As we progress through the 2024/25 season, BC Rugby would like to remind all Clubs and Community Members of the importance of maintaining effective communication and adherence to protocols regarding game cancellations, defaults, and Game-On Forms.

Furthermore, we remind all Members of our Community to be respectful towards Match Officials.

These touchpoints were raised in our Pre-Season Senior Leagues Leadership Presentation and Pre-Season Age-Grade Leagues Leadership Presentation ahead of kick-off.

Please Respect the Officials & Adhere to BC Rugby Code of Conduct

So far this season, we have seen an unfortunate and unacceptable rise in abusive incidents towards Officials. Since September we have seen:

• 16 Red Cards and 6 Citings
• 11 incidents of Player and Referee abuse

Our 12 Performance Group Officials in BC are working with mentorship groups. However, there has been significant increase in referee abuse (from those with confidence to report it). If our top Officials are feeling frustration, our 108 Community Officials may be subjected to the same conditions if not worse​.

BC Rugby has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for abuse and the BC Rugby Code of Conduct applies to ALL participants, coaches, management and parents.

Please be respectful towards Officials, Therapists, Medics, Staff and Volunteers at all times.

Endeavour to Play and Communicating Defaults/Cancellations

Clubs and Teams alike are expected to make all efforts to play each of their scheduled Matches.

If a cancellation or default becomes unavoidable, Clubs are required to inform their opponents and BC Rugby as soon as possible. Prompt communication ensures respect for the time and effort invested by players, coaches, officials, and volunteers. Failing to notify in a timely manner disrupts not only the immediate match but also impacts the broader rugby community.

The steps for Match Conduct and Protocol are outlined in Section 5 of the BC Rugby Senior Rules of Competition and Section 5 of the BC Rugby Age-Grade Rules of Competition.

These steps allow for effective rescheduling (where applicable) and help maintain the integrity of our competitions.

Submission of Game-On Forms

All Game Defaulting and Game On Variation Forms must be completed and submitted to BC Rugby at least 24 hours prior to the fixture in question.

Late submission of Game-On Forms risks administrative penalties and potential disruption of the match.

Thank you for your attention to these critical matters. Your cooperation helps BC Rugby continue to provide an organized and enjoyable playing environment for everyone involved.