Texas Rugby Union Field Policy
FOR ALL TRU MATCHES/TOURNAMENTS (LEAGUE & FRIENDLIES)-MANDATORY
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 15, 2010
It is MANDATORY, that Sideline Barriers or Ropes are to be required a minimum 5m off touchline, Try line to Try line; preferred dead ball line to dead ball line; Sideline Barriers or Ropes are to be when there will be Coaches, Players or Fans on that sideline. If only one side is utilized by all parties, only one barrier or rope is required;
ONLY ONE (1) Coach/Representative (Rep) inside barriers or ropes;
Coach/Rep is responsible party to enforce rules and ensure their Players & Club Members honor barrier/rope and will be held accountable;
Coach/Rep must remain within close proximity (arm’s length) to barrier/rope and remain between the 22m lines;
Being allowed inside the rope is a privilege and ALWAYS subject to Match Official’s discretion (ANY dissent in opposition to a Match Official on this issue will be subject to Disciplinary Committee review and sanction, if deemed appropriate);
Assistant Referee (Touch Judge) should be approached and addressed ONLY to advise of intended substitution. Any interference in the performance of the Assistant Referee’s duties will be subject to sanction and disciplinary review.
1. OPTION ONE – TEAMS ON ONE SIDELINE
• Players & Club Members of BOTH teams on opposite side of spectators;
• Teams are separated at 50m;
• Teams to remain on their respective sides of the 50m;
• No one inside 22m lines.
2. OPTION TWO – TEAMS ON OPPOSITE SIDELINES
• Players & Club Members on opposite sidelines;
• One Coach/Rep inside ropes between 22m lines;
• No one inside 22m lines.
Should a Club have a specific question as it relates to their home pitch and their ability to comply with the TRU’s policies; the Club can discuss and determine proper field protocols with the TRU Director of Competitions.
The pilot field-barrier program policy was tested in the 08-09 & 09-10 competitive cycles at various venues, divisions and tournaments with positive results. These Options have been refined based upon Club & Referee inputs to give Clubs options that can accommodate their respective field facilities. The host club is responsible for determining which Option they employ and must advise the visiting club of the Option employed.
It has been found that close proximity of the spectators to the reserves & coaches fosters problems beyond safety. Separating the spectators from the coach(es) and reserves allows the spectators to enjoy the match without the input from the participants. Additionally, it allows the Match Official (Referee) to keep better control of the sidelines.
Remember, there are fairly strict rules regarding who can and cannot be on the field of play. Coaches are NOT permitted to enter the playing area during a match except by invitation of the referee at half time, or other extraordinary occasions. [Ref: law 6C.2, 3}. This policy applies to ALL matches, including youth matches. Water carriers and medical personnel may enter the playing area by prior arrangement, or at the specific invitation of the referee. Referees are urged to be vigilant in applying this law to coaches masquerading as water carriers or trainers or to coaches entering the playing area uninvited at stoppages for injury, conversion kicks, and the like, and to enlist the aid of the relevant captain in curbing such infringements. Penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct may be applied.
This requirement is mandatory effective October 15, 2010 and Match Officials (Referee) will have authority, at his/her sole discretion, to post-pone the match if the field is not properly roped, marked or prepared for play in compliance with TRU requirements. Referee match reports will be the primary method utilized to monitor compliance. Visiting clubs are encouraged to report non-compliance, post match for TRU to address with Host club.
The existing requirements to have Goal Post Pads, Field Flags and properly marked fields shall continue to be in effect and failure to meet these will also have the same penalties imposed. The primary monitoring of these existing requirements shall be done by the TRRA assigned Referee and will be documented in the Referee’s post match report to the TRU.
Failure to meet the minimum required policies will be tracked on a rolling twelve (12) month basis and are set forth below, with the following sanctions:
1. First Offense: $50 fine (possibly probated, if compliance thereafter is verified
2. Second Offense $100 fine and loss of One (1) League Point as applicable
3. Third Offense: $150 fine, loss of One (1) League Point and loss of next home match as applicable
4. Fourth Offense: To be reviewed by TRU Discipline Director
The following procedures should be followed on game day and/or in the case of a citing:
• Both coaches should review the assigned team areas at least 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
• If both coaches cannot agree to a suitable resolution, the respective coaches, must notify the referee before kickoff.
• Coaches can NOT agree to waive the stated policy requirements by mutual consent.
• Primary reporting of the Field Barrier Policy shall continue to be made via Referee Match Reports which should be submitted with 48 hours of the match or as is reasonable.
• The TRU will review all match reports and notify the respective clubs within 48 hours or as is reasonable.
• Appeals shall be submitted to the TRU Discipline Director within 48 hours of notification or as is reasonable.
• Fines shall be due and payable within 10 business days of notification by the TRU.
