Guidance for Clubs and Schools

In the event of a player being sent off, the player's club/school must do the following.

1.      Hold a meeting of the club's own disciplinary panel or a meeting of the school's relevant teaching staff and Headteacher. The meeting must consider the sending off and come to a decision on any punishment required.

2.      Inform the Discipline Secretary of Surrey Rugby (see below) of the sending off within 72 hours of the event. 

3.      Supply the following information to the Discipline Secretary of Surrey Rugby

a.      Player's correct name

b.      Player's address

c.       Player's date of birth

d.      Player’s RFU Registration No. where player is registered by the Club.

4.      Senior players will be required to attend a formal hearing for all sending offs.

5.      Youth and School players will not be required to attend a hearing but the Club/School must notify the Discipline Secretary of Surrey Rugby of the outcome of the Club/School's discipline meeting. 

Any decisions by clubs/schools should be based on the recommended sanctions laid out in the RFU and RFU Youth Handbooks. Players should only be sanctioned if they are considered guilty of the offence. Clubs are encouraged to come to the correct decision and the Disciplinary Panel of Surrey Rugby will take this into consideration in their own judgement.

Club's responsibility to a player having a Hearing.

It is important that the player inspects or receives a copy of the Referee's Sending-off form in advance of the hearing, that he knows of the facts and his rights and is warned to have available any evidence that he may wish to call. If the Club Secretary has sent the player's name and address within sensible time, the player may be invited separately. However he will normally be addressed through his Club so that they are aware of all details.

A player may be supported by his own witnesses and others may provide character references.

The RFU regulations state that a player may not challenge the referee’s report if he has not requested the presence of the referee (whether the referee is able to attend, or not). The referee’s presence must be requested with enough lead time to invite him.

Any written evidence should be provided whenever possible in advance of the hearing.

Any further questions should be addressed to the Discipline Secretary.

There are administrative charges for all sending offs. Any charges unpaid will lead to further sanctions against the player and/or club.

Administrative Charges.

For each senior case...................................................................................................... £40

For each youth case...................................................................................................... £20

For club failing to advise disciplinary secretary of sending off within 72 hours of event.............. £25

For club failing to advise disciplinary secretary of outcome of club’s youth disciplinary hearing..... £25

For club failing to respond to disciplinary secretary by requested date.................................... £25

For club failing to attend confirmed hearing....................................................................... £50

Charges are liable to VAT @ the standard rate - currently 15%

The Discipline Secretary of Surrey Rugby:

Surrey Rugby

Dorset House

Regent Park

297 Kingston Road

Leatherhead

Surrey KT22 7PL

 

Telephone 01372 824201