USA Rugby Eligibility Regulations
Contents
General Regulations & Event-Specific Regulations

 

 

 

 

Printable Version

USA Rugby Eligibility Regulations

 

General Regulations and Event Specific Regulations

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

 

Revisions for the 2009-2010 Competitive Season are noted in bold, italicized, black text. Any changes to language or that otherwise occur throughout the year will be noted on this cover page with specific location and date:

 

 

The following rationale and principles apply to USA Rugby Eligibility Regulations:

 

1.       To provide fair and equitable standards of eligibility throughout the season for all matches leading to and including USA Rugby National Championships.

2.       To provide minimum eligibility and registration standards for all matches, which helps ensure safety and liability insurance coverage.

3.       To promote appropriate player movement within a club.

4.       To facilitate appropriate competition for all ages and ability levels.

5.       USA Rugby is responsible for establishing the structure of USA Rugby Championship Events, along with minimum competition and eligibility standards.

6.       TUs are responsible for determining the clubs that participate according to the structure established, and according to minimum eligibility and competition standards as determined by USA Rugby.

7.       Additional participation opportunity outside of National Championship channels is encouraged.

Terms & Definitions

1.       Club - A group, having registered under a specific CIPP number, which may field multiple Teams or Sides on a given weekend (see also Team or Side) in accordance with the Regulations contained herein.

2.       Exception - May be specifically listed within these Regulations, which allows participation in circumstances outside the normal published regulations.

3.       Event Weekend - The time period covering a single USA Rugby Championship Event, i.e. from team check-in through the final whistle in any given category, division or gender.

4.       Fifteens Competitive Season - Governs Fifteens competitions leading to USA Rugby National Championships for men and women.  Runs from completion of the prior year National Championship through the completion of the current year National Championship.

5.       LAU - Local Area Union.

6.       Match Roster - List of starting players; may or may not also require possible substitutions to be named.

7.       Play - Play is defined as actually stepping onto the field either as a starter, reserve, or blood substitution for any length of time. A player can be named on the roster for a match and not actually “play” in the match.

8.       Qualifying Match - A match that leads to a USA Rugby Championship.

9.       Roster - List of players for event weekend (see also Match Roster).

10.   Sevens Competitive Season - Governs Sevens competitions leading to USA Rugby Club Sevens and All Star Sevens Championships.  Runs from June 1st through completion of the USA Rugby All Star Sevens Championship.

11.   Spring Academic Term - The academic term as defined by the University Registrar as spring – this may be a spring quarter or spring semester.

12.   Team or Side - A subgroup of a Club that represents varying levels of competition for any given match or set of matches – often designated as A-side, B-side or C-side – “A” being the highest competitive level; or first-side and second-side – “first” being the highest competitive level.

13.   TU - Territorial Union.

14.   Transfer - Official process of changing club affiliation.  Subject to all rules of USA Rugby Eligibility contained herein.  Waivers may be needed for transfers during the Competitive Season.

15.   USA Rugby Championship Event - Designates those events under the authority and jurisdiction of USA Rugby, and beyond the jurisdiction and control of LAU and/or TU events. Includes:

a)      USA Rugby Playoffs (Competitive Region matches or Round of 16 or 8)

b)      Rugby Semi-Finals and Finals

c)       Senior Division I Challenge Matches

16.   Waiver - Required for any player to be eligible for competition in a particular category, division or gender outside of the regulations contained herein.

17.   Winter Quarter - For schools that utilize a quarter system, the winter quarter typically concludes in March or April of any given year.

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General Eligibility Regulations

2.1. General Policy Statement

 

The General Eligibility Regulations apply to all matches. Event-Specific Regulations apply to all Qualifying Matches. All following general and event-specific regulations must be strictly enforced by the LAU and TU for all matches. USA Rugby is responsible for establishing the structure of USA Rugby Championship Events and minimum competition and eligibility standards. TUs are responsible for determining the clubs that participate according to the structure established by USA Rugby (and which may be reviewed from time to time to ensure compliance).

 

2.2. Laws of the Game

 

All games are to be played pursuant to the most currently published Laws of the Game of Rugby Football with instructions and notes on the laws as framed by the International Rugby Football Board and the directives and variations on the Laws for USA Rugby and the additional instructions contained within these regulations.

 

2.3. Club Eligibility

 

All Clubs must be in good standing with their LAU, TU and USA Rugby. To be in good standing the following minimum rules apply:

 

a)      Club must be enrolled in the current year’s CIPP, with all dues fully paid.

b)      Club must adhere to the regulations and procedures for the particular USA Rugby Championship.

c)       Club entering the US from other international unions must receive official clearance through home union and USA Rugby in accordance with iRB Regulations.

