRFU CC points for the
first occasion and subsequent occasions in a WRFU season.
If the Rugby Board (acting through and by the PSEC in relation to a default by a Premier Status Club’s
Premier, Premier Reserve or Colts team, or acting through and by the CRSC for all other defaults)
determine that there are special circumstances that partly or fully excuse the default, the penalty may
be reduced or waived.
5.4 Should any team default two WRFU CC Matches in succession, or three at intervals during a WRFU
Season, it is deemed to have withdrawn from the grade in which it is entered unless the Rugby Board
(acting through and by the CRSC , or through and by the PSEC if the default is by a Premier Status
Club’s Premier, Premier Reserve or Colts team) determines otherwise, and any WRFU CC Matches it
may have played shall not be counted in that WRFU CC round.
5.5 A Club's team may incur penalties under each of By-laws 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 (as may be applicable)
for any one match default.
Page 165.6 Should a team apply to the PSEC or the CRSC (as appropriate) for reduction or waiver of a penalty
under By-Law 5.1 and/or 5.3, the PSEC or the CRSC will hold a hearing to determine the matter. All
Clubs with a team in that same grade should (if appropriate) be invited to attend and/or make
written submissions. The PSEC and the CRSC shall otherwise determine their own rules and
processes.
5.7 See also By-laws 11.10 and 11.11.
6. Standings
WRFU Club Competition Points (WRFU CC points)
6.1 WRFU CC points shall be awarded in all WRFU CC Matches on the basis of four WRFU CC points for
a win, two for a draw, one for the losing team within seven points or less of the opponents’ score,
and one WRFU CC bonus point for a team that scores four or more tries.
6.2 Subject to By-Laws 6.6 and 6.7, the team scoring the greatest number of WRFU CC points shall be
deemed to be the winner of the grade or grade division unless play-offs are played.
6.3 For the purposes of determining points for and points against in this By-Law, if a team has been
defaulted against in the relevant round of WRFU CC, that team will be awarded an average points for,
and points against tally for the defaulted WRFU CC Match. This average will be calculated using the
average points scored against, and conceded to, the defaulting team by all other teams in the same
round of WRFU CC.
Determination of Winners in Semi-Finals
6.4 If, at full-time in a semi-final two teams are tied, two ten minute spells will be played. Teams will
initially play in the same direction as they did in the first half of regulation time, with the same team
kicking off first. Teams will swap for the second half with a one-minute half time break. There will be
no "golden point". If the scores are still tied at the conclusion of extra time the result will be
determined as follows:
a. The team scoring the most tries in the match shall proceed to the final, but if these are
equal;
b. The team with the better head to head record (i.e. wins/draws/losses between the two
teams) in the second round of the WRFU CC shall proceed to the final, but if this head to
head record is even (including where the teams didn’t play each other, they only played each
other once and drew, they played each other twice and won one match each, or played each
other twice and drew both matches);
c. The team with the higher differential between points scored for and points scored against in
the second round of the WRFU CC (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.3 shall apply) shall
proceed to the final, but if this is equal;
Page 17d. The finalist shall be determined by the toss of a coin conducted by a WRFU Official.
Determination of Winners in Finals
6.5 If, at full-time in a final two teams are tied, two ten minute spells will be played. Teams will initially
play in the same direction as they did in the first half of regulation time, with the same team kicking
off first. Teams will swap for the second half with a one minute half time break There will be no
"golden point". If the scores are still tied at the conclusion of extra time the result will be determined
as follows:
a. The team scoring the most tries in the final (including extra time); but if this is equal
b. The team with the best point differential through the current WRFU CC round, that being the
difference between the amount of points scored and points conceded in that WRFU CC
round, (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.3 shall apply) is the winner, but if this is equal;
c. Shared Title
Two Teams Tied on WRFU CC Points
6.6 In the event that two teams are tied on WRFU CC points then:
a. The team that has the best head to head record (i.e. wins/draws/losses between the teams)
in that WRFU CC round shall have the higher position;
b. If the two teams have the same head to head record in that WRFU CC round (including
where the teams didn’t play each other, they only played each other once and drew, they
played each other twice and won one match each, or played each other twice and drew both
matches) the team with the higher aggregate points differential in that WRFU CC round (and
in respect of defaults By-Law 6.3 shall apply) shall have the higher position;
c. If the two teams have the same aggregate points differential in that WRFU CC round, the
team which has scored the most points (and in respect of defaults By-Law 6.3 shall apply)
shall have the higher position;
d. If the two teams have scored the same amount of points in that WRFU CC round, and this is a
question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for playoffs, then the teams
will be split with a coin toss with the winner of the coin toss given the higher position. A
neutral WRFU Official will assign each team to either “heads” or “tails”, and will then toss the
coin, which will be allowed to hit the ground;
e. In the event that the two teams have scored the same amount of points in that WRFU CC
round, and this is not a question of promotion, relegation or seeding between teams for
playoffs, then the teams will share equal position.
