Rules of Competition

These rules and policies govern Midwest Rugby Union (MWRU) competition. They are adopted by MWRU Competition Committee in accordance with the Union Bylaws, USA Rugby (USAR) regulations, and Club Rugby policies. They apply to all men’s and women’s senior Clubs, Teams, sides, Coaches, Players, and affiliated bodies participating in MWRU competitions.

These Rules of Competition shall be interpreted in accordance with their intended purpose and the Spirit of the Game as embodied in the World Rugby Laws and Playing Charter.

The Competition Committee shall have sole and final authority to interpret these Rules of Competition and to decide any matter arising from their application, including circumstances not expressly addressed within the written rules.

No Club, Team Official, Player, or Member may rely upon a technical omission, ambiguity, perceived loophole, or narrow interpretation of these Rules to obtain a competitive, administrative, or eligibility advantage that is inconsistent with the intent of the Rules or the Spirit of the Game.

Any Club uncertain as to the meaning or application of a Rule must seek a ruling from the Competition Committee before acting. A Club that acts without obtaining such a ruling does so at its own risk and shall remain subject to any subsequent determination, remedy, sanction, or corrective action imposed by the Competition Committee.

In all cases, the Competition Committee may interpret and apply these Rules in a manner that preserves fairness, competitive integrity, and the Spirit of the Game. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Competition Governance
2. Membership Eligibility and Registration
3. Competition Management and Communication
4. Match Modifications, Cancellations, and Forfeits
5. Other Competition Policies and Procedures
6. Protests and Appeals

1. COMPETITION GOVERNANCE

The Competition Committee members are the Vice President of Competition, Division Coordinators, and League Managers as defined within the Bylaws. Each competition division will have a Division Coordinator, and each League will have a League Manager. In many cases, the Division Coordinator and a League Manager may be the same individual. The authority of the Competition Committee resides in the Vice President of Competition acting on behalf of the MWRU.

The competitive 15s League season will begin in August following the conclusion of the Club 7s competition and end with the Club Rugby National Championship in mid-May. League competition and playoffs will generally occur in the fall, from August through mid-November. If necessary, League play may be extended to beginning in March and finishing prior to any National Championship/ Playoff competition (if applicable).

When necessary for geographic reasons, competitions may be divided into two (2) east and west geographical Conferences. The composition of Teams in each League will be determined by the Division Coordinator with the League Managers, and with the approval of the Vice President of Competition. The minimum number of matches required for each League will be set by the Division Coordinator, with the consultation of the League Managers, and by the approval of the Vice President of Competition. The structure of League competition (i.e., round-robin, home & away) will be set by the League Manager, with consultation of the Division Coordinator, and by the approval of the Vice President of Competition. 

1.1 ANNUAL SCHEDULING

Each calendar year, the Competition Committee should follow the deadlines below for league and playoff structuring and planning:

• February 15th – All Clubs seeking divisional changes (promotion or self-relegation) must notify the Vice President of Competition; additionally, the Competition Committee must notify any Clubs its intentions to promote or relegate.
• April 15th – The Competition Committee will publicly announce league structures and corresponding key dates (playoffs, championships, etc.).
• May 1st – Clubs seeking schedule accommodations must submit those requests in writing to the appropriate League Manager unless otherwise directed. Failure to properly submit a timely request may result in that request not being honored.
  • Clubs should not expect to have more than one (1) schedule request honored by cycle.
• June 1st – Draft schedules for the upcoming League season will be sent to all competing Clubs for comment.
• June 15th – All League competition schedules will be finalized for the upcoming season.

1.2 PROMOTION & RELEGATION

At the conclusion of each fall season, the Competition Committee will recommend Teams for promotion and/or relegation for the following competitive cycle. They will then notify the affected Club of the Union’s desire to promote or relegate. Any Club that refuses Union requested promotion or relegation or requests a Team’s self-relegation should have that side, and potentially any subsequent lower-division Teams, barred from Midwest and any subsequent National Playoffs for a period of at least one (1) competition cycle. This disbarring from Playoffs will be reviewed for subsequent cycles based upon performance during League competition. An exception to this policy may be granted by the Competition Committee if the Committee agrees with that Team’s relegation based upon prior season’s performance.

2. MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION

2.1 CLUB ELIGIBILITY

Clubs must meet the following criteria to be Members in good standing and remain eligible for Midwest league, Club Rugby Super Regionals and USAR National Championships:

1. A Club must be formally approved as a Member Club by its respective Local Area Union (LAU) and as a competitive Club by the Competition Committee. The Competition Committee will determine a Team’s competitive division. 
2. A Club must be properly registered for the current competition cycle with USAR.
3. A Club must have at least one World Rugby Level 1 (formerly called Level 200) or higher coach registered to the club with current Safe Sport and Background Check accreditations. 
4. A Club must maintain the following roster minimums:
   1. For the 15s Competitive Season, a Club must have at least fifteen (15) active Senior Players registered.
5. A Club must be in good standing with the MWRU, their Local Area Union, and USAR. Good Standing indicates that the Club has no outstanding disciplinary actions, dues, fines, assessments, and/or other debts to their respective unions, and USAR. A Club must adhere to all other standards currently required or that may be imposed by the MWRU, Club Rugby, and USAR.

2.2 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

All Players must be properly registered with USAR prior to competing in any matches. A Club that fields an improperly or non-registered Player should receive an Administrative Forfeit for that match. Clubs or Referees may report a Player or opposing Club to the Competition Committee for investigation within 24 hours of the conclusion of the match. Complaints must identify the person filing the complaint, their role, and their Club affiliation.

The MWRU follows USAR Club Rugby Eligibility which can be located under the Resources Page of the USA Club Rugby website. All Member Clubs are required to know and understand the Eligibility Rules, including updates that occur every year.

Match Rosters for NCS Qualifying (League) matches may list a maximum of 23 Players and that no Match Roster may contain more than five (5) Non-Resident Players. Non-Resident Players are defined as a Player who has neither U.S. citizenship nor USA Permanent Resident (Green Card) status. 

Additionally, no Division 1 Match Roster may contain more than five (5) Professional/ Elite (WER) Players, no Division 2 Match Roster may contain more than two (2) Professional/ Elite (WER) Players, and no Division 3 Match Roster may contain more than one (1) Professional/ Elite (WER) Player. MWRU does not permit Professional/ Elite (WER) Players to compete in any Division 4 match. Additionally, if a Club has multiple sides, a Professional/ Elite (WER) Player may only compete for the Club’s highest division of play.

A Professional Player is defined for 15s as any Player that has taken the field during the current and/or immediately preceding calendar year in a professional rugby competition. Professional status will be based on factors which may include but are not limited to participation in a competition that has established itself to be professional; the amount and nature of compensation received; participation in a high-level daily training environment, and meaningful match participation. 

For sevens, this is limited to only the current calendar year. An Elite Player is defined for Club Rugby 15s competition only, any Player that has taken the field during the current and/or the immediately preceding calendar year in a Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) competition. 

To support Member Clubs in determining whether teams have Non-Resident and Professional/Elite Players competing in their opposition, all Clubs must disclose any Non-Resident and/or Professional/Elite Players on their Club within 48 hours of their registration or before they are included on any Team List. The disclosure will be published on the MWRU website.

2.3 MIDWEST PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

Any Player competing in a match designated as a MWRU Playoff Match (Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Final) against an inter-league opponent must have participated in at least one (1) League match for that Club within the same competitive cycle as the playoff match. 

For Clubs that field multiple sides in the Midwest Playoffs, once a Player competes in a MWRU Playoff Match against an inter-league opponent at an upper-division, they are no longer eligible to compete in matches for the lower-division. 

If a player is indicated on the Team List (Roster) of a team that is competing in a playoff match, that player cannot be rostered with another team during the weekend of said match.

Clubs may request a waiver of these Midwest-specific regulations for a Player that is currently registered for their Club, has not played in an NCS-qualifying match for another Club, and has an applicable reason to request the waiver. The MWRU Waiver Request Form can be found on the MWRU website and must be completed in its entirety and submitted at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the match in which the Club intends to roster the Player. 

Supporting documents and any appeals to a waiver decision can be made in writing by emailing admin@midwest.rugby.

3. COMPETITION MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

3.1 RUGBY XPLORER LIVE SCORING POLICY

All Member Clubs are required to live score matches in Rugby Xplorer. This requirement supports timely and accurate match reporting, competition administration, eligibility review, scoring confirmation, discipline tracking, and related recordkeeping.

Live scoring is intended to identify and resolve match administration issues at the field whenever possible, rather than after the match has concluded.

