Schools & YouthHandbook

2019/20

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Scottish Rugby BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ T: 0131 346 5000 scottishrugby.org | @scotlandteam

Produced by Scottish Rugby

Download a copy at scottishrugby.org Printed August 2019

Front Cover Caledonia Youth Finals Day Highland U18 v Stirling County U18

Back Cover U15 Girls School Cup Final Shawlands Academy U15 v Biggar High School U15

Player Welfare + Safeguarding12 Player Welfare 14 Safeguarding 18 Contact Ages 19 Age Banding 21 Are you ready to play rugby? 24 Player Registration 25 Code of Conduct

12Directory29 Scottish Rugby Contacts 37 Club & School Directory 29Competitions38 Conferences 45 National Knock-Out Cup Competitions 48 Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy 38Rules50 Schools & Youth National Competition Rules

77 Schools & Youth Competition Protocols

79 Schools & Youth Conference Results Reporting Procedure

50Archive81 Conference Winners 82 Schools Cup Winners 84 Youth Cup Winners 86 Girls Cup Winners

81

U15 Girls Schools Cup Final - Shawlands Academy v Biggar High School

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President’s WelcomeThe Mitsubishi Motors UK Schools & Youth Conference programme and Scottish Rugby’s cup competitions continue to go from strength to strength thanks to the support and enthusiasm of young players, clubs and schools across Scotland.

Mitsubishi Motors UK have been title sponsor of the conferences since 2017, and with their support we look forward to further growth in the season ahead.

In 2018/19 the conferences provided opportunities for young people from all across Scotland play rugby on a regular basis. 795 teams were fielded in the conferences by 136 state schools, 113 clubs and 24 independent schools.

My congratulations go to all of last season’s conference winners, who earned points for winning and for fielding teams across age-groups. We also enjoyed an excellent standard of competition at the boys’ and girls’ schools’ and club cup competitions at BT Murrayfield. Congratulations to all those who lifted the silverware.

Player welfare, including child protection and wellbeing, continues to be a priority. Scottish Rugby is committed to ensuring that all children feel safe, enjoy rugby and are protected from harm. Please read the guidance in this Handbook and ensure the correct procedures are in place.

Schools’ & youth rugby is enjoying success thanks to the time, energy and commitment provided by people the length and breadth of the country. Thank you to the coaches, referees, parents, teachers, family, friends and volunteers who provide this valuable support to our next generation of rugby players.

Good luck for the season ahead.

Dee Bradbury

President, Scottish Rugby

Caledonia Youth Finals Day - Kirkcaldy U16 v Ellon U16

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Mitsubishi Motors UK WelcomeWhen Mitsubishi Motors in the UK began its partnership with Scottish Rugby, we promised to help advance and nurture rugby at every level of the game, from grassroots to the elite squad.

These Conferences have remained a key cornerstone of our commitment to supporting Scottish Rugby. As a new season kicks off it is important to reflect on the success over the past year whilst also looking forward to the future.

The Mitsubishi Motors UK Schools & Youth Conferences continues to enjoy high levels of participation by young players from across Scotland. A total of 795 teams competed in 2018/19, drawn from 136 state schools, 113 clubs and 24 independent schools.

With more schools and clubs competing than ever before, Mitsubishi Motors UK is delighted that it is helping to get more young people around the country playing competitive rugby.

Mitsubishi Motors UK is pleased to welcome you all back to a new season and wishes everyone involved the best of luck. We are excited to see the game flourish and for participation to grow even further.

Mitsubishi Motors UK

MITSUBISHI MOTORSOFFICIAL PARTNER OFSCOTTISH RUGBY

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Schools & Youth Rugby WelcomeWelcome to the Schools & Youth Handbook for 2019/20.

This season is an exciting time for Scottish Rugby as we watch our national team competing in the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Domestically, the Rugby Development department launch our strategy for the community game where development of our young players remains a priority. Young players develop into confident and competent adult players through exposure to a long-term development process, where regular, appropriate and competitive playing opportunities exist for all, and a culture of rugby participation is established. To ensure this remains a constant focus for the game, we are reviewing our competition structure in the 19/20 season so that the long-term development of our schools & youth competition offering evolves and is future proofed.It is in everyone’s interest to create a culture of rugby in a school/club environment that has a positive and long-lasting impact on the player, the school/club and ultimately the senior section at the local rugby club all have a role in achieving this. To achieve this, we need to work in partnership with schools, local authorities and clubs who share this vision. Working with schools and clubs, our aim is to grow player numbers, while also focussing on improving the retention and transition rates of players graduating into the adult game. Players will also have better skill sets and a competitive

maturity that allows them to participate and excel as they progress through the game. The purpose of this handbook is to give you the information you need to run your school or club youth rugby programme throughout the season. As a school or club youth rugby organiser you are a key person to ensuring that, collectively, Scottish Rugby provides a positive rugby experience to thousands of young people across the country. We sincerely hope this handbook helps you in this task. There is also advice on player welfare, including child protection, included in the handbook. All coaches working with players under 18 years of age need to be a member of the PVG scheme. Our website scottishrugby.org and our child protection team are available to provide advice and guidance. On behalf of my colleagues and we would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Scottish Rugby to thank you for your efforts in developing the great game of rugby within your community. We hope you have a successful and enjoyable season.

Sheila Begbie MBE Director of Rugby Development

T: 0131 346 5217 M: 07896 293760 sheila.begbie@sru.org.uk

Schools & YouthConferences

P r in c i p le

s

Player welfare at the

forefront of all that

we do

Clubs & schools working together to grow game & improve

standards of play

More players playing more competitive rugby more

often

Emphasis based on the

long-term player development

process

Co

nference

Tiers 1-3

84% fixture fulfilment

5% increase

Tiers 1-3

12 conferences

Tier 4

30 conferences

113Clubs

160Schools*

*24 independent, 136 state

795teams

Mitsubishi Motors UK Schools & Youth Conferences

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Schools & Youth Sub-Groups

ConferenceMeetings

RegionalForums

Scottish Rugby Board & Council

National Schools & Youth Forum• Chaired by Scottish Rugby Council representatives

• Mix of representatives from National Schools & Youth Forums

National Schools Forum• Elected representatives from School Conferences and Scottish Rugby regions

• Appointed representatives from specialist areas

National Youth Forum• Elected representatives from Club Conferences and Scottish Rugby regions

• Appointed representatives from specialist areas

Schools & Youth Advisory StructureAt the start of season 2015/16 Scottish Rugby established an advisory structure to improve communication between clubs, schools and Scottish Rugby.

The overarching purpose of the structure is to:

• Inform on current issues

• Debate current issues

• Share knowledge/experience/best practice

• Assist in the formulation of draft policy

• Act as a sounding board

The diagram illustrates the make up for the structure.

Sub-groups have been established to gain additional advice from specific parts of the Schools and Youth game or to manage specific projects.

• HMC Rugby Steering Group – providing a platform for Headmasters and Heads of Rugby in independent schools.

• Youth Panel – giving a voice to the young people involved in the game.

• Schools & Youth Competitions Committee – manage and administer rules and regulations on behalf of Scottish Rugby Championship Committee and act as a sounding board for competition development.

• Age Grade Law Variation Working Group – manage review of AGLVs and recommend new variations

As noted above, the primary purpose of installing this structure is to improve communication. To achieve this:

• Elected reps on the National S&Y Forums provide a two-way link between their constituent clubs/schools and the National Forums/Scottish Rugby.

• Clubs and schools must identify key contacts to streamline communication.

• Clubs and schools are encouraged to engage with their elected Forum rep and sub-group members to help inform discussion.

• Membership of National Forums and sub-groups shall be circulated periodically to enable clubs and schools to interact should they wish to raise a relevant issue or voice an opinion.

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Scottish Rugby and World Rugby provide a range of educational modules to help all stakeholders learn Injury Management.

Please visit scottishrugby.org/rules-a n d - r e g u l a t i o n s / p l a y e r w e l f a r e /injurymanagement to access player welfare information such as First Aid in Rugby courses and Concussion Management.Please note that it is mandatory to comply with Scottish Rugby’s Concussion Policy.

Player Liaison Officer

A full-time Player Liaison Officer is employed by Scottish Rugby’s as part of our commitment to putting player welfare at the forefront of all that we do. This role has been established to support player welfare all levels of the game in Scotland, from our youngest school children through to our professional players. Support is available to players, parents/family and school/club staff and volunteers. This can come in the form of emotional support, financial assistance, liaising with Scottish Rugby’s insurer (AON) and signposting to partner agencies. The rugby community is good at bringing incidents that require support to our attention but timely submission of serious injury reports is vitally important for ensuring support can be offered when it’s needed.

Contact details:Stuart DowT: 07896 293743E: stuart.dow@sru.org.uk

Rugby is a fast-paced, dynamic, contact team sport, which contributes to the development of children both on and off the pitch bringing huge benefits to other facets of participants’ lives. As it’s a physical sport it is not risk-free and as such, the onus is on everyone, from the governing body to players, referees and parents, to ensure that the game is as safe as possible, and delivered in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment.

Things we can all do to make the game safer:

• Ensure all coaches, teachers and referees undertake the RugbyRight training model at the start of every season: RugbyRight is an online training model that takes candidates through player welfare and safety in our sport.

• Ensure players are playing in the correct age band, to minimise the number of physically immature players playing with physically mature players or indeed adults. Research undertaken in partnership with the Scottish Committee of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeons (SCOT) helped us implement physical maturity assessments on 15-year-olds playing in U18 rugby & 17-year-olds playing in adult rugby.

Age Grade Law Variations

• Ensure that the game is introduced from the age of eight in a staged fashion to ensure an emphasis on the teaching and coaching of correct technique at the correct age and stage.

Ensuring young players are not playing too much rugby

• Players under the age of 18 should not play more than 90 minutes of rugby in a 48 hour period.

• Limit the amount of competitive game time children play across the weekend.

Injury Management & Reporting

The safety of all players is of paramount importance and therefore all clubs and schools must ensure that, wherever the game is played or training is conducted:

• There is appropriate first aid cover and equipment provided.

• There is access to a telephone to ensure emergency services can be called immediately.

• There is clear vehicle access for an ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

• Recognise and Remove players from the game if they have had a head knock and don’t let them return to play for three weeks or until they are symptom free. ‘If in doubt sit them out’.

Player Welfare & SafeguardingInjury Reporting

Promptly complete and submit a Serious Injury Report to Scottish Rugby where any player has a rugby injury or related illness and as a result:

1. Attends hospital or is seen by a medical practitioner

2. Has a suspected or confirmed concussion

3. Requires time away from the game*

Reports to be submitted via SCRUMS within the following time limits:

Suspected Spinal Injury or potential life threatening – immediately

All other injury types - within 7 days of date of injury

*According to World Rugby ‘Time loss injury was defined as the inability to participate fully in training or match play after an injury that occurred during either rugby training or game according to a recent IRB injury definition consensus statement’

When the form has been submitted, AON (the Scottish Rugby insurance brokers), Scottish Rugby’s Welfare Officer and the clubs and/or school that hold registrations with the player will receive an email.

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Advice for parents

We would advise parents to ask a few questions when taking their child to any sports club or activity, such as:

• Does the organisation have a Child Protection Officer – do you know who they are and how to contact them? Is it also easy for your child to find out who this is too?

• Does the club have a Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy – is it on their website?

• Does the club ensure that all appropriate coaches/volunteers join the PVG Scheme?

• Have their coaches/volunteers gone through Child Protection and Safeguarding training?

• Do they take details from you on joining – medical/allergy information, next of kin, any special requirements, consent forms for things like photos of your child?

• Do they have trained First Aiders?

• Do they have social media policy for contacting young people?

• Does your child enjoy their time at the club?

• Are they happy to take parental feedback/answer your concerns?

If you need further information, please contact the Safeguarding Team at Scottish Rugby.

E: safeguarding@sru.org.uk

Karen Burnett Lead Child Protection Officer T: 0131 346 5168 E: karen.burnett@sru.org.uk

Faye Henderson Child Protection Administrator T: 0131 346 5056 E: faye.henderson@sru.org.uk

Hannah Taylor Regional AdministratorT: 0131 346 5175 E: hannah.taylor@sru.org.uk

SafeguardingAll sports, including rugby, can be a really positive and fun experience for children. Scottish Rugby is committed to ensuring that all children feel safe, enjoy their rugby and are protected from harm.

CPO

All clubs with youth sections have a Child Protection Officer and we’d encourage everyone to make sure they know who that person is in their club – look out for our posters on club noticeboards. The CPO should be the first point of contact for any concerns and PVG queries. All CPOs attend child protection and safeguarding training and we communicate regularly with policy news and advice.

If you have concerns about a child, young person or a coach or member of your club or school, you should contact the following:

• Your club Child Protection Officer or if in school, their CPO or local authority CPO.

• Scottish Rugby Safeguarding team.

• If a child is in immediate danger call Police Scotland on 999.

• Help and advice is also available through NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 or Children 1st on 08000 282233.

PVG

Scottish Rugby requires all coaches working with players under 18 years of age to be a member of the PVG Scheme, with Scheme Record Update if needed, before starting to coach.

In school rugby, your local authority or school would be your point of contact for concerns or processing PVGs.

Anyone in “regulated work” should be a PVG Member. If you are unsure if you are already a member call Disclosure Scotland on 03000 200040. For PVG Guidance and advice please go to our website www.scottishrugby.org and refer to the flowchart.

Training

Scottish Rugby deliver training via our Rugby Right online course as well as face to face workshops for CPOs. Dates and details of the courses are on our website.

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Are you a member of the PVG scheme?

Average turnaround by DS is 4-5

weeks

No

Club CPO will provide PVG application, check ID & send to Scottish Rugby

Scottish Rugby check application & send to

VSDS

DS does check, sends certificate to VSDS

VSDS sends certificate to individual & copy to

Scottish Rugby

Scottish Rugby records membership number, emails confirmation

to club

Club CPO keeps record of all PVG applications & PVG

numbers securely

Individual keeps own PVG certificate

Club

Club sends PVG number to Scottish Rugby

Can’t remember your PVG number?