Page 18Three or More Teams Tied on WRFU CC Points
6.7 If three or more teams are tied on WRFU CC points then the positions will be decided by applying the
following steps in alphabetical sequence until the required number of positions are determined.
Should a team (or teams) have a higher ranking at any step in the following, that team (or teams with
the same ranking) will have a higher position than the teams with a lower ranking at that step. Teams
that are still tied for a ranking will be separated by applying such of the remaining steps as required to
distinguish between the teams still tied.
a. Most wins from all Matches in that WRFU CC round;
b. Highest aggregate points difference from all Matches in that WRFU CC round (and in
respect of defaults By-Law 6.3 shall apply);
c. Most points scored from all matches in that WRFU CC round (and in respect of defaults
By- Law 6.3 shall apply);
d. If two teams are still tied, and this is a question of promotion, relegation or seeding
between teams for playoffs, the teams will be split by a coin toss with the winner of the
coin toss given the higher position. The coin toss will take place in the same format as in By-
Law 6.6(d) above;
e. If three or more teams are still tied, and this is a question of promotion, relegation or
seeding between teams for playoffs, the teams will be split by drawing names from a
hat, with the first team drawn taking the highest position, and so on;
f. If teams are still tied (after 6.7 c.) and this is not a question of promotion, relegation
or seeding between teams for playoffs, then the teams will share equal position.
Example 1: three teams are tied for 3rd, and only two positions need to be found:
i. Team A and Team B have 4 wins each and Team C has 3 wins. Team A and Team
B share a ranking of 1 and Team C has a ranking of 3.
ii. Team C are 5th, and Teams A and B need to be separated using the next steps in
By- Law 6.7 to determine who finishes 3rd and who finishes 4th.
Page 19Example 2: four teams are tied for 2nd, and only three positions need to be found:
iii. Team A and Team B have 4 wins each. Team C and Team D have 3 wins each. Teams
A and B share a ranking of 1, Teams C and D share a ranking of 3.
iv. Teams A and B need to be separated using the next steps in By-Law 6.7 to
determine who finishes 2nd and who finishes 3rd.
v. Teams C and D need to be separated using the next steps in By-Law 6.7 to
determine who finishes 4th and who finishes 5th.
6.8 By-Law 6 applies in its entirety at any stage of a WRFC CC.
7. Trophies
7.1 The WRFU shall award the WRFU Trophies as set out in Schedule 3.
Page 20SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY
8. Player Eligibility
Base Requirement
8.1 To be eligible to play in the WRFU CC and to be eligible for selection to WRFU representative teams, a
player must comply with the requirements of By-Laws 8 and 9 unless otherwise expressly stated.
Additional requirements may also be applied by WRFU for representative team eligibility.
a) For eligibility to play for a Club in any WRFU (but not WRFU CC) tournament (such as sevens or
ten- a-side) see By Law 16.2.
WRFU Discretion
8.2 The WRFU has an overriding discretion as set out in By-Law 8.21 to restrict or confer eligibility for any
player.
Registration
8.3 Prior to first playing for any Club or secondary school during that WRFU Season, a player must register
with that Club or secondary school:
a. which is located within the WRFU provincial boundaries or has been accepted by WRFU or
WSSRU to compete in a WRFU or WSSRU Competition; and
b. which is a participant in WRFU or WSSRU Competitions; and
c. by completion of the NZRU online registration process.
For the purposes of this By-Law, registration is deemed to be effected upon completion of the WRFU
online registration form and the Club ‘activating’ the registration record in the Sporty registration
system.
Clubs must not withhold activating any registration on the basis of non-payment of subscription fees,
or for any other reason other than for disciplinary reasons (e.g. a player has been suspended for the
whole year).
WR and NZRU Eligibility Requirements
8.4 A player must comply with all applicable WR regulations including those for the transfer (WR
International Clearance Form) of a player between WR countries. (See WR Regulation 4 governing
player status, player contracts and player movement).
8.5 A player must comply with all applicable NZRU regulations including those for the transfer of a player
between NZRU Provincial Unions (See NZR Registration Policies & Procedures).
