I have uploaded the new and updated Reg, 15 documents onto the documents section of the website. Please ensure you read the new regulations.
Dear Hon Sec, Youth Chairman, Club Coaching Co-ordinator,
AGE GRADE REGULATIONS
You should all be in possession of the new Age Grade Regulation documents issued by the RFU during the summer. I now attach a further copy, as these should, of course, be the “bible” by which you run your club’s youth, mini, and girls rugby.
There has been much talk about playing down an age group, and amalgamation of age groups etc., but these new regulations are more stringent, and require formal approval.
May I highlight the following, please.
U7 to U9s – these age groups are covered by the new Shaping the Game protocols, which Eastern Counties agreed to adopt. Please be reminded that all clubs within ECs need to follow these new protocols, which are mandatory.
U12s to U15s – playing up – players may play up one year with the appropriate assessments, and parental consents.
U16s to U17s – playing up – players may play up 2 age groups year with the appropriate assessments, and parental consents. Except in the front row - one age group only (NB – this is a new regulation) – age dates for youth rugby are 31st August / 1st September – which is different from adult rugby – which is player’s birthday.
Playing Down – this is forbidden, except where a player has formal permission from Eastern Counties. This will be approved in exceptional circumstances where there are physical or developmental reasons which mean that it would be more appropriate to play a year down. A form is attached; any assessment should be completed by a Level 2 coach, and signed off by 2 of Hon Sec, Youth Chairman / CCC.
For the avoidance of doubt, players may not play down in order to “make up numbers” – if a club is short of numbers, please make arrangements with your opposition to equalise numbers.
Girls Rugby
There are 3 age bands
U18 – covering school years 13,12,11
U15 – covering school years 10,9
U13 – covering school years 8,7,6
Except for 18 year olds playing adult rugby, and U13s who have been previously registered , these bands are strict, and girls should not play matches outside these protocols.
The Season
Commenced25th August 12, and finishes 5th May 13. Competitive fixtures should not be played outside these dates, without (very) special permission.
For U12s and below, there should not be fixtures before 1st October
Festivals
Where a club wishes to hold a festival (at any age from Mini/ Midi to U19s), formal approval is required. Please ask Lisa for Eastern Counties forms and guidance documentation.
Tours
Where a club wishes to tour outside the home unions, or host a touring side, permission is required from the RFU, via Eastern Counties. Appropriate forms are available on the RFU web-site, and should be lodged with Lisa at least 4 weeks beforehand.
The remainder of the regulations and guidance are self explanatory, and are commended to you for best practice. It would be helpful if all clubs could disseminate these to all involved in the management and coaching of youth, mini, and girls rugby.
If you have any queries on these, please direct these via Lisa, or contact your RDO or CRC.
May I wish you a great rugby season, and no doubt, I will see many of you ‘around the circuit’.
Ross Cowie
Chairman, CCPD – Eastern Counties.
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