Individual must call Disclosure Scotland

themselves on 0870 609 6006 to get

number

Yes

Is this through your…

Employer / Other

Club does scheme record update form

CPO completes update form with existing PVG

number – send to Scottish Rugby

Scottish Rugby sends form to VSDS

VSDS send to DS

DS returns update form to VSDS who send to Scottish

Rugby

Scottish Rugby emails club with scheme record

update detail

PVG Flowchart

DS – Disclosure Scotland VSDS – Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services

U18 Schools Cup Final - Merchiston Castle School v St Aloysius College

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Domestic Boys’ Age Grades

Mixed U13 U14 U15 U16 U17 U18 U20 & Adult

School year P4 P5 P6 P7 N/a - 1 September cut off

Age during season

8/9 9 /10

10 /11

11 /12

12 /13

13 /14

14 /15

15 /16

16 /17

17/18 18/19

Game duration 20mins 30

mins40

mins45

mins 60mins 70mins 80 mins

Max playing time

90 minutes in 48-hour period

Preferably onecompetitive gamea weekend but no

more that 90mins in a 48 hour period

Half a Game Initiative

All players (up to S2/U14) to have equal game time

Mixed Rugby

From P4-P7 girls and boys can play rugby together in a maximum of two year age grades, for example P6 & P7. From U13 (S1) girls and boys separate.

Contact AgesBoys’ age grade rugby in Scotland ‘at a glance’

Age P4-P7(U9 – U12)

S1 - S2(U13 - U14)

U15 – U16(14-16 yrs)

U17 – U18(16-18 yrs)

U19 & beyond(18 yrs +)

Rugby Type

Full contact mixed mini rugby P4, P5, P6, P7 variationsTAG, touch

Full contact rugby S1-S2 variations. Mixed TAG, touch

Full contact rugby. Mixed TAG, touch

Full contact rugby.Touch rugby

Full contact rugby.Touch rugby

Location Club (Mini)School

Club (Mini)School

Club (Midi)SchoolPathwayScotland U16

Club (Youth)School PathwayScotland U17 & U18

ClubsUniversityScotlandU20

Girls’ age grade rugby in Scotland ‘at a glance’

Age P4-P7(U9 – U12)

S1 - S2(U13 - U14)

U15 – U16(14-16 yrs)

U17 – U18(16-18 yrs)

U19 & beyond(18 yrs +)

Rugby Type

Full contact mixed mini rugby P4, P5, P6, P7variationsTAG, touch

Full contact rugby S1-S2 variations. Mixed TAG, touch

Full contact rugby. Mixed TAG, touch

Full contact rugby.Touch rugby

Full contact rugby.Touch rugby

Location Club (Mini)School

Club (Mini)School

Club (Midi)SchoolPathway

Club (Youth)School PathwayScotland U17 & U18

ClubsUniversityScotlandU20

Youth RugbyYouth rugby begins at U9 and ends at U18. For safety and to allow young players to develop in the best environment within clubs and schools young players should be training and competing with others of the same age and physical maturity. Therefore, the youth game is divided up by the age of the players involved (age grade rugby) with associated law variations. Regulations specify the age grades within which children should be grouped for training and playing. The laws are different for male and female players where physical maturity rates, levels of experience and playing numbers vary. The grades are selected to minimise disparities in physical maturity and experience, while allowing meaningful player development to take place.

Boys’ Rugby

Boys’ rugby is played in Scotland within school year groups up to and including the P7 age grade. The standard age grades, at which Scottish Rugby player development and competition programmes for boys take place are: U13 (S1), U14 (S2), U15 (S3), U16, U18.

Domestic age grade is defined by the school year up to P7 or the player’s age on the 1st September at the start of the current season for the U13 (S1) – U18 age grades. For example: A boy aged 15 years of age on September 1st will be an U16 player for the entirety of the season. Boys’ rugby is played in a maximum of two year age grades, for example P4 and P5. However, due to the evidence on patterns of serious injury in Scotland, it is not possible to combine 15 year old players alongside 16/17 year old players, without a specific dispensation to do so.

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Girls’ Age Grades

Mixed Mixed/U12 girls U14 Girls U16 Girls U18 Girls

School year P4 & P5 P6 & P7 N/a - 1 September cut off

Age during season 8/9/10 10/11/12 12/13/14 14/15/16 16/17/18

Game duration 20 mins Event Dependent 70 mins

Max playing time 90 minutes in a 48-hour period

Girls’ Rugby

To improve the playing experience and grow the game the age bands for girls’ rugby will be narrowed for season 2019/20 to two year bandings; U12, U14, U16 and U18. Age band is defined by the player’s age at 1st September at the start of the current season. For example: A girl aged 14 or 15 years of age on 1st September will be an U16 player for the entirety of the forthcoming season. In U12 and U14 girls’ rugby flexibility is provided for girls that are young for their school year group to play at their age grade, or with the older girls in their year. For example; an 11 year old girl in S1 can choose to play U12 or U14 rugby.

A player turning 14 or 16 during the season can also choose to transition to the next age grade or remain at the younger age grade. In exceptional cases, dispensation may also be sought from Scottish Rugby for a 15 year old to play U18 rugby, or for a 17 year old wishing to train and/or play adult women’s rugby.

Further information can be found on page 22 and at scottishrugby.org/rules-and-regulations/player-welfare/age-banding

Age Grade Eligibility Policy: Are You Ready To Play Rugby?

Please visit scottishrugby.org/rules-and-regulations/player-welfare/age-banding for all information regarding age banding and Are You Ready To Play Rugby? policies.

Alternatively please contact: Shona Stott shona.stott@sru.org.uk AYRTPR@sru.org.uk or 0131 346 5155.

Male rugby age banding policies:

1. U16 players in U18 and U17 rugby.

a) Only for exceptional 15-year-old players, who have the appropriate level of playing experience and skill levels to play in a higher age band.

b) Application made to Scottish Rugby via scottishrugby.org/rules-and-regulations/player-welfare/age-banding.

c) Player then undergoes a physical maturity assessment (organised by Scottish Rugby).

• The physical maturity assessment verifies the height and weight information given on the application form and also measures hand grip strength.

• Research shows that this set of measurements can be correlated and considered against the parameters devised by the Scottish Committee of Orthopedic and Trauma surgeons to give a reliable indication of the stage of development of an individual’s skeleton.

• You cannot pass or fail a physical maturity assessment and it is not possible to affect the player’s level of physical maturity through physical training techniques. It is important that a young player is not put under pressure to move up an age grade before they are physically mature enough to do so.

• Players whose results indicate that they are close to physical maturity may apply to be retested after three months. No other players will be retested.

2. U18 players in adult rugby, male players are only permitted to participate in adult rugby if they are at least 18 years old at the date of the game concerned, unless the exception below applies.

a) Where a player is 17 years old – i.e. no players under 17 years of age can play senior rugby;

AND• Where the player and coach have

completed the online World Rugby RugbyReady course and the coach is qualified to a minimum standard of UKCC level 2 and completed the online Scottish Rugby RugbyRight course;

AND• Where the coach undertakes

the following physical and skill assessments on the player in accordance with Scottish Rugby’s Assessment Guidance, and the

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player successfully completes: (1) A squat and press-up assessment (2) A tackle assessment;

AND• Where the coach gathers and presents

information on the player’s experience, injury history and indicates the level of rugby to be played;

AND• For a prop or hooker aged 17 to be able

to play adult rugby in the front row of the scrum the player would have to:

(1) Provide information on the player’s front-row experience, ability and front row specific coaching received. (2) Players who have satisfied a regional panel on the strength of the above information would then be invited to attend BT Murrayfield for an assessment of their neck strength;

AND• Written approval is given on

behalf of Scottish Rugby. Player dispensation based on medical grounds A player may apply for permission to play down an age grade when his or her safety may be compromised due to an existing or previous medical disability, physical or behavioural condition.

Girls’ Age Banding - Dispensations for Playing Up Mini Rugby

Girls are permitted to play Mini rugby during all Primary school age groups.

U12 Rugby

Girls are permitted to participate in U12 rugby if they meet the criteria below:• are born on or after 1 September

2007 AND• are at least 10 years old on 1

September 2019 OR• are in the Primary 6 year group at

schoolU14 Rugby

Girls are permitted to participate in U14 rugby if they meet the criteria below:• are born on or after 1 September

2005 AND• are at least 12 years old on 1

September 2019 OR• are 11 years old and are in the

Secondary 1 year group at school.U16 Rugby

Girls are permitted to participate in U16 rugby if they meet the criteria below:• are born on or after 1 September

2003 AND• are at least 14 years old on the day of

the matchIn exceptional cases, 15 year old females can apply to participate in under-18 rugby.

Players younger than 16 are only permitted to participate in U18 rugby if

each of the conditions set out in the U16 into U18 Dispensation Application Process have been satisfied before participation.

U18 Rugby

Girls are permitted to participate in U18 rugby if they meet the criteria below:• are born on or after 1 September

2001 AND• are at least 16 years old on the day of

the match

On turning 18 years old, females may elect to participate in adult rugby and/or remain within under-18 rugby.

Women’s adult rugby

Female players are only permitted to participate in adult rugby if they are at least 18 years old at the date of the game concerned, unless the exception below applies.

Exception

In exceptional cases, a player’s physical development, skill level and experience may be such that the player may be allowed to participate in adult rugby at an age younger than 18.

Players younger than 18 are only permitted to participate in adult rugby if each of the conditions set out in the U18 to Adult Dispensation Application Process have been satisfied before participation.

The Dispensation Application Process for U16 into U18, and U18 to Adult rugby can be found at scottishrugby.org/rules-and-regulations/player-welfare/age-banding.

Age Grade Law VariationsAge Grade Law Variations (AGLVs) exist to make rugby safe, fun and appropriate for a child’s stage of development. During season 2018-19 AGLVs for mini and youth rugby were trialled, as part of the Technical Blueprint for Scottish Rugby. Following analysis and feedback the AGLVs has been extended for season 2019-20 to look at how the laws help players progress up the age bandings.

New AGLVs for youth girls’ rugby will also be trialled in season 2019-20, to support transition to the new age bands for the girls’ game; U12, U14, U16 and U18. The trial AGLVs provide playing formats that build towards the 15-a-side game providing focus on core skills of evasion, catching and passing, offloading, tackling and the breakdown before further tactical and technical elements are gradually introduced. The main emphasis is on player safety.

Scottish Rugby will continue to undertake an analysis project to monitor the impact of each trial compared with the current set of AGLVs.

Players, coaches and referees will be asked for their feedback too. The trial AGLVs for season 2019-20 can be found on the Scottish Rugby webpages and the Online Training Hub (Hive) as part of the 2019-20 RugbyRight course.

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Age Grade Game Time Policy The maximum game time that should be played for all age grade rugby players U9 – U18 should not exceed 90 minutes of game time in a 48 hour period.

Player RegistrationAll players from U9 (P4) upwards at clubs and schools must be registered on the Scottish Rugby player registration system. This enables Scottish Rugby to plan, monitor and evaluate development and performance programmes and to track the retention of young players. Player registration also maintains the validity and integrity of age-grade competitions, playing a valuable part in ensuring player eligibility.

All players attending or playing in Scottish Rugby competitions or events must be registered online and in accordance with the rules of each competition or event.

The log in page for the online player registration system is scrums.scottishrugby.org

Advice and support relating to the Scottish Rugby player registration system can be at scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/support-for-clubs/scrums, or by contacting:

E: scrums@sru.org.uk

Mark Salter Caledonia Regional Administrator M: 07736 783 755 E: mark.salter@sru.org.uk

Jessica Kelleher East Region Administrator M: 07870 494 914 E: Jessica.Kelleher@sru.org.uk

John Gillies West Regional Administrator M: 07764 178 954 E: john.gillies@sru.org.uk

Match OfficialsQualifications and training

All referees should have a Level 1 qualification. The course is six hours and is mainly practical. Course dates can be found at: scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/training-and-education/all-courses-a n d - r e s o u r ce s / n a t i o n a l - l e v e l - 1 -refereeing-course

Clubs and schools can request to hold a course for their members at the club or school outside the dates of the scheduled courses listed on the website. A minimum of eight participants are required.

Please direct all course queries and registration to referee.courses@sru.org.uk

Appointments

Referees are appointed by Scottish Rugby to the highest tier of U18 school and club competitions. Where possible, referee societies will appoint to all other tiers of national and regional U18 school and club competitions. Clubs and schools will be required to provide their own qualified referees for U16 matches and below. Societies may be able to provide referees under special circumstances and should be given at least two weeks notice when requesting a referee.

Codes Of ConductPlayers Code

Work as a team, respect the opposition and referee, and, above all else, enjoy yourself.

• Always bring a positive and playful attitude

• Listen carefully, contribute and interact

• Encourage your team mates and support your school or club

• Accept decisions made by match officials, and do so without complaint

• Appreciate and recognise good play by both teams

• Win with humility and lose with dignity

• Always remain calm and in control of your temper

• Acknowledge and thank officials, and the opposition

• Be proud of your school or club - look the part

• Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

• Be an ambassador for the game of rugby

Coaches & Team Officials Code

Take ownership of player well-being and create a culture that centres around respect and enjoyment.

• Maintain the safety and well-being of your players at all times. This is your priority

• Abide by all policies issued by Scottish Rugby and your school or club

• Create an enjoyable and fun environment

• Develop open, positive relationships built on mutual trust and respect

• Communicate effectively and clearly define roles and responsibilities

• Agree goals and targets that value participation, performance and fair play

• Promote collaboration between staff, volunteers and parents

• Set high standards and be a positive role model

• Be proud of your school or club - look the part

• Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

• Be an ambassador for the game of rugby

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Parents & Spectators Code

Encourage young players, support their development and set a good example.

• Teach your child to play by the rules

• Instil the importance of good sportsmanship and honest endeavour

• Encourage playing for enjoyment and reiterate that winning isn’t everything

• Form positive relationships - create the right environment for development

• Support coaching staff and volunteers - thank them for their efforts

• Attend matches and support your child’s school or club

• Applaud the performance of both teams

• Respect match officials and their decisions

• Avoid confrontation and discourage negative behaviour

• Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

Match Officials Code

Uphold the laws of the game while maintaining safety, well-being and equity.

• Recognise the needs of young players and remember that safety is paramount at all times

• Form positive relationships - create the right environment for development

• Communicate effectively and explain your decisions

• Avoid confrontation and discourage negative behaviour

• Set high standards and be a positive role model

• Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

• Be an ambassador for the game of rugby

Caledonia Youth Finals Day - Caithness Girls U15 v Stirling County Girls U15

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Join Scottish Rugby’s interactive training hub to view and engage with coaching, player welfare and match officiating resources.