3.1.1 RUGBY XPLORER ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES

Rugby Xplorer uses administrative roles to determine user access and authority. Club Admins manage Club membership, Teams, and Squads. Team Admins manage Team Lists and live scoring through the Rugby Match Day app.

For MWRU purposes, “Squad” and “Team” are treated as equivalent Rugby Xplorer terms. Players must first be assigned to the appropriate Squad or Team before a Team Admin can place them on the Team List for a scheduled match.

3.1.2 PRE-MATCH TEAM LIST REQUIREMENTS

Each Team List should be entered in Rugby Xplorer by 8:00 PM CT on the day before the match. The Team List must be submitted in good faith based on the Team Admin’s best available information. Reasonable updates may be made before the pre-match ID and roster check; however, no roster changes are permitted after that check is completed. Jersey numbers must be accurate for recordkeeping purposes.

PROCEDURE: PREPARING THE TEAM LIST

• Confirm that the appropriate Players are registered and assigned to the correct Squad or Team in Rugby Xplorer.
• Using the Rugby Match Day app, the Team Admin selects the scheduled match and builds the Team List from the available Squad List.
• Enter the match roster based on the best available information by 8:00 PM CT on the day before the match.
• Ensure accurate jersey numbers are assigned to each player.
• Make only reasonable and necessary updates before the pre-match ID and roster check.
• Do not make any roster changes after both teams complete the ID and roster check.

3.1.3 MATCH-DAY ID & ROSTER CHECK

Before kickoff, authorized Team Officials from both Clubs must complete an ID and roster check. Team Officials may include Club Officers, Coaches, Captains, or another person with Team authority. The check must confirm that the Rugby Xplorer Team List matches the Players present on the field. Any Player not available for the pre-match check must be disclosed to the opposing Team and must check in with the scorekeeper and opposition administrator before entering the match. Once the ID check is completed, the roster is closed and no further roster changes are permitted. If a roster spot is allocated for a player arriving late, that roster allocation may not be substituted for another should the player not arrive.

Team Officials must verify player identity using current government-issued photo identification or official school-issued identification for students. Only the Player’s name, date of birth, and photograph are relevant to the ID check. Date of birth may be used only to confirm that the Player is over 18 and thus permitted to play Club Rugby. Other personal information, including identification number, gender, address, or similar details, should be obscured or redacted whenever possible.

Clubs are encouraged to use clear redacted copies of Player identification, or to maintain a secure binder of redacted identification copies, to complete the ID check while limiting unnecessary exposure of personal information.

A Player whose identity cannot be properly verified with photo identification may not participate. If a Player’s identification does not reasonably match the individual present, the referee should be consulted as an impartial match official.

PROCEDURE: COMPLETING ID AND ROSTER CHECK

• Both Teams’ authorized Team Officials meet before kickoff.
• Each Team compares the Rugby Xplorer Team List to the Players present on the field.
• Players confirm their identity with valid photo identification or a legible redacted copy.
• Confirm each Player is wearing the jersey number entered in Rugby Xplorer.
• Teams confirm that all listed Players are known and present as appropriate.
• Any roster correction must be resolved before the ID check is completed.
• Once the ID check is completed, the roster is closed and no further roster changes are permitted.

Teams are responsible for understanding and complying with all Player eligibility requirements, including disciplinary suspensions, medical suspensions, Professional or Elite Player limitations, multi-sided club movement rules, game minimums, and non-resident limitations.

If a Team Official reasonably believes an opponent has rostered an ineligible Player, the match should proceed and an eligibility complaint must be filed via email with the appropriate Competition Coordinator as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the match. A Team that plays an ineligible Player is subject to an Administrative Forfeit.

3.1.4 LIVE SCORING DURING THE MATCH

The home Team must designate a scorekeeper before kickoff. The scorekeeper must have appropriate Team Admin access in RXO and is responsible for recording match events for both Teams in the Rugby Match Day app, including scores, cards, substitutions, injuries, and other Player movements. Both Teams must assist the scorekeeper by providing accurate and timely information.

SCORING

Teams must provide the scorekeeper with identifiable Player names for all events. Teams must provide the scorekeeper, opposition, and referee with the name and jersey number of any player removed for disciplinary reasons.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Teams must inform the scorekeeper and opposition of all substitutions before the substitute enters the field. The information must include the Player’s name, jersey number, Player being replaced, and substitution type, such as blood, injury, or tactical. Substitutions must occur during a stoppage of play. Any dispute should be referred to the referee immediately.

