Vintage Rugby laws, Age Groups, and Referees....

The emphasis at the Carnival will be on enjoyment (on and off the field) so although participants, whose ages will vary from 35 to 90, 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 leadup 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 periods.
12. No over vigorous play.
13. No lifting in lineouts.
14. No charging at opponents with shoulder.

Older players (65 and above) should not be tackled and must be treated with respect. These are identified by a brightly coloured bib (similar to those worn by professional soccer and rugby players when they are training) which will be supplied by the Carnival organisers. Younger players who are physically challenged or don’t want to be tackled can also decide to wear this bib.

SPECIAL LAWS FOR PLAYERS WEARING BRIGHTLY COLOURED BIBS

• Any player with the ball (wearing a brightly coloured bib to be supplied by the Carnival organisers) cannot be tackled but can be stopped from forward motion by being firmly held.
• Players wearing brightly coloured bibs CANNOT under any circumstances be tackled to the ground.
• Players wearing brightly coloured bibs must release the ball upon being held or after travelling 25 metres.
• Players wearing brightly coloured 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 both captains to the referee during the coin toss.
  Note player in centre of picture - right - wearing the red vest - click to enlarge.

BOTH CAPTAINS AND THE REFEREE MUST MEET PRIOR TO THE GAME TO AGREE ON THE LAWS THE GAME WILL BE PLAYED TO.
Adherence to the above laws will ensure a totally enjoyable game for all players.
Age groupings...
Players participating in the 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival must be 35 years of age or over (except women) on September 1, 2008.
There will be two sections for men:
35-45 years and 46 years and over.
There will be a women’s section and players in this section must be prepared to admit they are at least 30 years of age on September 1, 2008. Teams with mixed sexes will not be allowed.
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 Carnival the organising committee can arrange these.
Teams will be grouped together in sections (where possible) to ensure 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 they desire to play during the Carnival.

Referees....
Official referees will be used for all games. Teams who have qualified referees in their group may nominate them to officiate during the Carnival.
Playing Times....
The Organising Committee will determine the playing times but games are usually scheduled between 11am and 3pm.