Page 20WRFU Transfer By-Laws
8.6 A player from another NZRU province may, subject to By-Law 8.5 above, transfer to WRFU by
registering with a WRFU Club or secondary school.
8.7 A Club player may play for a Club which is different from the WRFU Club for which the player last
played by registering with the new Club. Additionally, a player must first obtain a transfer in
accordance with By-Law 8.9 if the player wishes to change Clubs during a WRFU Season.
8.8 Any player who has played in five or more WRFU CC Matches for a Club in Premier rugby in a WRFU
season, is not permitted to transfer clubs in that WRFU Season unless exceptional circumstances
apply.
If a Club believes exceptional circumstances apply, it must make a written application to the CRSC.
Applications received within 48 hours of a Match will not be considered before that Match.
The decision of the CRSC under By-Law 8.8 is final.
8.9 Except as permitted by this By-Law 8, a player cannot register with more than one Club in or for the
same WRFU Season unless they successfully transfer. The process for a transfer is set out here:
a. The player must complete the online registration form for the new club they wish to play for;
b. The registration administrator at the new club must activate the registration. At this point a prompt
will appear asking the administrator of they wish to transfer the player;
c. The old club’s registration administrator will receive an email asking them to approve or decline
the transfer;
d. The new club’s registration administrator will receive an email confirming if the transfer is approved
or declined.
8.10 Clubs must not withhold a player transfer for any reason other than the transferring player still being
in possession of Club issued gear in the current season.
Re-gradings
8.11 The Re-Grading rules which apply to the Premier, Premier Reserve, First Grade and Women’s
competitions only are:
Page 21(a) Players are free to move between teams within the Club with which they are registered until the
end of the Swindale Shield competition.
(b) Unless a regrade is approved, from commencement of the second round of the Premier
competition no player in Premier, Premier Reserve, First Grade and Women’s may move down a
level/levels once they have started three games in any level above the one to which they wish to
move.
By way of definition each grade is a level and each division within that grade (if there are multiple
divisions) is a separate level. E.G. A player who has started three games for a Jubilee Cup team,
cannot then play in Premier Reserve, or a player who has started two games in Premier Reserve and
one game for a Premier side cannot move to First Grade.
(c) The Grade Hierarchy, as determined by the CRSC annually is set out below:
1. Premier
2. Premier Reserve
3. Women’s (Div 1)
4. Colts (Div 1)
5. First Grade (Div 1)
6. Colts (Div 2)
7. U85kg (Div 1)
8. Women’s (Div 2)
9. First Grade (Div 2)
10. U85kg (Div 2)
11. Reserve Grade (Div 1)
12. Reserve Grade (Div 2)
13. Presidents
(d) A player who is restricted from moving to another level may apply for a re-grade using the WRFU
Re-grading application form (WRFU Form 2), which must be submitted to the WRFU not less than 48
hours prior to the commencement of the Match. The application may be approved or denied by the
CRSC in its discretion.
Page 22(e) A regrade request (WRFU Form 2) must comply with these requirements:
1. Only one player per form.
2. The form must include all rugby played by the player during the previous 6 weeks,
including appearances (and specifying whether each appearance is starting or off the
reserves bench) for any team in which the player appeared, and the approximate length
of time played in each of those weeks.
3. Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection (or non-selection),
the other players selected ahead of the player requesting the regrade must be named. If
it is due to injuries, the form must include the injured players and the injuries.
4. The form must be signed by a Club official.
5. The form must be submitted to the WRFU not less than 48 hours prior to commencement
of the Match. Any application received after this time will not be dealt with until the
following week.
The CRSC and CRA will keep and update a record of all requests for regrades, whether approved or
denied. This will be publicly available on the WRFU website.
Unless otherwise determined under By-Law 8.21, regrades will not be granted for a player after the
last WRFU CC Match of that player’s team in that WRFU Season.
By way of example if a player has started for an First Grade Division 1 side three times since the start
of the second round of the Premier competition, once the First Grade Division 1 side finishes, that
player cannot play in a lower level (such as First Grade Division 2) without successfully applying
under By-Law 8.21.
Age Restricted Players
8.12 A player who as at and including 31 December in the previous year meets the relevant age restriction
(e.g. the player is under 21 as at 31 December of the previous year) may register for and play for that
age restricted team. This is relevant not only for WRFU CC but also for WRFU representative teams.
Weight Restricted Players
8.13 A player who on each playing day meets the relevant weight restriction (e.g. the player is 84.9kgs
or under) may register for and play for the relevant weight restricted team.
