Preamble
Law 9.28 is often a starting point for non-players who are the subject of disciplinary action which falls under the heading of misconduct. It has been agreed with the provincial chairs of discipline that the minimum entry point for non-players who have a charge of misconduct proved against them is the mid-range entry point taken from 9.28. Once the offence has been established, the appropriate entry point will apply. Mitigating circumstances can then be factored in with any aggravating circumstances added at the end. For short-term sanctions it may be appropriate that specific matches are included in the judgement. For longer-term sanctions, a specified period of time may be sufficient.
Players who receive a red card will still fall under Law 9.28 with the appropriate entry point established at any hearing. This will also apply to any coach/manager/spectator; however, it is recommended that the person’s role or position within the team should be considered when determining the final sanction. People in a position of responsibility should be held to a greater level of account. Reference may also be made to World Rugby Regulation 18.
Sanctions available:
a) A caution, a warning as to future conduct, or a reprimand.
b) A monetary fine.
c) Direct that a course be undertaken (using appropriate course)*
d) The requirement to replay a match at such time and at such venue as is thought fit.
e) The forfeiture of, and/or the granting to another club or clubs, the competition points for a match.
f) The deduction of match tickets
g) The banning of club spectators from a match(es)
h) The suspension or expulsion, in part or in full, of the club, player or person for such period as may be deemed appropriate.
i) Playing matches behind closed doors with no spectators permitted.
j) Such other penalty or sanction as may be deemed appropriate.
k) Make a payment of costs.
l) Use of World Rugby Regulation 17 sanction table, in particular the application of Regulation 9.28
m) The use of World Rugby Regulation 18 – Misconduct and Code of Conduct.
Nature of Offence
Assessment of Offence
Minimum Entry Point (Mitigation of up to 50% may be then applied, with any aggravating circumstances then added)
Second offence (Standard entry point is as per range suggested but panel may go higher if circumstances require)
Disrespecting the authority of a Match Official. 4 weeks/matches Add 4-6 weeks.
Max: 52 weeks
Verbal abuse of a Match Official. Verbal abuse includes, but is not limited to: abuse based on gender, religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, impugning their integrity.
Making physical contact with a Match Official or player.
12 weeks/matches Add 9-18 weeks
Max: 104 weeks
12 weeks/matches Add 9-18 weeks
Using threatening actions or words towards a Match Official 26 weeks
Physical abuse of a Match Official
52 weeks
Max: 104 weeks
Add 52 weeks
Max: 260 weeks
Add 104 weeks
Max: Life
Non-exhaustive list of mitigating features Non-exhaustive list of aggravating features
• First time offender.
• Presence and timing of any apology.
• Age and inexperience of the person.
• Any remorse shown.
• Steps which the club concerned have taken to address the incident.
• Any off field mitigating factors that the panel feel is relevant.
• Any previous disciplinary record.
• The club/player’s status as an offender.
• Club/player's conduct at the hearing.
• Need for a deterrent to combat a pattern of offending within the game.
• The position an individual holds within the club (a coach, manager or part of a match day squad).
• Any off-field aggravating factors that the panel feel is relevant.
• Number of people involved/Group activity
• Presence of age Grade and Youth players at incident.
• Lack of heed to warnings given.
• Level of danger involved (actual as well as threat)
Notes –
*The list of Spirit related courses that might be useful training for coaches/volunteers who have been through a disciplinary process is below. All are accessible through the provincial Spirit of Rugby Officer. Contact details are available here.
• Safeguarding in Rugby course (or part of the course, such as Role of the Coach) – aimed at those coaching/working with players under 18-years of age
• Diversity & Inclusion course (suitable for ‘discriminatory’ behaviour as it discusses 9 grounds of discrimination under Equality legislation, unconscious bias and language around inclusivity)
• One Good Coach (related to mental health and well-being of youth)
• Tackling bullying behaviour
• Disability Awareness course
DEFINITION OF SUSPENSIONS
A PLAYING SUSPENSION
A Playing suspension be applied universally and that the suspended person may not play the game (or any form thereof) or be involved in any on-field match day activities anywhere from the time they are sanctioned For the avoidance of doubt, a Player serving a period of suspension may continue to attend weekday training sessions
A TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION
A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and match officials participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension may be imposed on a player and/or a Team official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual from:
1. Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2. Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines, playing enclosure, or dead ball areas.
3. Coaching or issuing instructions for the duration of the game.
4. Engaging the match officials in any capacity whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
MATCH SUSPENSION
A Match Suspension is a ban on taking part in a match and on attending it in the area immediately surrounding the playing enclosure. A Match Suspension may be imposed on a player, coach or an official. The area immediately surrounding the field-of-play includes:
1. The field-of-play.
2. The playing enclosure
3. The dressing rooms and their immediate area.
4. The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
5. The dugouts, benches and technical areas (where applicable)
6. The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
7. Attending the prescribed ground/Attending any match under the jurisdiction of the branch/IRFU
The player or team official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players, and club officials.
A match suspension does not prohibit a player, coach or official from attending or taking part in a club organised training session.
A SUSPENSION FROM ALL RUGBY RELATED ACTIVITY
A suspension from all rugby related activity prohibits an individual from any involvement in rugby in any capacity. This includes but is not limited to;
1. Attending any match played at a ground under the jurisdiction of the branch/IRFU.
2. Participating in any match played at a ground under the jurisdiction of the branch/IRFU.
3. Attending or participating in any training activities connected to any club under the jurisdiction of the IRFU.
4. For the avoidance of doubt this includes coaching, managing, refereeing, training or as a spectator.
5. Applies to all levels of the game (certain exemptions may apply eg; to accompany one of his/her Underage children to a match)
This level of suspension may be placed on a player, coach, team official or spectator.