Training Hub Key: SRUTH1872 hivelearning.com/scotrugby

TRAINING HUBPOWERED BY

Scottish Rugby Directory

Sam ParlaneSchool & Youth Operations Manager07971 606398sam.parlane@sru.org.uk

Stewart RossSchool & Youth Partnership Officer07764 178920stewart.ross@sru.org.uk

Thomas DavidsonSchool & Youth Partnership Officer07764 178939thomas.davidson@sru.org.uk

Kieran CooneySchool & Youth Partnership Officer07970 184205kieran.cooney@sru.org.uk

Karen BurnettLead Child Protection Officer0131 346 5168Karen.Burnett@sru.org.uk

Faye HendersonChild Protection Administrator0131 346 5056Faye.Henderson@sru.org.uk

Rosy HumeScottish Rugby Council - Women’s Rugby Forum Representative & Youth lead07810 000483rosy.hume@rownfield.edin.sch.uk

Jonathon AndersonScottish Rugby Council - Schools’ Representative0131 312 2200headmaster@merchiston.co.uk

Schools & Youth Key ContactsSteve TurnbullRegional Director (Midlands) & national lead for Schools & Youth game07855 062466steve.turnbull@sru.org.uk

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Tappe HenningReferee Commisioner0131 346 5256 | 07813 536697tappe.henning@sru.org.uk

James WadeCoach Development Officer (National)07583 294259james.wade@sru.org.uk

Rebecca FinnieOffice Manager0131 346 5024 | 07580 696327rebecca.finnie@sru.org.uk

Kieran HudsonBusiness Intelligence Manager0131 346 5157kieran.hudson@sru.org.uk

Bryce AdamBusiness Intelligence Coordinator0131 346 5162bryce.adam@sru.org.uk

Caledonia NorthChris HildreyRegional Director07970 280159chris.hildrey@sru.org.uk

Sinclair PatienceRegional Manager07971 606223sinclair.patience@sru.org.uk

Rudi UrbachRegional Manager07764 178916rudi.urbach@sru.org.uk

Kenny RussellCoach Development Officer07813 544098kenny.russell@sru.org.uk

Neil GrahamHead of Training and Education0131 346 5021 | 07970 649768neil.graham@sru.org.uk

Rugby DevelopmentSheila Begbie MBEDirector of Rugby Development0131 346 5217 | 07896 293760sheila.begbie@sru.org.uk

Ken MuirHead of Business Operations0131 346 5009 | 07970 755897kenneth.muir@sru.org.uk

Ailie GardnerRegional Administrator0131 346 5166ailie.gardner@sru.org.uk

Caledonia MidlandsSteve TurnbullRegional Director07855 062466steve.turnbull@sru.org.uk

Andy CumminsRegional Manager07580 463857andy.cummins@sru.org.uk

Mark DobsonRegional Manager07773 625321dobson.mark@sru.org.uk

Stewart RossSchool & Youth Partnership Officer07764 178920stewart.ross@sru.org.uk

Scott RiddellCoach Development Officer07764 178941scott.riddell@sru.org.uk

Mel GracieRegional Administrator0131 346 5166mellisa.gracie@sru.org.uk

Glasgow NorthPeter BurgonRegional Directorpeter.burgon@sru.org.uk

Jennifer MillerRegional Manager07580 904891jennifer.miller@sru.org.uk

Ailidh HoodRegional Manager07772 408884ailidh.hood@sru.org.uk

Andrew DouglasCoach Development Officer07730 404774andrew.douglas@sru.org.uk

Hannah TaylorRegional Administrator0131 346 5166hannah.taylor@sru.org.uk

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Glasgow SouthJennifer GriffinRegional Director07580 280092jennifer.griffin@sru.org.uk

Jess BroatchRegional Manager07764 178901jessica.broatch@sru.org.uk

Alan FalconerRegional Manager07764 178952alan.falconer@sru.org.uk

Thomas DavidsonSchool & Youth Partnership Officer07764 178939thomas.davidson@sru.org.uk

Natasha PhillipsRegional Administrator0131 346 5166natasha.phillips@sru.org.uk

EastDavid DrummondRegional Director0131 346 5007 | 07976 223677david.drummond@sru.org.uk

Chris PaceyRegional Manager0131 346 5172 | 07834 542973chris.pacey@sru.org.uk

Alastair ChalmersRegional Manager07972 211117alastair.chalmers@sru.org.uk

Louise DalglieshRegional Manager0131 346 5188 | 07970 280145louise.dalgleish@sru.org.uk

Tony BeggRegional Manager0131 346 5182 | 07773 625298tony.begg@sru.org.uk

Kieran CooneySchool & Youth Partnership Officer07970 184205kieran.cooney@sru.org.uk

Gordon LyonCoach Development Officer07794 623373gordon.lyon@sru.org.uk

Shona StottRegional Administrator0131 346 5166shona.stott@sru.org.uk

Gordon LyonCoach Development Officer (East)07794 623373gordon.lyon@sru.org.uk

Training and EducationNeil GrahamHead of Training & Education0131 346 5021 | 07970 649768neil.graham@sru.org.uk

Andrew DouglasCoach Development Officer (Glasgow North)07730 404774andrew.douglas@sru.org.uk

Kenny RussellCoach Development Officer (Caledonia North)07813 544098kenny.russell@sru.org.uk

James WadeCoach Development Officer (National)07583 294259james.wade@sru.org.uk

Scott RiddellCoach Development Officer (Caledonia Midlands)07764 178 941scott.riddell@sru.org.uk

Natasha PhillipsTraining & Education Administrator0131 346 5167natasha.phillips@sru.org.uk

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CompetitionsVicky CoxCompetitions and Compliance Manager0131 346 5020vicky.cox@sru.org.uk

Sam ParlaneSchool & Youth Operations Manager07971 606398sam.parlane@sru.org.uk

Arran HainCompetitions Department Administrator0131 346 5130arran.hain@sru.org.uk

Mark SalterCaledonia Regional Administrator07736 783755mark.salter@sru.org.uk

John GilliesWest Region Administrator07764 178954john.gillies@sru.org.uk

Jessica KelleherEast Region Administrator0131 346 5119 | 07870 494914jessica.kelleher@sru.org.uk

Match OfficialsBob EastonReferee Development Manager07764 178957bob.easton@sru.org.uk

Colin BrettReferee Operations Manager0131 346 5079colin.brett@sru.org.uk

Bruce FrameFosroc Academy Manager, Caledonia07580 481625bruce.frame@sru.org.uk

Jamie DempseyFosroc Academy Manager, Glasgow & The West07580 481771jamie.dempsey@sru.org.uk

Chris DewsnapFosroc Academy ManagerBorders & East Lothian07896 792625chris.dewsnap@sru.org.uk

Graeme BeveridgeFosroc Academy Manager, Edinburgh07891 414681graeme.beveridge@sru.org.uk

Foscroc Scottish Rugby AcademyStephen GemmellTechnical Director0131 346 5190 | 07764 178906stephen.gemmell@sru.org.uk

Sean LineenHead of Academy0131 346 5018 | 07818 457587sean.lineen@sru.org.uk

Referee SocietyRay MellisPresident, ADRRS (Aberdeen)ray.mellis@btinternet.com

Vernon FawcettSecretary, ADRRS (Aberdeen)vernon.fawcett@btinternet.com

Ronnie DummaPresident, BRRS (Borders)ronnie.dumma@btinternet.com

Graeme HastieSecretary, BRRS (Borders)gbhastie@yahoo.co.uk

Graham AllenPresident, ERRS (Edinburgh)grahamallen@me.com

Fergus HollinsSecretary, ERRS (Edinburgh)fergus.hollins@btinternet.com

Gavin MacDonaldPresident, HRRS (Highland)gavin@eposnorth.co.uk

James RyderSecretary, HRRS (Highland)j.ryder99@btinternet.com

Mhairi HayPresident, MDRURS (Midlands)mhairihay@hotmail.co.uk

Steve MellonSecretary, MDRURS (Midlands)mellonsteven@yahoo.co.uk

Euan McQuarriePresident, WRRS (West of Scotland)president.wrrs@gmail.com

Calum LazenbySecretary, WRRS (West of Scotland)secretary.wrrs@gmail.com

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National Schools & Youth ForumRosy HumeJoint ChairpersonScottish Rugby Council - Youth LeadRosy.Hume@rowanfield.edin.sch.uk

Jonathon AndersonJoint ChairpersonScottish Rugby Council - Schools’ Representativeheadmaster@merchiston.co.uk

Structure and composition of Schools & Youth Forums under review for season 2019/20. Contacts for wider membership not available at time of print but will be in-serted to PDF version when confirmed.

Schools & Youth Competitions CommitteeDavid Stibblesstibbsd@virginmedia.com

Alistair McKenziealastair.mckenzie@nhs.net

Keith Greenkeith.green@hotmail.co.uk

Neil Sutherlandmidi.lasswaderfc@btconnect.com

Norman Andersonlenanormananderson@supanet.com

Tammy Mitchelldtdkn.5@btconnect.com

Sam ParlaneCompetitions Secretarysam.parlane@sru.org.uk

Club & School DirectoryGoing forward Scottish Rugby’s player and club management system, SCRUMS, will provide clubs and schools with the contact information they need to administer their rugby programme.

Each club and school must assign a key contact for boys’ rugby and girls’ rugby. This will allow all SCRUMS users with ‘Administrator’ or ‘Coach’ access to search for and view the contact details of the key contacts at other clubs and schools.

Mailing lists for Schools & Youth communications and E-zines will also be based on the information held in SCRUMS. If you are a key contact for youth rugby please ensure that you are assigned as such in the system and that SCRUMS holds your correct contact details. Please discuss with the main SCRUMS administrator at your club or school to confirm.

The log in page for SCRUMS is: https://scrums.scottishrugby.org/login#/

Advice and support relating to SCRUMS can be found at https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/support-for-clubs/scrums or by emailing scrums@sru.org.uk.

U18 Schools Plate - Carrick Academy v Boroughmuir High School

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Competitions

Schools & YouthConferences

Club Conference

SHOGUN GALANT A GALANT BLANCER

(GRAMPIAN)

LANCER (NORTH/

MIDLANDS)

Ayr Allan Glen’s AnnanDeeside / Garioch

Dundee Rugby

BiggarCartha Queens

ParkArdrossan Ellon Montrose

Boroughmuir Currie DalzielGordonstoun

SchoolMoray / Huntly

Hamilton Cumnock East Kilbride Granite CityRoss

Sutherland

Highland DunfermlineGreenock

WanderersMackie Strathmore

Perthshire Dumfries Saints Kilmarnock

Stirling County GHA Loch Lomond

West of Scotland

Kirkcaldy Stewartry

Livingston Strathaven

WhitecraigsWaysiders

Drumpellier

Borders Town ConferenceWARRIOR

Duns / Berwickshire Schools

Gala Wands / RT / Academy

Hawick Youth / High School

Jed Thistle / Grammar

Kelso Quins / High School

Earlston HS / Melrose Wasps

Peebles / High School

Selkirk Youth / High School

School ConferencesCOLT ECLIPSE L200

Dollar Academy Bell Baxter High School The Glasgow Academy

The Edinburgh Academy Fettes College High School of Glasgow

George Heriot's School Glenalmond SchoolHutchesons’ Grammar

School

George Watson's College High School of Dundee Kelvinside Academy

Merchiston Castle School Loretto School Marr College

Stewart's Melville College Robert Gordon's College St Aloysius' College

Strathallan School

In this section of the Handbook you will find the make-up of this season's Mitsubishi Motors UK Conferences, format and dates of the National Cup competitions, regional development fixtures and the Girls' AGLV Series.

Fixture and results for the Schools & Youth game can be found at: scottishrugby.org/fixtures-and-results/schools-and-youth-clubs/

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Caledonia North Development Fixtures

DateFree Lancer

TeamsVenue Proposed Development Fixtures

w/o 7 Sep Granite City Granite CityGranite City v Shetland (U15/U18 – 10-a-side)

w/o 7 SepRoss

SutherlandStornoway

Stornoway v Ross Sutherland (U14/U16)

w/o 14 SepNorth

DevelopmentOrkney

Orkney v Caithness (U14/U16)

21 Sep Skills Festival CaithnessSkill Development Festival – (U14/U16/U18)

Caithness/Orkney/Stornoway/Shetland

w/o 5 OctDeeside/Garioch

Caithness(Caithness + Orkney) v Deeside/Garioch

(U13/U14/U16/U18)

w/o 9 Nov Granite City Orkney(Orkney + Shetland) v Granite City

(U13/U14/U15/U16/U18)

w/o 9 NovRoss

SutherlandRoss

SutherlandRoss Sutherland v

(Caithness + Stornoway) (U14/U16/U18)

16 Nov Skills Festival MoraySkill Development Festival –

(U14/U16/U18) Moray/Huntly/Caithness/Stornoway

14 Dec Skills Festival

Highland(subject to

National Cup)

Skill Development Festival – (U14/U16/U18) Highland/Caithness/

Orkney/Stornoway/Shetland

School ConferencesBARBARIAN OUTLANDER

Balfron/Strathendrick Berwick Rugby

Carrick Academy Dunbar Grammar School

Hills Rugby Knox / Haddington

Lenzie Academy North Berwick High School

Lomond/Helensburgh Preston Lodge High School

Morrisons Academy Ross High School

Queen Victoria School

St Columbas Kilmacolm

GRANDIS EVOLUTION

Lasswade High School Boroughmuir High School

Linlithgow Academy Dalkeith High School

George Watson's College ‘ B’ Musselburgh Grammar School

St Leonard Madras Rugby Penicuik Rugby

The Royal High School Portobello High School

Trinity Academy

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Midlands Lancer Development Conference 2019/2020

Sunday Activity Details

17 Nov Club Round 4

Carnoustie v Kelpies

Glenrothes v Alloa

Perthshire Dev v Blairgowrie

24 Nov X-Conference/Club Training Organise X-conference fixture or club training

1 Dec Club Round 5

Kelpies v Alloa

Perthshire Dev v Glenrothes

Carnoustie v Blairgowrie

8 Dec Festival 4Under 13’s & 14’s: Blairgowrie

Under 15’s & 16’s: Carnoustie

15 Dec X-Conference/Club Training Organise X-conference fixture or club training

Xmas Break Training and/or games at clubs discretion

19 Dec Festival 5Under 13’s & 14’s: Alloa

Under 15’s & 16’s: Glenrothes

Midlands Lancer Development Conference 2019/2020

Sunday Activity Details

1 Sep Festival 1Under 13’s & 14’s: Falkirk

Under 15’s & Under 16’s: Grangemouth

8 Sep Club Round 1

Kelpies v Glenrothes

Alloa v Blairgowrie

Carnoustie v Perthshire Dev

15 Sep Club Round 2

Blairgowrie v Kelpies

Perthshire Dev v Alloa

Glenrothes v Carnoustie

22 Sep Club Training RWC: Scotland v Ireland

29 Sep Festival 2Under 13’s & 14’s: Glenrothes

Under 15’s & 16’s: Alloa

6 Oct X-Conference/Club Training Organise X-conference fixture or club training

13 Oct School HolidaysTraining and/or games at clubs discretion

20 Oct School Holidays

27 Oct X-Conference/Club Training Organise X-conference fixture or club training

3 Nov Club Round 3

Kelpies v Perthshire Dev

Alloa v Carnoustie

Blairgowrie v Glenrothes

10 Nov Festival 3Under 13’s & 14’s: Carnoustie

Under 15’s & 16’s: Falkirk

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National Knock-Out Cup Competitions

National Youth League CupFormatThe competitions will continue in the format adopted over recent seasons with qualifiers from the Mitsubishi Motors UK Conference competitions playing off in a straight knock-out.