 

2.4. Player Eligibility

 

All players must be in good standing with their LAU, TU and USA Rugby. To be in good standing the following minimum rules apply:

 

a)      Player must be enrolled in the current year’s Club and Individual Participation Program (CIPP), with all dues fully paid, prior to participating in any match.

b)      Player must be enrolled for the club to play in a Qualifying Match and must be enrolled either as an At Large member or for a club within the TU for NASC events.

c)       With the exception of non-contact rugby, no women/girls shall play on a men/boys team and no men/boys shall play on a women/girls team.

d)      USA rugby shall follow the International Olympic Committee and US Olympic Committee policies regarding transgendered athletes.

e)      Player entering the US from any other international union must receive official clearance through his/her home union and USA Rugby in accordance with iRB Regulations.

f)        Player must also adhere to the event-specific regulations and procedures for each particular USA Rugby Championship Event.

 

2.5  USA Rugby Policy for Under 18s and Under 19s Playing Community Adult (College or Adult) Rugby

 

a)  Within this policy the following phrases have the following meaning:

Community Adult Rugby:

Rugby other than Elite Rugbyplayed by teams comprising players normally of 18 years of age and older. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes games played at the U20 level and rugby sevens.

College Rugby: Rugby played by players who are in college.

Adult Rugby: Rugby other than Elite Rugby played by teams comprising players normally of 18 years of age and older. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes games played at the U20 level and rugby sevens.

 

Under 18:

Being under 18 years of age.

Under 19:

Being under 19 years of age.

b)   Introduction

Under 18 players should not normally play Adult Rugby.  This Guideline relates to players who are Under 18 who wish to play in, or be involved in training for, all College or Adult Rugbymatches.

c)   Front Row Players

Because of the particular nature of the front row from other positions different criteria apply before an Under 19 player may play in the front row in College or Adult Rugby. This specific requirement does not apply to players that may play in the front row in rugby sevens.

An Under 19 player should not play in any College or Adult Rugbymatch in the front row unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the player in writing to play College or Adult Rugby in the front row and acceptance of any associated risk of playing with Adults who may be stronger and more physically developed than the player;
  • if the player is Under 18, written parental or guardian’s consent;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in the front row in Community Adult Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play College or Adult Rugby in the front row; and
  • such other consents or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s Local Area Unionor Territorial Union, or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

d)   Positions other than front row (but including all positions in rugby sevens)

An Under 18 player should not play in any College or Adult Rugbymatch unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the Under 18 player to play College or Adult Rugbyand acceptance of any associated risk with playing with Adults who may be stronger and more physically developed than the player;
  • written parental or legal guardian’s consent;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in College or Adult Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play College or Adult; and
  • such other consents agreements or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s Local Area Unionor Territorial Union, or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

e)         Records

The Club for whom the player wishes to play must:

  • keep a full and permanent record of the process undertaken and the consents, confirmations and agreements sought and obtained in relation to each Under 18 player or Under 19 Front Row player who plays in any in College or Adult Rugby match; and
  • if so reasonably required by the player’s Local area Territorial Unionor by USARugby, provide certification or evidence of the process that has been undertaken and the consents, agreements and confirmations obtained in accordance with either paragraphs 2 or 3 above.

 

2.5    USA Rugby Policy for Under 15 Players Playing High School and U19 Rugby 

a)   Within this policy the following phrases have the following meaning:

High School and U19 Rugby:

      Rugby other than Elite Rugby played under the U19 Variations to the Laws of the Game by teams that normally include players of 17 years of age or older. 

Qualifying Match.

      Any match that leads to a National Club Championship.

Under 15:

Being under 15 years of age.

b)   Introduction

Under 15 players should not normally play High School or U19 Rugby.  This Guideline relates to players who are Under 15 who wish to play in or be involved in training for, High School or U19 Rugby.

c)   Front Row Players

Because of the particular nature of the front row from other positions Under 15 players should not play in the front row in a Qualifying Match in High School or U19 Rugby.  This specific requirement does not apply to players that may play in the front row in rugby sevens.

For Under 15 players that wish to play in the front row of other than a Qualifying Match see Section d) below.

d)   Positions other than a Qualifying Match front row (but including all positions in rugby sevens)

An Under 15 player should not play in any High School or U19 Rugbymatch unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the Under 15 player to play High School or U19 Rugby and acceptance of any associated risk with playing with older players who may be stronger and more physically developed than the player;
  • written parental or legal guardian’s consent;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in High School or U19 Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play High School or U19 Rugby; and
  • such other consents agreements or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s Local Area Unionor Territorial Union, or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

e)   Records

The Club for whom the player wishes to play must:

  • keep a full and permanent record of the process undertaken and the consents, confirmations and agreements sought and obtained in relation to each Under 15 player who plays in a High School or U19 match; and
  • if so reasonably required by the player’s Local Area, Territorial Unionor by USARugby, provide certification or evidence of the process that has been undertaken and the consents, agreements and confirmations obtained in accordance with paragraph 3 above.


 

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Senior Club

3.1. Club Eligibility

 

Clubs may carry a maximum Roster of 28 players per Event Weekend and a maximum Match Roster of 23 players* and up to five (5) non-resident players are permitted on this Roster. For the purposes of this event, a non-resident is defined as person who is not a U.S. citizen and does not possess permanent or conditional resident alien status at the time of the competition. *All matches shall be governed by IRB Law 3 with respect to substitutions and front row replacements. In particular, Law 3.14 “Union Specific Variations” will apply to front row replacements. 