REFEREE CONFIRMATIONS

The scorekeeper should confirm the score and any unresolved Player movement issues with the referee at halftime, full time, and official hydration breaks.

Additional assistance for the scorekeeper is encouraged, particularly for tracking substitutions and player movement. Use of substitution cards is strongly recommended.

PROCEDURE: RECORDING MATCH EVENTS

• The home team identifies the individual responsible for live scoring before kickoff.
• The scorekeeper confirms that they have Team Admin access and can open the match on Rugby Xplorer. Steps 1 and 2 should be completed during the week before the match.
• During the match, the scorekeeper must position themselves between the two technical zones and record scoring events for both teams as they occur.
• The scorekeeper records Player movements, including substitutions, cards, and injuries.
• Teams provide accurate Player names, numbers, and substitution information to the scorekeeper.
• The referee provides discipline information to the scorekeeper as needed.
• Any scoring, roster, or Player movement issue is raised and addressed at the field during the match whenever possible.

3.1.5 MATCH CLOSEOUT

At full time, officials from both Teams and the match official must review and confirm the recorded score, substitutions, cards, injuries, and other relevant match data before the match is closed in Rugby Xplorer. Administrative issues should be resolved on site whenever possible.

The match official is the final authority on the pitch and the sole judge of law during the match. Referee decisions are not reviewable. Before Teams leave the pitch, the match status must be updated to Result in Rugby Xplorer, which closes out the match.

PROCEDURE: CLOSING THE MATCH

• At full time, the scorekeeper reviews the recorded match data with both Teams and the match official.
• Both Teams confirm the score, substitutions, cards, injuries, and other recorded events.
• Player details must be presented to the referee for any cards issued during the match.
• Any unresolved administrative discrepancy is identified before the Teams leave the field.
• The scorekeeper selects End or End Game in Rugby Xplorer.
• Teams retain any relevant supporting information needed for a timely competition review, if necessary.

3.1.6 TEAM ADMIN & ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

An individual must have Team Admin rights to score a match in Rugby Xplorer. Team Admin rights do not carry over automatically from one competitive cycle to the next. Each cycle, a Club Admin must assign Team Admin rights to registered individuals who will manage Team Lists or live scoring.

Individuals who require Club Admin permissions should contact their Local Area Union Admin. Individuals who require Local Area Union Admin permissions should contact the MWRU.

3.1.7 UNRESOLVED DISCREPANCIES & FORMAL REVIEW

Any discrepancy that cannot be resolved on the field must be submitted to the Competition Coordinator within 24 hours of the match. For most weekend matches, this means submission by 4:00 PM ET on the following Monday. Video evidence is generally required to support review, and Clubs are strongly encouraged to record all matches.

This review process applies to administrative discrepancies involving Rugby Xplorer data entry, Player identity, including scoring, Player movement, or discipline that could not be resolved on site. Decisions on matters of law remain within the referee’s sole discretion and are not subject to review under this Policy, except as part of a disciplinary matter. Player eligibility should not be argued at the field but rather escalated to the League Manager within 24 hours of the match.

3.2 MATCH COMMUNICATION POLICY

Clubs must communicate clearly and timely regarding match-day logistics. The host Club must email all parties involved no later than the Tuesday before the match. Required recipients include the Local Referee Organization (LRO) and at least one official from each participating Club, such as the Match Secretary. When possible, the host Club should communicate well in advance, especially regarding complex events or multi-match schedules. The communication must include the pitch address and specific kickoff time.

The standard kickoff time for league matches is 1:00 PM local time for the host Club. If that time is not practical, Clubs should work together to agree on an alternate kickoff time. A host Club may schedule a match no earlier than 10:00 AM local time, provided the opponent is not required to travel before 6:00 AM in the opponent’s local time zone and has at least ninety (90) minutes on site before kickoff.

• The exception to this policy is all Division 1 Competition where travel during the day prior to competition is not unusual.

A match must kick off at a time that permits the match to be concluded at least one (1) hour prior to sunset unless the pitch is equipped with proper field lighting.

If a Club is playing multiple divisional matches on the same day and intends to use the same Player or Players in more than one match, the lower-divisional match must be played first unless a waiver is obtained from the Vice President of Competition. Once a Player participates in the higher-divisional match on a given day, they are ineligible to participate in a lower-divisional match that day.

