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Updates to Rugby Protocols

Mar 18, 2014 | Uncategorized

Updates come from Rugby Ontario and apply to rugby competition in the province. Links to specifics available in official release.

Please download the official release memo from Rugby Ontario here – Rugby Protocols Update PDF 

OFSAA Rugby Championships 2014

GIRLS’ RUGBY (COSSA) – A/AA & AAA/AAAA
Mon-Wed June 2-4, Belleville & Hamilton

BOYS’ RUGBY (LOSSA) – A/AA & AAA/AAAA
Thurs-Sat June 5-7, Pickering

Please be advised of updated protocols surrounding the scrum and acceptable player equipment. 

Scrum:   The   International   Rugby   Board   (herein   referred   to   as   IRB) has   recently   changed   the   scrum   laws   to   create   a   safer   scrummaging   environment   for   all   players.   The   cadence   has   once   again   been   changed   to   “Crouch-­‐Bind-­‐Set”.   It   is   important   that   scrummaging is   instructed   safely   and   effectively   at   each   level.   Resultantly, the   IRB   has   released   a   training   module   for   safe   scrummaging.

As   an   addition   to   this, the   IRB   has   also   released   a   directive   that   referees   may   now   indicate   that   the   ball   can   be   introduced   using   non-­‐verbal   communication.   Follow   this   link   for   the   IRB   Clarification.   While   the   IRB   memo   does   not   indicate   how   this   will   be   communicated, we   have   seen   that   the   top-­‐level   referees   have   adopted   a   system   whereby   they tap   the   scrumhalf   on   the   shoulder   or   back.   It   is   Rugby   Canada/Rugby   Ontario’s   position   that   referees   should   not   touch   players, at   any   level.   As   such, Rugby   Canada   is   implementing   the   following   protocol   for   referees   to   follow:  

1) When   on   the   non-­‐put   in   side   of   the   scrum, referees   are   to   initiate   eye   contact   and   point   to   the   scrum   half   as   an indication   to   put   the   ball   in   the   scrum.  

2) When   on   the   put-­‐in   side   of   the   scrum, referees   are   to   initiate   eye   contact   and   point   towards   the   tunnel   as   an   indication   to   put   the   ball   in   the   scrum.  

Additionally, referees   may   also   continue   to   use   “Yes   9” to   introduce   the   ball   to   the   scrum, dependent   on   the   needs   of the   athletes   in   the   game.   Rugby   Ontario   recommends   adopting   the   non-­verbal   introduction, although   this   may   not   be   feasible/ideal   for   all   levels   of   athletes.   Also   be   reminded   that   current   scrum   laws   are   to   be   enforced   strictly.

Goggles:   The   IRB   has   recently   also   announced   the   trial   of   a   corrective   eyewear   alternative, previously   unavailable   for   participants.  It   is   important   to   note   that   these are   not intended to be purchased   as   eye   protection, but   are   designed   to   serve   as   corrective   vision   alternatives   for   athletes   who   require   them.   Athletes   interested   in   the   trial   will   need   to   demonstrate   the   need   for   these   goggles.    

Boots:   A   reminder   to   all   participants   that   as   of   last   year, boots   with   a   toe   stud   are   now   legal   under   a   current   IRB   trial   provided   the   studs   meet   the   requirements   in   Law   4   and   in   Regulation   12.   

It   is   recommended   that   all   stakeholders   (players, coaches, referees) take   the   free   online   IRB   RugbyReady   program   annually, as   this   is   the   best   resource   for   maintaining   currency   in   safety   and   Law.   Rugby   Ready   is   available   through   the IRB   Passport, which   offers   a   number   of   other   safeties, educational, development   resources.  

Any   coaches   looking   for   education   and   development   opportunities   should   contact Fran Mason

Please   direct   any   law, regulation, safety,  IRB   Passport, or   refereeing   related   enquiries   to Tyler Coad

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