The “Game On” policy as set out in rule 8 of the competition rules is specifically designed to reduce the number of defaults by allowing for some flexibility in playing numbers or trained front row players so that more matches can be played with competition points still being played for. With “Game On” being applied to competitions NOT designated as “Premier” should not only be reduced but should be non-existent in NON-PREMIER grades. In the unlikely event however that there are defaults, the following procedure is to be followed by teams in order to reduce the inconvenience to all participants involved in a fixture where one team has to default.
The deadline for notifying both the opposing team and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, via the Notification of Change of Fixture Form of a teams’ intention to default a fixture without penalty is 9.00am on THURSDAY for a Saturday kick off, 9.00am FRIDAY for a Sunday kick off and for games on all other days, the deadline for a notified default is 9.00am two days before kick off.
A late or game day default occurs when a team notifies both the opposing team and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, via the Notification of Change of Fixture Form of a teams’ intention to default a fixture the time as indicated above. For game day defaults, from the appointed time for kick off, teams have:
10.2.1: Home Team: Five (5) minutes to be on the field before a no match is declared by the referee on that team OR
10.2.2: Visiting Team: Fifteen (15) minutes to be on the field before a no match is declared by the referee on that team.
10.2.3: Any default that is classified as a Late or Game Day Default will incur penalties and reimbursement expenses to be determined by the relevant competitions committee. For Baywide Competitions this is the Competitions and Emergency Committee. For all other competitions: this will be the relevant competition committee(CBOPRSU, EBOPRSU, WBOPRSU, Secondary Schools Competition Committee)
In the situation where a team defaults two games, the club or school will be required to meet their relevant competition organising committee to discuss the team’s situation and further sanctions which may include the withdrawal of the team from the competition and relegation to a lower division in the following year.
If a competition match is not played because there was no Referee or for any other reason such as a team being unable to take the field due to having players affected by covid-19 isolation rules (other than a default or to the extent provided due to the abandonment of game for safety reasons), both teams may be given the option to play that match at an agreed date and time, with home ground advantage being as per the original draw where possible, but the BOPRU will have final say on the venue. If the teams are given the option to play, that match must be played before the end of the round or the commencement of semi-finals or finals. Should the teams not be given the option to play or be unable to agree on a date and time for that match, then both teams will be allocated two (2) competition points for that match and no other points are awarded to either team.
In any grade where “Game On” can be invoked (NON PREMIER), all reasonable steps must be taken to have the match played under "Game On" rules. Where this cannot be reasonably and practically undertaken, then then both teams will be allocated two (2) competition points for that match and no other points are awarded to either team.
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