When scheduling multiple matches at a single location, the opponents’ travel should be taken into consideration and can be the basis of a divisional match sequence waiver if needed. Preference for kickoff time should be afforded to the opponent with the furthest travel.

Clubs hosting multiple matches at the same location on the same day should consolidate match coordination into one communication when possible. That communication should include all opposition Clubs, appointed Referee(s), and League Managers and should be sent at least three (3) weeks before the scheduled match date.

4. MATCH MODIFICATIONS, CANCELLATIONS, & FORFEITS

MWRU provides a competition schedule to all Member Clubs in good standing that participate in League play. Participation carries the obligation to complete the assigned League schedule and coordinate reasonably with opponents. A “Match Modification” occurs when a match is not played and completed on its scheduled date.

Match Modifications are classified as abandoned, canceled, forfeited, or rescheduled depending on the circumstances and outcome.

Clubs should make every reasonable effort to play matches on the scheduled date. If a Club requests a modification, both Clubs should attempt to agree on a rescheduled date. The Club requesting the modification risks forfeiture if a reasonable rescheduled date cannot be determined.

4.1 MATCH RESCHEDULING

A Club may request to reschedule a match. If the opponent agrees, the match may be rescheduled with approval from the League Manager and LRO. Rescheduling should be completed promptly and well before the original match date.

If a Club requests a match or kickoff time change and the opponent does not agree, the League Manager may mediate. Only valid reasons will be supported, and the League Manager will assess validity case by case.

If a field cancellation occurs within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled match, the host Club must make every reasonable effort to secure a suitable replacement field for the same date. If possible, the replacement field should be no more than thirty (30) additional travel miles from the original venue for the away Club. Kickoff should be between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM local time, provided the opponent is not required to travel before 6:00 AM in its local time zone and has at least ninety (90) minutes on site before kickoff.

If the host Club cannot secure a suitable replacement field, both Clubs must negotiate a rescheduled date during the competition season near the original host location. If the Clubs do not agree by 5:00 PM local time on the original match date, the Competition Committee may reschedule the match.

4.2 MATCH CANCELLATION

A match canceled for a valid reason, including a previously rescheduled match, may remain canceled if both Clubs agree to record a 0-0 score. This is not considered a forfeit. The Competition Committee will review the circumstances and communicate with both Clubs to determine whether the match is classified as a cancellation or forfeiture.

During some seasons, a Team may have a match scheduled against an opponent whose matches are not counted in the League Standings. These matches are still considered official, and a Club may be penalized if they cancel or forfeit the match.

4.3 MATCH ABANDONMENT

Matches may be abandoned due to severe weather, unsafe conditions, or referee decisions. The elapsed match time determines whether the result stands or how the match will restart.

• If a match was played for less than forty (40) minutes in a single day, the match results to the point of abandonment will not stand and any rescheduled match will start from the first minute. Example: A match with a score of 12-7 is stopped in the 30^th minute on Saturday. The match is rescheduled for Sunday and restarted from the 1^st minute with a score of 0-0.
• If a match was played for at least forty (40) minutes, but no more than sixty (60) minutes in a single day, the match results from the point of abandonment will stand until which point the game can be restarted at a future time. Example: A match with a score of 17-12 is stopped in the 48^th minute on Saturday. The match is restarted on Sunday from the 48^th minute with a score of 17-12.

• If a match was played for at least sixty (60) minutes in a single day, the match results will stand from the point of the abandonment. Example: A match with a score of 24-19 is stopped at the 63^rd minute, the result will stand.  

A Referee will commence a match only if all safety guidelines are met and may abandon the match if any safety guidelines are breached. 

Most notably, a Referee will abandon the match if any Match Official (Referee, Touch Judge or other assigned official) is threatened verbally or physically. Before abandoning a match, the Referee will meet with the Team Captains to explain why this action is being taken. The offending Club is responsible for the abandonment and will be liable for all match fees.

MWRU follows USAR weather guidelines found in the USAR Weather Policy. Under World Rugby regulations, if the temperature is at least 93 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity is at least 55%, halftime should be twenty (20) minutes.

4.4 MATCH FORFEITS

All forfeits must be documented in the competition management system because they affect standings, promotion and relegation decisions, and Competition Committee review. The MWRU recognizes two types of forfeits: Administrative Forfeits and Match Forfeits.

