Ensure
that documentation of eligibility requirements are disseminated
to and understood by all college teams. Contact will be made
with college registrars or the appropriate college official.
Ensure
that scheduling problems peculiar to the college program are
known and resolved well in advance.
Aid
in the selection of the EPRU Collegiate All-Star / Under 23
Side and work closely with the EPRU college coaching staff.
Encourage
intra-union play. EPRU college sides will be encouraged to play
Full, Associate and Recognized Members of other subunions.
Maintain
close association and communication with the Mid Atlantic RFU
Collegiate Coordinator to ensure that the objectives of the
national and regional college staff will be met.
Institute
and maintain a safety program and forum to address the challenges
and issues of college rugby.
The
USA Rugby Collegiate Committee shall act as the directive body
on behalf of any club situated within the United States of America
which represents a two-year or four-year academic institution
of higher education and which meets these criteria:
The
club must be authorized and recognized by the administration
of the college or university.
The
club must have a faculty member who serves as advisor to the
club.
The
club must have a permanent mailing address (this address should
not be that of a student officer, but should be a permanent
P.O. Box or address at which members of the club can be contacted
regardless of any changes in administration).
The
club must have an appointed coach. After January 1, 1995, collegiate
coaches must be certified or duly recognized by the Committee.
Certification standards and procedures are available from USA
Rugby.
The
club must provide a Certified Referee. The Referee must attend
the EPRU Referee Clinic(s) and meetings, as well as all training
offered by the Referees Society. The Referee must maintain membership
in the Referees Society and be available to referee as requested.
Effective January 1, 2000 all games must be refereed by a Certified
Referee.
The
club must be a member in good standing of a Local Union recognized
by the USARFU.
The
club must follow all USARFU directives regarding player eligibility
and competition. (In any competition which may effect the outcome
of league standings or any competition leading to the national
collegiate championship, players must be full-time undergraduate
students, as defined by the institution, who are pursuing a
bachelor's degree program and have not already received a bachelor's
degree from that institution or any other similar four-year
institution).
Any
questions regarding a player's eligibility should be submitted
in writing to the Chairman of the Collegiate Committee before
the player in question is allowed to take part in any championship
match. A championship match is defined as any match played between
two intercollegiate programs which effect standings or advancement
to the National Collegiate Championship.
Drinking by those under the legal age is prohibited. Rugby is not an excuse to drink illegally.
At rugby matches held on property owned the University or College, the serving or selling alcoholic beverages before, during or after the match is prohibited. In addition, all school policies on alcoholic beverages must be strictly adhered to by everyone in attendance.
At rugby matches involving only collegiate teams in an off-campus location, the selling or serving of alcoholic beverages before, during or after the match is prohibited. Local policies, such as by the Township, City and/or Parks Department, must be followed.
At rugby matches or events that mix collegiate and senior clubs, alcoholic beverages shall not be served or sold unless a procedure is in effect that will prevent serving of alcoholic beverages to under age persons. This procedure must be in writing and approved by the EPRU prior to the event and must also be establish in accordance with all local policies, such as by the Township, City and/or Parks Department.
It is the ultimate responsibility of college and local officials to insure that their own regulations and laws are enforced.
Disciplinary action will be utilized to censure clubs, event hosts, and others under the jurisdiction of the EPRU who fail to take the necessary action to enforce these regulations.
The
following guidelines are recommended for those college teams that
violate the Alcoholic Beverages Policy and the Code of Conduct.
First
Offense: Offending team to be fined $100 and placed on probation
for a minimum of one year. During this time the team will not
be permitted to participate in post-season playoffs or have
any member participate in its union, territorial or national
college All-Star / Under-23 program.
Second
Offense: Offending team to be fined $250 and placed on probation
for a minimum of two years. During this time the team will not
be permitted to participate in post-season playoffs or have
any member participate in its union, territorial or national
college All-Star / Under-23 program.
Third
Offense: Offending team to be permanently suspended. A team
may re-apply for union membership after a period of two years.
PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT The EPRU fully supports the USA Rugby Collegiate Committee’s statement regarding conduct and expects ALL collegiate teams to abide by this statement:
"Collegiate rugby players and coaches represent their colleges and are ambassadors of collegiate rugby in the United States. As such, collegiate rugby players and coaches are expected to behave with dignity both on and off the field. Collegiate rugby players and coaches should not tolerate rude or anti-social behavior of any sort which would reflect negatively on the image of USA Rugby or the student athlete’s college/university, and the image of collegiate rugby as a serious and disciplined athletic endeavor. Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be forwarded to the appropriate disciplinary committee for action."
