Rules and Regulations

Ned Byrne Oval and Walter Peate Oval CUDGEN LEAGUES, KINGSCLIFF

Saturday 4th October, Sunday 5th October and Monday 6th October 2008

Host Club Wollumbin Warriors

GOVERNING THE OFFICIAL 2008 NEW SOUTH WALES ANNUAL ABORIGINAL RUGBY LEAGUE KNOCKOUT CARNIVAL

1. The Official Title of the Rugby League Knockout Competition will be The New South Wales Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival.
2. The Carnival will take place over the New South Wales Labour Day Long Weekend on an Annual basis within NSW boundaries.
3. The Carnival shall be open by way of invitation to all Aboriginal Rugby League and Sporting Clubs (that have a Charter for Aboriginal Rugby League that represent Aboriginal Communities throughout New South Wales.
4. All players and official club delegates participating in the New South Wales Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival must be of Aboriginal descent.
5. Any club, or its officials or players that is found guilty of breaching these rules and regulations will be refused entry into the Knockout and from future involvement in this event and also other events that are sanctioned by the NSW Aboriginal League.
6. (i) The Wollumbin Warriors, host club for 2008, will issue invitations to clubs throughout New South Wales, inviting them to participate in the Carnival.
(ii) Each club that intends to accept the invitation to participate, will be required to give consent to abide by the Rules and Regulations as stipulated by the NSW Aboriginal League. Non-compliance will result in the possibility of the nomination being rejected.
(iii) All team nominations from respective clubs in New South Wales must be registered with the President of the Host Club by the close of business (5:00pm) Thursday 2nd October, and accompanied by a NON- REFUNDABLE Team Nomination Fee of $1,500.00
(iv) Once a club has registered it's team or teams with the President of the Host Club, that club's team or teams will remain locked into the event as a registered team nomination, and there will be no refund of the $1,500.00 nomination fee, regardless of whether the club decides to withdraw the team(s) from the event, or is unable to make the event for whatever reason.
7. Each team will consist of a maximum number of TWENTY-FIVE (25) Players and TWO (2) Team Officials.
8. Clubs that cannot nominate the full complement of TWENTY-FIVE (25) players in their team when nominating, will be allowed to nominate additional players up until TEN (10) minutes prior to the commencement of their first competition game of the Carnival, provided those players nominated are not registered with another team. Where a club has more than ONE (1) team entered in the Competition, respective clubs should also refer to RULE 11.
9. All participating teams must furnish their team sheets with the names of the players and their signatures prior to taking the field for their first competition game of the knockout. Names and number of players registered at the time of them taking the field for their first competition game in the Knockout will be the entire compliment and team numbers that will be used for the remainder of that Knockout whilst ever they still remain in contention for the championship. Players cannot be added any time after their first game nomination.
10. Clubs that nominate more than one team in the Carnival must nominate at least TWENTY- FIVE (25) names of players in the Number One (1) Team, no later than ONE (1) hour prior to the official draw.(Thursday 2nd October, 2008)
11. Any player who signs the official team registration form of a club, when that club has nominated by first competition game must play with that particular team. This player cannot play for another team including from the same club and can be considered to be in breach of the rules. This player may be ruled out of ALL Carnival fixtures. This takes rule 11 into account first. TEAM MAKE-UP AND REPLACEMENTS
12. All TWENTY-FIVE (25) players can be used in all matches, which include preliminary rounds, semi-finals and the final. This includes THIRTEEN (13) players on the field and TWELVE (12) replacements. All TWELVE (12) replacements can be used as unlimited interchange players during each game throughout the Carnival. REFEREES PANEL
13. The Referees Panel will consist of the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League or its nominees, in conjunction with the Referees Co-ordinator, will hear all disputes. BLOOD BIN
14. The "Blood Bin" will be used in all matches of the Carnival. DISPUTES COMMITTEE
15. The Disputes Committee will consist of the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League and/or its nominees.
16. The Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal Knockout will officially adjudicate over all associated disputes arising from the Carnival. The governing committee of the NSW Aboriginal Knockout may elect for this dispute process committee to be made up of ALL OR PART of a nominated group or organisation to form an independent body. This group will act on behalf of the host club and ruling as such will be deemed final.
17. In the case of a NSW Aboriginal League delegate team appearing before the Dispute's Committee, the delegate will resign his/her duties to deliberate, but may accompany the club officials (and where necessary, the player) during any hearing procedures.
18. All protests or appeals will be lodged with the Carnival Coordinator, via the official table, in writing by the two nominated Team Officials, no later than FIFTEEN (15) minutes after the completion of the match concerning the dispute or protest.