Administrative Forfeits are imposed on a Club due to a policy violation (USAR/Club Rugby Rugby/ MWRU Eligibility or CMS) even though the match is still played. Administrative Forfeits are not subject to relegation or barring a Team from playoffs. Administrative Forfeits are recorded as a 28-0 (4 converted tries) win for the non-offending side who will receive the full five (5) League Standing Points. The offending side will receive a negative (-1) League Standing Point penalty. 

Match Forfeits occur when an offending Team is unable to properly field a side for a scheduled match. Match Forfeits are recorded as a 28-0 (4 converted tries) win for the non-offending side who will receive the full five (5) League Standing Points. The offending side will receive a negative (-1) League Standing Point penalty. 

If a Club believes it cannot fulfill a match, it must notify the League Manager, assigned Referees, and opponent by Wednesday at 5:00 PM CT. Late or incomplete notice may result in the fees below.

When a forfeit or cancellation occurs, only Team Lists submitted into Rugby Xplorer by 8:00 PM CT the night prior to the match will be considered for player eligibility credit. For match abandonments, eligibility credit will be applied to the Team List at the time of the abandonment or the start of the match, whichever occurs first. 

4.4.1 NON-PLAYED FORFEITS

• 1st Offense – Referee costs and reimbursement of related expenses up to $500.
• 2nd Offense – Referee costs and reimbursement of related expenses up to $500 and the infraction will be sent to the Competition Committee as appropriate.

4.4.2 PLAYED FORFEITS

A Played Forfeit must include at least ten (10) players per side and last at least sixty (60) minutes. Guest players from other Clubs may participate if they are eligible for senior rugby and registered with USAR.

The above notification policy is required for a played forfeit, and notifications must be sent by Wednesday at 5:00 PM. Upon notification of a played forfeit, referees will be provided as available.

4.4.3 PENALTIES FOR FORFEITING LEAGUE MATCHES

Match Forfeits during League Play will result in a Club being disqualified from League Playoffs in the season in which the forfeit occurred and/or not receiving a League Schedule the following competitive cycle. Should a team believe that there are extenuating circumstances which caused the forfeit, they must share prior with their League Manager.  A review may be requested to determine if the circumstances would mitigate disqualification from playoffs.

4.4.4 FORFEITS BY CLUBS FIELDING MULTIPLE SIDES

• If a Club that fields multiple Teams forfeits a higher-division match, then that Club’s lower-side match is also forfeited. This forfeit would come with no penalty if the match were played (no points deduction or disqualification from playoffs).

• If a Club can demonstrate that their Teams maintain separate rosters between divisions, then consideration may be granted to avoid the lower-side forfeiture.

5. OTHER COMPETITION POLICES & PROCEDURES

5.1 LEAGUE STANDINGS

Competitive league match results determine League Standings Points as follows:

• Win – four (4) Standings Points
• Tie/Draw – two (2) Standings Points 
• Loss – zero (0) Standings Points 

Additionally, Teams may earn bonus points based on performance within competitive League matches, such as: 

• Loss by seven (7) Match Points or less – one (1) Standings Bonus Point 
• Four (4) tries or more scored in a match – one (1) Standings Bonus Point 

For forfeits of any kind, the non-offending Team receives five (5) total Standings Points, and the forfeiting Team receives a negative one (-1) Standings Point penalty.

5.2 TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES

If every Team in the League competed in the same number of competitive League matches, the League Standings at the conclusion of the competitive season will be determined by the following:

1. Standings Points
2. Number of Wins
3. Head-to-Head Number of Wins
4. Head-to-Head Points Differential
5. Head-to-Head Tries Differential
6. Head-to-Head Points For
7. Head-to-Head Tries For
8. Overall Points Against
9. Overall Tries Allowed
10. Coin Flip

5.2.1 INTER-LEAGUE & UNEVEN TIE-BREAKING

When comparing Teams between Leagues that did not play the same set of opponents, did not compete in the same number of matches, or when Teams within a League were unable to play the same number of matches, playoff seeding or League Standings at the conclusion of the competitive season will be determined by the following:

1. Average Standings Points earned per match
2. Average points allowed per match
3. Average tries allowed per match
4. Coin flip

5.3 OVERTIME POLICIES & PROCEDURES

For all regular season competitive League matches that end in a tie at the conclusion of regulation, the match is documented as a tie. There is no overtime period.