Qualification 12 teams at each age group will take part based on final placings in the U16 and U18 Mitsubishi Motors UK Conference competitions.• Galant A Conference x 2 • Galant B Conference x 1*• Lancer (Grampian) Conference x 2 • Lancer (North/Midlands) Conference x 1• Shogun Conference x 3 • Warrior Conference x 3*2nd XVs involved in Galant B U18 Conference are not eligible

The DrawRound 1 (4 ties) • Winner (qualifier 1) from Shogun, Warrior, Galant A & Lancer (Grampian) receive bye to Quarter-finals• Teams from the same conference kept apartQuarter-finals • Winners from Round 1 will be drawn against one of the teams receiving a bye in Round 1• Home team determined through open drawSemi-finals • Winner Quarter-final 1 v Winner Quarter-final 2• Winner Quarter-final 3 v Winner Quarter-final 4

Girls AGLV Series EventsThe new girls’ age bands and Age Grade Law Variations will be supported by a series of regional fixture events which will be led by Scottish Rugby and clubs will also be invited to host similar multi fixture sessions.

Caledonia North

Regional LeadRudi Urbach

8 September 201929 September 2019

4 October 20193 November 2019

30 November 2019

Caledonia Midlands

Regional Lead Mark Dobson

8 September 20196 October 2019

3 November 20191 December 20192 February 2020

Glasgow NorthRegional Lead

Jen Miller8 September 2019

6 October 20193 November 20191 December 20192 February 2020

Glasgow SouthRegional LeadAlan Falconer

1 September 20196 October 2019

3 November 201923 February 2020

15 March 2020

EastRegional Lead

Louise Dalgliesh 8 September 2019

6 October 20193 November 20191 December 20192 February 2020

If you’d like to find out more, please contact your regional lead directly – contacts can be found in the Directory section of the Handbook.

The new Age Bands and AGLVs will:• Ensure a player-centred game where skill development and player welfare is prioritised.• Allow players to master the fundamentals of evasion, passing, offloading and tackling. • Develop players' understanding of the Technical Blueprint and Principles of Play.• For more information about the AGLVs please visit scottishrugby.org.

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Schools’ Cup - Dates of CompetitionPlayed by

WednesdayAug Sep Oct Nov Dec

17 24 31 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4

Cup R1 R2 R3 QF SF Final

Shield (losing teams from

Round 3)QF SF Final

Plate (losing teams from

Round 2)PR QF SF Final

Bowl (losing teams from

Round 1)PR QF SF Final

National Schools’ Cup

DatesAugust – September

Preliminary Round & Round 1OctoberRound 2

NovemberQuarters

Semi-finals

DecemberFinal 4 Dec TBC

CupRound 1

All unseeded teams

Round 216 ties

Seeds 1-16 join and kept

apart

Round 38 ties

Seeds 1-8 kept apart

Quarters Semi FinalsOpen Draw

Cup Final

ShieldQuarters

Semi FinalsNational Shield

Final

PlatePreliminary

Round Quarters

Semi Finals National Plate Final

BowlPreliminary

Round Quarters Semi Finals National Bowl Final

Round Round 1 Quarter Final Semi Final Final

Date14 & 15

December 201911 & 12

January 20201 & 2

February 2020Sunday 22

March 2020

Standby21 & 22

December 201918 & 19, 25 & 26

January 2020

Venue Home club Home club

Oriam Performance

Centre, Heriot Watt University

BT Murrayfield

Dates & Venues

Girls’ National CupA national girls’ cup competition will take place in the second half of the season for the U18 and U16 age grades. The national cups will be open to clubs and school teams and will use the new Age Grade Law Variations (AGLV) for the girls’ game. The format for the competitions will be based on participation data gathered through planning of the regional AGLV Series events that will take place August - December 2019.

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Date Venue Activity

Wed 13 Nov 2019

FSRA U19 4sOriam

11am - 11.35am - Game 1 (1 v 2) 11.45am - 12.10pm - Game 2 (3 v 4)12.30pm - 13.05pm - Game 3 (1 v 3) 13.15pm - 13.50pm - Game 4 (2 v 4)14.10pm - 14.45pm - Game 5 (1 v 4) 14.55pm - 15.30pm - Game 6 (2 v 3)

Sun 23 Feb 2020

FSRA U17 4sOriam

12.30pm – 13.05pm – Game 1 13.10pm – 13.45pm – Game 2 14.05pm – 14.40pm – Game 3 14.45pm – 15.20pm – Game 4 15.40pm – 16.15pm – Game 5 16.20pm – 16.55pm – Game 6

Sun 1 Mar 2020

Wales – Cardiff Arms park or Ystrad Mynach - TBC

Wales Celts U18 v Scotland U18 (Blues)Wales Druids U18 v Scotland U18 (Reds)

Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy U16 FInal - Caledonia v Edinburgh

Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy FixturesFSRA = Fosroc Scottish Rugby AcademyGlasgow & TW = Glasgow & The WestThe Borders & EL = The Borders & East LothianGW = Glasgow WarriorsCal = Caledonia

Date Venue Activity

Sun 21 Jul 2019

CaledoniaKings Park

12pm –Caledonia U20 v Glasgow & W U201.30pm – Caledonia U18 v Glasgow & W U18 3pm – Caledonia U16 v Glasgow & W U16

Tue 23 Jul 2019

The Borders & East LothianFairydean 3G

4.30pm – The Borders & EL U16 v Edinburgh U166pm – The Borders & EL U18 v Edinburgh U187.30pm – The Borders & EL U20 v Edinburgh U20

Sun 28 Jul 2019

EdinburghMeggetland

12pm - Edinburgh U18 v Glasgow & TW U181.30pm - Edinburgh U16 v Glasgow & TW U16 3pm – Caledonia U18 v The Borders & EL U184.30pm - Caledonia U16 v The Borders & EL U16

Sun 4 Aug 2019

Glasgow & The West Broadwood

12pm – Glasgow & TW U18 v The Borders & EL U181.30pm – Glasgow & TW U16 v The Borders & EL U16 3pm – Edinburgh U18 v Caledonia U184.30pm – Edinburgh U16 v Caledonia U16

Sun 11 Aug 2019

FSRA Finals Day Gala RFC & Fairydean 3G

U18 3rd v 4th Match U16 3rd v 4th Match U20s 1872 Cup – Edinburgh U20 v GW U20U18s Final U16s Final

Mon 14 Oct 2019

Glasgow & TWBroadwood

12.30pm – Glasgow Warriors U18 v Edinburgh U18 2.15pm – Glasgow Warriors U16 v Edinburgh U16

Fri 18 - Sun 20 Oct 2019

Various – contact regional FSRA manager for details

Fri 18 Oct - Edinburgh U16 v Sedbergh U16 (H)Fri 18 Oct – Edinburgh U18 v Bishop Stortford College Sat 19 - Sun 20 Oct - Cardiff Blues U16 v GW U16 (A)Sat 19 Oct - Saracens U18 v GW U18 (A)

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‘Schools and Youth National Competitions’

means the league and knock-out competitions designated as such by the Board from time to time and listed in Appendix 2.

‘Scoring Match’ means a Match in which Competition Points are awarded based on the result of the Match.

‘Scottish Rugby’ means Scottish Rugby Union Limited.

‘Team’ means any club, school, composite team or other body (as the context may require and as permitted by the Rules) which participates in a Schools and Youth National Competition.

‘World Rugby’ means the game’s world governing body.

2. ORGANISATION AND APPLICATION

The National Competition Rules

2.1 The National Competitions shall be governed by the Rules.

2.2 The Rules and changes to them shall be subject to approval by the Board. The Board may provide supplementary Regulations in respect of individual Schools and Youth National Competitions (see Appendix 1). The Board reserves the right to amend the Rules and Regulations from time to time.

2.3 The Board shall have the power to rectify any error or omission in the Rules and the Regulations in such manner as it deems fit.

2.4 In the Rules and Regulations, unless specified or the context otherwise requires, words importing any gender shall include all other genders, and importing singular shall, where appropriate, include plural.

2.5 Should any provision of the Rules or Regulations be held by any court or other competent authority to be illegal, void or unenforceable (in whole or in part) the remainder of the Rules and/or Regulations shall continue to be enforceable.

Organisation and Administration

2.6 The Board shall be assisted in the organisation of the Schools and Youth National Competitions by a Championship Committee. The Championship Committee shall have the authority to delegate any of its powers, duties or obligations under these Rules to any person, Competitions Committee, sub-committee or other body provided that it retains the ability to resume the exercise of those powers at any point.

2.7 The Schools and Youth National Competitions shall be administered by the Schools and Youth Competitions Committee (“Competitions Committee”) under the delegated authority of the Championship Committee.

Scottish Rugby Schools & Youth National Competition Rules 2019-20201. DEFINITIONS

‘Board’ means the Scottish Rugby Board.

‘Championship Committee’means the Scottish Rugby Championship Committee.

‘Championship Secretary’ means the person who deals with the day-to-day running of the National Competitions.

‘Competitions Committee’means the Schools and Youth Competitions Committee elected or appointed to assist in the organisation of the Schools and Youth National Competitions.

‘Competition Administrator’means a person appointed by Scottish Rugby to administer an individual Schools or Youth National Competition (or part thereof).

‘Competition Secretary’ means the person appointed by Scottish Rugby to act as Secretary to the Competitions Committee.

‘Cup’ means such schools and youth Cup competitions (as the context may require) as have been designated as Schools and Youth National Competitions.

‘Development Match’ means a Match in which one Team borrows Players from the opposition Team as it is not able on its own to field the minimum required number of Players.

‘Host Team’means the Team providing the venue for any given Match.

‘Match’ means a match played or to be played in a Schools or Youth National Competition.

‘Minimum Operating Standards’ means the minimum standards and requirements issued by Scottish Rugby from time to time.

‘Participation Match’ means a Match in which Competition Points are awarded solely for the playing of a Match rather than being based on the result of the Match.

‘Player’ means any person who is named by a Team to participate in a Match.

‘Regulations’ means any supplementary regulations provided or approved by the Board in respect of individual Schools and Youth National Competitions, or generally.

‘Rules’ means the Schools and Youth National Competition Rules approved by the Board from time to time.

Competition Rules

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3. FIXTURES

Date and Kick-Off Time

3.1 The date, time and the identity of the home and away Teams in any Match shall be as determined and notified by the Competition Secretary.

3.2 Matches shall be played on the date and at the time notified. By exception, and where both Teams agree, the home Team may make written application to the Competition Administrator or Competition Secretary for a Match to be played on an alternative date or at an alternative time. Evidence as to the consent of both Teams shall be required. The Competition Committee’s decision in respect of such requests shall be final.

3.3 The Competitions Committee reserves the absolute right to reschedule any Match, including at short notice. In the event of a postponed or abandoned Match requiring to be rescheduled, other Matches may require to be rescheduled or further rescheduled in order to accommodate that Match.

3.4 Matches shall normally be played at the home Team’s regular venue. The home Team must advise the Competition Administrator/Competition Secretary, the visiting Team and the referee promptly if a Match is to be played at a different venue. The home Team must confirm the Match arrangements

with the referee and the away Team no later than 72 hours before kick-off.

3.5 Copyright, database and all other rights in the fixtures shall be the property of Scottish Rugby.

Cancelled and Postponed Matches

3.6 If a Match is likely to be postponed the Teams should seek to play at an alternative venue, including reversing the fixture where necessary.

3.7 If a Match has been cancelled due to ground conditions:

3.7.1 League based Matches: Matches shall not be re-arranged unless the two Teams mutually agree. Any re-arranged Match must be played prior to the scheduled final round of Conference fixtures. The re-arranged date must be notified to the Competition Administrator within five days of the date of the original fixture. Should the re-arranged Match subsequently not be played it shall be recorded as a draw.

3.7.2 Knock-out Matches: Where a knock-out match is postponed or abandoned before 75% of the normal playing time has elapsed, it must be re-arranged for a date as early as possible. Where the Teams are unable to agree a mutually acceptable

2.8 The membership of the Competitions Committee shall comprise:

2.8.1 a Convenor, who shall be the Schools and Youth Representative serving on the Championship Committee;

2.8.2 Schools: up to three elected or appointed schools representatives;

2.8.3 Youth: up to three elected or appointed youth rugby representatives;

2.8.4 the Chair of the National Youth Forum and the Chair of the National Schools Forum (in a non-voting capacity); and

2.8.5 such others as may be co-opted to the Competitions Committee (in a non-voting capacity).

2.9 Where by reason of the routine nature of the matter, or such urgency that a meeting of the Competitions Committee cannot reasonably be arranged, the Convenor may exercise any of the powers, discretions and/or authorities under the Rules and Regulations.

2.10 The Competitions Committee and the Convenor shall be assisted by a Competition Secretary appointed by Scottish Rugby.

Compliance

2.11 By agreeing to participate in a Schools and Youth National Competition the participating Team agrees to be bound by both the letter and the spirit of the Rules and Regulations, and such other Scottish Rugby Rules, Regulations, Age Banding Rules, Policies, Procedures and Participation Agreement Terms as may affect its participation in the competitions.

2.12 Participating Teams shall comply with any Minimum Operating Standards (“Standards”) issued from time to time by Scottish Rugby, unless a dispensation has been given by Scottish Rugby. Scottish Rugby shall have the power to suspend the participation rights of any Team which fails to meet or to maintain these Standards.

2.13 Except where a Scottish Rugby Bye-Law, Policy, Rule or Regulation provides to the contrary, World Rugby’s Laws of the Game (including the Under 19 Law Variations) and the World Rugby Regulations Relating to the Game shall apply.

2.14 The participating Teams shall ensure compliance by all of their Players and officials with applicable Rules and Regulations

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4.2 For the avoidance of doubt a Player participating in a Development Match shall not require to be registered for the Team he is participating with. Within Development Matches Teams are encouraged to share Players to ensure that all available Players are able to participate in the game.

4.3 Other than with the written permission of the Competition Committee, a Player may not play in a Schools or Youth National Competition for more than one club, one school or one composite Team in any season.

