Honorary-Secretary-Handbook

98 Pages·2017·10.33 MB·English

MUNSTER BRANCH IRFU
HONORARY SECRETARY HANDBOOK
MUNSTER BRANCH/STAFF & COMPETITION CO-ORDINATORS

Munster Branch President
Charlie Buckley [email protected] 087-2333084
Munster Branch Honorary Secretary
Joe Murphy [email protected] 086-2541192
Cork Office
Rose Hyde [email protected] 021-4323563
Limerick Office
Judi Kennedy [email protected] 061-335644
Branch Administrator
Jane Burns [email protected] 021-4925818
Rugby Development Administrator – Coaching Course Administration & IRFU Injury Report Forms
Aidan Cleary [email protected] 021-4323563
Club Services Officer
James Neville [email protected] 085-8006741
Spirit Officer – Safeguarding & Garda Vetting
Emily O’ Leary [email protected] 087-6028090
Club Ticketing
Michael Linehan [email protected] 021-4925823
Club Affiliation & Insurance
Frances Bowen [email protected] 021-4925811

FIXTURES COMMITTEE

Chairman - Michael Goggin [email protected] 083-4244468
Secretary - John King [email protected] 086-3854514
MAR Liaison - Eugene Ryan [email protected] 087-2836833
Senior Clubs - Charles King [email protected] 086-1607813
Junior Clubs - Olan Allen [email protected] 087-2371877
Youths - Ralph O’ Leary [email protected] 087-9028586
MUNSTER BRANCH/STAFF & COMPETITION CO-ORDINATORS

Munster Branch President
Charlie Buckley [email protected] 087-2333084
Munster Branch Honorary Secretary
Joe Murphy [email protected] 086-2541192
Cork Office
Rose Hyde [email protected] 021-4323563
Limerick Office
Judi Kennedy [email protected] 061-335644
Branch Administrator
Jane Burns [email protected] 021-4925818
Rugby Development Administrator – Coaching Course Administration & IRFU Injury Report Forms
Aidan Cleary [email protected] 021-4323563
Club Services Officer
James Neville [email protected] 085-8006741
Spirit Officer – Safeguarding & Garda Vetting
Emily O’ Leary [email protected] 087-6028090
Club Ticketing
Michael Linehan [email protected] 021-4925823
Club Affiliation & Insurance
Frances Bowen [email protected] 021-4925811

FIXTURES COMMITTEE

Chairman - Michael Goggin [email protected] 083-4244468
Secretary - John King [email protected] 086-3854514
MAR Liaison - Eugene Ryan [email protected] 087-2836833
Senior Clubs - Charles King [email protected] 086-1607813
Junior Clubs - Olan Allen [email protected] 087-2371877
Youths - Ralph O’ Leary [email protected] 087-9028586
Schools - James Neville [email protected] 085-8006741 Affiliation Fees:

Donal Walsh/20s - Aidan Cleary [email protected] 086-8614611
Affiliation Fees are membership fees paid to Munster Branch each year from every club affiliated to
Women - Jim Gibson [email protected] 086-8276214 the Munster Branch IRFU. All clubs are invoiced in early March, with payment due in 30 days. The
fees are as follows:
Age Grade Girls - Kieran Reilly [email protected] 087-1341805

Senior Club €900
Colleges - Tony Wells [email protected] 086-2267464
Junior Division 1 Club €450
Cork County - Jim Downey [email protected] 086-8159067
Kerry County - John Holstead [email protected] Junior Division 2 & 3 Club €300
Associate Club €100
Tipperary County - Mike Sweeney [email protected] 086-8188904
Compulsory Club Insurance:
Waterford County - Paul Murphy [email protected] 085-1741546
South Munster - Olan Allen [email protected] 087-2371877 Club Insurance is a compulsory insurance plan which must be paid by all clubs in order to be covered
by the IRFU Compulsory Club Insurance Policy. It is mandatory for all clubs to have this in place
North Munster - Brian Nolan [email protected] 087-9581673
otherwise they will not be permitted to play matches.