DUTIES
OF THE FACULTY ADVISOR TO A RUGBY TEAM All College Teams are Required to have a Faculty Advisor
The
Faculty Advisor should act as a liaison between the team and its
players and the university. They may or may not be a coach (in
fact, they shouldn't coach unless they have a thorough knowledge
of the game), but should attend matches, particularly at home,
and participate in team functions and social events whenever possible.
Specific
responsibilities are:
Ensure
that the election of club officers takes place at the END of
the Fall season and that the club President notifies the EPRU
Secretary (P.O Box 393, Exton, PA 19341) of the new officers
immediately.
Ensure
that recruiting of new members is done at the beginning of each
school year and on a continuous basis.
Ensure that complete and reasonable matches are planned for the team and that the Match Secretary has sent a copy of the schedule to the Divisional Play Coordinator. (Spring schedules are due by February 1st, Fall schedules by August 1st).
Ensure
that practice sessions are properly organized and under the
control of the appointed coach. Help the team locate a qualified
coach if none is currently assigned.
Ensure
that budget requests for college funds are properly prepared
and submitted in a timely and professional manner.
Ensure
that college policies regarding the use of facilities, insurance,
playing personnel, use of funds, etc. are adhered to.
Ensure
that the team has access to the appropriate services and facilities
offered by the college (practice & playing field(s), equipment,
medical trainer, EMT, etc.)
Notify
the proper EPRU officials of any disciplinary matters affecting
the team.
Attend, with club officers, the Annual General Meeting of the EPRU (3rd Wednesday of September).
COACHES
CODE OF CONDUCT In an effort to raise the standards and quality of play and player behavior as well as improve the image of the sport of rugby, every high school and collegiate coach is expected to abide by the Rugby Coaches Code of Conduct. This Code is based on the premise that rugby should be an integral part of the education process of the student-athlete and that coaches are, above all, teaches with an ethical duty to enhance the physical, mental, social and moral development of student-athletes and teach them positive life skills that will help than become personally successful and socially responsible.
MEN’S COLLEGIATE DIVISIONAL PLAY RULES & REGULATIONS
Season Divisional and playoff games will be played in mid-September to the beginning of November of the Fall season in accordance with the schedule provided by the EPRU.
General Requirements and Awards All teams representing the EPRU in regional or territorial playoffs must be Full Members, current with all financial obligations and in good standing with both the EPRU and the East Penn Rugby Referees Society to take part in the Mid-Atlantic RFU Collegiate Playoffs. All teams in divisional play must be enrolled in USA Rugby's Club & Individual Participant Program (CIPP) as per the EPRU CIPP Policy. Teams who are not fully enrolled in the current CIPP Program by April 1st will not have their divisional play matches count in the standings. Enrollment of the club and its players in the previous year's CIPP Program does not fulfill the requirements. (See CIPP Policy for further details)
Players must have medical insurance in order to participate in any rugby activity. Players should supply copies of their medical cards to their club as proof of coverage when requested. All clubs must also be in compliance with the EPRU, MARFU & USA Rugby Eligibility Requirements. See Regulation 7 for more details.
Awards will be given to the Division 1, 2 and 3 collegiate champions at the February EPRU General Meeting.
Determination of Final Standings Points will be awarded as follows:
4 for a win
2 for a tie*
0 for a loss
1 point for 4 or more tries scored in a game
1 point for a loss by 7 points or less
1 for match report submittal within 24 hours of match - both winning and losing sides are to submit a match report. (not applicable to Div. 1B)
0 for forfeit and the match is played
-1 for forfeit and the match is NOT played
-3 for game day no-show**
* There is NO overtime in divisional play matches. A forfeited match will be credited with a score of 10-0.
** A minimum of two-days (approx. 48 hours) notice (by email to Collegiate Coordinator and opponent) prior to day of match is required in the case of a game not being played, otherwise the game is considered as a no-show on game day. Even with this notice, game is still considered a forfeit and subject to EPRU Disciplinary action (see Rule #12).
Tie Breaking Procedure in Final Standings and Playoff Ranking a. Results between tied teams
b. Cumulative point differential in all division games (points for minus points against = differential)
Note: Max. scoring differential for standings will be limited to 25 points.
c. Number of tries scored in division games (tries MUST be recorded on form)
d. Cumulative point differential of common non-division EPRU opponents in current season.