4.4 A Player who participates in a U18 or U16 National Competition fixture shall not be eligible for selection for any other National Competition fixture on that weekend.

4.5 In school competitions a school may seek the Competitions Committee’s permission to field a Player who is not enrolled with that school i.e. is enrolled at another school or has left school but still complies with the age grade criteria. Such permission shall ordinarily only be granted where participation for the school concerned provides the only realistic competitive playing option for the Player. Schools must not attempt to utilise this rule in an effort to gain competitive advantage. Applications shall be in the prescribed form and the Player must not participate for the school until permission has been granted

and the Player has been properly registered.

Age Restrictions for Team Selection

4.6 All Teams and Team officials must comply with Scottish Rugby’s Are You Ready To Play Rugby? (“AYRTPR”) policies.

4.7 All participating Players must be eligible to play for the Team they are representing in accordance with Scottish Rugby’s Age Grade Eligibility and AYRTPR policies.

4.8 The age grade cut-off date shall be 1 September 2019. In order to be eligible to participate:

4.8.1 Under 18 Players must be born on 1 September 2001 or later;

4.8.2 Under 16 Players must be born on 1 September 2003 or later;

4.8.3 Under 15 Players must be born on 1 September 2004 or later;

4.8.4 Under 14 Players must be born on 1 September 2005 or later;

4.8.5 Under 13 All Players must be born on 1 September 2006 or later.

4.9 A Player may not play or be selected to play outwith his age band unless he has received written exemption from Scottish Rugby to do so, granted in accordance with Scottish Rugby’s AYRTPR policies.

date the home Team must refer the matter to the Competition Administrator. Where necessary the Competition Administrator may ask the Competitions Committee to fix the place, date and time of kick-off, which ruling shall be final and binding on all parties. Where the requirements of the competition necessitate the Competitions Committee may resolve that the winner of any Match shall be determined by the toss of a coin.

Abandoned Matches

3.8 Where a Scoring or knock-out Match is abandoned:

3.8.1 If less than 75% of normal playing time has expired it shall be treated as a Cancelled Match.

3.8.2 If at least 75% of normal playing time has expired the Match shall be deemed to have been completed and the score at the time of the abandonment shall stand as the Match result.

3.9 Where a Participation or Development Match is abandoned it shall be deemed to have been completed irrespective of the time of abandonment and the result at the time of the abandonment shall stand.

3.10 The right is reserved for the Competitions Committee to investigate the causes of any abandonment and to take such disciplinary or other action as it deems appropriate.

3.11 For the avoidance of doubt the procedures regarding any red or yellow cards, citing or misconduct complaints during an abandoned Match shall be the same as if the Match had been completed.

Non-Fulfilment of Fixtures

3.12 No Team may, without just cause, fail to fulfil its fixture obligations. The Competitions Committee shall be the sole judge as to whether just cause exists.

3.13 If a Team fails to fulfil a fixture on the date notified, the Competitions Secretary may raise a Complaint against that Team.

4. THE PLAYERS

Eligibility

4.1 Players participating in National Competitions (other than where specifically permitted otherwise within the Regulations of an individual competition) must be properly registered as an active Player with the Team that they are representing. Players participating for a composite Team must be registered with one of the clubs/schools forming the composite.

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4.18 In the event of an ineligible Player participating in a Match, the Competitions Committee shall have the right to impose a penalty on the Player’s Team or, as appropriate, on the Team for which he participated. The Player shall also be liable to such additional penalty or suspension as the committee considers appropriate.

5. THE TEAMS

Composite Teams

5.1 Entry to Schools and Youth National Competitions may be accepted from two or more clubs or two or more schools which have combined to form either a composite school or a composite club Team provided that the Competitions Committee is satisfied that:

5.1.1 the composite Team has been created solely for participation purposes and not to gain a competitive advantage; and

5.1.2 the clubs / schools involved can demonstrate the need for a composite Team based on their number of registered Players.

Team Colours

5.2 The Host Team shall be responsible for ensuring that there will be no clash of Team colours (jersey and/or socks). The Match referee shall be the sole judge as to whether colours clash. Where necessary it shall be the responsibility of the Host Team to change.

5.3 Teams proposing to play other than in their normal colours must advise the opposition and the Match referee not less than 72 hours before kick-off.

Team Sheets

5.4 For all Schools and Youth National Competition Matches:

5.4.1 Teams must deliver a fully completed team sheet to the referee and to the opposition manager/coach not later than 30 minutes before kick-off. Changes to the team sheet may be made up to kick-off.

5.4.2 The team sheet must specify the jersey number, full name, date of birth and registration number of each Player. Players capable of playing at prop or hooker must be highlighted as such.

5.4.3 A copy of the team sheet shall be submitted to the Conference Administrator within 48 hours of the kick-off.

5.5 Team sheets shall be submitted in respect of other age groups where required by the competition Regulations or where requested by the Competition Administrator.

Number of Starting Players

5.6 A Team may start a Match with less than 15 Players (or less than 13 in U13 Matches) but not less than 12 Players (not less than 10 Players in

Registration and De-Registration

4.10 All Players participating in National Competitions must be registered on the Scottish Rugby player registration system.

4.11 A Player is registered when, subject to these Rules, the Player has been allocated a unique reference number and the Player appears on the system under the club’s/school’s list of active registered Players. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to refuse, suspend or request further information in respect of any application.

4.12 Incoming Players requiring International Clearance shall not be eligible for registration (and hence not eligible to participate) until Scottish Rugby has provided written confirmation of the completion of the Clearance process.

4.13 A Player wishing to transfer Team must notify his current Team of his desire to transfer. The Player’s new Team shall apply in the prescribed manner to transfer the Player’s registration. The Player shall not be eligible to play for his new Team until his name appears on that body’s list of active registered Players.

4.14 Teams shall ensure that their list of registered Players is at all times accurate and up to date, including in relation to whether each Player remains active. Teams shall deactivate a Player’s registration

on receipt of a request from the Player. Teams wishing to deactivate a Player’s registration shall inform the Player in writing.

4.15 A Player’s registration may be suspended or cancelled (including with retrospective effect), where the Player or his Team has breached the Regulations Relating to the Game or any of Scottish Rugby’s Bye-Laws, Policies, Rules or Regulations.

4.16 Subject to the foregoing, a Player’s registration status on any particular date shall be determined by the listing of active registered Players on that date.

Specific Offences

4.17 It shall be a specific offence:

4.17.1 to register or attempt to register a Player without his consent;

4.17.2 to play a Player in a Match who is not eligible to participate due to the age banding rules or otherwise;

4.17.3 for a Player to participate in a Match for a Team to which he is not registered or not otherwise eligible to participate for; or

4.17.4 to mislead the Championship Committee, Competitions Committee or Scottish Rugby in any matter relating to registration or eligibility.

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full side. No Match may be delayed such that the Match would not be completed in good time. The referee shall be the sole judge in this regard.

6. THE GROUND

The Pitch

6.1 The Host Team shall provide a suitable pitch complying with Law 1. The dimensions of the pitch shall be as near as is practicable to the maximum permitted size. Technical areas should be marked out for both Teams.

6.2 Padding around the goalposts, conforming to Law 1.7, must be provided.

6.3 If the Host Team fails to meet the requirements of Rule 6.1 or 6.2 the referee may order that the Match be postponed.

Fitness of Ground or Conditions for Play

6.4 If, prior to the day of the Match, there is doubt as to the potential fitness of the ground the following arrangements must be made:

6.4.1 Advance warning, being at least 24 hours where reasonably practicable, must be provided to the visiting Team and the referee. The visiting Team and referee must be advised as to any potential contingency arrangements.

6.4.2 The visiting Team shall provide details of a point of contact in relation to the potential

postponement and shall also advise as to their intended time of departure.

6.4.3 The Host Team shall arrange for an assessment of the pitch. Where practical this should be undertaken by an independent person (such as a local referee, referee coach/assessor or Scottish Rugby official).

6.4.4 The assessment shall be undertaken not less than 30 minutes prior to the visiting Team’s intended departure time. The result of the inspection shall be communicated to the visiting Team and the referee.

6.5 Where prior to kick-off there is doubt as to the fitness of the ground or the conditions for play, the referee and the respective Head Coaches shall inspect the pitch. If any one of these three persons deems the pitch or conditions to be unplayable then the Match shall be postponed. This decision shall lie solely with the Head Coaches and the referee.

6.6 Within 48 hours of the decision not to play a Match the home Team shall advise the Competition Secretary as to the reason why that Match was not fulfilled. The Competition Secretary may seek further information in order to decide whether a Complaint should be raised against either or both Teams.

U13), subject to it fielding at least five Players in the scrum at all times. In the event that a Team starts with less than 15 Players (U13 13 Players) both Teams must start with an equal number of Players (“Player Matching”). Player Matching must be maintained throughout the Match other than where a Player has been permanently or temporarily dismissed from the field. In the event that the number of Players in either Team be reduced to fewer than 12 (U13 10) in a Scoring Match (for whatever reason), the Match shall proceed as a Development Match.

5.7 In U18/1st XV and U16 ‘A’ Matches if either Team does not have a suitably experienced front row the referee shall order uncontested scrums and the Match shall proceed as a Development Match.

5.8 In U18 2nd XV, U16 ‘B’, U15, U14 and U13 Matches a Match may start with uncontested scrums, subject to there being at least five Players in the scrum at all times. A Team requiring to start a Match with uncontested scrums must advise the opposition and the referee as soon as possible and, other than in exceptional circumstances, no later than 30 minutes before kick-off.

5.9 In Development Matches a Team may start the Match with as few as ten Players and Player Matching shall apply. The Laws applicable to

the number of Players available (XVs or Tens) shall apply. Matches may start with uncontested scrums.

Replacements / Substitutes

5.10 Subject to 5.11 below, the maximum number of replacements shall be:

5.10.1 Scoring Matches and Cup Matches: Seven (unless stated otherwise in the Regulations);

5.10.2 Participation Matches: Five.

5.11 Where in consequence of Player Matching (see 5.6 above), a Team is required to reduce the number of its starting Players to meet that of its opponent, the Players not able to start the Match may be used as additional replacements.

5.12 The requirements of Law 3.8 in respect of the number of front row Players within any Match squad must be observed in U18/1st XV, U16 ‘A’, U15 ‘A’ (Boys) and U14 ‘A’ Matches. Unless stated within the competition Regulations there is no requirement for there to be parity as to the number of replacements available to each Team.

5.13 The maximum number of rolling substitutions a Team may use in any Match shall be 12.

Late Arrival

5.14 Where some or all of its Players have been unavoidably delayed, a Team may request the referee to delay the kick-off to enable it to achieve a

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7.7.2.2 0 points for forfeiting a Match due to being unable to field a Team (with the other Team receiving 2 points).

7.7.3 Development Matches: The following Competition Points shall be awarded for participation in a Development Match:

7.7.3.1 The Team lending Players to the opposition shall be awarded 3 points if the original Match should have been a Scoring Match or 2 points if a Participation Match;

7.7.3.2 The Team borrowing Players shall be awarded 1 point.

7.7.4 Cancelled Matches : Where a Match is cancelled because the ground is unplayable, or is abandoned before 75% of normal playing time has expired, each Team shall receive:

7.7.4.1 Scoring Match - 2 points;

7.7.4.2 Participation Match – 1 point.

7.8 Additional criteria may be applied within the individual competition Regulations.

Cup Matches : Uncontested Scrums

7.9 If the referee is required to declare uncontested scrums due to a shortage of suitably qualified front-row Players the result shall stand providing that the Match started with contested scrums.

Maximum Score

7.10 If during an U18, U16 or U15 Match a Team attains a 50 point lead the Match will be deemed to have been completed and the referee shall blow for time.

7.11 If during a U14 or U13 Match a Team attains a 30 point lead the Match will be deemed to have been completed and the referee shall blow for time.

7.12 Teams are encouraged to play a friendly match for the remainder of the playing time.

Notification of Results

7.13 The home Team shall be responsible for notifying the Match result to the Competition Secretary in accordance with the procedures set out by Scottish Rugby.

8. METHOD FOR DECIDING ON LEAGUE PLACINGS AND IN TIED KNOCK-OUT MATCHES

Conference Tables

8.1 League tables shall be produced in respect of each Conference. Teams shall be awarded a placing in the table based on the number of Competition Points received. The aggregate match points and tries

6.7 Where a Team does not own or have rights over its ground, and the ground is declared unplayable by the holder of said rights, written evidence of such decision must be obtained and be made available to the Competition Secretary on request.

7. THE MATCH

Match Ball

7.1 The Host Team shall provide at least three appropriately sized match balls compliant with the Laws.

Match Officials

7.2 The Host Team shall be responsible for organising an accredited referee (other than where a Match Referee has been appointed by Scottish Rugby or by the local Referee Society).

7.3 Each Team shall supply one suitably trained touch judge. It is expected that each touch judge shall be an adult in respect of U18/1st XV Matches.

Match Duration

7.4 The duration of each Match shall be in accordance with Scottish Rugby’s AYRTPR Age Grade Law Variations. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of disagreement over the duration of U13 or U14 Matches the default position shall be two halves of 20 and 25 minutes respectively.

Half-Time Interval

7.5 The half-time interval shall normally be five minutes. The length of the interval may be altered by agreement between the Teams provided that this is notified to the referee prior to kick-off, but shall not be more than 15 minutes.

7.6 The Teams may retire to covered accommodation at half-time.

Competition Points

7.7 In league based Conference competitions, Competition Points shall be awarded as follows:

7.7.1 Scoring Matches: In U18 1XV, U16 ‘A’, U15 ‘A’, U15 (Girls) and U14 ‘A’ Scoring Matches:

7.7.1.1 3 points for a win;

7.7.1.2 2 points for a draw;

7.7.1.3 1 point for a loss;

7.7.1.4 0 points for forfeiting a Match due to being unable to field a Team (with the other Team receiving 3 points).

7.7.2 Participation Matches: In U18 2XV, U16 ‘B’, U15 ‘B’, U14 ‘B’ and U13 Participation Matches:

7.7.2.1 2 points for Participating with a Team with the minimum required number of players;

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9. TEAMS DISQUALIFIED, SUSPENDED OR WITHDRAWING

9.1 If a Team is disqualified, suspended or voluntarily withdraws from a Conference after the start of the season, the results of all Matches played by that Team shall be deleted and the positions in the division shall be established from the Matches played between the remaining Teams.

10. PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

110.1 The composition of each league Conference shall be determined each season by Scottish Rugby. There shall be no automatic promotion or relegation between Conferences.

