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2.7 NORTHERN REGION UNDER 16 GIRLS GRADE COMPETITION RULES

TOURNAMENT: Please refer to the specific tournament manual for the Northern Region Tournament.

REFEREES: World Rugby Laws apply to this grade including New Zealand Domestic Law Variations (NZDSLV), including ALL Experimental DSLV’s

• Law 3 Team – As per NZDSLV

• Law 4 Players’ Clothing – As per NZDSLV (Mouthguards compulsory)

• Law 19 Scrum – As per NZDSLV & match numbers at scrum if sin-binned

• Sternum tackles in play as per EDSLV’s

• Scrum – Limited to 1.5m push everywhere in the field of play

• Halfback Offside at Scrum – Not advance past the tunnel, remain within 1m of the scrum at tunnel – per EDSLV’s

• NO Game ON Provisions

• Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed either by the relevant Provincial Union REO or Referees Association.

SCRUMS: All Provincial Unions have all elected for their U16 Girls teams to contest scrums in 2023 noting that safety is paramount and if there is any major compromise to the safety of the players during any games then referees are to revert to uncontested scrums. If Team Management is concerned about the experience of their front row they should discuss their concerns with the opposition team management and referee and can elect to play uncontested scrums if considered necessary.

TEAM NUMBERS: The maximum number of players in each squad for each game is 22. Up to seven substitutes may be made for any reasons. (Refer Laws of the Game).

PROOF OF AGE: It is the responsibility of the Manager of each team to carry with him / her proof that all players in the team comply with the age limit. Please use the attached Age Verification Team Sheet template that will be used by all Northern Region Teams. Players must be Under 16 as of the 1st January, 2023.

PLAYING TIME: The tournament period of play shall be 22 minutes in each half with 5 minutes for half time.

U16 SUBSTITUTIONS: All U16 players must get half a game under the NZRU DSLV Law for teenage minimum playing time. All players must play a minimum of half a game. Non-injury substitutions may be made at half time. This Substitution Break is not to be used to provide coaching advice to players/teams. Rolling substitutions are not permitted.

MATCH POINTS: Match points are to be awarded as 4 for a Win, 2 for a Draw, 1 for a loss within 7 points and 1 bonus point for 4 tries or more.

MATCH RESULTS: Notification of results must be via the MyRugby App for Managers or, emailed through to your Provincial Union by 9.00am on the Monday following the game. The Provincial Unions will then send onto the NRRC Secretary [email protected] who will collate results / points tables each week in SKED.

AFTERMATCH FUNCTIONS: There is no requirement for teams to present gifts after games.

ORDERING OFF & SIN BIN NOTIFICATION: Notification of all ordering offs and sin bins must be by the Referee through the MyRugby App for Referees, or a completed form emailed to the Referees Home Union for sending on to the player’s Home Union. See Judicial-Discipline procedures for Home Unions dealing with disciplinary proceedings.

BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS: Teams are reminded that they are ambassadors to the sport, and to their Union, respect and good behaviour should be maintained at all times. Bad language will not be tolerated on or off the field from player’s coaches and managers.