Handbook – Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS : Page ONE

• MEETINGS
• DUES STRUCTURE
• UNION BENEFITS
• APPLICATION FOR NEW MEMBER CLUBS
• ELIGIBILITY
• REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYING
• CIPP Enforcement Procedures
• Competition Rules

I.MEETINGS

Annual General Meeting of the FRU is normally held on the third Saturday in January. The time and place of these meetings is designated by the Executive Committee and the general membership is notified 60 days in advance. All committee reports, etc. must be to Secretary 21 days in advance of meeting.

II. DUES STRUCTURE

The annual dues structure for Florida Clubs is as follows:
For Club Sides: $925 – $475 payable by February 28 and $450 payable by August 31
Additional competing sides (B teams) $725 – $275 payable by February 28 and $450 by August 31
LAU only (local) $425 – $175 payable by February 28 and $250 payable by August 31

*Note FRU is obliged to pay the South Territory within 30 days of above due dates or face late payment charges

CIPP dues are payable on the basis of $25 per cipped player (USARU roster) men and women and $ 10 per collegiate player subject to a maximum of $400

These dues are payable by October 31 each year.
All clubs and its individual members must be enrolled USARugby’s Club and Individual Participation Program (CIPP).
All clubs must be in good standing with regard to dues payments to be eligible to exercise their vote at the AGM, to receive referees, and to compete in any chamionship event or series.

III. UNION BENEFITS

• A. Eligible for all FRU Clinics (coaching, refereeing, etc.).
• B. Eligible for referees from the Referees Society.
• C. Permitted one (1) voting member at all FRU meetings.
• D. Eligible to run for Union offices and serve on committees.
• E. Eligible for representative play at FRU, USA Rugby South and USA National level.
• F. Eligible to participate in the FRU league (divisional play) system.
• G. Eligible to participate in the in the USA Rugby South and USA Championships.
• H. Eligible to play teams from within and outside USA Rugby South.
• I. Eligible to host incoming tours and go on tour outside USA Rugby South and the USA.
• J. Eligible to host tournaments and apply for sanctioning of same by the Union.
• K. Eligible to bid on and host FRU, USA Rugby South and USA events.
• L. Eligible for all mailings done by the Union (minutes, announcements, etc.) and copies of the Members list.
• M. Eligible to receive the FRU Handbook and copies of the Union newsletter, and submit articles to same.
• n. Eligible for referee visits through the Referee’s Society to explain Laws, etc.

IV. APPLICATION FOR NEW MEMBER CLUBS

Application for new member clubs shall be made in writing to the Union Secretary 30 days prior to the December meeting. Application should include: primary and alternate color proposal, CIPP roster of at least 15 members, dues structure for members (if any), and a team constitution and/ or by-laws.

V.ELIGIBILITY

• A. Clubs. In order to be eligible to participate in FRU games, a club must be in good standing with the FRU, enrolled in the current year’s CIPP program, and covered by USARU’s Mandatory Liability Insurance program.
• B. Players. In order to be eligible to participate in FRU games, a player must be enrolled in the current year’s CIPP program, and carry a minimum $100,000 in medical insurance, and if a club side player, pay $25 to the FRU (regardless of when during the year he/she begins play).

A maximum of five non-resident aliens may participate in any one match at the same time for each club. A non-resident alien is defined as a person who is not a U.S. citizen, and does not possess permanent resident status or conditional permanent resident status (specifically a green card or conditional green card) at the time of the competition.

Once a player has played a FRU league game for a club, that player may not participate in a league game for any other club within that competitive season. Exceptions to this rule (due to geographic re-location) may be granted by the Competitions Chair. A player must receive a written waiver before participating for another club, or the game(s) that player participates in will be subject to forfeiture.More specific details of player transfer are outlined below:

FRU Transfer Policy

If a player wants an exception to the above rule, they must submit an application to the FRU (see Player Transfer Application Form) and notify their current club in writing, they intend to switch clubs.

• 1. A Player’s change of geographic location of more than fifty miles.
• 2. Collegiate players who transfer to a different college. The player must complete and submit the CIPP Player Change/Transfer Form to the USA Rugby office and send a copy to the FRU Cipp Coordinator.
• 3. A college player who graduates and begins to play for a club. The player must complete and submit the CIPP Player Change/Transfer Form to the USA Rugby office and send a copy to the FRU CIPP Coordinator.

All requests for exceptions will be carefully evaluated by the officers of the FRU with decisions rendered within three weeks of receipt of the FRU Player Transfer Application Form. If approval is granted, a player must complete and submit the CIPP Player Change/Form to the USA Rugby office and send a copy to the FRU CIPP Coordinator.

