home/Competitions/BC Rugby Rules & Regulations
Below is an overview of the different Law Variations that aim to create the most enjoyable and age-appropriate versions of our sport, as well as the BC Rugby Rules of Competition for Age-Grade and Senior competitions.
Jump to the relevant section by clicking on the below topics:
LAW VARIATIONS
The Age-Grade and Masters Law Variations designed by Rugby Canada aim to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment so players of every gender, age, size, and ability can participate in developmentally appropriate, competitive and enjoyable games.
Please click on the below for further information on Age-Grade Law Variations for the following bandings:
RULES OF COMPETITION
The purpose of the Rules is to govern the conduct of all Senior (adult) and Age-Grade (junior) levels of contact Rugby Competition sanctioned or administered by BC Rugby to ensure that the sport, and its game variants, operates to the highest level of Player safety, development and enjoyment.
The Rules of Competition are designed to support BC Rugby’s Purpose of growing, developing and managing the sport of Rugby throughout British Columbia.
BC Rugby Rules of Competition - Age-Grade Rugby
BC Rugby Rules of Competition for Age-Grade Rugby
Read MoreBC Rugby Rules of Competition - Senior Rugby
BC Rugby Rules of Competition for Senior Rugby
Read MoreBC Rugby Rules of Competition - Masters Rugby
BC Rugby Rules of Competition for Masters Rugby
Read MoreGAME ON VARIATIONS
Above is a guide on how to apply World Rugby’s Game On Guidelines for all Age-Grade leagues and Men’s and Women’s Senior Leagues outside of the Premier Divisions/Premier Reserve Divisions.
Please see the above diagram on how to apply World Rugby’s Game On Guidelines. The guidelines can also be viewed/downloaded as a PDF here:
These guidelines apply to all Age-Grade Leagues, as well as all Men’s and Women’s Leagues below the Premier/Premier Reserve Divisions. Please note the Women’s Premier and Division 1 Crossover can apply for Game on Variations.
Please fill out this form if you are defaulting your game or applying for Game On Variations for an upcoming fixture. The form must be completed 24 hours prior to the fixture in question so that opposition teams and officials can play accordingly.
Men’s Premier Reserves
A discrepancy in our Senior Rules of Competition was identified where rules 5.1a and 5.1c) i. contradicted each other and the application of Game on Variations for Men’s Premier Reserve. The Fall/Spring Senior Competitions Committee passed a motion on October 17, 2023 to NOT allow Game on Variations in Men’s Premier Reserve Division for the 2023/24 season.
Age-Grade Competitions
As approved by the Age-Grade Competition Committee at a meeting held on October 3, all Age-Grade Divisions will be allowed to apply for World Rugby Game on Guidelines in Age-Grade Playoffs (including Mainland and Island Finals as well as Crossover Finals) and utilize smaller team sizes. Should clubs utilize World Rugby Game on Guidelines, this will be indicated prior to the weekend of play.
COMPETITION REGULATIONS
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are worn in contact sports to protect the mouth from injury. The purpose of a mouth guard is to distribute the impact of a contact situation evenly throughout the mouth, potentially reducing the chances of injury.
Rugby Turf (World Rugby Regulation 22)
Rugby as a sport was quick to adopt new generation (3G) artificial grass surfaces for the development of the game. What is now referred to as World Rugby Regulation 22, Rugby Turf was introduced in 2003 to ensure that 3G surfaces replicate the playing qualities of good quality natural grass. Regulation 22 defines those artificial grass systems specifically designed for the game of Rugby and as such, are referred to as Rugby Turf.
Climatic conditions, in many countries where the game is played, make it difficult to grow natural turf. In countries where Rugby Union is developing, Rugby Turf offers credible alternatives to those parts of the world where climate or resources make the growing and maintaining of good quality natural grass pitches difficult or impossible to achieve.
PLAYER REGISTRATION AND TRANSFERS
For more information on player registration, visit the BC Rugby Memberships Page.
For players who wish to transfer to a new Club or Province, you will need to request a transfer through your Sportlomo account. For steps on how to process a transfer request, watch this video:
For Canadian players who wish to play Rugby in another Union, visit the BC Rugby Sanctioning Page for information on International Player Clearance.
BC Rugby
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T: 604.737.3065
E: info@bcrugby.com
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
