Discipline

Procedures for club secretaries

All disciplinary procedures are contained in the RFU Handbook at Section 19 and online.

1. Notification 

The Club Secretary must notify the Middlesex Discipline Secretary WITHIN 72 HOURS of a player being Sent Off. Do not wait to receive the referee's report first.

2. Club Disciplinary Procedures and Suspensions

Club Disciplinary Committees should formally consider any sending off.

3. Pleading Guilty by Post

In limited circumstances and at the absolute discretion of Middlesex Rugby, a player may be permitted to plead guilty by post.

4. Citings

Experience shows that citings are difficult to substantiate. Citings must be made within 14 days of the alleged incident.

5. Attendance at Hearings

Hearings are normally held at the East India Club, 16 St James’ Square, London SW1Y 4LH, on Monday evenings.

6. Referee’s reports

If the referee’s report is to be challenged you must request the attendance of the referee at the hearing. Such request must be made through the County discipline Secretary and the request must be made at least 7 days before the hearing.

7. Fees and Referee’s Expenses

The fees inclusive of VAT for the season 2011-12 will be:as recorded on the Annual Discipline Letter to Club secretaries.

Any cry-offs by players or clubs after 9pm on the Thursday prior to a Monday hearing will incur a an additional fee.

8. Disciplinary Points 

Middlesex Rugby operates a points system designed to monitor Club’s disciplinary record and encourage greater responsibility to prevent misconduct. 

9. Age Grade Rugby

Where an age grade player (U13-U18) is cited or Sent Off in a match, the Schools and Youth Disciplinary regulations apply as in appendix 6 of Reg 19.
Seventeen year olds playing in U20/ adult rugby, or U17s and U18s playing in U19 XVs, are subject to the adult disciplinary procedures.

Clubs should be aware that it is regarded as a serious offence to play an U17 player (or in the front row an U18) in an adult game.
It is also an offence not to notify the CBSYDS of disciplinary cases and sanctions imposed.

10. Please Note...

The above is a shortened version of the Directive issued to the Club secretary explaining in full the procedures the club must follow in disciplinary matters.

Further Information

If you have any queries relating to general disciplinary procedures or if you need any advice on specific cases relating to your club, please contact:

Disciplinary Secretary: John Rigby
Tel: 020 8866 2704
Email: discipline@middlesexrugby.com

CB Schools & Youth Disciplinary Secretary: Caron Evan-Evans
Email: cree@mtsn.org.uk