Member clubs who use players on any team in league, playoff or challenge matches who are switching to that club, but have not fulfilled the provisions as outlined above, and received approval from the FRU, will be subject to a fine of $500 per player per match. The matches will be declared as forfeit losses.

Clubs are responsible for informing their members of these regulations.
Any protest concerning eligibility of match participants must be made in writing to the match referee prior to his or her leaving the playing enclosure on the day of the match. Such protest must specify the first and last names of the player(s) being protested, and the grounds upon which the protest is based. The protest must be sent to the Competition Chair within three (3) days of the match. If the Competition Chair finds the protest to be valid, the offending team will forfeit the game.

VI. REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYING

• A. Minimum Responsibilities of Member Clubs to the Union:
  • 1.Promptly pay FRU dues to the FRU Treasurer
  • 2. Pay debts in a timely manner so as not to reflect badly on the FRU.
  • 3. Provide updates of club officers promptly to the FRU Secretary and Referees Society Assignment Secretary.
  • 4.Report all divisional play scores to the Competition Chairman no later than the Wednesday following the match (duty of winning captain).
  • 5. Notify Tours Chairman of any planned incoming or outgoing tours.
  • 6. Attend the General Meetings held in January of each year.
  • 7. Report any plans for hosting of a tournament to the Tournament Chairman by the established deadline and pay Tournament Hosting fee of $100.00.
  • 8. Register primary and alternate jersey colors, as well as any plans for addition of logos.
  • 9. Provide Proof of Liability Insurance.
  • 10. Proof of club and players’ enrollment in CIPP (Club & Individual Participant Program).
  • 11. Provide players to select side trials and competitions.
  • 12. Deal with all internal and external organizations in a professional manner.
  • 13. Administer suspensions or penalties resulting from send-offs or others disciplinary action.
  • 14. Promote a positive image of Rugby at all times.
• B. Minimum Responsibilities of Member Clubs to the Referees Society:
  • 1. Pay referees’ fees
  • 2. Provide a properly marked field with flags or cones, spectator ropes and padded goalposts.
  • 3 Confirm with the referee by phone or email by Wednesday evening prior to a game
  • 4. Provide complete directions and map to home field to referee assigned to match.
  • 5. Accord the proper respect and hospitality to the assigned referee.
  • 6. Enforce laws or rules established by the Florida Rugby Union.
• C. Minimum Responsibilities of Member Clubs to Visiting Clubs:
  • 1. Provide a properly marked and safe playing field with flags or cones, spectator ropes and padded goalposts.
  • 2. Provide a back-up or contingency site for field cancellations.
  • 3. Provide Clear directions to match site,
  • 4. Possess a Matching kit, Liability insurance, Medical kit, Referee
  • 5. Written confirmation of the date, place & time of each match where clubs travel over 150 miles (use match contract).
  • 6. Ensure that each player is eligible to play.
  • 7. Honor your commitments to play a match (or matches).
  • 8.Promote good sportsmanship on and off the field.
• D. Minimum Responsibilities of Member Clubs to Their Members:
  • 1. Provide payment of all applicable Union, referee or tournament fees.
  • 2.Provide medical kit.
  • 3.provide trainer, doctor, nurse or health care professional who can treat injuries.
  • 4. Provide proper training kit.
  • 5. Require all players to have Medical Insurance.
  • 6. Provide referee.
  • 7. Provide properly marked and safe playing field with flags or cones, spectator ropes and padded goalposts.
  • 8. Provide opportunities for players to participate in All-Star trials and competitions.
  • 9. Disseminate Union information to each player.
  • 10. Honor match commitments
  • 11. Ensure all players meet eligibility requirements.
  • 12. Set a good example in promoting sportsmanship on and off the field.
  • 13 Provide a USARU qualified coach
• E. Mandatory Insurance Program

  A mandatory insurance program for all players and member clubs has been adopted by the USA Rugby Union.
  Club Liability Coverage: Each club is required to have liability insurance. All clubs must purchase coverage. Questions or requests for insurance applications may be directed to USA Rugby Membership Services.

  Player Medical Insurance: USARU has adopted a policy statement indicating that all rugby players must be insured medically.
  
  Players must provide their own medical coverage minimum of $100,000.
  
  Proof of Coverage: Each club is responsible for determining that their players are medically insured before they participate in any practices or matches. Players should provide a copy of their medical card to their club president, or designated club officer.
  
  Florida Rugby Union assumes no responsibility for players who are not insured.

• F. Kit Requirements

  Except as noted herein, the FRU adopts and recommends enforcement of all provisions of Law 4 (USARFU Law Book), including USA Rugby Football Union directives.