For playoff matches that end in a tie at the conclusion of regulation, the match will move into “Overtime”. The following procedures should be followed for Playoff Overtime Matches:

1. Immediately following the conclusion of full time, Teams will receive a five (5) minute water break. During this break, a coin toss will determine the kicking Team and defending sides.
2. The Overtime Period will be two (2) ten (10) minute periods with a two (2) minute break in between the periods.
   1. Teams switch sides and re-kick at the beginning of the second period. 
   2. Both periods must be played in full, regardless of scoring. 
   3. The Team with the higher score at the conclusion of the second period is determined to be the winner of the match.
3. If the match is still tied at the conclusion of the Overtime Period, the match will proceed to “Sudden Death”.
   1. Sudden Death consists of single ten (10) minute periods. 
   2. The Team that scores first during any Sudden Death period is determined to be the winner.
   3. At the conclusion of each period, Teams will switch defending sides and kickoff to the other in an alternating fashion. 
   4. At the conclusion of four (4) ten (10) minute periods, there will be a five (5) minute water break.

5.4 FIELD REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE LEAGUE MATCHES

All championship and playoff matches must comply with World Rugby Law 1: The Ground regarding field size. During regular competitive league competition, the host Club must make every reasonable effort to secure a pitch that meets the following minimum dimensions:

• Length: Minimum of ninety (90) meters from goal line to goal line.
• Width: Minimum of sixty (60) meters from touchline to touchline.
• In-Goal: Minimum depth in each in-goal area of at least six (6) meters.   

Note: the pitch should have in-goals of six (6) meters until the distance from goal line to goal line is one hundred (100) meters. For example, if the pitch measures ninety-four (94) meters from goal line to goal with ten (10) meter in-goals, it should be modified so the distance from goal line to goal line is ninety-six (96) meters and the in-goals have a depth of eight (8) meters.   

If a pitch does not meet the minimum required dimensions, the host Club must notify the opponent, away Club, and League Manager in writing by email at least seventy-two (72) hours before the match and include the pitch’s actual dimensions. Failure to provide proper notice may result in competition sanctions.

5.5 TECHNICAL ZONE & SIDELINE MANAGEMENT

MWRU adheres to USAR who requires that all Club Rugby Qualifying (League) Matches must adhere to the field set up as detailed by USAR’s Technical Zone (TZ) & Sideline Management Guidelines Document found here: USA Club Rugby Technical Zone and Sideline Management.

In relation to Technical Zones, the following procedures should be followed on game day:

• Both Clubs should review field setup and the assigned Team areas at least thirty (30) minutes before kickoff.
• If an issue arises, both Clubs should attempt to resolve it. If the Clubs cannot agree on a suitable resolution, the respective Club officials must notify the referee before kickoff.
• Clubs cannot agree to waive the stated policy requirements by mutual consent.
• Primary issues related to Technical Zones and Sideline Management should be made to the Referee.
• League Managers will review all reports and notify the respective Club within forty-eight (48) hours.
• Appeals must be submitted to the Competition Committee within forty-eight (48) hours of notification.

5.6 UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES

MWRU follows USAR and World Rugby regulations on uniforms and equipment, as well as any additional restrictions imposed by MWRU or USAR.

• All Clubs should have approved registered colors and uniforms for all Teams.
• All Teams should play in their registered colors and uniforms with correctly numbered jerseys, if required. If similar colors may cause confusion, the host Club should provide and wear alternative colors.
• The host Club must provide enough properly inflated rugby balls, in good playing condition, to allow the match to continue without substantial delay.

Infractions should be sent to the Competition Committee as appropriate. 

6. DISPUTE APPEALS

Member Clubs, individual Players, and other appropriate parties affected by a Competition Committee decision, determination, ruling, or MWRU competition policy may file an appeal.

An appeal must be made in writing  within ten (10) business days of the date of the notification of the decision to the Vice President of Discipline and Compliance.

An appeal must include a factual summary, the relevant rules, regulations, or policies, a description of available evidence, and the requested relief.

The appropriate MWRU Committee or subcommittee should issue a written decision within ten (10) business days after receiving the appeal or holding a hearing, whichever is later. Failure to issue a decision within that period should not be construed as grounds for granting the requested relief.

Update: 07/26/2026