10.2 The final placings in each Conference and the composition of each Conference for the succeeding season shall be in accordance with the lists issued by the Competition Secretary.

11. COMPLAINTS

11.1 A complaint into an alleged breach of the Rules or Regulations (a “Complaint”) may be raised by:

11.1.1 the Championship Secretary (in relation to any Schools and Youth National Competition);

11.1.2 the Competition Secretary (but only in relation to matters affecting Schools and Youth National Competitions); or

11.1.3 a Team (but only in relation to a matter which affects it directly and which causes it to suffer significant disadvantage in a Schools and Youth National Competition, or some other form of material prejudice).

11.2 All Complaints must:

11.2.1 state (a) the nature of the Complaint, including the Rule/Regulation alleged to have been breached and (b) the nature and the extent of the disadvantage/prejudice allegedly suffered; and

11.2.2 be signed on behalf of the complainant (in the case of a club this shall be by either the club President or Secretary).

11.3 Complaints submitted on behalf of participating Teams must be submitted to the Competitions Committee within 14 days of the alleged infringement occurring (for the avoidance of doubt the 14 day period shall run from the actual event, not from the date of the complainant becoming aware of it).

11.4 The subject of the Complaint shall be sent a copy of it as soon as practical following receipt.

scored (for and against) shall not be disclosed in the Conference table.

Tied League Placings

8.2 Conference Tables: The aggregate of all Competition Points awarded to each club/school, across all Conference Matches, shall be used to rank the participating Teams. In the event of two or more Teams being equal on Competition Points placings shall be determined in accordance with the following criteria (in the order given):

8.2.1 Competition Points awarded in the Matches between those Teams;

8.2.2 the Team receiving fewer Red Cards in the Conference; and

8.2.3 If none of the above is able to separate the Teams the placing shall be shared.

8.3 Single Age Group Tables: In the event of two or more Teams being equal on Competition Points placings shall be determined in accordance with the following criteria (in the order given):

8.3.1 the points difference in the Match(es) between the Teams;

8.3.2 the Team receiving the fewer Red Cards in all Matches contributing to that table;

8.3.3 the Team placed the higher in the all age grade Conference table shall be placed higher; and

8.3.4 If none of the above is able to separate the Teams the position shall be shared (unless progression to the Youth Cup is at stake, where a coin shall be tossed to determine positions).

Play-Off and Knock-Out Matches

8.4 If the scores at full-time are equal in any play-off or knock-out Match:

8.4.1 Competition Finals: The trophy shall be shared.

8.4.2 Earlier Rounds: The following criteria (in the order given) shall be used to decide the winner:

8.4.2.1 the team scoring more tries;

8.4.2.2 the team scoring more conversions;

8.4.2.3 the team scoring more drop goals;

8.4.2.4 the team receiving fewer red cards;

8.4.2.5 the team receiving fewer yellow cards;

8.4.2.6 in the event that none of the above is able to separate the Teams, the away Team shall be declared the winner or, where the Match is played at a neutral venue, a coin shall be tossed.

8.5 No Extra Time shall be played at any stage of the competition.

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11.7.1 to be represented at any hearing by up to two people, in the case of a club one of whom must be a club member. The name and capacity of those attending shall be advised to the Complaint Committee in advance of the hearing;

11.7.2 to submit evidence, call witnesses and make representations at any hearing; and

11.7.3 to be notified in writing of the outcome of the hearing as soon as is reasonably practicable.

11.8 The onus of proof shall be on the complainant to establish the breach of the Rule or Regulation alleged. The standard of proof shall be on the balance of probabilities.

11.9 A written statement giving reasons for the decision of the Complaint Committee shall be provided if so requested by the parties and upon the lodging of a note of appeal.

Sanctions

11.10 Where a Complaint has been upheld, the Complaint Committee shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to impose any or all of the following sanctions or penalties (including on a suspended basis):

11.10.1 a caution, a warning as to future conduct or a

reprimand;

11.10.2 a fine or award of costs;

11.10.3 require any Match complained of to be replayed on such terms as are deemed appropriate;

11.10.4 the deduction of up to three Competition Points in respect of each offence;

11.10.5 forfeiture of and/or the granting to another Team of the Competition Points for a Match or the awarding of the result in the Match complained of;

11.10.6 the suspension or expulsion of a club, Team, Player or person from participation in any Schools or Youth National Competition for such period as may be deemed appropriate; or

11.10.7 such other penalty or sanction as may be deemed appropriate.

Acts of Misconduct

11.11 For the avoidance of doubt the Competitions or Complaints Committee shall be entitled to refer any act of potential Misconduct (as defined in the Disciplinary Rules) to the Discipline Committee for further consideration.

Complaint Process

11.5 Complaints shall be heard by the Competitions Committee, or a sub-committee thereof comprising not less than three members (the “Complaint Committee”). Where the Complaint is heard by a sub-committee, the committee shall elect one of its members as Chair. Any member with an actual or potential conflict of interest shall be required to excuse themselves.

11.6 The Complaint Committee may:

11.6.1 regulate its own procedure and determine any matter arising in relation to the Complaint. Meetings of the committee may take place either in whole or in part in one place, by letter, telephone, e-mail, video-conference, webcast or by any combination of convenient means. Complaints shall normally be heard based on the papers but may be by way of hearing where the committee or one of the parties so requests;

11.6.2 determine the timescale for the proceedings. For the avoidance of doubt the committee shall be entitled to expedite the process where it considers that this is required for the benefit of the competition. The

committee may also set aside the requirement for Complaints to be brought within 14 days where it believes that it is in the best interests of the game to do so;

11.6.3 call upon, receive and consider such evidence as it thinks appropriate; and

11.6.4 request the attendance at any hearing into a Complaint of any club, school, Team or person under the jurisdiction of Scottish Rugby. Where a club, Team or person requested to attend refuses or fails to do so the committee may adjourn the hearing, proceed in their absence or refuse to allow their evidence to be given in any other form. Any club, school, Team or person refusing to attend without reasonable cause, failing to co-operate with the Complaint Committee or seeking to mislead at any point in the Complaint process may be subject to Misconduct proceedings under Scottish Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules.

11.7 The subject of the Complaint shall have the right:

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12.6 For the avoidance of doubt:

12.6.1 no club, school, Team or person may appeal in respect of any sanction imposed on, or other decision made concerning, another club, school, Team or person; and

12.6.2 no Appeal may be brought against an operational decision made in the running of a Schools and Youth National Competition, notwithstanding that the effect of such decision could impact financially or otherwise on the club, school, body or individual.

Timing and Form of Appeal

12.7 Notes of appeal must be in writing, be signed by the appellant and must be lodged with the Appeals Committee Secretary within seven days of the decision appealed against being made. The note of appeal must contain the following:

12.7.1 the name of the party making the appeal and the office held /capacity of the person signing it;

12.7.2 the decision appealed against, including details of the party which made the original decision, the date of the decision and any sanction imposed;

12.7.3 the full grounds of appeal; and

12.7.4 any documentation upon which the appellant intends to rely in relation to the appeal.

12.8 Other than on cause shown and with the approval of the Appeals Committee, it shall not be permissible to introduce evidence which was available, or could reasonably have been available, at the time the decision appealed against was made but which was not brought to the attention of the original Complaint Committee.

Appeal Process

12.9 The Appeals Committee shall, subject to the requirements of natural justice, have the power to:

12.9.1 Regulate its own procedure and determine any matter arising in relation to the Appeal. Meetings of the Appeals Committee may take place either in whole or in part in one place, by letter, telephone, e-mail, video-conference, webcast or by a combination of convenient means;

12.9.2 Determine the timescale for the appeal. The timescale shall be advised to the appellant, who may request a postponement of any hearing on cause shown.

12. APPEAL PROCEDURE

The Appeals Committee

12.1 The Board shall establish an independent National Competition Appeals Panel (the “Appeals Panel”) to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the Championship Committee and Competitions Committee, including decisions delegated to the Championship Convenor, Championship Secretary and/or other bodies or individuals appointed to assist with the organisation of specific competitions.

12.2 The Board shall appoint the members of the Appeals Panel and, from those members, a Chairman of the Appeals Panel. The members of the Appeals Panel shall comprise legally-qualified persons together with current and former administrators/players and such others as are considered by the Board to have skills and experience relevant to the work of the Appeals Panel.

12.3 The Chairman of the Appeals Panel shall from time to time select not less than three members of the Appeals Panel to sit as an Appeals Committee and shall select one of those members (who shall ordinarily be legally qualified solicitor or advocate of at least five years’ standing) to act as Chairman of the Appeals Committee. The Scottish

Rugby Regulatory Department shall provide administrative support to the Appeals Committee.

12.4 All decisions of the Appeals Committee shall be made by majority. No member of the Appeals Committee may abstain. The Chairman of the Appeals Committee shall have both a deliberative and, where Appeals Committee consists of an even number of members, a casting vote.

Grounds for Appeal

12.5 The grounds for appeal shall be limited to the following:

12.5.1 the original decision was unduly harsh or oppressive;

12.5.2 the body or person making the decision misdirected itself in relation to the Laws of the Game and/or the relevant competition Rules and Regulations;

12.5.3 the body or person making the decision, in the exercise of its discretion, took account of factors it should not have or failed to take account of factors it should have;

12.5.4 there has been a breach of natural justice; or

12.5.5 no other reasonable body or person appointed to that role would have reached that decision.

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12.14.2 uphold the appeal by setting aside the decision appealed against and quashing any sanction imposed under it; or

12.14.3 uphold the appeal in part by setting aside part only of the decision appealed against and/or modifying any sanction imposed; or

12.14.4 refuse the appeal and increase the sanction imposed on the appellant or substitute an alternative sanction; or

12.14.5 take any step which in the exercise of its discretion the Appeals Committee considers it would be appropriate to take in order to deal justly with the appeal.

12.15 The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be advised to the appellant as soon as reasonably practicable after the conclusion of the hearing. Where it considers it appropriate, the Appeals Committee may deliver an oral decision at the conclusion of the hearing. A written statement giving reasons for a decision of the Appeals Committee shall be provided in due course if so requested by the appellant. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to make public the outcome of

any appeal and the identity of any club, school, Team or individuals concerned.

12.16 The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be notified to all parties in writing and shall be final and binding on all concerned.

Acts of Misconduct

12.17 For the avoidance of doubt the Appeals Committee shall be entitled to refer any act of potential Misconduct under Scottish Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules to the Discipline Committee for further consideration.

13 NOTICES

13.1 Any notice served pursuant to the Rules and Regulations shall be in writing and shall be delivered by email or first-class post. All notices shall be deemed, until the contrary is proved, to have been received on the date of sending if sent by email or within 48 hours if sent by first-class post.

14. OMISSIONS, INTERPRETATION AND EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

14.1 The Competitions Committee may, on cause shown, relieve a club, school, Team or person from the consequences of a failure to comply with the Rules and Regulations which is shown to be a mistake, oversight or other excusable cause on such conditions as the Committee so determines.

For the avoidance of doubt the Appeals Committee shall be entitled to expedite the process where it considers that this is required for the benefit of the competition or in the best interests of the game to do so;

12.9.3 Call upon, receive and consider such evidence as it thinks appropriate; and

12.9.4 Request the attendance at any hearing of any club, school, Team or person under the jurisdiction of Scottish Rugby. Where a club, school, Team or person requested to attend refuses or fails to do so the Appeals Committee may adjourn the hearing, proceed in their absence or refuse to allow their evidence to be given in any other form. Any club, school, Team or person refusing to attend without reasonable cause, failing to co-operate with the committee or seeking to mislead at any point in the Complaint process, may be subject to Misconduct proceedings under Scottish Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules.

12.10 The appellant shall have the right to be represented at any hearing by up to two people, in the case of a club one of whom must be a club

member. The name and capacity of those attending shall be advised to the Appeals Committee in advance of the meeting.

12.11 Scottish Rugby’s Discipline Manager or his nominee may represent the original decision making body or person at any Appeal Hearing.

12.12 Where evidence is given before the Appeals Committee, there shall be no cross-examination of witnesses except through the Chairman and to the extent that the Appeals Committee in its discretion permits. The deliberations of the Appeals Committee shall be in private.

12.13 No appeal shall be decided upon grounds not contained within the note of appeal lodged by the appellants. The Appeals Committee may, on cause shown, allow further grounds of appeal to be stated providing that the party who made the original decision or its representative is given an opportunity, within a reasonable time, to answer the same.

Appeal Decision

12.14 Having heard such evidence it deems appropriate and any submission made by or on behalf of the appellant, the Appeals Committee may decide to:

12.14.1 affirm the original decision; or

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14.2 With the prior approval of the Board, the Championship Committee or Competition Committee shall have the discretion to:

14.2.1 decide on matters not provided for in the Rules and Regulations and to take appropriate action thereon;

14.2.2 interpret the meaning of the Rules and Regulations in accordance with the underlying principles and intent (insofar as it can be ascertained) of the relevant Rule / Regulation and the interests of the game;

14.2.3 determine any inconsistency between the Rules and Regulations and to rectify any administrative error.

14.3 The Championship Committee or Competitions Committee’s decision(s) in respect of those matters referred to in Rule 14.2 shall be final and binding save for any right to appeal as may be allowed under these Rules.

Appendix 1: Schools and Youth National Competition Regulations

The competitions listed in Appendix 2 shall be governed by the Schools and Youth National Competition Rules (the “Rules”). Matches within these competitions shall be played in accordance with the Rules other than where a specific Schools and Youth National Competition Regulation provides to the contrary.

The Schools and Youth National Competition Regulations applicable for season 2019/20 shall be as follows:

SCHOOLS CONFERENCE REGULATIONS

1 ENTRANCE CRITERIA

1.1 Schools seeking entry to the boys’ Schools Conference must apply in writing to the Competition Secretary. Admission shall be subject to such conditions as the Board may require. Successful applicants may be placed in an appropriate Conference at the Competitions Committee’s sole discretion.

1.2 A school’s continued participation shall be considered annually by the Competitions Committee.

1.3 Where it believes it to be in the best interests of the game the Board may approve the admission of a Tier 3 club or composite Team to a Schools Conference.

2 STRUCTURE OF COMPETITIONS

2.1 Within each Conference schools shall compete against each other on a school versus school basis across five age groups (U18, U16, U15, U14 and U13). The Competitions Committee may determine that additional cross-Conference fixtures may form part of the competition structure where appropriate.