 

3.2. Player Eligibility

 

The purpose of these regulations is to prevent club hopping and the importation of guest players late in the season to strengthen teams for the later stages of competition leading to a USA Rugby Championship Event. The following minimum eligibility standards are:

 

a)      Player must be CIPP enrolled for the club, through initial enrollment or transfer, prior to the earlier of (i) playing in a Qualifying Match or (ii) April 15th for men’s competitions and September 15th for women’s competitions.

b)      The player must not have played in a Qualifying Match for any other Club during the Fifteens Competitive Season.

c)       Non-resident players must be in the United States by March 15th for senior men and by September 15th for senior women.

d)       Player must be at least 18 years of age unless granted a waiver by USA Rugby Eligibility Committee.

e)       See Section 13.5 for additional information about potential waivers.

 

3.3. Senior Men’s Clubs Fielding Multiple Sides

 

These regulations are meant to control the movement of players on upper sides to lower sides and are not intended to limit the movement of lower Side players to upper Sides, which movement is allowed at any time:

 

a)      To participate in a USA Rugby Championship Event, a player who has played in any higher division Qualifying Match must have played at least two (2) Qualifying Matches at the divisional level (or a lower divisional level) entered in the USA Rugby Championship Event.

b)      A player may not move down sides to compete in more than one USA Rugby Championship Event once the player has played in a higher division at a USA Rugby Championship Event or has played in the Rugby Super League Playoffs.

c)       A player is only permitted to play for one divisional side per weekend.

d)      TUs and LAUs may create additional eligibility restrictions to govern their local competitions or structure their competitions to help prevent higher divisional players from competing at lower divisions.

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Collegiate Club

4.1. Collegiate Club Eligibility

 

a)      Each club must be recognized by the college/university.

b)      Each club must be in good standing with the college/university.

c)   Each club must name their match roster, 1-23*, prior to kick off of each game. *All matches shall be governed by IRB Law 3 with respect to substitutions and front row replacements. In particular, Law 3.14 “Union Specific Variations” will apply to front row replacements.

d)       Each club may carry an unlimited number of players on its event roster.

      

4.2. Player Eligibility

 

In order to participate in any Qualifying Match, and in the National Collegiate Club Championships, the player must meet all of the following eligibility criteria at the time of competition:

a)      Be within five (5) years of the moment the player first enrolled in a university, college or junior college, regardless of when the player started playing rugby or had the ability to start playing collegiate rugby. Any college courses that are taken during high school do not start the eligibility clock.

b)      The player must be enrolled full-time and in good standing, as defined by the university or college registrar and an undergraduate student seeking his/her first bachelor's degree. Exceptions:

1.       A player in his/her final term may carry less than a full-time academic load and still maintain eligibility. This is only permitted if the player is a graduating senior and a letter from the Registrar confirming such status is obtained. This exception may only be used once.

2.       A player may maintain eligibility after completing and or receiving an undergraduate degree if that player is enrolled full time in post-graduate studies (graduate school or pursuance of an additional Bachelor’s Degree) provided the player is attending the same institution they received their first undergraduate degree from and the player still falls within his/her 5 years of collegiate eligibility.

3.       A player competing for an institution utilizing the quarter system is eligible through the National Championship of that year if he/she completed the requirements to graduate during the winter quarter. That player must be a graduating senior and this exception requires a letter from the registrar confirming such status. This exception may only be used once in a player's career and once used that player loses all future collegiate eligibility.

c)       The player must play on the team representing the school in which he/she is enrolled.

d)      The player must not have played in a Qualifying Match for any other club during the Fifteens Competitive Season.

e)      Players must meet and remain in compliance with all applicable amateur standards.

f)       See Section 13.5 for additional information about potential waivers.

 

Section 4.2 Clarification (August, 2009)

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High School

5.1 Club Eligibility

a)      Club must be based on a state- or nationally-accredited school that issues High School Graduation Diplomas.

b)      Club must be represented by a Roster that is limited to: players that are registered students at the High School upon which the Club is based, plus players that have graduated from that High School, plus up to a maximum of three (3) special exemption players in 2010 and two (2) special exemption players thereafter.

c)      Special exemption players are students that do not have an otherwise available high school contact rugby program, and are either home-schooled students in the Club high school district, or are students from high schools in districts that are contiguous to, or overlapping, the club district.

d)      Club may carry an unlimited number of players on its Roster

5.2 Player Eligibility

a)      Players are eligible if they have not reached their nineteenth birthday before the September 1st that occurs at the start of the competitive season.
b)      Players, except those that have graduated, must be attending class full time, as defined by the High School registrar.
c)      Players must have certified High School transcripts either for a semester during the Competition Season, or, for players that have graduated, the final semester prior to graduation.

