Contents:
1. RFU Regulation 19, Appendix 6 - Overriding principles
2. Alternative Sanctions - Overriding principles
ALTERNATIVE SANCTION REGULATIONS
Where a CB has received prior written authority from the RFU Head of Discipline and the National Age Grade Discipline Secretary (NAGDS), an alternative approach towards the sanctioning process may be considered.
1. RFU Regulation 19, Appendix 6 - Overriding principles
- 1.1. The overriding objective of these procedures is that they are ‘child-centric’ and based on both the RFU Core Values.
- 1.2. This process is there to discipline, mentor, guide and educate the Age Grade Player as part of their development.
- 1.3. The disciplinary procedure should be simple, easy to understand and conducted more informally than the adult procedure.
- 1.4. Playing suspensions should not normally be so severe as to discourage Age Grade Players from continuing to play rugby and should be tiered in severity to their age, responsibility and culpability.
2. Alternative Sanctions - Overriding principles
The overriding principle of applying Alternative Sanctions is to have a child centric approach to change behaviour and reduce the chance of reoffending.
- 2.1. All cases that relate to acts that have caused serious injury, are under Police investigation or are related to any form of verbal abuse must be referred to the NAGDS and are excluded from this trial.
- 2.2. It is for the CBAGDS to determine the most appropriate way of achieving the aims of this trial by applying a child centric approach to any case. All cases that are determined in accordance with these Alternative Sanction regulations must be agreed by the CBAGDS or NAGDS.
- 2.3. Promoting the RFU Core Values is a key part of any sanction.
- 2.4. The entry point for any sanction must be determined in accordance with Regulation 19.11.8 and the Sanction Table in Regulation 19, Appendix 6 (Age Grade Rugby Disciplinary Procedures).
- 2.5. Mitigating factors should be considered in accordance with 19.11.10.
- 2.6. For acts of Foul Play a maximum reduction of 50% of the relevant entry point can be applied. In assessing the reduction applicable, the panel shall start at 0% reduction and may allow up to a maximum of 50%.
- 2.7. Aggravating factors should be considered in accordance with Regulation 19.11.13.
- 2.8. Where a sanction, that has given consideration to the mitigating and aggravating factors, has resulted in a suspension of at least 2 matches, up to a maximum of a further 50% of that sanction may be further suspended for a period of time as determined by the CBAGDS or until the completion of an alternative sanction.
- 2.9. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not possible, except with written permission from the RFU Head of Discipline or the NAGDS, for any sanction not to include at least a ban for 1 meaningful match.
- 2.10. The approach across clubs, schools and colleges must be consistent.
- 2.11. Alternative Sanctions are available for most of the offences in approved CBs.
3. Additional Consideration
- 3.1. All judgments that include alternative sanctions, or alternative wording, must be recorded on the RFU Age Grade Judgment Form, or in a form prescribed by either the RFU Head of Discipline or the NAGDS.
- 3.2. The format of any alternative sanction must be proportionate to the level of offending and must be completed by a date as set by the CBAGDS in the written judgment. Failure to complete any alternative sanction could result in the activation of any suspending sanction or a further disciplinary charge.
- 3.3. The use of alternative sanction is at the discretion of the CBAGDS, or as directed by the RFU Head of Discipline or NAGDS and may not be available for serious acts of foul play or instances of Match Official Abuse.