19. The written protest or dispute must contain statement of fact, and must provide clear and precise details relating directly to the reason for the protest or dispute. The mandatory protest or dispute fee of $500.00 cash must also accompany the document. Then an official receipt for the sum of $500 will be provided.
20. In the event of a successful protest or appeal, the protest or appeal fee will be returned to the club. However, by the same token, if unsuccessful, the fee will be forfeited to the NSW Aboriginal League.
21. All major protests or disputes lodged that relate to the playing of a non-Aboriginal person or persons in the competition will be referred to a full Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League for decision.
22. The Governing Committee of NSW Aboriginal League will officially convene a meeting no later than THREE (3) weeks after the final day of the Carnival at a venue selected by the Executive Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League to hear such protests or disputes.
23. Once the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League is in receipt of protest or dispute (see RULE 20), the Governing Committee will allow all matches to continue as normal throughout the weekend.
24. If the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League officially rule that a club breached Rule (22), that particular club which includes all its officials and players registered on the official team Nomination Form or Registration Sheet will automatically be banned for life from the further participating in any official event endorsed or controlled by the NSW Aboriginal League.
25. In the event that the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League rule on banning a club or clubs for major breach of the Rules and Regulations that govern the official New South Wales Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival, all such prize monies or other entitlements that may be due to that particular club or clubs involved will be held in trust until such time that the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League determine such distribution to the appropriate club or clubs either effected by, or involved in the original protest or dispute.
26. The Sin Bin will be used for suspended players during a match. However, the NSW Aboriginal League will have the additional power to cite any player or players and/or club official or officials for further disciplinary action, particularly for any blatant act of conduct that is deemed to be contrary to the spirit and principles of the Carnival. Should this instance occur, the offending player(s) and/or official(s) will receive a "Notice of Intent" from the NSW Aboriginal League immediately following the conclusion of the match. The player(s) and/or official(s) will then be notified of the specified time and place that the Disputes Committee will be convening the meeting to deal with the issue of complaint. This rule also applies to trainers and support staff: (i) Automatic suspension from the Carnival; and (ii) Suspension from all Aboriginal Rugby League Carnivals that are sanctioned by the NSW Aboriginal League until the player(s) or official(s) appear before the Disputes Committee and has the matter dealt with.
27. The "Sin-Bin" time limits during the Carnival will be as follows: (i) Preliminary Games: FIVE (5) Minutes, and (ii) Semi-finals and Final: TEN (10) Minutes (as normal)
28. Any player or players and/or official or officials sent from the field of play for the duration of a match will automatically appear before the NSW Aboriginal Knockout Disputes Committee within FIFTEEN (15) minutes after the match in which the dismissal occurred. This rule also applies to trainers and support staff. Failure to appear will result in: (i) Automatic suspension from the Carnival; and (ii) Suspension from all Aboriginal Rugby League Carnivals that are sanctioned by the NSW Aboriginal League, until the player(s) or official(s) appear before the Disputes Committee and has the matter dealt with.
29. All decisions that are made by the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League or its nominees during the operation of the Carnival will be final. PLAYING UNIFORMS
30. All clubs participating in the Carnival are to ensure that all players wear full playing uniforms during all matches that they are required to participate in for the duration of the Carnival. Full playing uniforms include proper playing jerseys, shorts, socks and appropriate footwear. Team jerseys are to have clear numbers at least 18cms in height on the back of the jerseys. Additional numbers on the sleeves and/or fronts of the jerseys are an optional item. Shorts should be of proper material and socks should be stockings (to the knee). THE GAMES
31. Official badge referees, appointed by the Governing Committee of the NSW Aboriginal League will control all games during the Carnival.
32. The official Team Registration Sheet, if not already done so when nominating the team, must be completed and lodged by the Club Official(s) TEN (10) minutes prior to their first game of the competition. The confirmation of Aboriginality forms must be attached accordingly (rule 55).
33. The Official Team Match sheets that are used for the games must be completed by all teams and lodged at the Official Table TEN (10) minutes prior to the starting time of their respective match.