At the end of August each year, AON Insurance Brokers contact all clubs and sends out notification
of the premium due and all relevant documentation that is required for the forthcoming season. It is
MUNSTER ASSOCIATION OF REFEREES
imperative that all clubs complete the forms that are sent to each club from AON, outlining the
number of teams they have playing for the coming season. These forms must be returned to
Frances Bowen, Munster Rugby, Irish Independent Park, Tramore Road, Cork no later than the 31st
North Munster Fixtures Secretary
October.
Leo Mayne 086-2452178 [email protected]
Payment should be made over six instalments – 31st October, 30th November, 31st December, 31st
South Munster Fixtures Secretary January, 28th February and 31st March, as opposed to one lump sum payment. To avail of the
payment by instalments the clubs must submit six post-dated cheques. Alternatively, all clubs can
Eamonn Murray 086-2833093 [email protected]
set up a direct debit mandate at no extra cost to the club and the payments will be taken directly
from your bank account on the above dates. Each club is sent a monthly invoice outlining the
amount due.

Club Accounts:

The IRFU Regulations require all affiliated clubs to annually submit audited accounts or accounts that

have been examined by an external body, to the IRFU. The present procedure is that the Branches
collect and store club accounts as part of the operation of the Club Support Scheme.
All Ireland League Clubs (AIL) and Qualifying League Clubs (QL) should have audited accounts (If
there is a statutory or legal requirement for a club to present Audit Accounts, then they will be

required. In all other cases, a statement of Annual Accounts prepared and reviewed by an
appropriately qualified third party will be accepted.)

While it is considered best practice to have audited accounts, the IRFU would accept financial

statements from all other Junior and Youth/Mini Clubs. Clubs must submit to the Branch, their
accounts for the season just gone, by the 1st of November, with proof that the accounts have been
tabled and approved at the Club AGM.

All clubs must submit a copy of their financial accounts by the 1st of November each season as set

out by the IRFU. These must now also include a completed IRFU excel template (Enclosed with
Schools - James Neville [email protected] 085-8006741 Affiliation Fees:

Donal Walsh/20s - Aidan Cleary [email protected] 086-8614611
Affiliation Fees are membership fees paid to Munster Branch each year from every club affiliated to
Women - Jim Gibson [email protected] 086-8276214 the Munster Branch IRFU. All clubs are invoiced in early March, with payment due in 30 days. The
fees are as follows:
Age Grade Girls - Kieran Reilly [email protected] 087-1341805

Senior Club €900
Colleges - Tony Wells [email protected] 086-2267464
Junior Division 1 Club €450
Cork County - Jim Downey [email protected] 086-8159067
Kerry County - John Holstead [email protected] Junior Division 2 & 3 Club €300
Associate Club €100
Tipperary County - Mike Sweeney [email protected] 086-8188904
Compulsory Club Insurance:
Waterford County - Paul Murphy [email protected] 085-1741546
South Munster - Olan Allen [email protected] 087-2371877 Club Insurance is a compulsory insurance plan which must be paid by all clubs in order to be covered
by the IRFU Compulsory Club Insurance Policy. It is mandatory for all clubs to have this in place
North Munster - Brian Nolan [email protected] 087-9581673
otherwise they will not be permitted to play matches.

At the end of August each year, AON Insurance Brokers contact all clubs and sends out notification
of the premium due and all relevant documentation that is required for the forthcoming season. It is
MUNSTER ASSOCIATION OF REFEREES
imperative that all clubs complete the forms that are sent to each club from AON, outlining the
number of teams they have playing for the coming season. These forms must be returned to
Frances Bowen, Munster Rugby, Irish Independent Park, Tramore Road, Cork no later than the 31st
North Munster Fixtures Secretary
October.
Leo Mayne 086-2452178 [email protected]
Payment should be made over six instalments – 31st October, 30th November, 31st December, 31st
South Munster Fixtures Secretary January, 28th February and 31st March, as opposed to one lump sum payment. To avail of the
payment by instalments the clubs must submit six post-dated cheques. Alternatively, all clubs can
Eamonn Murray 086-2833093 [email protected]
set up a direct debit mandate at no extra cost to the club and the payments will be taken directly
from your bank account on the above dates. Each club is sent a monthly invoice outlining the
amount due.