  • 1. The referee will not allow a match to commence until both teams are properly outfitted in rugby kit.
  • 2. Jerseys
    • a. Cotton and synthetic materials and blends permitted.
    • b. Must be collared with sleeves of at least 2 inches when measured from the inset seam. Body and sleeve must be hemmed or banded.
    • c. May be of any color or pattern, but all players must be of the same or approximately matching color and pattern.
    • d. Must be in reasonable good repair.
    • f. No “mesh” (open weave) jerseys.
    • g. No tearaway jerseys.
  • 3. Shorts
    • a. Must be cotton or cotton blend of at least 50%.
    • b. May be of any color or length between 2 inches and knee length, but all players must be of the same or approximately matching color, pattern and length.
    • c. Must be in reasonably good repair.
  • 4. Socks
    • a. Cotton, wool, synthetic materials, and blends permitted.
    • b. Must be at least over-the-calf length.
    • c. Can be any color or pattern, but all players’ socks must be of the same or approximately matching color and pattern. Different colors may be worn on each leg, provided all players do so.
  • 5. Underclothing and Additional Garments and Accessories
    • a. Players may wear any clothing beneath jerseys and shorts as they so choose, provided:
      • i. It otherwise conforms to the laws.
      • ii. No portion extends beyond the sleeve and shorts hem.
    • b. In exceptional and extraordinary climate conditions, for player safety, additional garments or accessories may be authorized by the referee.
    • c. Medical devices, otherwise conforming to the laws, may be worn to protect existing injury.
    • d. Specific reference to Law 4(5) is made to prohibit bandannas and do-rags.
    • e. Subject to the above, additional garments, accessories, and protective devices c an be worn, except as provided in Law 4, Revised.
  • 6. Advertisements and Logos
    • a. USARFU shall conform to IRB regulations on advertisers’ and manufacturers’ logos as drafted and implemented in the law.
      • i. Manufacturer’s logos for which no remuneration is paid to the club or team shall not be deemed an advertiser’s logo, but shall otherwise conform.
      • ii. Each local area union, territory and USARFU shall retain the right to prohibit and require removal of any advertiser logo deemed offensive, inflammatory, or not in the best interests of promotion of the sport of Rugby.
      • iii. No advertisement for tobacco, alcohol, or any bar, tavern, or saloon shall be permitted upon the kit of any college club or team or youth club or team.
    • b. Random spot checks will be made to various matches throughout the season to determine compliance.
  • 7. Registration of Colors

    All Members shall register their colors for approval by the Union. Failure to register colors, or wearing of unapproved colors, shall result in sanction and disciplinary action by the Executive Committee.

  • 8. Procedure for Registering/Changing Colors and Logos

    If your club is thinking about changing colors, pick TWO (one as an alternate) and submit a letter to the Union Secretary requesting the change and explaining why you need, or want, to change. List your TWO color choices and enclose pictures of both (pictures can be cut from a rugby supplier catalog).

    A list of colors currently worn by FRU members is available from the Union Secretary.
    
    The Executive Committee will discuss your request at their next regular meeting. You will be notified, in writing, of approval or denial of your request. Do not purchase jerseys before you receive this letter. (You could be stuck with jerseys you can’t wear!)

Helpful Hints:

• 1. Check the most current Color Registry before making your choice. Do not choose colors already worn by other teams. (Until further notice, do not choose any style(s) with black, gray or green.)
• 2. Submit you request early. The Executive Committee may not be meeting for several weeks and your approval or denial could take longer than expected. You also need to give your supplier some time to get your order in stock. Make sure your supplier knows that ALL jerseys must be numbered (arabic only).
• 3. Read and follow the “Kit Requirements” found elsewhere in this Handbook. All kit must meet these requirements.

Alternate Kit:

All clubs must register and receive approval for alternate jersey colors and style if they use a second set of kit. Use the same procedure as above.

VII. CIPP Enforcement Procedures

A. Proof of enrollment

Players must be able to produce a valid CIPP enrollment card/number on game day and proof of matching identity to demonstrate compliance with the CIPP program. If a player has submitted an application to USA Rugby, but has not yet received a card/number, printed evidence of an application will be accepted as temporary proof of enrollment.

B. Game Day Procedure

The team captain must complete a CIPP Roster listing the name of each starting player and all reserves. Only players listed on the roster will be allowed on the field. The writing must be legible and names must be in full; nicknames are not acceptable. Only current CIPP Roster forms will be accepted; a list of names written on a legal pad or old-style CIPP Roster forms will not. Failure to fill in all areas of a CIPP Roster will result in a forfeit. Team captains are responsible for the accuracy of information given on CIPP Rosters and are subject to suspension for entering false information. CIPP Rosters filled in by any person other than the team captain will not be accepted.