Field Requirements a. Field must be ATLEAST 65 yards X 100 yards - try line to try line - 110 yards overall - minimum 5 yard in-goal area.
b. Field must be properly lined and goal posts padded as set forth by the East Penn Rugby Referees Society.
c. Spectator Ropes must be erected goal line to goal line on ATLEASTONESIDE of the field. Only coach(es), touch judges and trainer will be permitted inside rope.
d. If extenuating circumstances prevent a club from playing on a field with required minimum dimensions (see a. above), the club MUST SUBMIT IN WRITING to the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator the exact dimensions of the field to be used and an explanation of the circumstances preventing the use of a larger field. The EPRU Collegiate Coordinator will review the situation and make a recommendation to the EPRU Executive Committee. If the situation warrants, the club may be dropped from divisional play. This letter must be submitted no later than September 1.
e. Unless a waiver is granted by the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator, failure to comply with the Field Requirements are grounds for protest and may result in forfeit by the offending team (see Protest Procedure).
Kit Requirements - see complete "Kit Requirements" on the EPRU website at: www.epru.org/rules/kit.php Below is only a brief outline a. All players must play in matching jerseys, shorts and socks whose colors AND style have been registered with the EPRU. Jerseys must be clean, free from holes and tears. Jerseys may be short-sleeved but must not be "cut-offs" or sleeveless. Short-sleeved, hemmed jerseys must cover the bicep. Shorts must be clean and free from holes and tears. Boxer shorts or underwear CANNOT show below rugby shorts (no bike shorts). Socks must be clean and free from holes and tears.
b. Numbers on jerseys (for the correct positions) are mandatory for all teams.
c. In the event of a lack of contrast in jersey colors, the home team is responsible for providing alternate kit to the satisfaction of the referee.
d. Failure to comply with the Kit Requirements is grounds for protest and may result in forfeit by the offending team (see Protest Procedure).
Eligibility Requirements – Failure to Abide is subject to disciplinary action.
The USA Rugby “Eligibility Regulations for National Collegiate Championships” will be in effect for ALL EPRU divisional league and playoff games. Please READ them carefully.
These Regulations can be found at: www.usarugby.org/membership/eligibility/guidelines.html Highlights are:
The player must be enrolled full-time, as defined by his university, and an undergraduate student seeking his/her first bachelor's degree, with the following exceptions:
A student-athlete in his/her final term may carry less than a full-time academic load and still maintain eligibility.
A student-athlete may maintain eligibility after completing and/or receiving an undergraduate degree if that athlete is enrolled full-time in graduate studies provided:
the student-athlete is attending the same institution they received their undergraduate degree and
has not exceeded maximum age and eligibility outlined above.
The player has five (5) years of eligibility from the beginning of the term in which he first enrolled for his/her first undergraduate program, whichever comes first.
A college photo I.D. card is required and must be shown to the opposing team’s captain by the player before the match begins upon request. Any player attempting to use a card other than his own will face disciplinary action. If a player does not have this proof, an alternate proof is another form of picture ID (such as, a passport or driver's license) and class schedule documents. If no proof is provided, the opposing team's captain is to be asked whether or not they can play; his or her decision is final and not subject to protest.
The EPRU Collegiate Coordinator may request team rosters at any time including verification of eligibility of players for Divisional Play in accordance with above Section 7.a.
Only Full Member Clubs in good standing may represent the EPRU in the Mid-Atlantic RFU Collegiate Playoffs (i.e. you must be a Full Member at the time the EPRU qualifying teams are determined).
Division 1 "B" League Rules Since it is an EPRU requirement that all Men's Collegiate Div. 1 teams field a minimum of two sides, "B" side matches will played as Div. 1B League matches. The "B" side match is to be played on the same date and location as the "A" side match. "B" side players will NOT be held to the same USA Rugby eligibility requirements of the "A" side (see 7a.); as long as the player attends the same school and is eligible by school standards to play for the club, he can play in a B league match. Similar to "A" side league matches, players must show school ID before the match to the referee. During a Div. 1B league match, an unlimited number of B team players may be used. However, this does NOT allow a player who leaves the match and is replaced due to an injury or tactical move to return in the same match.
If necessary due to a shortage of players on a given day, "A" side players may (up to a maximum of 5) be allowed to play for the "B" side either as starters or as reserves (provided this does not keep other players on the sidelines who want to play). If more than 5 A side players are used, the match will be forfeited, but should still be played. There will be no fine for a forfeiture of a B side match under this circumstance. A fine may be applied to a team not playing a B side match.
Div. 1B matches, like all matches played in the EPRU, are to be refereed by a certified referee. If the EPRRS-appointed A side referee is available, arrangements shall be made in advance by the home side to have him (or her) referee the match. If the EPRRS referee is not available, then the certified referee from one of the two teams shall referee the match (preference to home side referee). If a certified referee is not available, then the match will not be played. Use of a non-certified referee will result in forfeiture by the home team and additional disciplinary action.