d)      If the competition season extends beyond the end of school year, then the players may continue to participate in the competition provided that the players were otherwise eligible at the end of the school year.
e)      Players must be within four (4) years of the moment that the players first enrolled in ninth grade regardless of when they started playing rugby or had the ability to start playing rugby.
f)       Players must have played for the club in at least two (2) Qualifying Matches or second-side matches associated with a Qualifying Match during the competitive season at least one week apart prior to participating in a USA Rugby Championship event.
g)      Players must not have played in a Qualifying Match for any other club in a fifteens match during the competitive season, including the Under 19 Club or Senior competition.
h)      Player must meet and remain in compliance with all applicable amateur standards.
i)       Section 13.5 for additional information about Waivers

5.3  State and Other Championship Eligibility

USA Rugby has neither the compelling interest, nor the practical ability, in enforcing eligibility regulations at State High School Championship events.  The regulations are more properly determined by the organizer of the State event, be that a State Based Rugby Organization, a Local Area Union, or a Territorial Union.  However, USA Rugby recommends that, in determining the requirements, the organizers consider the model that USA Rugby has established for the National High School Championship, but that they also consider the eligibility regulations for championships of other state championships within their state.

However, USA Rugby recommends that, in determining the requirements, the organizers consider the model that USA Rugby has established for the National High School Championship, but that they also consider the eligibility regulations for championships of other state championships within their state.

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U19 Club

6.1. Club Eligibility

a)   Club can be represented by players that meet the requirements of 6.2 provided there is not more than five (5) non-resident players on their Roster for any particular match that may in any way lead to the applicable USA Rugby Championship Event.

b)    Club may carry an unlimited number of players on its Roster.

6.2. Player Eligibility

a) Players are eligible if they have not reached their 19th birthday before the September 1st that occurs at the start of the competitive season.

b)    Player must have played for the club in at least two (2) Qualifying Matches or second-side match associated with a Qualifying Match during the competitive season at least a week apart from each other prior to participating in a USA Rugby Championship Event.

c)    The player must not have played in a Qualifying Match for any other club during the fifteens competitive season – including in High School, Collegiate, or Senior competitions.

d)    See Section 13.5 for additional information about potential Waivers. 

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National Collegiate All-Star Championships

7.1. Team Eligibility

 

Each team may carry an unlimited number of players on its roster.

 

7.2. Player Eligibility

 

a)      Players are eligible if they meet all of the criteria outlined in the National Collegiate Championships section. However, a player is eligible for the National Collegiate All Star Championships if that player meets all other requirements of a collegiate eligible player, even if that player does not play rugby for his college or university club.

b)      Players must be declared eligible for collegiate play in the Spring Academic Term or Winter Quarter prior to the National Collegiate All Star Championships.

c)       All military collegiate team players must be enrolled in one of the Service academies or be a ROTC cadet with a signed contract to enter the United States Military (i.e. an ROTC rugby player committed to active duty service) and these players can play either for their TU team or the military team.

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National All-Star 15s Championships

8.1. Team Eligibility

 

Teams may carry a maximum roster of 28 players per event weekend and up to five (5) non-resident players are permitted on this roster. For the purposes of this event, a non-resident player is defined as a person who is (i) not a U.S. citizen, does not possess permanent or conditional resident alien status at the time of the competition and (ii) not a capped Eagle (Eagles are defined as those who have played for the USA in a senior test or “A” team competition).

 

8.2. Player Eligibility

 

a)      Player must meet all of the General Eligibility Regulations.

b)      Player must be CIPP enrolled for a club or at-large within the territory, through initial enrollment or transfer by October 15th for NASC Senior Men and April 1st for NASC Senior Women.

c)       For senior competitions, player must be at least 18 years of age, unless granted a waiver by USA Rugby Eligibility Committee.

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Men's Club Sevens

9.1. Club Eligibility

 

a)      A club must be a full member of their LAU or TU as defined by the LAU or TU. They cannot be held for partial requirements for the sevens season only.

b)      A club must be in good standing by June 1st. Good standing includes but is not limited to: completed CIPP registration of the club with full payment; in compliance with LAU or TU requirements.

c)       Each participating club may carry a maximum roster of 12 players.

d)      A maximum of two (2) non-resident players may be on the roster.  For the purposes of this event, a non-resident player is defined as a person who is not a U.S. Citizen and does not possess permanent or conditional resident alien status in the United States at the time of the competition.

e)      A maximum of three (3) players may be on the Match Roster who played 15’s for a different senior Club in the same TU in the immediately preceding 15’s Competitive Season (there are no restrictions on transfers from collegiate Clubs or Clubs outside the TU).

f)        Cubs may qualify and participate multiple teams in this USA Rugby Championship Event provided the teams have completely separate rosters for the event.

 

9.2. Player Eligibility

 

The purpose of these regulations is to prevent club hopping and the importation of guest players late in the season to strengthen teams for this USA Rugby Championship Event – players must meet all of the following criteria in order to participate in this USA Rugby Championship Event:

 

a)      Play in at least two sevens matches at least a week apart from each other prior to this USA Rugby Championship Event (in sevens qualifiers or other matches) for the club.

b)      Be CIPP enrolled for the club, through initial enrollment or transfer, prior to the earlier of (i) playing in any match pursuant to a) above and (ii) July 15th.

c)       Have not played in any qualifying tournaments (unless outside the qualifying division) for any other club.

d)      Player must be at least 18 years of age, unless granted a waiver by USA Rugby Eligibility Committee.