Club Accounts:

The IRFU Regulations require all affiliated clubs to annually submit audited accounts or accounts that

have been examined by an external body, to the IRFU. The present procedure is that the Branches
collect and store club accounts as part of the operation of the Club Support Scheme.
All Ireland League Clubs (AIL) and Qualifying League Clubs (QL) should have audited accounts (If
there is a statutory or legal requirement for a club to present Audit Accounts, then they will be

required. In all other cases, a statement of Annual Accounts prepared and reviewed by an
appropriately qualified third party will be accepted.)

While it is considered best practice to have audited accounts, the IRFU would accept financial

statements from all other Junior and Youth/Mini Clubs. Clubs must submit to the Branch, their
accounts for the season just gone, by the 1st of November, with proof that the accounts have been
tabled and approved at the Club AGM.

All clubs must submit a copy of their financial accounts by the 1st of November each season as set

out by the IRFU. These must now also include a completed IRFU excel template (Enclosed with
RC 1718 r0
forms in Annex B). All accounts must include an income and expenditure account along with a
balance sheet showing all bank balances and loans.
Regulation No. RC1718 of the Munster Branch IRFU
Failure to submit your accounts on time will result in delays (or possible forfeit) in the payment of

IRFU Grants and any insurance subvention. laying down specific rules for the running of Rugby Fixtures in

Medical:
Munster for the 2017-18 season
Should a player from your club/school suffer a serious injury, either during a game or training, it is

compulsory to forward a report detailing the injury and how it was dealt with. Please see IRFU Injury

& Concussion Report Form protocols below.

All clubs must be aware of the IRFU Concussion Guide. The IRFU Guide to Concussion and the
Approved by The Rugby Committee – August 2017
Graduated Return to Play Protocol are available to download from

http://www.irishrugby.ie/concussion and is designed to educate players, coaches, officials and
Amendment No. Topic Passed by RC
parents on the dangers of concussion and how to recognise it.

The SAFE Rugby - Standard Approach to Field Emergencies in Rugby - programme aims to provide

rugby specific, pitch side emergency care training and skills to medical staff and non-medical

individuals involved at all levels in Irish rugby. There are three different levels of SAFE Rugby

Training and the SAFE Rugby Level 1 course is specifically targeted at non-medical club and school
coaches, players, referees and parents.

Further information and details on SAFE Rugby courses can be found on

http://www.irishrugby.ie/playingthegame/safe_rugby.php

IRFU Injury & Concussion Report Form 2017/18

The IRFU Injury and Concussion Report Form (Enclosed with forms in Annex B) must be completed

by a designated Club/School Official and returned via post or email to Aidan Cleary, Munster Rugby,

Irish Independent Park, Tramore Road, Cork or [email protected] within 1 week of injury

occurrence.

An injury that must be reported using this form is defined as; any injury occurring during rugby

training or game, which requires that the injured player is transported to and/or treated in
hospital and all suspected/confirmed concussions.

The purpose of the form is to ensure that all injuries are reported to the IRFU and provincial
branches and that a record is kept of these injuries. Your Club/School should also maintain an

Injury report logbook where details of all injuries are recorded.

The IRFU Injury and Concussion Report Form is also a method of data collection for the IRFU. Each
section asks a specific question about the player, the type of injury they suffered, and the

consequences of the injury. It is essential that each section of this form is filled out in its entirety, so

that full use may be made of the data.

It is important to note that by filling in the form and forwarding it to the IRFU, the club/school
official is not handing over responsibility to the IRFU for the care or management of the effected

player. It remains the responsibility of the club/school official to follow up on their player and report

any serious incidents to their province.
RC 1718 r0
forms in Annex B). All accounts must include an income and expenditure account along with a
balance sheet showing all bank balances and loans.
Regulation No. RC1718 of the Munster Branch IRFU
Failure to submit your accounts on time will result in delays (or possible forfeit) in the payment of

IRFU Grants and any insurance subvention. laying down specific rules for the running of Rugby Fixtures in

Medical:
Munster for the 2017-18 season
Should a player from your club/school suffer a serious injury, either during a game or training, it is

compulsory to forward a report detailing the injury and how it was dealt with. Please see IRFU Injury

& Concussion Report Form protocols below.

