BOULDER, Colo. – Following the review of several proposals received from members and unions, USA Rugby officially announces the release of its revised eligibility regulations for the 2007-2008 competitive year.

The annual change procedure for USA Rugby’s eligibility regulations was introduced as an effort to solicit and receive member feedback in the area of National Championships Eligibility.  USA Rugby appreciates the unions and individuals who participated in the call for proposals pertaining to playing standards for USA Rugby Championships.  The Eligibility Committee and National Office staff reviewed each submission and all comments submitted.  Several were included in the 2007-2008 USA Rugby Eligibility Regulations, while others were tabled for further research, discussion and review by USA Rugby.  Recommendations for regulation changes were made by the Eligibility Committee and then passed to the Rugby Committee and Board of Directors for final approval.

“USA Rugby has a responsibility to balance issues of safety and risk management, doing what’s best for player welfare, the welfare of member clubs, LAUs and TUs.  There are also multi-dimensional organizational and player development goals to consider for participation and increasing competitive levels,” says Eligibility Committee Chair, Jason Wood.

An annual review of rules and further proposals for eligibility change will be pursued, and USA Rugby will improve and review the process introduced in 2007 for future years.

“We learned a lot by introducing the process for this year.  We will be able to make significant improvements on the process and communication for the 2008-2009 competitive year, but I do think this helped to increase awareness of the Eligibility Regulations, and we’ve also added information about waivers and created some tools which will help coaches and members remain compliant throughout the season,” said Kristin Richeimer, Director of Membership Relations.

Although there were several calls for significant expansion of minimum standards at the collegiate level, it is critical that USA Rugby maintain integrity of the collegiate competition in line with other competitive, collegiate sports.  Participation in b-sides, tournaments, “friendlies,” and other non-Championship related events is encouraged, if participation is permitted by the university, as a way of offering additional opportunities to play for part-time or community college students.

The following rationale and principles apply to USA Rugby Eligibility Regulations:

   1. To provide fair and equitable standards of eligibility throughout the season for all matches leading to and including USA Rugby National Championships.
   2. To provide minimum eligibility and registration standards for all matches, helping to ensure safety and liability insurance coverage.
   3. To promote appropriate player movement within a club
   4. To facilitate appropriate competition for all ages and ability levels
   5. USA Rugby is responsible for establishing the structure of USA Rugby Championship Events, along with minimum competition and eligibility standards.
   6. TUs are responsible for determining the clubs that participate according to the structure established, and according to minimum eligibility and competition standards as determined by USA Rugby.
   7. Additional participation opportunity outside of National Championship channels is encouraged.

For more information or to view the current Eligibility Regulations visit www.usarugby.org/goto/eligibility.

Go to www.usarugby.org/goto/regulations for more information.

Tentative dates are 12 & 13 July 2008.

If you aren't certified, please make arrangements to get certified.

Remember, all old Level 1, 2 and 3 certifications expire on 01 September 2008.

b. City teams will remain on the Calendar year.  The West wasn't too happy with that and rumour has it they will mandate that all LAU's will have to follow the CIPP schedule, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

c. We have implemented a new point system which mirrors the Super 14 system:
Win = 4 points
Draw = 2 points
Loss of 7 or fewer points = 1 point
Loss of more than 7 points = 0 points
Scoring 4 tries or more in a match = 1 point
Forfeit = -1 point (Forfeits are counted as a 28-0 loss, four converted tries, which also means the winning team gets 5 points)
(Pre-emptive note: We will not be using the ELV's as the Super 14 will be.)

d. Referees will get paid $75.00 upfront by check, not cash, prior to the kick-off of every game - League, Friendly or whatever.  Please have your check book at the ready!  If the ref comes to a game and can't be paid then he will go home and the home team will have forfeited the match.  "B" side games are free, provided the "A" side match was paid for.

e. The League schedule (League games are those which may lead up to a USA Rugby Championship berth) will be set by the Great Plains RFU.  If a clubs needs to make changes then they should request a date change with the other club AND ASSIGNED REFEREE.  Once all parties agree to the date change let me know so I can change it on my computer and the website.