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National All-Star Sevens Championships

10.1. Team Eligibility

 

Teams may carry a maximum roster of 12 players per event weekend and up to two (2) non-resident players are permitted on this roster. For the purposes of this event, non-resident player is defined as a person who is (i) not a U.S. citizen, does not possess permanent or conditional resident alien status at the time of the competition and (ii) not a capped Eagle (Eagles are defined as those who have played for the USA in a senior test or “A” team competition).

 

10.2. Player Eligibility

 

a)      Player must meet all of the General Eligibility Regulations.

b)      Player must be CIPP enrolled within the territory, through initial enrollment or transfer, by July 15th.

c)       Player must be at least 18 years of age, unless granted a waiver by USA Rugby Eligibility Committee.

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National Teams

11.1. Player Eligibility

 

Players must meet all of the General Eligibility Regulations and the IRB requires that any player may only play for the National Team of the United States if the player:

 

a)      Was born in the United States or

b)      Has one parent or grandparent born in the United States, or

c)       Has completed thirty-six consecutive months of residence in the United States preceding the time of the event, and

d)      Meets all other IRB standards for National Team Representation.

 

11.2. U23, U20, U19, U18 and U17 Player Eligibility

 

Players must meet all of the General Eligibility Regulations and:

 

a)      Players must be under 23 years of age on January 1st in a given year to be eligible for the U23 team in that year.

b)      Players must be under 20 years of age on January 1st in a given year to be eligible for the U20 team in that year.

c)       Players must be under 19 years of age on January 1st in a given year to be eligible for the U19 team in that year.

d)      Players must be under 18 years of age on January 1st in a given year to be eligible for the U18 team in that year.

e)       Players must be under 17 years of age on January 1st in a given year to be eligible for the U17 team in that year.

 

 

11.3.   IRB Guideline for Under 18 and Under 19 Players Playing Elite Adult Rugby

      a)   Within this Guideline the following phrases have the following meaning:

Adult Rugby:
Rugby played by teams comprising players normally of 18 years of age and older. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes games played at the U20 and U19 levels and rugby sevens;

Elite Rugby:
Rugby played between representative teams of unions, cross border rugby played between the senior clubs, provinces, states and other sub-unions or associations of unions;

Elite Adult Rugby:
Elite Rugby played by teams comprising players normally of 18 years of age and older;

Under 19:
Being under 19 years of age;

Under 18:
Being under 18 years of age.

b)   Introduction

Under 18 players should not normally play Adult Rugby.  This Guideline relates to players who are Under 18 who wish to play or be involved in training for Adult Rugby and differentiates between Elite Adult Rugby and Community Rugby because of:

  • the intensity of Elite Rugby;
  • the physicality and fitness of Elite Rugby players;
  • the ability to monitor regulations and protocols specific to Elite Rugby;
  • the expert professional advice and support normally available to Elite Rugby players; and
  • the disparity between Community Rugby played in different Unions making the setting of common guidelines inappropriate.

c)   Front Row Players

Because of the particular nature of the front row from other positions different criteria apply before an Under 19 player may play in the front row in Elite Adult Rugby. This specific requirement does not apply to players who may play in the front row in rugby sevens.

      An Under 19 player should not play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the player to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row and acceptance of any associated risk of playing with Adults who may be stronger and more physically developed than the player;
  • if the player is Under 18, written parental or guardian’s consent;
  • written confirmation from a medical practitioner with an understanding of the demands of Elite Rugby to whom the player is known that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and other appropriate assessments;
  • written agreement from a medical officer with an understanding of the demands of Elite Rugby employed or retained by the player’s home union that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in the front row in Elite Adult Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row; and
  • such other consents or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s home union or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

      d)   Positions other than the front row (but including all positions in rugby sevens):

            An Under 18 player should not play Elite Adult Rugby unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the Under 18 player in writing to play Elite Adult Rugby and acceptance of any associated risk with playing with Adults who may be stronger and more physically developed than him;
  • written consent the player’s parent or legal guardian;
  • written confirmation from a medical practitioner with an understanding of the demands of Elite Rugby to whom the player is known that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments;
  • written agreement from a medical officer with an understanding of the demands of Elite Rugby employed or retained by the player’s home union that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in Elite Adult Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play Elite Adult Rugby; and
  • such other consents agreements or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s home union or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

e)   Records

      The Union under whose jurisdiction the match is played must:

  • keep a full and permanent record of the process undertaken and the consents, confirmations and agreements sought and obtained in relation to each Under 18 player or Under 19 Front Row player who plays Elite Adult Rugby; and
  • if so reasonably required by the IRB (or if required by USA Rugby or the organizer of a competition in which the Under 18 player or Under 19 Front Row player is to take part) provide certification or evidence of the process that has been undertaken and the consents, agreements and confirmations obtained in accordance with either paragraphs 3 or 4 above.