2.2 The number of Teams participating for each school at each age group shall be:

2.2.1 Tier 1: a 1st XV / ‘A’ Team and a 2nd XV / ‘B’ Team;

2.2.2 Tier 2: a 1st XV / ‘A’ and a 2nd XV / ‘B’ Team where numbers so permit. Tier 2 schools shall be required to declare the number of Teams they intend to field at each age group and a Participation Match fixture schedule shall be issued by the Competition Secretary; and

2.2.3 Tier 3: a 1st XV / ‘A’ Team only.

3 FIXTURES

3.1 All fixtures shall be scheduled to take place during the Autumn Term (August – December).

3.2 Due to the school versus school nature of the competition it is understood that Matches will be played at both schools on any given Match day. The Match venue

and kick-off time in respect of each individual Match shall be agreed between the schools. Matches shall normally take place on Saturday morning but schools are expected to be flexible in respect of Saturday afternoon kick-offs.

3.3 Where the schools cannot agree on the venue/kick-off time the following default arrangement shall apply:

3.3.1 The home school shall host the 1st XV / 2nd XV, U14 (‘A’ and ‘B’) and U13 (‘A’ and ‘B’) Matches;

3.3.2 The away school shall host the U16 (‘A’ and ‘B’) and U15 (‘A’ and ‘B’) Matches; and

3.3.3 Matches shall kick-off before noon at the discretion of the host school.

3.4 In order to facilitate the appointment of referees the Home Team must notify the Competition Administrator of the venue/kick-off time for 1st XV Matches prior to the end of the preceding Summer Term (timeously updating the Competition Administrator if subsequently required).

4 THE GROUND

Fitness of Ground

4.1 Schools shall be obliged to prioritise the fulfilment of 1st XV and then ‘A’ Team fixtures when faced with unplayable pitches.

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5 TEAM SELECTION

5.1 Respecting the spirit of the competition, if a 1st XV or ‘A’ Team fixture is cancelled, schools are expected to select for the 2nd or ‘B’ XV only Players who normally play at that level.

6 COMPETITION POINTS AND CONFERENCE TABLES

Competition Points : Additional Criteria

6.1 In Tier 1/2 Conferences U13 Matches shall be played as Scoring Matches and Competition Points shall be awarded accordingly. If a Match is not fulfilled because a school does not have a U13 year group each Team shall receive 2 points for a Scoring Match and 1 point for a Participation Match.

6.2 If a school concedes a Competition Match but fields a ‘B’ Team in a Participation Match in the same age group then it shall receive only 1 point for playing in this Match.

Additional Conference Tables

6.3 Within each Conference a Competition Points table shall also be generated for 1st XV rugby.

6.4 The schools within each Conference shall determine (by secret ballot where necessary) as to whether tables should also be produced for the U16 and U15 age groups.

2. CLUB YOUTH CONFERENCE REGULATIONS

1 ENTRANCE CRITERIA

1.1 Clubs seeking admission to the boys’ Club Youth Conferences must apply in writing to the Competition Secretary. Admission shall be subject to such conditions as the Board may require. Successful applicants may be placed in an appropriate Conference at the Competitions Committee’s sole discretion.

1.2 A club’s continued participation shall be considered annually by the Competitions Committee.

1.3 Where it believes it to be in the best interests of the game the Board may approve the admission of a Tier 3 school to a Youth Conference.

2 STRUCTURE OF COMPETITIONS

2.1 The Conference structure shall include one national conference and a number of regional conferences (which may or may not align to Scottish Rugby’s traditional Areas/Regions).

2.2 Within each Conference clubs shall compete against each other on a club versus club basis across five age groups (U18, U16, U15, U14 and U13).

2.3 Conference fixtures shall normally be for ‘A’ Teams at each age group. Where playing numbers permit clubs are encouraged to arrange

friendly ‘B’ XV fixtures to align with any Conference fixtures.

3 FIXTURES

3.1 All fixtures shall be scheduled to take place during the Autumn phase of the season (August – December).

3.2 Due to the club versus club nature of the competition it is understood that Matches may require to be played at both clubs on any given Match weekend. The Match venue, date and kick-off time in respect of each individual Match shall be agreed between the clubs.

3.3 Where the clubs cannot agree on the venue/kick-off time the following default arrangements shall apply:

3.3.1 U18 Matches shall be played on Saturday. All other age group Matches shall be played on Sunday;

3.3.2 the home club shall host the U18, U16 and U15 Matches;

3.3.3 the away club shall host the U14 and U13 Matches;

3.3.4 all Matches shall kick-off at 2pm.

3.4 For the avoidance of doubt the Host Team must confirm the venue and kick-off time during the week preceding the Match. This must be done at least 72 hours before kick-off.

4 THE GROUND

Fitness of Ground

4.1 Clubs shall be obliged to prioritise the fulfilment of 1st XV, then U16 and then other ‘A’ Team fixtures when faced with unplayable pitches.

5 TEAM SELECTION

5.1 In the spirit of the competition, if a 1st XV or ‘A’ Team fixture is cancelled clubs are expected to select for the 2nd or ‘B’ XV only Players who normally play at that level.

6 COMPETITION POINTS AND CONFERENCE TABLES

Additional Conference Tables

6.1 Within each Conference a Competition Points table shall also be generated for U18 rugby.

6.2 The Teams within each Conference shall determine (by secret ballot where necessary) as to whether tables should also be produced for the U16 and U15 age groups.

3. BORDERS TOWN CONFERENCE REGULATIONS

1 STRUCTURE OF COMPETITIONS

1.1 Scottish Borders towns/communities shall compete against each other once on a town versus town basis across five boys age groups:

• Scottish Borders Semi Junior League (“SBSJL”), being an U18 club competition;

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• Borders U16 League, being a club competition; and

• U15, U14 and U13 schools fixtures.

2 FIXTURES

2.1 Fixtures shall be scheduled on behalf of the Competitions Committee by the Scottish Borders schools and youth competitions sub-committee. Where possible fixtures shall take place across all age groups during the same weekend.

2.2 The Match venue and kick-off time in respect of each individual SBSJL and Border U16 Match shall be determined in accordance with the respective rules of these competitions. The venue and kick-off time for U15, U14 and U13 Matches shall be agreed between the respective schools.

2.3 For the avoidance of doubt the home Team must confirm the Match arrangements with their opponent during the week preceding the Match. This must be done at least 72 hours before kick-off.

3 CONFERENCE TABLES

Additional Conference Tables

3.1 A Competition Points table shall also be generated in respect of the SBSJL and Borders U16 League.

3.2 The Teams within the Conference shall determine (by secret ballot where necessary) as to whether tables should also be produced in respect of other age groups.

4. SCHOOLS CUP REGULATIONS

1 COMPOSITION OF COMPETITIONS

1.1 Competitions shall be held for boys at both U18 and U16 age groups. Each age group shall have Cup, Shield, Bowl and Plate competitions.

2 ENTRANCE CRITERIA

2.1 Tier 1 – 3 school Teams shall be automatically accepted at each age group.

2.2 Tier 4 schools may apply to enter each age group. Admission shall be subject to such conditions as Scottish Rugby may require.

2.3 Each school may enter only one Team at each age group.

3 DATE AND FORMAT OF CUP COMPETITIONS

Entry and Fixture Dates

3.1 The deadline for entries and the date of each round of fixtures shall be as published by the Competitions Secretary.

3.2 Each fixture must be played on or before the set date for that round.

3.3 The home Team must offer the opposition three dates. Should the Teams be unable to agree a mutually acceptable date the home Team must refer the matter to the Competition Administrator. Where necessary the Competition Administrator shall request the Competitions Committee to fix the date and kick-off time, which ruling

shall be final and binding on all parties.

Format of Competitions

3.4 The competitions shall be played in a format published by the Competition Secretary before the start of the competition.

3.5 Where appropriate, Teams shall be seeded based on their performances in the previous season’s Conference competitions.

4 VENUES

4.1 Unless otherwise advised by the Competition Secretary, each Match, with the exception of the finals, shall be played at the home venue of the Team drawn first.

4.2 The finals of each competition shall be played at a neutral venue determined by Scottish Rugby.

5 PLAYERS

5.1 A Player may not participate in both U18 and U16 age group Cup competitions in the same season.

6 THE MATCH

Match Officials

6.1 Scottish Rugby shall appoint match officials for the Cup semi-finals and the finals of the Cup, Shield, Bowl and Plate. For all other Matches the home Team must appoint a suitably qualified referee and each team shall supply a suitably trained, adult touch judge.

6.2 The home Team shall confirm the Match arrangements with the referee no later than 72 hours before kick-off.

5. YOUTH CUP REGULATIONS

1 COMPOSITION OF COMPETITIONS

1.1 Cup competitions shall be held at both U18 and U16 age groups.

2 ENTRANCE CRITERIA

2.1 Participation in the Youth Cups shall be based on qualification from the Club Youth and Borders Town Conferences, with the following number of Teams qualifying from each Conference:

2.1.1 Shogun : Top three;

2.1.2 Warrior : Top three;

2.1.3 Lancer (Grampian) : Top two;

2.1.4 Lancer (North/Midlands) : Top one;

2.1.5 Galant “A”: Top two; and

2.1.6 Galant “B”: Top one.

3 DATE AND FORMAT OF CUP COMPETITIONS

Fixture Dates

3.1 The date of each round of fixtures shall be as published each season by the Competitions Secretary. The default kick-off time shall be at 2pm on that date.

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Format of Competitions

3.2 The competitions shall be played on a knock-out basis:

3.2.1 In Round 1 the first placed qualifier from each of the Shogun, Warrior, Lancer (Grampian) and Galant “A” Conferences shall be seeded and shall receive a bye to the quarter -finals. Teams from the same Conference shall be drawn apart.

3.2.2 In the quarter-finals the winners from Round 1 shall be drawn against one of the Teams receiving a bye from Round 1.

3.2.3 The semi-finals shall be as follows:

Winner of quarter-final 1 v Winner of quarter-final 2.

Winner of quarter-final 3 v Winner of quarter-final 4.

3.2.4 The winning semi-finalists shall contest the final.

4 VENUES

4.1 Unless otherwise advised by the Competition Secretary each Match, except for the finals, shall normally be played at the home venue of the Team drawn first. Where requirements of the tournament necessitate the Competitions Committee may require any Match to be played at an alternative venue (including the BT Murrayfield

artificial pitch), on an alternative day or at an alternative time.

4.2 The Cup finals shall be played at a neutral venue determined by Scottish Rugby.

5 THE PLAYERS

5.1 Players participating in the Youth Cup must have participated in at least three Youth Conference Matches that season for the club’s U18 or U16 Team.

5.2 The Competitions Committee may set Regulation 5.1 aside where a Player has offered a valid reason to be granted dispensation. The Competitions Committee shall be the sole judge as to what constitutes a valid reason.

6 THE MATCH

Match Officials

6.1 Scottish Rugby shall appoint match officials for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the finals. For all other Matches the home Team must appoint a suitably qualified referee and each team shall supply a suitably trained, adult touch judge.

6.2 The home Team shall confirm the Match arrangements with the referee no later than 72 hours before kick-off.

Appendix 2: Designated Competitions and Key Dates1. Designated Competitions

The Schools and Youth National Competition Rules shall apply in respect of the following Schools and Youth National Competitions and such other competitions as may be designated by the Board from time to time:

Boys

Schools Conferences

Club Youth Conferences

Borders Town Conference

School Cups (including Cup, Shield, Bowl and Plate competitions)

Youth Cup

Girls

Club Conference

Club Cup (including Cup and Shield competitions)

2. Dates for 2019 and 2020

Close Time begins 20 May 2019Close Time ends 2 August 2019Close Time begins 18 May 2020Close Time ends 1 August 2020

2. Schools and clubs must register all players prior to the start of the season and must promptly update player registration details as required throughout the season.

3. Any school that intends to field players not currently enrolled at that school must submit an ‘External Player Application’ to the Schools & Youth Competitions Secretary. This must be done as far in advance as practicable. [Relevant for teams involved in School Conferences and Cups only.]

4. On the week of a fixture the home school or club must re-confirm with their opposition the venue, kick-off time(s) and team colours. That must be done at least 72 hours before the match(es).

5. For matches that are not covered by appointments made by Scottish Rugby or the local Referees’ Society the host school or club is responsible for organising the match officials.

6. The host school or club must confirm match arrangements to match officials at least 72 hours in advance of the kick-off. If any change is made to the venue or kick-off time for a match, the host school or club must inform the referee without delay.

7. Whenever weather forecasts highlight conditions which might adversely affect the pitch or pitches the host school or club must contact the opposition at least 72 hours before kick-off to ascertain the

Schools & Youth Competition Protocols

1. Schools and clubs must attend annual conference/fixture meetings to agree fixture details (venue, kick-off time) of all matches for the coming season.

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match-day departure time of the travelling school or club. At that time an arrangement must be made for the host school or club to contact the opposition before departure. At that time, if the pitch conditions are doubtful, representatives of the hosts and visitors should discuss whether the latter should travel. If the visitors decide to travel the hosts must maintain regular contact to update the visitors on whether ground conditions are improving or worsening. Notwithstanding the above, it is the responsibility of the hosts to contact the opposition and the referee as soon as a decision is made that ground conditions are such the match or matches must be called off.

8. Attention is drawn to the rule providing the procedure where, immediately before a match, there is doubt on the fitness of a pitch or conditions for play. The final decision shall be jointly made by the coach of each team. If the coaches disagree then the referee shall decide whether the pitch is playable. If either coach still disagrees with the referee’s decision the match will not be played, and the circumstances will be reported to Scottish Rugby’s Schools and Youth Competitions Committee. After kick-off in any match, regardless of whether the pitch was doubtful, it is solely the right of the referee to end play if he deems conditions to be dangerous.

9. Each school or club shall supply one Touch Judge for each match. It is expected that this will be an adult for all under-18 matches.

10. For all National Competition matches (U13 - U18) a completed team sheet must be handed to the referee and the opposition at least 30 minutes before kick off. A copy must also be submitted to Scottish Rugby in the prescribed form within 48 hours of kick-off.

11. The home school or club is responsible for reporting the results of all matches in accordance with the Competitions’ Results Reporting Procedure.

12. Schools and clubs must report all serious injuries to Scottish Rugby by the deadlines set for severity of injury. Instructions can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.

13. The host school or club must provide an appropriate level of post-match hospitality. All coaches, team officials and players are expected to attend.

14. Coaches must not engage with match officials during the half-time interval.

15. After the match players and coaches must refrain from discussing contentious issues emanating from the game with match officials until at least 20 minutes after the final whistle. Thereafter all participants in the match are encouraged to discuss aspects of the game.

Mitsubishi Motors UK Schools & Youth Conferences

RESULTS REPORTING PROCEDURE

Introduction

• Accurate and timely return of all results, or the reason for any match not being completed, is vitally important to the smooth running of the conferences.