All clubs must be aware of the IRFU Concussion Guide. The IRFU Guide to Concussion and the
Approved by The Rugby Committee – August 2017
Graduated Return to Play Protocol are available to download from

http://www.irishrugby.ie/concussion and is designed to educate players, coaches, officials and
Amendment No. Topic Passed by RC
parents on the dangers of concussion and how to recognise it.

The SAFE Rugby - Standard Approach to Field Emergencies in Rugby - programme aims to provide

rugby specific, pitch side emergency care training and skills to medical staff and non-medical

individuals involved at all levels in Irish rugby. There are three different levels of SAFE Rugby

Training and the SAFE Rugby Level 1 course is specifically targeted at non-medical club and school
coaches, players, referees and parents.

Further information and details on SAFE Rugby courses can be found on

http://www.irishrugby.ie/playingthegame/safe_rugby.php

IRFU Injury & Concussion Report Form 2017/18

The IRFU Injury and Concussion Report Form (Enclosed with forms in Annex B) must be completed

by a designated Club/School Official and returned via post or email to Aidan Cleary, Munster Rugby,

Irish Independent Park, Tramore Road, Cork or [email protected] within 1 week of injury

occurrence.

An injury that must be reported using this form is defined as; any injury occurring during rugby

training or game, which requires that the injured player is transported to and/or treated in
hospital and all suspected/confirmed concussions.

The purpose of the form is to ensure that all injuries are reported to the IRFU and provincial
branches and that a record is kept of these injuries. Your Club/School should also maintain an

Injury report logbook where details of all injuries are recorded.

The IRFU Injury and Concussion Report Form is also a method of data collection for the IRFU. Each
section asks a specific question about the player, the type of injury they suffered, and the

consequences of the injury. It is essential that each section of this form is filled out in its entirety, so

that full use may be made of the data.

It is important to note that by filling in the form and forwarding it to the IRFU, the club/school
official is not handing over responsibility to the IRFU for the care or management of the effected

player. It remains the responsibility of the club/school official to follow up on their player and report

any serious incidents to their province.
FOREWORD: Contents

In Munster, there are approx. 120 registered Clubs & Schools, playing a wide variety of competitions across all ages Chapter I CONTROL AND DELEGATION – Articles 1 & 2
and grades. In addition there are numerous friendly fixtures played at every level throughout the season.

This Regulation lays down the provisions in relation to all rugby fixtures (competitive & friendly) in Munster for the
Chapter II GENERAL REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING ALL FIXTURES
2017-18 season. Article 3 – Organisation Article 4 – Players Article 5 – The Game

The format of the document is different from previous versions (which are no longer valid) in that it follows the
Chapter III POST MATCH PROVISIONS
sequence of events involved with the organisation and playing of the game i.e. the Committee, the fixtures, the
Article 6 – Postponements Article 7 – Unplayed Games Article 8 – Eligibility
players, pre-match requirements, the match itself, what happens afterwards, disciplinary matters etc.

Article 9 – League Placings Article 10 - Trophies
Also, information that was previously in other places (e.g. the Red Book) is now consolidated into this document.

Chapter IV OBJECTIONS & APPEALS
The Annexes are divided into three;
Article 11, 12, 13, 14 – Objections & Appeals Article 15 - Citings
Annex A – Administration - matters that are primarily static information pertaining to all fixtures
Chapter V ENFORCEMENT
Annex B – Forms to be used e.g. Player Registration / Postponement forms which must be used in all situations Article 16 – Enforcement Powers

Annex C - Competitions - showing the essential information regarding individual competitions Chapter VI FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 17 Article 18 – Tours Article 19 – Entry into force