 

11.4    IRB Age Policy – Junior World Championship/Junior World Trophy

     a)   Within this Policy the following phrases have the following meaning:

           Under 18:
           Being under 18 on 31 December in the year preceding a Junior World Championship (JWC) or Junior World Trophy (JWT).

           Under 19:
           Being under 19 on 31 December in the year preceding a JWC/JWT.

b)   Introduction

This Guideline relates to players who are Under 18 who wish to play or who have been selected by their union for JWC/JWT.  Under 18 players should not normally play Adult Rugby because of:

  • the intensity of Elite Adult Rugby;
  • the physicality and fitness of Elite Adult Rugby Players;
  • the ability to monitor regulations and protocols specific to Elite Adult Rugby;
  • the expert professional advice and support normally available to Elite Adult Rugby Players.

c)   Front Row Players

Because of the particular nature of the front row from other positions different criteria apply before an Under 19 player may play in the JWC/JWT.

An Under 19 player should not play in the JWC/JWT in the front row unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the player to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row and acceptance of any associated risk of playing with Adults who may be stronger and more physically developed than the player;
  • if the player is Under 18, written parental or guardian’s consent;
  • written confirmation from a medical practitioner with an understanding of the demands of Elite Adult Rugby to whom the player is known that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and other appropriate assessments;
  • written agreement from a medical officer with an understanding of the demands of Elite Adult Rugby employed or retained by the player’s home union that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in the front row in Elite Adult Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play Elite Adult Rugby in the front row; and
  • such other consents or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s home union or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

d)   Positions other than front row

An Under 18 player should not play in the JWC/JWT unless the following are obtained:

  • written agreement from the Under 18 player to play Elite Adult Rugby and acceptance of any associated risk with playing with Adults who may be stronger and more physically developed than the player;
  • written parental or legal guardian’s consent;
  • written confirmation from a medical practitioner with an understanding of the demands of Elite Adult Rugby to whom the player is known that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments;
  • written agreement from a medical officer with an understanding of the demands of Elite Adult Rugby employed or retained by the player’s home union that the player is in a physical condition to play Elite Adult Rugby and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments;
  • written confirmation from a coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required of and the risks to players in Elite Adult Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play Elite Adult Rugby; and
  • such other consents agreements or confirmations (if any) as may be required by the player’s home union or to comply with the local jurisdiction.

e)   Records

The Union under whose jurisdiction the match is played must:

  • keep a full and permanent record of the process undertaken and the consents, confirmations and agreements sought and obtained in relation to each Under 18 player or Under 19 Front Row player who plays Elite Adult Rugby; and
  • if so reasonably required by the IRB provide certification or evidence of the process that has been undertaken and the consents, agreements and confirmations obtained in accordance with either paragraphs 2 or 3 above. 

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Armed Forces Championships

12.1. Club Eligibility

 

A club participant in the Armed Forces Championships must:

 

a)      Not field a player who is a member of another Armed Forces club.

b)      Not field a player who has not played for that club since 1 January of the year of the competition unless he had an injury that precluded him from playing or he signed into the installation on permanent change of station orders.

c)       Not field a player who has already played for another club in the competition.

d)      Each participating members of the clubs must be enrolled in the current year’s CIPP.

 

12.2. Player Eligibility

 

The intent of these regulations is that a player participant must be an active bona fide member of the military club on which he is playing. A participant in any military rugby competition or representative team must be:

 

a)      An active duty member of the US Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.

b)      A member in good standing with his LAU and TU, unless stationed overseas or on a ship.

c)       Enrolled in the current year’s CIPP.

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General Procedures (Appeals, Challenges, etc.)

13.1. National Championship Event Rosters

 

Upon qualifying for a National Championship Event, each Club or Team shall submit to USA Rugby within the time frames requested a roster of the players and a list of the support staff that will be in attendance at the USA Rugby Championship Event. The roster shall designate information specific to player and club eligibility for each event and must be signed and certified by a responsible club official and Territorial Representative.  Appropriate roster forms can be found at www.usarugby.org in the Championships Eligibility/Registration section.

 

*All updated information on current year deadlines and requirements will be maintained and updated at www.usarugby.org in the Championships Eligibility/Registration section.

 

All Clubs must also check with their LAU and TU officials for any other requirements of documentation that must be retained and/or presented during matches that lead in any way to a LAU, TU or USA Rugby National Championship.

 

If any member of a club is found to be in violation of the USA Rugby Eligibility General or Event-Specific Regulations, the club, territory, and club officials will be subject to disciplinary sanctions that may include fines, suspension, forfeiture of matches and/or loss of seeds for future competitions.

 

13.2. Club Documentation

 

The following section is a guide to documentation that should be maintained at all times from the start of the competitive season by a responsible club official. This documentation should be made available upon demand and/or prior to registration for LAU championships, TU championships and USA Rugby Championship Events or any Qualifying Match.

