Competition Rules are currently under review for the 2009 Season, tabled at the Executive Committee Meeting 14 May 2009.

Competitions
The Premier Division 1st XV, 2nd XV and under 15s, 14s and 13s, along with the Division 2 1st XV and Under 15s play Term 2 from April to June.

The Division 2 Under 13s and U14s competition, along with the Under 14 Girls, Under 16 Girls and Under 18 Girls play Term 3 from July through to September.

All divisions in 2008 will play seven (7) fixture rounds followed by semi finals (1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd) and a grand final between the two winning semi finalists.

In the event of a drawn semi final the highest placed qualifier will proceed to the grand final.

In the event of a drawn grand final, a dual premiership shall be declared. No extra time is to be played.

Age Limits
In under age competition (under 13, 14 and 15) no player exceeding the age limit shall play. Under 13 means that a player turns 13 or under in that year of competition.

The 1st XV Premier competition will be for players who turn 17 or 18 during that year of competition. However, provision is made for talented and/or gifted 16 year olds to compete as per the ARU Protocol... Dispensation procedures are clearly outlined on the following link, and must be completed and lodged with SCSSRU administrator prior to the player taking the field.

http://www.rugby.com.au/community_rugby/policies_and_procedures/two_year_window,41925.html

For 2008 the qualifying ages are: Under 13 born 1996 or 1995 only
Under 14 born 1995 or 1994 only
Under 15 born 1994 or 1993 only
Under 16 born 1993 or 1992 only
Under 18 born 1991 or 1990 only
2nd XV born 1992 or 1991 only
1st XV born 1990 or 1991 + 1992 with ARFSU 2 year window dispensation

Match Times
Boys
Under 13 2 x 20 minute halves
Under 14 2 x 20 minute halves
Under 15 2 x 25 minute halves
Second XV 2 x 30 minute halves
First XV 2 x 30 minute halves

Girls
Under 14 2 x 20 minute halves
Under 16 2 x 20 minute halves
Under 18 2 x 20 minute halves
5 minutes half time in all matches
No injury time is allowed.

All matches are start at the scheduled time. If a late start or injury causes a match to be delayed, the match times are to be shortened to allow the following match to commence at the scheduled start time. In this instance both halves are to be of equal time when possible.

Laws
All matches are conducted under ARFSU "Under 19 Laws", except where local competition rules override, and do not include any of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) This is as per QRFSU recommendations.

Team Numbers
The SCSSRU follows the QRU directive that teams must be of even numbers for a match to take place.
If a team has 11 or fewer players, (whether at the start of the match or due to an injury sustained during the match) points for the match are forfeited but the match is still played, adhering to the practice of even numbers on the field for both teams.

Match Results
Match results are to be entered directly onto the website (scschoolsrugby.com) no later than mid day Friday of each week. Failure to do so can result in offending schools losing one point from the points table. It is the responsibility of both schools to ensure the results are entered. Web address: scschoolsrugby.com

Fees
The fees are to cover the cost of lighting, sports medicine personal, trophies and
pennants. The Sunshine Coast Schools Rugby Union is a non-profit organization. Fees are only for operating costs for the season.

Fees for 2008 will be: $250.00 per team, payable to the SCSSRU Treasurer at Sunshine Coast Grammar School prior to team nomination being accepted.

Registration
Schools must be able to provide a team list, showing players name and date of birth signed off by the school Principal, if a player's eligibility is questioned by the opposition.

Player Injury and Insurance
No insurance is provided by the ARU, SCSSRU or Education Queensland.
Some schools have insurance cover as part of their enrolment. It would be advisable to check with all students and your school regarding medical insurance.

Points Table
In all competitions the following structure will operate:
Win = 4 points
Draw = 2 points
Loss = 0 points
Loss by 7 or less = 1 point
4 or more tries = 1 point

The Judiciary
Any player "sent-off" during a match receives an automatic one game suspension.
All "send-offs" are to be reported to The Administrator in writing - Sarah Ridgewell:
scssru@bigpond.com.
Phone: 0403361523
Fax:

Reports must be received within 24 hours of the incident occurring.
If a player is "sent-off, his/her Coach must ensure that the Referee submit a report.

According to the referee's recommendation in this report, the school will be contacted to indicate that the one match suspension is sufficient punishment or make arrangements for the offending player to come before the Judiciary of the Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Rugby Union.

Any player sent before the Judiciary should be accompanied by a representative of their school.