The Regulation will be reviewed and, if necessary, amended at the end of the season.
Annex A ADMINISTRATION
A. 1 – List of Competitions
A. 2 - Competition Application Form
Points to Note A. 3 – Summary of Duties and Responsibilities of a Rugby Club / School
A. 4 – Player Registration
• EVERY TEAM IN EVERY GAME MUST PRODUCE AN e-TEAMSHEET A. 5 – Transfers
A. 6 – e-teamsheets
If you don’t know how to generate an e-teamsheet, ask someone in your club or contact the Munster Branch A. 7 – Substitutions
office who will be only too willing to help. A. 8 – Yellow & Red cards
A. 9 – Postponements
• 99% of people involved in Munster Rugby, at all levels, are Volunteers. They are giving of their time freely.
A.10 - League Placings
They won’t get it right all the time but please treat them with Respect. A.11 – Settling of Ties
A.12 - Hearing of Objections and Appeals
A.13 - Citings

Annex B List of Forms
Volunteers are not paid - not because they are B.1 Player Registration B.2 Inter Club Transfer B.3 Player Loan
B.4 Overseas Coach / Player Application B.5 World Rugby Clearance
worthless, but because they are priceless B.6 Visiting Player Profile B.7 Postponement B.8. Objection

B.9 Appeal B.10 Overseas Tour B.11 Foreign Team in Ireland B.12 Mini Festival

Annex C COMPETITIONS
C.1.0 Senior Cup C.2.0 Junior Cup C.3.0 Senior Seconds League
Finally, this Regulation is a “living document” insofar as any person, club or school may make suggestions and/or
C.4.0 u20s C.5.0 Womens C.6.0 Age Grade
propose amendments, at any time, to the Rugby Committee, to improve the administration and playing of the game.
C.7.0 Junior Clubs C.8.0 North Munster C.9.0 South Munster
C.10.0 Colleges
If and when amended, clubs and schools will be notified and an updated version will appear on the Munster website

as soon as possible thereafter ( Munster Rugby / Domestic / Fixtures & Results / Regulations)

Glossary:

R C = (Munster) Rugby Committee

FSC = Fixtures Sub-Committee (Schedule M of the bye-laws)
RSC = Relevant Sub-Committee (i.e. responsible for the fixture / competition)
FOREWORD: Contents

In Munster, there are approx. 120 registered Clubs & Schools, playing a wide variety of competitions across all ages Chapter I CONTROL AND DELEGATION – Articles 1 & 2
and grades. In addition there are numerous friendly fixtures played at every level throughout the season.

This Regulation lays down the provisions in relation to all rugby fixtures (competitive & friendly) in Munster for the
Chapter II GENERAL REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING ALL FIXTURES
2017-18 season. Article 3 – Organisation Article 4 – Players Article 5 – The Game

The format of the document is different from previous versions (which are no longer valid) in that it follows the
Chapter III POST MATCH PROVISIONS
sequence of events involved with the organisation and playing of the game i.e. the Committee, the fixtures, the
Article 6 – Postponements Article 7 – Unplayed Games Article 8 – Eligibility
players, pre-match requirements, the match itself, what happens afterwards, disciplinary matters etc.

Article 9 – League Placings Article 10 - Trophies
Also, information that was previously in other places (e.g. the Red Book) is now consolidated into this document.

Chapter IV OBJECTIONS & APPEALS
The Annexes are divided into three;
Article 11, 12, 13, 14 – Objections & Appeals Article 15 - Citings
Annex A – Administration - matters that are primarily static information pertaining to all fixtures
Chapter V ENFORCEMENT
Annex B – Forms to be used e.g. Player Registration / Postponement forms which must be used in all situations Article 16 – Enforcement Powers

Annex C - Competitions - showing the essential information regarding individual competitions Chapter VI FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 17 Article 18 – Tours Article 19 – Entry into force

The Regulation will be reviewed and, if necessary, amended at the end of the season.
Annex A ADMINISTRATION
A. 1 – List of Competitions
A. 2 - Competition Application Form
Points to Note A. 3 – Summary of Duties and Responsibilities of a Rugby Club / School
A. 4 – Player Registration
• EVERY TEAM IN EVERY GAME MUST PRODUCE AN e-TEAMSHEET A. 5 – Transfers
A. 6 – e-teamsheets
If you don’t know how to generate an e-teamsheet, ask someone in your club or contact the Munster Branch A. 7 – Substitutions
office who will be only too willing to help. A. 8 – Yellow & Red cards
A. 9 – Postponements
• 99% of people involved in Munster Rugby, at all levels, are Volunteers. They are giving of their time freely.
A.10 - League Placings
They won’t get it right all the time but please treat them with Respect. A.11 – Settling of Ties
A.12 - Hearing of Objections and Appeals
A.13 - Citings

