Rules for the Competition

1. The pool matches will be 15 minutes each way.

2. The semi finals and final will also be 15 minutes each way. If at full time the teams are drawing, a maximum of 5 minutes sudden death will be played. The first team to score wins. If there is still no winner see paragraph 8 below.

3. Points will be given – 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and 0 points for losing. 1 point for 4 or more tries and 1 point for a losing team within 1 try difference of their opposition.

4. The matches will be played under the RFU Continuum Laws.

5. The referees will be provided by the NLD Referees Society. All their decisions are binding.

6. If a player is given a red card he will not take any further part in the competition. Where a yellow card is issued the player will be removed for 5 minutes from the playing area.

7. In a pool of 5 teams there will be 4 matches for each team. In pools of 4 teams there will be 3 matches for each team.

8. In the cup competition if there are 3 pools, to form the semi finals the winner of pool A will play the winner of pool B and the winner of pool C will play the best runner up from all 3 pools. If there are 4 pools the winner of each pool will go forward to the semi finals of the cup. Where there are 3 pools, to ascertain the fourth semi- finalist the team with the most points goes through. If the number of points is equal, the number of tries for will be counted. The team with more tries will go through. If it is still equal the number of tries against will be counted. The least conceded goes through. If still equal then 5 different players per side will convert drop goals from in front of the posts 20 meters out.

9. There will be a plate competition. The second placed team from each pool where there are 4 pools will go forward to the semi finals of the plate competition. If there are 3 pools then continue as per paragraph 9 above with the remaining teams in second position in each league going into the semis plus the best 2 teams in third position, making for 4 teams for the semi finals.

10. There will also be a Shield and Bowl competition for the teams not included above. They will also play a semi final and final accordingly as above

11. Squads of up to 20 players are allowed with rolling subs. You can have more players, but only 5 subs per game. The referee must be informed of changes in players on the pitch. If at any time a coach believes it would be beneficial for a player to be substituted, then that substitution should take place before the referee has to take any action to remove the player from the playing area.

12. There are team trophies for all winners and runners up in the Cup, Plate, Shield and Bowl finals.

13. Where there is an injury which exceeds 1 minute to remove or treat the player, the clock will be stopped. If it is in the interest of the player in the first instance to remove him from the playing area for treatment to prevent a serious injury occurring then that should occur. Where further medical assistance is required on the pitch the player should not be moved.

14. All age groups will play on full sized pitch.

15. There will be first aid or physiotherapist cover is on the pitch sides at all times when the competition is in progress.

16. As this tournament is taking place in March, the above may need to be adapted according to the weather conditions and to ensure player safety.