Division 3 - Rules for Delaware "C" Team Only If necessary due to a shortage of players on a given day, Delaware "B" side players may (up to a maximum of 5) be allowed to play for Delaware C side either as starters or as reserves (provided this does not keep other players on the sidelines who want to play). If more than 5 B side players or any A side players are used, the match will be forfeited, but should still be played. There will be no fine for a forfeiture this match under this circumstance.
Match Requirements All league matches shall consist of 40 minute halves. If the match is tied at the end of regulation play, the match will remain tied.
During playoffs only, the following tie-breaking procedure shall be in effect:
Referee will flip a coin just as he would to start a match to determine who will kickoff.
This will be followed by an overtime period of two (2) ten-minute halves. Teams will switch ends at the half.
If teams are still tied at the end of the overtime period, they will play sudden death in ten-minute periods, switching ends at the end of each period. Each new ten-minute period will begin with a kick-off at mid-field, alternating teams for the kickoff until there is a winner.
Minimum Number of Players A club must field a minimum of 12 eligible players from their own roster for a divisional play match to count in the standings. Players must attend the school they are playing for.
Match Dates Matches must be played on the dates set by the EPRU. If there are extenuating circumstances which preclude either team from playing on that set date, then a mutually agreeable alternate date AND reason for the change shall be submitted, IN WRITING, to the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator for consideration.
NO CHANGES SHALL BE PERMITTED WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE EPRU COLLEGIATE COORDINATOR. No changes will be considered within 2 weeks of the match.
Protest Procedure The Team Captain must advise the referee BEFORE KICKOFF that his team wishes to register a protest and give the reason. The referee must notify the opposing Team Captain that a protest has been lodged and for what reason.
The referee should give the offending team a reasonable amount of time to correct the circumstances of the protest. If the circumstances are not corrected, the referee and protesting team MUST notify the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator, in writing, within 48 hours of the circumstances of the protest. The protest will be reviewed by the EPRU Executive Committee and the teams involved will be notified of the Committee's decision.
Reporting Requirements – BOTH Home and Away Clubs
Form for reporting results are available at the EPRU website (http://www.epru.org) in the Forms section.
Match report forms (with information requested) must be completed and provided to the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator NO LATER THAN 24 HOURS FOLLOWING THE GAME.
Failure to get the report in within 24 hours following the game will result in no points being given in the standings (see Rule #3). The match report form MUST be submitted directly from EPRU website or by email provided it contains the same information found on the website form.
Failure to Play Match If a club fails to keep a division fixture for any reason, their club will be required to post a $500 bond or cash within thirty (30) days of the report of the offense, to be held by the EPRU for one year. If, within that year, there is a second offense, the money will be forfeited to the EPRU. The EPRU will disperse moneys as appropriate. Otherwise, the EPRU will return $400; $100 will be kept by the EPRU.
The club will not be permitted to participate in divisional play unless the bond is paid before next year's schedule is prepared.
Referees All matches are to be played under the control of a certified referee.
If a certified referee has NOT been assigned by the East Penn Rugby Referees Society, then the home team must supply a certified referee; if the home team cannot do so, the visiting team can do so. Society referees and club referees who have received USA Rugby Referee Certification are automatically approved.
If the assigned referee does not show, or the teams cannot find a replacement certified referee, then the match is to be re-scheduled and played before the start of the playoffs (unless the result will not have any bearing on the playoff pairings). The home team must advise the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator within 24 hours of the originally scheduled match date in this matter.
Determination of "Bye" Weekend Since a number of colleges have a Fall Break or Parents Weekend during October, all college teams must identify which date, if any, they want a "bye." The club MUST submit a written request to the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator no later than April 1. Requests received after April 1st will be honored only at the discretion of the EPRU Collegiate Coordinator. If no date is submitted, then a date will be assigned. There is to be no appeal allowed of the assigned date. Requests are to be submitted annually as college calendars change each year.
The EPRU Collegiate Coordinator, in agreement with the EPRU Executive Committee, reserves the right to add new teams and to adjust the divisions as it becomes necessary.
The
Collegiate Coordinator(s) will:
The
USA Rugby Collegiate Committee shall act as the directive body
on behalf of any club situated within the United States of America
which represents a two-year or four-year academic institution
of higher education and which meets these criteria:
ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES POLICY
The EPRU fully supports the USA Rugby Collegiate Committee’s statement regarding conduct and expects ALL collegiate teams to abide by this statement:
COACHES
CODE OF CONDUCT