 

a)      Collegiate Club Documentation:

1.       Collegiate Club Eligibility Form (signed by the TU and LAU Representative verifying good standing)

2.       Collegiate Player Eligibility Form (signed and sealed by College or University Registrar AND Club Sports or Athletic Department official)

3.       Proof of current Club CIPP Registration (printout)

 

b)      High School Club Documentation:

1.       High School Club Eligibility Form (signed by the TU and LAU Representative verifying good standing)

2.       USA Rugby High School Player Eligibility Form (signed and sealed by High School registrar)

3.       Proof of current Club CIPP Registration (printout)

 

c)       Senior Club Documentation:

1.       Proof of current Club CIPP Registration (printout)

 

13.3. Player Documentation

 

The following section is a guide to documentation that should be maintained at all times from the start of the Competitive Season by a responsible club official. This documentation should be made available upon demand and/or prior to registration for LAU championships, TU championships and USA Rugby Championship Events or any Qualifying Match. A player may be required to submit documentation to prove as needed (a) identity; (b) citizenship status and /or qualification as a resident (as opposed to a non-resident); (c) CIPP enrollment; (d) waiver granted by USA Rugby; and (e) high school or college enrollment. Players unable to provide appropriate documentation will be assigned non-resident status for purposes of eligibility. Acceptable documentation includes:

 

a)      Proof of Identification can be verified with:

1.       Current government issued photo identification.

2.       Official school ID for students.

 

b)      Proof of Citizenship can be verified with:

1.       Original or copy of U.S. birth certificate OR

2.       Original or copy of photo page of U.S. passport OR

3.       Original or certified copy of Permanent (Green Card) or Conditional Permanent Resident.

4.       Alien documentation (Conditional Green Card, INS ‘A’ Number issued and stamped in passport) AND Copy of Permanent or Conditional Permanent Resident Alien documentation for retention at registration. Note: Documentation (i.e. letters of application) in reference to the pursuit of permanent or conditional resident status in order to facilitate a player's participation in the competition is NOT sufficient.

 

c)       Proof of current CIPP enrollment can be verified with a printout from USA Rugby Website showing valid registration dates.

 

d)      Proof of official waiver from USA Rugby can be verified with waiver letter signed by USA Rugby National Office staff or Eligibility Committee Chair, delivered by fax, electronic mail or US mail, displaying player name, club, official dates of eligibility and regulation waived.

 

e)       Proof of high school enrollment and supporting documentation may include:

1.       High School Player Eligibility form (signed and sealed by HS registrar, appropriately dated).

2.       Official documentation of GED-enrollment.

3.       Official documentation of state or federal sanctioned home school enrollment.

 

f)       Proof of collegiate enrollment and supporting documentation may include:

1.       Collegiate Player Eligibility Form (signed and sealed by collegiate registrar, appropriately dated).

2.       Letter from the registrar verifying status as a graduating senior.

3.       Official transcripts showing dates of initial enrollment and transfer status.

 

 

13.4. Rugby Super League Contact Information

 

All inquiries regarding the Rugby Super League should be directed to:

 

Sean Kelly    

RSL President             

617-519-9085                                                              

srkelly@statestreet.com        

 

13.5. Waivers

 

13.5.1. Waiver request procedure (Revised 9/1/07)

 

a)      Request for exemption from these Eligibility Regulations must be in writing, supported by required documentation, and received by the USA Rugby National Office at least 14 business days prior to any match for which the player is requesting an exemption.

b)      The USA Rugby Staff and Eligibility Committee will have ten days from the date of receipt of all required documentation to respond to the applicant. Individuals seeking waiver requests should consider that backlogs of waiver requests can occur, and eligibility should be investigated and any waivers requested prior to the beginning of each Competitive Season.

c)       Timely waiver requests are considered and reviewed without charge (i.e., more than 14 business days prior to event for which eligibility is requested).

d)      Upon payment of a $50.00 expediting fee, waiver requests may be made within 14 business days of initial event for which eligibility is requested, and the cutoff for consideration is 5 days prior to an event. Payment must accompany waiver request.

e)      All waiver requests must be sent in writing to the following address:

USA Rugby

Attn: Eligibility

2500 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 200

Boulder, CO 80302

Fax: 303-302-0239

 

13.5.2. The following are exemptions often granted upon careful review of proper documentation by the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee

 

a)      Under -18 - Any player under 18 who desires to play in men’s or women’s senior level competition may seek a waiver from the Eligibility Committee based on the following provisions:

1.       A statement from the applicant describing the reason for senior level play; AND

2.       A signed statement from the participants parent or guardian certifying their approval (waiver and release); AND

3.       A statement from their current or proposed certified USA Rugby coach stating his/her perspective of the participant’s ability to perform at the senior level of play.

 

a)  The provisions of Section 13.5.2 (a) have been incorporated into a new comprehensive policy on young players playing with older players.  The new policy covers the range from Elite Adult Rugby through very young players playing High School and U19 Rugby, and is detailed in Sections 2.5, 2.6, 11.3 and 11.4 above.  The specific provisions of Section 13.5.2 (a) are covered in Section 2.5. 