34. All clubs are to ensure that ONE (1) registered Team Official be present at the Official Table whilst their team is playing a match and the other Registered Team Official is present at the Official Interchange Table to assist with the policing of the Players Interchange System.
35. All clubs are to ensure that only the Team Manager and the listed replacement players be the only persons permitted to approach the Official Interchange Table when making a replacement and/or interchange.
36. All clubs are to ensure that only their Team Coach, Manager, two trainers and reserve players be the only ones permitted on the bench whilst their team is playing.
37. All clubs are to ensure that their supporters remain outside the Official Playing Area of the ground at all times (this includes the area set aside for the reserve bench).
38. All players and officials will remain at the ground if their respective teams are still required to play further matches on that ground that day. INSURANCE
39. The Host Club will provide public liability insurance coverage for all areas that are associated with the Carnival.
40. All clubs/ organisations will be required to provide their own insurance to cover the players and officials in their respective team or teams. The organising committee will not take any responsibility for players who sustain their injuries through the participating of the carnival or its associated playing requirements. Players, clubs and organisations will be encouraged to attain their own form of insurance.
41. LOCATION OF SPECIFIC AREAS TBC MATCHES (GAMES) DURATION AND OUTCOMES
42. All matches of the Carnival will be played under the laws that govern the rules and regulations of the game as stipulated by the National Rugby League of Australia (NRL). In the event there is any discrepancy between these rules and the NRL rules, the provisions of these rules shall be applicable. PRELIMINARY ROUNDS
43. The preliminary rounds will consist of TWO (2) x TWENTY (20) minute halves; with no break at half time. There will be no time out for injury, unless in the case of an ambulance being called by the referee in conjunction with other authorised personnel for the safe removal of an injured player. SEMI - FINALS
44. The Semi-Finals will consist of TWO (2) x THIRTY (30) minute halves; with a FIVE (5) minute break at half time. There will be no time out for injury during the first half, unless in the case of an ambulance being called by the referee in conjunction with other authorised personnel for the safe removal of an injured player. There will be time off for injury in the second half. FINAL
45. The final will consist of TWO (2) x FORTY (40) minute halves; with a TEN (10) minute break at half time. There will be no time out for injury during the first half, unless in the case of an ambulance being called by the referee in conjunction with other authorised personnel for the safe removal of an injured player. There will be time off for injury in the second half. DRAWN GAMES DRAWN PRELIMINARIES
46. If scores are equal at the conclusion of normal time, then in such matches, THE FIRST TRY SCORER IS DECLARED THE WINNER. To keep the carnival running to schedule and to celebrate tradition, this rule will be changed to first try scorer wins in the event of a draw during preliminary games. In the event that there are no try scorers in the 40 mins of play (20 mins each way), then the first team to kick a penalty goal is declared in regular time will be declared the winner. If no winner is decided from this, the result will be decided on who ever kicked the first field goal. If the scores are deadlocked at fulltime, the team awarded the first penalty will be declared the winner. If there were no penalties throughout the game, the team to win the first scrum is declared the winner. RANK OF IMPORTANCE 1. 1st try scored (4 points) 2. 1st penalty goal (2points- NOT INCLUDING TRY CONVERSION) 3. 1st field goal (1point) 4. 1st penalty received 5. 1st scrum win DRAWN SEMI-FINALS
47. Should a semi final end in a draw, regardless of points, the match will go into extra time of FIVE (5) minutes each way until a winner is declared through the first point(s) scored. In the event of the match remaining deadlocked, 5 minutes will continue each way until a winner is declared through the first point(s) scored. This will continue in increments of 5 mins until a winner is declared with no time out at the completion of each 5 min period. (straight swap of ends). DRAWN FINAL
48. Should the final end in a draw, regardless of points, the match will go into extra time of TEN (10) minutes each way until the first point(s) are scored. In the event of the match remaining deadlocked, extra time (10mins each way) will continue to be played until a winner is declared through the next point(s) scored. This will continue in increments of 10 mins until a winner is declared. INTERCHANGE
49. (i) Only the team manager and the listed replacement players are the only persons permitted to approach the official interchange table when making a replacement and/or interchange.
(ii) Prior to an interchange being made the team manager must provide details of interchange players or player to the official interchange table. The interchange table official will provide one only A4 sized coloured number board (1-12) to the interchange referee. The players must accompany the official interchange referee to the sideline with their nominated number provided by the official interchange table.