2. Please forward me all your "NOT AVAILABLE FOR LEAGUE PLAY" dates as soon as possible.  City clubs, we need to get your schedule down.  You are responsible for scheduling friendlies and other games.  Also, please let me know what your earliest anticipated game day can be.  I want to schedule the late dates first and then fill in going to the early dates so there are as many warm weather games as possible.  Deadline is December 27th.  All clubs who do not send in dates prior to 12/27 will have to do with assigned games.  The first draft will be published on 01 January and teams will have two weeks to request changes.  Your Match Secretaries are responsible for all friendlies and other games/tournies, including referees.

3. Check with Darrin Barner about dates for the Wayne Tournament in 2008.  Rumour has it there are going to be some powerful women's clubs there this time around.  I've also heard a rumour that they want to have a HS bracket.

4. The Great Plains Youth Association are looking for coaches and assistant coaches.  Many LAU's require that clubs furnish coaching assistants and even coaches to youth clubs.  While we have no plans of making this a requirement, it would certainly look good for your club if you have some folks who can help out.  I know that there are two players from the GOATS helping out with the Westside HS team, one for the boys and one for the girls.  Anyone else?

5. Coaches clinic in Omaha.  We are going to host a USA Rugby Introducing Rugby & Developing Rugby Skills Coaching Clinic.  The clinic will be held at UNO courtesy of John Bartles.  Reminder: The old Level 1, 2 and 3 certifications will expire 01 September 2008.

6. Reminder, to coach a HS or Collegiate club you must have a background check done by USA Rugby.  This is a USA Rugby requirement.  Also, to advance into post season play, clubs will have to have a coach registered with their club.  It is currently not necessary for that coach to be certified, but that may change soon.

7. Referee clinic.  Rob and Davey are working on a date for hosting a referee clinic, check the website for more details there.  Right now they are looking at Jan/Feb - count on January.

8. Please continue sending match reports in the following format:
Home Team
Tries Made / Conversions Made / Drop Goals / Penalties Made

Visiting Team
Tries Made / Conversions Made / Drop Goals / Penalties Made

Referee:

Disciplinary Actions:

Comments:

Click Here to download the application.

To report your Scores, send an e-mail by clicking here.  Please use the following format:

Subject: Match Report
Home Team
# of Tries/# of Conversions/# of Penalties Made/# of Drop Goals Made

Visiting Team
# of Tries/# of Conversions/# of Penalties Made/# of Drop Goals Made

Referee:

Disciplinary Actions:

Notes:

Thank You,
Jeff Coffman
President.

FILING REPORT LATE OR COMPLETE FAILURE TO SUBMIT REPORT MAY LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.

Online registration is available at http://register.usarugby.org.

Registration is real-time with an approved credit card or e-check.
You will instantly be CIPP'd & registered.  "The forms/check are in the mail," will no longer be accepted.  To be a rugby player, coach, or  referee - regardless of any reason you MUST register & pay.

Paper membership forms are available for download - BUT -  IN THE GREAT PLAINS RFU THE ONLINE REGISTRATION SERVICE MUST BE USED TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM & PLAYERS - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

For more information click the Membership Process link above.

!!! IMPORTANT REMINDERS !!!
Clubs are required to maintain a notebook & have it with them each
match.

It will contain:
1.  An Insurance & Identification Form for all members.  (download from GP website)
2.  Signed waivers for all members to ensure compliance with the liability insurance requirements. (download from USA rugby website).

Only your Great Plains RFU dues need to be sent in (nothing else) to GP
Treasurer
Doug Cmelik
2900S 70th St, Suite 250
Lincoln, NE  685060
(402)323-6553
fax (402)323-6555

The Great Plains dues structure is as follows:
*** Note the reduction in annual dues ***
MEN'S CLUB SIDE $350/year
MEN'S COLLEGIATE SIDE $350/year
WOMEN'S CLUB SIDE $100/year
WOMEN'S COLLEGIATE SIDE $250/year
HIGH SCHOOL SIDE $100/year
YOUTH SIDE (under 15) $0/year
NEW CLUB (First Year Only) $100/year
NEW HIGH SCHOOL CLUB (First Year Only) $0/year

Names
Addresses
e-mails
Phone numbers
Website
directions to HOME Pitch

Corrections/Changes for Clubs wishing to have their team page updated need to send Corrected information to Web Dude.  He will get them updated in a timely fashion.

It is expected that this player will adjust his play/behavior during this time frame and play within the Laws of the game.  Any attempt to defraud or mislead the GPRFU of an additional occurrence will result in severe additional penalties to both player and club for which Jessie Singer is playing.

Jeff Coffman
GPRFU President