 

 

b)      Collegiate - A participant in collegiate club rugby may apply to the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee to have the five (5) year eligibility period extended; total extension(s) of eligibility may not exceed two (2) years and no player is guaranteed a two-year extension of eligibility. Players must apply annually for this exemption. Waivers for extension of collegiate eligibility will be considered based on the exact date on which the player was first available to re-enroll following the circumstances described below. The following list indicates the only circumstances that might warrant an eligibility extension:

1.       Active military service recognized

2.       Official church service

3.       In the case of female athletes, pregnancy

4.       Please note that requests for waiver on the basis of injury or medical hardship are not considered, except where documented circumstances were severe enough to prevent the individual’s enrollment from college or university for at least one full academic year.

5.       Waivers to extend collegiate eligibility may be considered if a player’s initial enrollment at any college or university was less than full time, or if initial enrollment was at a college or university that does not sponsor a collegiate rugby program for the gender with which the player is eligible to compete.

 

c)       Senior - The following exemptions are often granted upon careful review of proper documentation by the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee:

1.       Transfer waiver requests for collegiate players graduating in December, moving to senior side, who no longer have collegiate eligibility.

2.       Legitimate geographic relocation (request accompanied with proof of job transfer or geographic relocation).

3.       Transfer waiver requests for players seeking advancement to higher competitive division, may be accompanied by limitation on ability to move to lower division in subsequent year or season.

4.       Two match minimum for club sevens may be waived for long standing members of a club returning after injury or other legitimate reason for absence.

 

 

13.5.3. REQUIRED Additional Waiver Request Documentation

 

Individual circumstances must be thoroughly explained and documented on the “Eligibility Waiver Request Form Cover Sheet” with the following attachments:

a)      Proof of date(s) of enrollment in college or university, i.e. official school transcripts, containing signature and/or seal of the registrar – unofficial or student copies of transcripts will not be accepted.

b)      Any and all applicable military documentation showing specific dates of all deployment and details of military service.

c)       Any and all applicable documentation of official church service, including letter from church officials.

d)      Any and all other documentation relevant to the specific waiver request.

e)      Any and all applicable medical documentation – only considered if medical condition was severe enough to prevent individual’s enrollment from college or university for at least one full academic year.

 

13.6. Challenges

 

a)      All challenges must be handled at the appropriate governance levels.

 

b)      USA Rugby jurisdiction for challenges shall include:

1.       Challenges arising at or in relation to a USA Rugby Championship Event;

2.       Challenges arising regarding a player or club in a separate territory;

3.       Unresolved differences within one TU, or between two or more TUs;

4.       Appeals of decisions at the TU level. (See appeals section below.)

 

c)       Procedure for Challenges under USA Rugby jurisdiction shall be as follows:

1.       In the event of challenges during a USA Rugby National Championship Event, the designated USA Rugby Official will collect all pertinent data from the protesting party and the challenged party. This information will be sent to the National Office as soon as possible and no later than start of business on Monday following the event. The challenged player(s) may compete in the event, however, if the allegations of ineligibility are found to be true the match will be declared a forfeit. If the challenged player(s) do not take part in the event, then the match results will stand.

2.       In the event of a challenges regarding (b) 2-4 above, all explanation and relevant data must be submitted to USA Rugby, Attn: Eligibility Challenge, 2500 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Fax: 303-302-0239 as soon as possible following event.

3.       The challenger must submit a $50.00 fee per player or club challenged.

 

13.7. Appeals

 

If a club or player has been deemed ineligible by a TU or other member of USA Rugby, the affected player or club shall have the right to appeal to the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee. The appeal must contain the initial written ruling by the TU or other member of USA Rugby, all relevant documents and written communication regarding the decision, and certification that the Presidents of the TU or the highest-ranking officer in the member organization that issued the decision has been provided with all documentation sent to USA Rugby. The failure to notify the appropriate official issuing the decision may be grounds for denial of the appeal. The appeal must be received by USA Rugby within seven (7) days of the date of the decision appealed. In such an appeal, the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee chair or designee shall notify the TU President or highest-ranking officer of the member organization that issued the decision that such an appeal has been docketed. All appeals should be directed to USA Rugby, Attn: Eligibility, 2500 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Fax: 303-302-0239. The appellant must submit a $50.00 fee, which amount is returned if the appeal is found in favor of Appellant.

 

Appellate Panel. Any decision of the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee whether based on its original jurisdiction or based on its consideration of an appeal of a TU or other USA Rugby member ruling on an eligibility issue, shall be appealable to a USA Rugby Appellate Panel as referenced in the Bylaws of USA Rugby. Such appeal must be made within seven (7) days of the decision of the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee. The National Office staff liaison must provide the Appellate Panel with all documents and relevant communications that were part of the record in the initial consideration by the USA Rugby Eligibility Committee. All written appeals shall be addressed to USA Rugby, Attn: Appellate Panel, 2500 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Fax: 303-302-0239.  The appellant must submit a $50.00 fee, which amount is returned if the appeal is found in favor of Appellant.

 

With regard to any such appeal, the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee shall randomly choose a three-person panel from the Appellate Panel to consider the approval. The Panel must act on the appeal in a timely manner.



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