VINTAGE RUGBY RULES, AGE GROUPS AND REFEREES

The emphasis at the 2012 Carnival will be on enjoyment (on and off the field) so although participants, whose ages will vary from 35 to 80+, can ‘compete’ at the level they wish to play (full on competitive, less than full on competitive or social) the overall results are of little significance.
 
To ensure that teams get maximum enjoyment from their games, team leaders will be asked to ensure they register their team for the level of “competitiveness” they want their team to play. This is ascertained by Vintage Rugby through a searching questionnaire in the lead up to the Carnival.

Regardless of the level of rugby a team wants to play it is important to remember that teams attending a Vintage Rugby Carnival come to play in a friendly environment where the outcome is enjoyed by all regardless of the result. Accordingly, aggressive and unsportsmanlike behaviour on or off the field is not acceptable. Some of the laws of the game have been modified to ensure participants can have fun without causing unnecessary health risks or injury.
 
LAWS
The basic laws of Rugby as prescribed by the International Rugby Board (IRB) apply to Vintage Rugby games with the following variations:

1. All 8 forwards must remain bound in the scrum until the ball has been cleared unless both captains and the referee agree to waive this law prior to the game.
2. The scrum half (number 9) must not follow the other scrum half around the scrum – unless both captains and the referee agree to waive this law prior to the game.
3. There must be no pressure scrummaging unless both captains and the referee agree to waive this law prior to the game.
4. There shall be no striking against the head by the hookers unless both captains and the referee agree to waive this law prior to the game.
5. Kicking is confined to inside the 22.
6. In lineouts all 8 forwards must take part unless both captains and the referee agree to waive this law prior to the game.
7. Teams lucky enough to score a try shall restart the game by kicking the ball to the non scoring side.
8. Unlimited substitution is allowed and players who are ‘subbed’ may return to the game at anytime.
9. Players must observe the offside rule, particularly that of remaining behind the hindmost foot rule at rucks, mauls and scrums. Backs should be 10 metres behind scrums (attacking side only) and both teams should be back 10 metres from lineouts.
10. Tries will not be converted.
11. The games usually consist of three x 20 minute spells.
12. No over vigorous play.
13. No lifting in lineouts.
14. No charging at opponents with shoulder.
15. Older players (65 and above) should not be tackled and must be treated with respect. These players are identified by a bright red vest (as illustrated - similar to those worn by professional soccer and rugby players when they are training). Younger players who are physically challenged or don’t want to be tackled can also decide to wear this vest.

SPECIAL LAWS FOR PLAYERS WEARING THE COLOURED BIBS:

Any player with the ball (wearing a brightly coloured bib to be supplied by the Carnival organizers) cannot be tackled but can be stopped from forward motion by being firmly held. In other words, he can be held (or “hugged”) but not tackled.

Players CANNOT under any circumstances be tackled to the ground.

Players must release the ball upon being held or after traveling 25 metres.

Players wearing these bibs are either older players or physically challenged younger players. Whether they are respected elders or physically challenged it is important that they not abuse their status as Gentlemen of the Game.

All players wearing brightly coloured bibs MUST adhere to the above laws.

NOTE: The bibs should be worn prior to the game (during warm up) and pointed out by the respective captains to the referee during the coin toss.

Both captains and the referee must meet prior to the game to agree on the laws the game will be played to.
 
AGE GROUPINGS...
Players participating in the 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival must be 35 years of age or over on September 1, 2012. 
There will be two sections for men: 35-45 years and 46 years and over.

FORMAT....
The Carnival program includes 3 playing days on which teams will play one game – a total of 3 games during the Carnival period. If teams require additional games prior to or following the Vintage Rugby Office can assist in making these arrangements.
The draw will be designed so that teams of similar ages and fitness play each other. A questionnaire will be sent to teams prior to the Carnival to determine strengths, weaknesses, fitness and the level of rugby that teams desire to play during the Carnival.
 
REFEREES....
Official referees will be appointed for all games. Teams who have qualified referees in their group will be invited to nominate them to control matches during the Carnival. All referees will be well briefed.

PLAYING TIMES....
The Organising Committee will determine the playing times but games are usually scheduled between 11am and 3pm.