Dispensation for Overage Players
8.14 Overage players may apply for dispensation to play in a WRFU age restricted competition. To satisfy
the requirements of the CRSC, a dispensation request (WRFU Form 3) for an overage player to play
in a WRFU age restricted competition must include the following information and be submitted no
later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of the Match. Any application received after this
time will be dealt with in the following week.
Page 23a. Only one player per form
b. The form must include previous playing history (if any);
c. Detailed reasons for the request. For example, if it is due to selection or non-selection, the
players who have been selected ahead of the player must be named. If it is due to injuries, the
form must include the name/s of the injured players and the injuries;
d. The form must be signed by a Club official.
The CRSC’s decision under this By-Law is final.
The CRSC and CRA will keep and update a record of all requests for dispensation, whether approved
or declined. This is to promote consistency of approvals/declines. This will be publicly available on
the WRFU website.
Suspended Players
8.15 Suspended players are not eligible to play any WRFU CC Match during the period of their suspension.
Unless the suspension extends to training and/or performing any non-playing role on Match day, the
player may undertake such activities.
Proof of Eligibility
8.16 WRFU may require proof (in such form as it requires) of satisfaction of any of the player eligibility
rules. The WRFU may in its discretion restrict the eligibility of a player until the WRFU is satisfied as to
the eligibility of such player.
Overseas Players
8.17 A non-New Zealand citizen who does not hold a valid Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa
(“Overseas Player”) is not eligible to play in a second round WRFU CC Match unless the Overseas
Player has legally played in a first round WRFU CC Match for a WRFU Club in the same WRFU Season.
A WRFU Club may only play a maximum of 3 Overseas Players in each Premier and Premier Reserve
WRFU CC Match.
If a player has resided in New Zealand on an approved New Zealand visa other than a valid Resident
Visa or Permanent Resident Visa for a period of 36 months of more; upon written application to the
CRA, approval can be given by the CRSC for the player to be considered a “Local” player rather than
“Overseas Player”. Any applications received will be considered by the CRSC at their next monthly
meeting.
Page 24Disciplinary, Medical or Other Restrictions on Eligibility
8.18 A player's eligibility may be restricted as a result of disciplinary procedures, health and safety
requirements, medical rules, doping, corruption offences, or other reasons as may arise within the
laws of New Zealand, the laws of the game or through the application of WR, NZRU, WRFU or
WRFU Rules or By-Laws.
Players Issued With a Blue Card
8.19 If a player receives a Blue Card (Concussion Card), that player is not permitted to transfer to a non-
WRFU club, or play at any level, until the player has completed:
• the Graduated Return To Play protocols, and;
• medical clearance has been granted by a medical professional, and;
• the Club has received approval from the CRA.
The CRA will not consider any request for clearance for a Match if that request is received within 24
hours of the Match. The player may train as allowed by the Graduated Return to Play protocols.
Breaches
8.20 For penalties for breaches of By-Law 8, see By-Law 11.
General WRFU Discretion to ensure fairness in application of By-Law 8
8.21 On written application to it, the Rugby Board has an overriding discretion to restrict or confer
eligibility (including granting or rescinding a transfer) on such conditions as it determines but only
where the Rugby Board determines that:
a. the application of the By-laws is unfair or may produce a consequence that is unfair, to any
person or is not in the spirit of fair play; or
b. the specific situation is not appropriately covered by the By-Laws; or
c. where special circumstances occur or there are special circumstances which excuse a failure
to comply with a procedure, time period or other requirement of By-Law 8.
Any decision under By-Law 8.21 is made on the facts of a specific situation and is not to be regarded
as a binding precedent for any future use of By-Law 8.21. Any decision under this By-Law 8.21 must
be communicated to all Members.
Any Member which may be affected by a decision under this By-Law is entitled to be heard at the
decision-making session and/or provide written submissions for consideration. Otherwise, the Rugby
Board will determine its own rules and processes in relation to this By-Law.
Page 259. Amateur Code
Purpose
To promote the spirit of amateur sport and provide transparency and clarity to all stakeholders of WRFU club
rugby whilst allowing for, and enhancing, the wellbeing of players, coaches and volunteers.
Foundation Principle, Spirit and Intent
9.1 The WRFU and its member clubs agree that at club level the game of Rugby Union is an amateur sport
in which participants engage without material benefit.
9.2 The WRFU and its member clubs agree to always act in good faith to ensure that Rugby in the
Wellington Region thrives by providing an environment free of Player/Coach inducement.