(iii) All interchange player/players must remain with the interchange referee on the sideline until cleared to enter the playing field. This will only happen when the interchange referee is satisfied that the interchange process was carried out correctly, the interchange referee will display clearly the nominated interchange number provided for that player or players signifying a successful interchange transaction was complete.
(iv) Clubs are permitted to use no more than (4) interchange players at anyone time.
(v) That the NSW Aboriginal Knockout adjudicate on disputes where it is deemed that a team has gained an unfair advantage due to any non-compliance with the interchange procedure. The disputes Committee of the NSW Aboriginal Knockout will adjudicate fairly and impartially and no delegate shall sit on his or her team's disciplinary hearing. The powers available to the Disciplinary Committee include but are not limited to: a. Deduction of Points Where points were scored whilst a breach occurred on the field that impacts on the game (either on the ball or off the ball incidents). b. Dismissal of the dispute c. Dismissal with formal warning
(vi) No interchange shall be permitted after the declaration from the referee that a scrum is to be formed. The interchange official and touch judge will use discretion and good judgment in the unfortunate event of an injury whereas a player has to be replaced. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN SPORT
50. As a major initiative in trying to promote awareness among Aboriginal sportsmen, and others, of the dangers in misuse and abuse of drugs, and its effects on their sporting ability, the NSW Aboriginal Knockout have resolved that any player or official that is participating in the Carnival must refrain from use of any drugs. This is regardless of whether they are being used for recreational or performance-enhancing purposes. THE ABORIGINAL KNOCKOUT IS A DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE ZONE
51. The NSW Aboriginal Knockout and Wollumbin Warriors has officially declared that all grounds involved in the staging of the Carnival will be drug and alcohol free. As this is a "dry" event, all alcohol use at this event will be reported to authorities. UNDER AGE PLAYERS
52. It should be deemed necessary for parents or guardians to sign a declaration of consent for their son(s) not of legal age (16), to participate in any Aboriginal Rugby League Carnival controlled by the NSW Aboriginal League. Please refer to FORM D in Club Nomination Section. PRIZE MONEY
53. All team nominations will automatically become the total prize money for the official winner, runner up, 3rd & 4th. The winner also has the exclusive right to host the following years carnival. MAJOR KNOCKOUT TROPHIES Major Knockout trophies will be given to the winning club from the host club on the provisory that the trophies be given or kept for the host club or nominated body the following year (if the team that won the NSW Aboriginal Knockout Carnival isn't the host club the following year). These trophies are insurance that no body or bodies, organised or singular shall claim ownership of or to this carnival or its prized possessions. CONFIRMATION OF ABORIGINALITY
54. All participating teams are required to attach a completed form with details regarding Confirmation of Aboriginality for each individual team member to the official Team Registration Form before that player can be registered to play in the Carnival. Please take note that the form must be filled in correctly, signed, and have the stamp of the Common Seal of the organization that is providing the confirmation. This only has to be done for the first time players, and the NSW Aboriginal League will then have a record of the registered players. Only new players each year will have to supply this documentation. CLUB TRAINERS
55. The following rules apply to Trainers:
(i) Maximum of two trainers on the field at any time unless injuries warrant further numbers
(ii) Trainers are only to enter the field of play for an injury when there is a try or stoppage or if the referee has signaled time off
(iii) Trainers who enter the field of play while their team is in possession of the ball are to address the players as required and immediately return to the bench
(iv) Trainers are not to enter the field of play during a scrum and when and if an altercation commences (if a trainer is on the field when an altercation commences he is in no way to move closer to the incident)
(v) No coaching from the sideline or whilst on the field
(vi) No lingering on the field
(vii) Trainers are reminded of the 'no approach referee' rule
(viii) Trainers are to give support and encouragement and are not to participate in bad sportsmanship, sledging, crude or unseemly actions to opposing players, referees and other officials
(ix) Trainers must remain in the reserve area between going on and off the field. THE USE OF FILM AND APPROVED BODIES
56. The host club has the opportunity to utilize the services of film and photography and benefit from these accordingly. It is the responsibility of team delegates to make aware of such services and to sort required permission from all players and officials in regards to the use of film and photography.
57. All players and officials who register for the NSW Annual Aboriginal Knockout Carnival are giving consent to be filmed and photographed by approved bodies of the host club, the Wollumbin Warriors.
58. It shall not be deemed acceptable behavior for people representing teams approach the filming crew during duties.


© Copyright Wollumbin 2008

Back to Wollumbin home page