Prior to the start of the match, team captains must have the opposing team captain sign their roster, then hand it to the referee who will countersign. CIPP Rosters filled in, altered, or handed in after the start of play will not be accepted.
If there is no Union referee at the match, a properly completed CIPP Roster must be handed to the opposing captain before the match. After completion of play, the captain must fill in the score, sign it, then hand the CIPP Roster back, so it can be mailed or faxed to the address on the form no later than Wednesday following the match.

Clubs must be in posession of identity confirmation of all CIPP rostered players on game day in the event of a FRU audit

C. Enforcement

Credit for games won will only be given to teams that fully comply with the CIPP program, are current with LAU dues, and are enrolled in the Mandatory Liability Insurance program.
CIPP Rosters must be fully and properly completed, and they must be remitted in a timely manner.
The FRU Executive Committee, and by its extension, the Disciplinary Committee, are responsible for enforcing the CIPP Program. The FRU Disciplinary Committee will levy sanctions on individuals and clubs that fail to comply with the CIPP Program.

• 1. Penalty for non-enrolled individuals: The team captain and/or the offending player will be subject to a one to six week suspension for each violation of the CIPP policy.
• 2. Penalty for non-enrolled clubs: Any club not enrolled by January 1 shall be suspended from play until proof of enrollment is received by the FRU Executive Committee.
• 3. If teams play a non-CIPP player, fine for each player is $100 per offense. Also, the game is forfeited.

VIII. Competition Rules

A. Rules

The Florida Rugby Union has adopted all competition rules that pertain to USARS games. These are:

• 1. Rescheduling of games will be allowed by mutual consent between the two teams; however, if there is not mutual agreement between the two teams, the scheduled date stands.
• 2. For teams arriving with less than 15 players, one of the following options will apply. By mutual agreement between the two team captains prior to the start of play:
  • a. Team A can give players to Team B and the game will stand.
  • b. Team A can give players to Team B and the game will not stand.
  • c. Team B can play short, maximum two players, and the game will stand.
  • d. No League Game can be started with less than 15 players; automatic forfeit.
• 3., Florida Rugby Union will enforce the USARU uniform code; specifically, the following rules.
  • a. All uniforms must be clean and in good repair and free from holes, tears, and rips. They may be of any color or pattern, but all players must be of the same or approximately same color and pattern.
• 4. The Florida Rugby Union will enforce the USARU directives concerning crowd restraints and goal post pads. These are:
  • a. Home teams are responsible to provide suitable sideline barriers to prevent spectators from approaching within 5 meters of the playing enclosure.
  • b. Home teams are responsible to provide appropriate goal post pads to a minimum of 2 inch thickness and 5 feet height on all goal posts used in a match.
• 5. Any team not complying with these rules will be subject to forfeit.
• 6. All league games be played either on a full-sized field (100 meters x 70 meters) or on a field that is utilizing as much as the available area that is practicable for safe play.
• 7. All league games will commence at 2:00 p.m., unless mutually agreed upon by both teams, by virtue of the match contract.
• 8. The Vice President, Competitions and the Florida Referee’s Society must be informed in writing of any league game that is re-scheduled (date or time).
• 9. Any league game that is forfeited will be a 15-0 win to the non- offending team.
• 10 Any club forfeting two or more games in a season will be relegated to a lower division and if no lower division exists to social status

B. Standings

• 1. USARS and the Florida Rugby Union use a point system to determine league standings:
  Win 3 points
  Draw 2 points
  Loss 1 point
• 2. A CIPP violation will result in a loss of all points earned in the game that the violation occurred plus a fine of $50 per un CIPPED player.
• 3. Any game played without USARU’s Mandatory Liability Insurance (or Waiver) in effect will result in loss of any points earned in that game plus minus 3 points in league standings (USARS rule).
• 4. To determine final standings, the following criteria will be used in this order:
  • a. Total number of points
  • b. Win/loss record
  • c. Head to head
  • d. Point differential
• C. Promotion/Relegation

  After the completion of league play for the season, and according to the league standings, the team at the bottom of Division I will be relegated to Division II, and the team at the top of Division II will be promoted to Division I.
  Additionally, the team in second place of Division II has the option of challenging the team that is in next to last place in Division I for a chance of promotion. This game will be played at the Division I team’s home field at a date determined by the Vice President, Competitions. If the Division I team declines the challenge, the Division II club will be automatically promoted to Division I and the Division I club will be relegated to Division II.