Annex B List of Forms
Volunteers are not paid - not because they are B.1 Player Registration B.2 Inter Club Transfer B.3 Player Loan
B.4 Overseas Coach / Player Application B.5 World Rugby Clearance
worthless, but because they are priceless B.6 Visiting Player Profile B.7 Postponement B.8. Objection

B.9 Appeal B.10 Overseas Tour B.11 Foreign Team in Ireland B.12 Mini Festival

Annex C COMPETITIONS
C.1.0 Senior Cup C.2.0 Junior Cup C.3.0 Senior Seconds League
Finally, this Regulation is a “living document” insofar as any person, club or school may make suggestions and/or
C.4.0 u20s C.5.0 Womens C.6.0 Age Grade
propose amendments, at any time, to the Rugby Committee, to improve the administration and playing of the game.
C.7.0 Junior Clubs C.8.0 North Munster C.9.0 South Munster
C.10.0 Colleges
If and when amended, clubs and schools will be notified and an updated version will appear on the Munster website

as soon as possible thereafter ( Munster Rugby / Domestic / Fixtures & Results / Regulations)

Glossary:

R C = (Munster) Rugby Committee

FSC = Fixtures Sub-Committee (Schedule M of the bye-laws)
RSC = Relevant Sub-Committee (i.e. responsible for the fixture / competition)
Chapter I 9. No proceedings pursuant to these regulations or their operation shall be quashed or held invalid by reason of
CONTROL AND DELEGATION any defect, irregularity, omission or other technicality, provided there has been no miscarriage of justice.

Article 1

1. In this Regulation the ‘Branch’ shall mean the Munster Branch I.R.F.U. and shall, where context so admit or Chapter II
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
require, include the Committee of the Branch and any person nominated or authorised by the Branch to act on

behalf of the Branch, for the purposes of this Regulation.
Article 3
2. In accordance with the Branch Bye-Laws, the Branch shall be responsible for the management of the affairs of Organisation
the Game in the province of Munster.

3. The Branch shall be sole interpreter of this Regulation, and shall have power to approve, amend and 1. In accordance with the Branch Bye-laws and Article 2 above, all fixtures shall be run in accordance with the
adjudicate upon all matters not specially provided herein. In the case of any inconsistency between this Articles and Annexes set out hereunder
Regulation and the Bye-Laws of the Branch, the said Bye-Laws shall prevail.
2. All fixtures shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game. Any variations thereto and other
4. This Regulation supercedes all previous versions and applies to all fixtures for the 2017-18 season and specific criteria are laid down in the various Competition requirements in the relevant section of Annex C.
thereafter unless otherwise decided by the Branch. No further variations are allowed unless notified and agreed by the Rugby Committee (RC) and the IRFU.

5. The provisions set out hereunder are made pursuant to the Branch Bye-Laws and the Regulations of 3. Except for Annex 4A (i.e. IRFU Reg 6), where any conflict, difference or anomaly arises between these
the IRFU and should be read in conjunction with them. Articles and the provisions laid down in the Annexes, these Articles shall have precedence.

4. The Rugby Committee shall define what clubs and schools are in each relevant geographical area, league or
conference for the purposes of any particular competition.
Article 2

5. All matters pertaining to fixtures will be dealt with by the Relevant Sub-Committee (RSC) or, in between
meetings, by an Emergency sub-Committee and/or a Fixtures sub-Committee. Such matters may be dealt
1. In accordance with the Bye-laws, the Branch Committee has (i) designated and empowered the Munster
with by a meeting, via phone or e-mail.
Rugby Committee (known hereafter as the Rugby Committee (RC) in accordance with Clause 5.7 and (ii)

delegated where appropriate, the powers set out in Clause 5.2. The Rugby Committee (RC) has established
Emergency / Fixtures sub-Committee(s) : should consist of at least one officer and at least two members
various Sub-Committees to inter alia, manage fixtures and the various competitions. These sub-committees
of that Relevant Sub-Committee (RSC Officers: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer,
are listed in the Schedules to the Bye-Laws and shall be known individually as the Relevant Sub-Committee
Competition Secretary or, if not available, an officer of the Munster Branch i.e. President, SVP, JVP,
(RSC),
Immediate Past President, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer)

