Allegheny Rugby Union Field Preparation and Sideline Policy
Effective starting Feb. 1, 2009 for all matches played under ARU jurisdiction.
Introduction
If rugby is to become a more respected athletic endeavor in this country, we all must work together to provide the best experience and environment for those that play, officiate and watch a match. The ARU is issuing this policy as part of a means to that end. All matches are expected to be played and conducted in accordance with disciplined and sporting behavior. These principles cannot be upheld solely by the referee or other match and Union officials but must also be upheld and observed by players and those who manage, administrate, coach or teach the game as well as the spectators who observe a match.Field Preparation
The field shall be prepared and lined in accordance with the Laws of the Game - Law 1: The Ground. The specifics can be found at: http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/LawsRegs/0/LAW1_4515.pdf. A handy PDF file is available at: http://www.markersinc.com/athletic/rugby-fielddimensions. pdf. Go to http://www.athleticfieldmarker.com/RugbyField.html for details on Rugby Field Marking Specifications & Layout Tool.
While Law 1 advises on the maximum dimensions of the rugby field, it does address the minimum acceptable dimensions which are “key” to good rugby. This is determined by the governing Union who has jurisdiction over the match, such as the ARU or Midwest Rugby Union in this geographical area.
The ARU Minimum Field Size Requirements for league and playoffs matches: The playing area (touchline to touchline and goalline to goalline) must be at least 65 yards wide by 100 yards long. Try line to try line is 100 yards with overall length of 110 yards based on a minimum of a 5 yard in-goal area.
If extenuating circumstances prevent a club from playing on a field with required minimum dimensions, the club MUST SUBMIT IN WRITING to the club’s ARU League Coordinator (with copy to ARU President) with the exact dimensions of the field to be used and an explanation of the circumstances preventing compliance. The ARU League Coordinator will review the situation and make a recommendation to the ARU Executive Committee accordingly, which will make the final ruling. This request must be received at least two weeks prior to the use of the field. Unless a waiver is granted by the ARU, failure to comply with the minimum field size requirements are grounds for protest and may result in forfeit of a league or playoff match by the offending team (see Protest Procedure as stated in ARU League Rules).
Fourteen (14) sideline flag posts are required (7 per side). Flexible posts shall be used with flags. The posts shall be a minimum height of 4 feet. These posts and goal post pads may be purchased from most rugby suppliers.
Sideline flag posts (3 per side, 6 total) for the both 22m lines and the single 50m (halfway) line shall be placed 2 meters from the touch line. Posts for the goal and dead ball lines (4 per side, 8 total) shall be positioned at the intersection of touch-in-goal lines and the goal lines and at the intersection of the touch-in-goal lines and the dead ball lines.
Sideline Barriers
A well-constructed (safe and sturdy) barrier (i.e. utilizing rope and supports) shall be installed on both sides of the pitch at a minimum of 5 meters from the touch line. Each barrier shall extend from dead ball line to dead ball line.
It is suggested that the barrier support at midfield be placed approx. 8 meters from the touch line and reduced to 5 meters as it nears the goal line and kept at 5 meters under it ends at the dead ball line. This will allow all spectators to better see the match from their position.
Failure to provide such sideline barriers is subject to a $50 fine for each missing barrier per match for first offense. Subsequent offenses are subject to higher fines. Non-compliance is to be reported by visiting team, match referee and/or Union official.
Clubs who are unable to comply with these requirements due to specific layout and location of the field may submit a request to their ARU League Coordinator for special consideration. Requests for this consideration must be made prior to field use.
Replacement Players
All players not participating in the match shall remaining outside of the barrier on their team's side of the pitch. When a replacement player is ready to enter a match, they shall step inside the barrier and report to the touch judge. The touch judge will then notify the referee at the next opportunity and the replacement will be made. The referee or touch judge (as permitted by the referee) shall advise the player to enter the playing area.
Water Personnel
'Water personnel' will only be allowed on the field with the referee’s permission. When a try is scored, the conversion shall be taken before the non-scoring team’s ‘water personnel’ enters the playing area unless otherwise allowed by the referee. ‘Water personnel’ from the scoring team may enter by the shortest means available after the try is awarded.
Conduct
All players, coaches and spectators are expected to behave in a proper and respectful manner at all times towards each other, opponents, match officials and so on.
Coaches and reserve players are not permitted on the field of play once the match has commenced, except at half-time and full-time. Non-match participants (i.e. spectators) may not enter the field-of-play once the match has commenced until full-time.
Coaches must not seek to communicate with match officials during any stoppage in play, including the halftime interval, unless to communicate with a touch judge or referee regarding the substitution and replacement of players unless the referee gives them permission to do so.
Other team management members are also not permitted to communicate with the match officials at half time. This does not preclude normal communication between the team captain and the referee.
Violations
All reported violations of this Policy are subject to review by the ARU Disciplinary Committee for appropriate disciplinary actions.