16. For matches where a match official has been appointed by Scottish Rugby or a regional referees’ society coaches are encouraged to comment on the performance of the match officials by completing the ‘Report on Referee’ form. Schools and clubs can request a supply of report cards from Scottish Rugby’s Referee Manager at BT Murrayfield.

17. If a school or club wishes to complain about the behaviour of a match official, a ‘Complaint on Behaviour of Match Official’ form should be completed and returned to BT Murrayfield for the attention of Scottish Rugby’s Referee Manager.

18. All involved with Schools and Youth rugby in Scotland must adhere to all relevant Scottish Rugby policies and protocols, including but not limited to those associated with Player Registration and Serious Injury Reporting.

• The weekly results return is one of the requirements set out within the club Minimum Operating Standards, and School Conference Participation Agreements. Scottish Rugby request that clubs and schools assign responsibility for this duty to an appropriate person to ensure it is prioritised and the deadline is met on a weekly basis.

Nominate a Results Recorder

• Prior to the start of the season the contact details for the Results Recorder for your club or school must be provided to Rerite Sport and the Competitions Administrator for your conference.

• The Results Recorder is responsible for returning the results for all of your Home conference fixtures.

• For the avoidance of doubt, please note only the club or school presented as the home side on the fixture pages of the Scottish Rugby website is required to return the result for any conference fixture. The venue at which any match is played is irrelevant in this context. If a return is received from both sides the home side’s submission will be accepted as the official return.

Making a return

• The designated Results Recorder for the home club or school must email a complete Conference Score Card to Rerite Sport, the appropriate Conference Administrator and the away club or school.

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• The complete score card must be returned as soon as possible following completion of the final match played between the two clubs or schools and by 10am on Monday morning at the latest.

• If any match did not take place the reason for this must be detailed within the comments column of the score card i.e. cancellation due to an unplayable pitch or if a school or club could not field a team due to a shortage of players.

• If a team is short of players but a Development Match was played this should also be indicated in the comments column.

What happens next?

• Rerite Sport will upload the results for each individual match to SCRUMS/Scottish Rugby website.

• The SCRUMS system will update the Whole Conference table that is presented on the website.

• Clubs and schools must check the results and conference tables presented on the website, immediately flagging any anomalies or queries with the Conference Administrator.

Additional Guidance

• Rerite Sport should be advised of match cancellations due to grounds being unplayable as soon as the decision is made to call off.

• Please note Rerite Sport are only responsible for entering the outcome of individual matches as reported within conference score cards. All other detail is handled by the appropriate Conference Administrator.

• Please share this procedure with all staff and volunteers involved in your club or school’s rugby programme, particularly those that have result reporting responsibilities.

Contacts

Results Collection Service Rerite Sport Ron Evans reritesportdata@hotmail.com 07891 289033

Conference AdministratorsClub Youth – Shogun and Galant Conferences

John Gillies John.Gillies@sru.org.uk 07764 178954

Club Youth – Lancer Conferences Mark Salter Mark.Salter@sru.org.uk 07736 783755

Warrior Conference (Borders Town v Town) Jessica Kelleher Jessica.Kelleher@sru.org.uk 0131 346 5119Schools Conferences

Sam Parlane Sam.Parlane@sru.org.uk 07971 606398

Schools Conferences

Colt (formerly Red) Conference 2015-16 Merchiston Castle School 2016-17 Merchiston Castle School 2017-18 George Watson’s College 2018-19 George Watson’s CollegeEclipse (formerly Blue) Conference 2015-16 Fettes College 2016-17 Fettes College 2017-18 Fettes College 2018-19 Fettes CollegeL200 (formerly White) Conference 2015-16 George Heriot’s School & Glasgow Academy 2016-17 High School of Glasgow 2017-18 George Heriot’s School 2018-19 St Aloysius’ CollegeGrandis (formerly Green) Conference 2015-16 George Watson’s College (B) 2016-17 Stewart’s Melville College 2017-18 George Watson’s College (B) 2018-19 Dunbar Grammar SchoolOutlander (formerly Purple) Conference 2015-16 Trinity Academy 2016-17 Linlithgow Academy 2017-18 Dunbar Grammar School 2018-19 BerwickEvolution Conference 2017-18 Berwick Rugby 2018-19 Stewart’s Melville CollegeBarbarian (formerly Black) Conference 2015-16 St Columba’s School 2016-17 Carrick Academy 2017-18 Marr College 2018-19 Marr College

Youth Conferences

Shogun Conference (formerly President’s) 2015-16 Stirling County 2016-17 Stirling County 2017-18 Stirling County 2018-19 BoroughmuirWarrior Border Town Conference 2015-16 Hawick 2016-17 Melrose/Earlston 2017-18 Hawick 2018-19 HawickLancer (formerly Red) Conference 2015-16 Deeside/Wanderers 2016-17 Mackie 2017-18 Gordonstoun School 2018-19 Mackie FPGalant (formerly Green & Brown) Conference 2015-16 Biggar 2016-17 Hamilton 2017-18 Dunfermline 2018-19 GHABrown Conference 2015-16 East Kilbride 2016-17 Allan Glen’sMirage (Girls’) Conference 2016-17 Biggar & Stirling County 2017-18 Stirling County 2018-19 Stirling County

Schools & Youth Conference Winners

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Scottish Rugby Schools Cup U18

1983-84 North Berwick High School1984-85 Galashiels Academy1985-86 Galashiels Academy1986-87 Kelso High School 1987-88 Galashiels Academy1988-89 St Aloysius’ College1989-90 St Aloysius’ College1990-91 Galashiels Academy1991-92 Marr College 1992-93 St Aloysius’ College 1993-94 Marr College 1994-95 St Aloysius’ College1995-96 St Aloysius’ College1996-97 Galashiels Academy 1997-98 Merchiston Castle School1998-99 Stewart’s Melville College1999-2000 Merchiston Castle School2000-01 Merchiston Castle School2001-02 Merchiston Castle School2002-03 Dollar Academy2003-04 Dollar Academy2004-05 Dollar Academy2005-06 Stewart’s Melville College2006-07 Bell Baxter High School2007-08 Merchiston Castle School2008-09 Fettes College2009-10 Edinburgh Academy2010-11 Stewart’s Melville College2011-12 Edinburgh Academy2012-13 George Watson’s College2013-14 George Watson’s College2014-15 George Watson’s College

2015-16 George Watson’s College2016-17 Stewart’s Melville College2017-18 Strathallan School2018-19 Merchiston Castle School Scottish Rugby Schools Shield U18

2013-14 Stewart’s Melville College2014-15 Glenalmond College2015-16 Strathallan School2016-17 Strathallan School2017-18 Hutchesons’ Grammar School2018-19 The High School of GlasgowScottish Rugby Schools Plate U18

1996-97 Robert Gordon’s College1997-98 Galashiels Academy1998-99 Hutchesons’ Grammar School1999-2000 Kelvinside Academy2000-01 St Columba’s (Kilmacolm)2001-02 Glasgow Academy2002-03 Royal High School2003-04 Stewart’s Melville College2004-05 Stewart’s Melville College2005-06 Hawick High School2006-07 Madras College2007-08 Kelvinside Academy2008-09 Belmont Academy (Ayr)2009-10 Wellington School (Ayr)2010-11 Glenalmond College2011-12 Earlston High School2012-13 Marr College2013-14 Glenalmond College2014-15 Earlston High School

Schools Cup Winners2015-16 North Berwick High School2016-17 Hutchesons’ Grammar School 2017-18 Lomond & Helensburgh Schools2018-19 Boroughmuir High SchoolScottish Rugby Schools Bowl U18

2003-04 Royal High School2004-05 Boroughmuir High School2005-06 Dunbar Grammar School2006-07 Portobello High School2007-08 Jedburgh Grammar School2008-09 Currie HS/Balerno HS & Kelvinside Academy (trophy shared)2009-10 Aberdeen Grammar School2010-11 Alva Academy2011-12 Boroughmuir HS/James Gillespie’s HS2012-13 Morrison’s Academy2016-17 Morrison’s Academy2017-18 Ross High School2018-19 Three Counties Combined Schools

Scottish Rugby Schools Cup U16

2010-11 Edinburgh Academy2011-12 George Watson’s College2012-13 Merchiston Castle School2013-14 George Watson’s College2014-15 Merchiston Castle School2015-16 George Watson’s College & Strathallan School (trophy shared)2016-17 St Aloysius’ College

2017-18 George Watson’s College2018-19 George Watson’s CollegeScottish Rugby Schools Shield U16

2013-14 Fettes College2014-15 Stewart’s Melville College2015-16 Merchiston Castle School2016-17 George Watson’s College2017-18 Earlston High School2018-19 Stewart’s Melville CollegeScottish Rugby Schools Plate U16

2010-11 Hawick High School2011-12 Jedburgh Grammar School2012-13 Bell Baxter High School & Jedburgh Grammar School (trophy shared)2013-14 Royal High School2014-15 Hawick High School2015-16 Kelso High School2016-17 Earlston High School2017-18 Hawick High School2018-19 Galashiels AcademyScottish Rugby Schools Bowl U16

2011-12 Madras College2012-13 Selkirk High School2016-17 Hutchesons’ Grammar School 2017-18 Auchinleck Academy2018-19 The Royal High School

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Scottish Rugby Youth League Cup U18

1980-81 Kirkcaldy1981-82 Kirkcaldy1982-83 Melrose Colts1983-84 Melrose Colts1984-85 Jed Thistle1985-86 Stirling County1986-87 Hawick PSA1987-88 Melrose Colts1988-89 Stirling County1989-90 Gala Wanderers1990-91 West of Scotland1991-92 Kelso Harlequins1992-93 Kelso Harlequins1993-94 Biggar1994-95 Stirling County1995-96 Preston Lodge FP1996-97 Dunfermline/Rosyth1997-98 Jed Thistle1998-99 Stirling County1999-00 Gala Wanderers2000-01 Stirling County2001-02 Stirling County2002-03 Selkirk Youth Club2003-04 Hawick PSA2004-05 Hawick Wanderers2005-06 Gala Wanderers2006-07 Howe of Fife2007-08 Stirling County2008-09 Stirling County2009-10 Currie2010-11 Stirling County2011-12 Stirling County2012-13 Stirling County

2013-14 Jed Thistle2014-15 Jed Thistle2015-16 Stirling County2016-17 Stirling County2017-18 Stirling County2018-19 BoroughmuirScottish Rugby National Youth League Bowl U18

2008-09 Perthshire2009-10 Dunfermline Colts2010-11 Boroughmuir2011-12 Peebles Colts2012-13 Hamilton2013-14 Dunfermline Saints2014-15 Biggar2015-16 Orkney/CaithnessScottish Rugby Youth League Cup U16

1999-00 Cambuslang2000-01 Hillhead/Jordanhill2001-02 Marr2003-04 Hawick Albion2004-05 Howe of Fife2005-06 Gala Red Triangle2006-07 Stirling County2007-0 Boroughmuir2008-09 Musselburgh2009-10 Stirling County2010-11 Stirling County & Ayr (trophy shared)2011-12 Glasgow Hawks2012-13 Currie2013-14 Ayr2014-15 Stirling County & Ayr (trophy shared)

Youth Cup Winners2015-16 Ayr2016-17 Hawick Albion2017-18 Boroughmuir2018-19 Stirling County

National Youth League Bowl U16

2008-09 Dunfermline2009-10 Howe of Fife2010-11 Boroughmuir2011-12 Boroughmuir2012-13 Ayr2013-14 Boroughmuir2014-15 Melrose Wasps2015-16 Edinburgh BATs

National Youth League Cup U16 Final - Biggar v Stirling County

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Girls Cup WinnersScottish Rugby Schools Girls Cup U15

2009-10 Community School of Auchterarder

2010-11 Biggar/Glasgow

2011-12 Grantown Grammar

2012-13 Langholm / Auchterarder (Draw)

2013-14 Langholm

2014-15 Biggar

2015-16 Biggar

2016-17 Shawlands Academy

2017-18 Shawlands Academy

2018-19 Shawlands Academy

Scottish Rugby Schools Girls Bowl U15

2012-13 Argyll and Bute

2013-14 Earlston High School

2014-15 Oban High School

2015-16 Annan

Scottish Rugby Schools Girls Shield U15

2012-13 Hillhead Jordanhill

2013-14 RHC Cougars

2014-15 Hillhead Jordanhill

2015-16 Caithness/Orkney

2016-17 Liberton/Royal High Schools

Scottish Rugby Schools Girls Cup U18

2013-14 Murrayfield Wanderers2014-15 Murrayfield Wanderers2015-16 Hillhead Jordanhill 2016-17 Biggar High School2017-18 Community School of Auchterarder2018-19 BiggarScottish Rugby Schools Girls Bowl U18

2011-12 Stirling County2012-13 The Gordon Schools2013-14 Crieff HS/ Perth Academy2014-15 Community School of Auchterarder2015-16 BiggarScottish Rugby Schools Girls Shield U18

2013-14 Hillhead Jordanhill/ Cumnock2014-15 Caithness2015-16 Community School of Auchterarder2016-17 East Lothian Schools

Scottish Rugby Girls Club Cup U18

2016-17 Stirling County

2017-18 Biggar

2018-19 Stirling County

Scottish Rugby Girls Club Shield U18

2016-17 Cartha Queens Park

2017-18 Cartha Queens Park

2018-19 Biggar

Scottish Rugby Girls Club Cup U15

2016-17 Biggar

2017-18 Stirling County

2018-19 Stirling County

Scottish Rugby Girls Club Shield U15

2016-17 Ayr

2017-18 Highland

2018-19 Caithness

U18 Girls Club Cup Final - Cartha Queens Park v Stirling County

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Notes Notes

Kit 4 ClubsAs part of Mitsubishi Motors UK partnership with Scottish Rugby, we made a commitment to supporting the grassroots game and launching the Kit 4 Clubs scheme in 2017 was central to this.

Kit 4 Clubs offers clubs and schools across the region access to branded playing kit and equipment, crucial to increasing participation in the game and developing a strong future for Scottish Rugby.

Since its foundation in 2017, more than 100 clubs and schools have registered for the Kit 4 Clubs scheme. In return for test drives and vehicle appraisals at their local Mitsubishi dealership, schools and clubs earn credit towards accessing important playing and training equipment.

As we enter the third year of Kit 4 Clubs, Mitsubishi Motors UK will be pushing to further develop relationships between Mitsubishi dealers, local clubs and schools across the country, ensuring a larger amount of the rugby community can benefit from the initiative, and in turn, building a stronger platform for the game to grow from moving forward.

Leadership . Engagement . Achievement . Enjoyment . Respect