The Fixtures Sub-Committee (FSC) (Schedule M of the Bye-Laws) will co-ordinate and be responsible for the
6 All Sub-Committee competitions will be played between September 1 and March 17. Extensions may be
overall organisation and running of fixtures in the province.
sought from the Rugby Committee
2. (i) The Rugby Committee shall have absolute discretion to make any amendments to this Regulation, at any
7. All Provincial Competitions will run from the 17th March or earlier if the RC so decides
time, in the best interests of the game. Upon approval by the Rugby Committee, any amendments made, shall,
as soon as possible, be notified to the Branch Committee, to the IRFU Rugby Committee and to all clubs and 8. (a) All fixtures shall be arranged by the FSC in conjunction with the RSC and cannot subsequently be changed
schools. without FSC permission. Only the FSC shall have the power to alter dates fixed should circumstances arise to
warrant any alteration
(ii) In emergency circumstances, the Rugby Committee Chairman, along with three Branch Officers may make
(b) Clubs do not have the right to re-arrange fixtures.
a Decision in the best interests of the game. Such Decisions shall be advised to the RC, FSC and RSC as

soon as possible. 9. In the overall interest of the game and at the discretion of the FSC and/or RSC, the format of any competition
may be amended, and in the event of withdrawals, a competition may be re-drawn.
3. The Rugby Committee shall delegate to its Secretary (or his Deputy as appointed by the Independent

Chairman of the Munster Rugby Committee) to act, with at least two other members of the Relevant Sub-
10. (a) When fixtures are arranged, they shall be posted on the e-Sports system and/or the Munster Rugby
Committee, such of its functions as the Rugby Committee may reasonably decide, confirm or ratify and any
website (the eSports system automatically notifies by e-mail, the person(s) designated by each club)
Decision of such person or persons shall be as valid and effective as if made by the Relevant Sub-Committee
(b) Such posting shall be deemed to be the official notification to all parties.
and for the purposes of this Regulation shall be regarded as a Decision by the Rugby Committee. Requests for (c) The onus is on clubs to keep themselves informed and up-to-date as regards their likely fixtures and to use
verbal rulings will not be considered. the principle of “the game is on until it’s off ”

4. Where the term ‘Club’ is used, it refers to a Club and/or School as the case may be.

5. Each club desirous of competing in any Competition shall, by virtue of entering the competition, be deemed to
Article 4
have accepted and be bound by this Regulation and the Bye-Laws. A Competition Application Form (Annex
Players
A.2) should be completed and returned to the Fixtures Sub-Committee and RSC by the stipulated date.

1. IRFU Regulation 6 governing the Registration, Eligibility, Movement and Payment of Club Players
6. Each Club shall be responsible for distributing, informing and explaining this regulation to its officials and
applies. (see Annex A.4A)
players in a timely manner and where a dispute arises the Club shall provide evidence that this responsibility

has been fully discharged.
(a) A “player” as defined in IRFU Regulation 6 means any player of the Game whether male or female
7. Where any breaches of this regulation occur, sanctions are laid down in Article 16. who is registered, intends to register or is required to register as a playing member of a club affiliated
to the IRFU in order to play the Game within the jurisdiction of the IRFU.
8. The Munster Branch or any of its constituent Committees shall have no liability to any Club or person arising
from any negligence or failure by the Branch or any Committee or sub-Committee of the Branch to ensure (b) In accordance with IRFU Reg. 6, a player shall not be eligible to play in a Competitive Match unless he is
compliance with this regulation or in relation to any other failure in the administration or management of any properly registered with a club and has been issued with a valid registration number.
competition.
(c) In accordance with IRFU Reg. 6, Registration of a Player with a Club does not of itself make such player
eligible to play a Competitive Match for such Club (Youth players must also have their Registration Card