9.3 If a Member is unsure of the effect of a proposed activity it should seek clarification under By-Law 9.16.
Stakeholders
9.4 The application of the Amateur Code applies to all clubs affiliated to the Wellington Rugby Football
Union and includes parties associated formally or informally to the club such as members, friends of the
club, sponsors, trusts and any other entity that is linked to the club. This does not include employees of
or contractors to the WRFU, such as WRFU Academy or fully contracted players.
Material Benefit
9.5 Material Benefit is defined as money, consideration, gifts, or any other benefits whatsoever promised
or given to a person or any other individual, body corporate, partnership (or any other entity or body
whether incorporated or not) at his/her direction in respect of such Person's participation in the Game,
but shall not include bone fide reimbursement of expenses incurred for reasonable travel,
accommodation, or other expenses incurred solely and directly in relation to the Game.
Certain exceptions to what could normally be considered Material Benefit are allowable under the
terms of the Club Charter
• Playing apparel
• Dress apparel
• Gear bags
• Tours
• Gym fees
• Scholarships – refer clauses 9.6 & 9.8-9.12
• Coach disbursement – refer clauses 9.7 & 9.8-9.12
Scholarships
9.6 Clubs are entitled to promote scholarships to players and coaches in their respective clubs, which will
not violate the Amateur Code on the proviso the following criteria are met:
Page 26a. All scholarships are to be linked to an academic programme at a recognised tertiary institute
and have academic attainment criteria defined that must be met.
For those clubs offering scholarships for apprentices, the academic portion of that programme
is to be defined in the same manner.
b. The scholarship money is not to be paid to the individual; it is to be paid directly to the Tertiary
Institute (and receipts provided to WRFU as part of the disclosure).
Coach Disbursement
9.7 Clubs are entitled to provide disbursement(s) to coaches for expenses incurred when coaching teams.
As per clauses 9.8-9.12 disclosure must be provided.
Disclosure
9.8 All scholarships and disbursements to coaches are to be registered with the WRFU prior to 1 March
each year on WRFU Form 7.
9.9 Any clubs offering new scholarships or disbursements to coaches during the rugby season shall advise
the recipient’s names and details of the scholarships/disbursements to the WRFU prior to the first
payment on WRFU Form 7.
9.10 For scholarships, evidence of academic enrolment and attainment is required by the WRFU at the
commencement and completion of the academic period.
9.11 Disbursement(s) to coach(es) must be supported by appropriate documentation.
9.12 Clubs must be prepared to disclose their financial information, and ensure all persons employed by the
club disclose any financial information requested and be prepared to be subject to audit by the WRFU
upon request.
Game Development Officers (GDO’s)
GDO’s include, but are not limited to Coach Development Officers, Rugby Development Officers and Directors of
Rugby including those that deliver the WRFU Community Participation Programme ‘Work Plan’.
It is the expectation that the above persons do not contravene clauses 9.13-15 while holding one of these roles.
Should there be a circumstance that contravenes these clauses a dispensation may be permitted under clause
9.16. This dispensation must be sought in advance of the circumstance and cannot be applied retrospectively.
9.13 GDO’s are not permitted to play any competitive grades of WRFU Senior Rugby. Grades classed as non-
competitive are limited to Presidents Grade and Golden Oldies.
9.14 GDO’s are not permitted to hold any coaching role including, but not limited to; Head, Assistant,
Technical or Resource Coach for any teams entered into WRFU Senior Rugby grades. As an exception to
this a GDO may provide Technical or Resource Coach services to their Club’s Age Grade team.
9.15 GDO’s are not permitted to hold any coaching role including, but not limited to; Head, Assistant,
Technical or Resource Coach for any teams entered into WSSRU College Rugby grades. As an exception
Page 27to this a GDO may provide Technical or Resource Coach services to any secondary school team at 2 nd XV
level or below.
Application to Rugby Board for Determinations/Dispensations
9.16 A Member may apply in writing to the Rugby Board for:
a. a determination as to whether or not a proposed activity or undertaking will be in breach of
this By-Law 9; and/or
b. a dispensation from the application of this By-Law 9 in respect of a proposed activity or
undertaking by that Member.
If a determination or dispensation is made, WRFU must communicate that decision to all Members.
Breaches
9.17 For penalties for breach of this By-Law, see By-Law 11.
10. Other Disqualified Persons
10.1 Persons who are not players but who are the subject of a suspension imposed by the WRFU, NZRU,
SANZAAR, World Rugby or any WRFU Member or NZRU Member, are not eligible to participate in the
WRFU CC or WRFU tournaments during the period of that suspension.
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