FESTIVAL REGULATIONS
RULES
The Portugal Youth Rugby Festival will be played according to the rules of the IRB and the PRU, with the exception of details that are explained in the regulations indicated below.
PLAYING RULES PER AGE GROUP
FORMAT OF THE TOURNAMENT
The teams registered in each age category will be divided in groups of 4 or 5 teams. All the teams in each age group will play in a round-robin system, ensuring all teams a sufficient number of matches. The teams classified in first and second places (in some cases also third place) will go on to the play-offs until the finalists of each age category are determined
• Each match won gains 3 POINTS
• Each match tied gains 1 POINTS
If two or more teams obtain the same number of points, the order will be decided as follows:
1. Nº of tries scored
2. Tries difference
3. Result of the match of the teams with a tie
4. Less number of yellow and red cards
In case of tie in play offs and finals, the match will be decided with sudden dead.
TOURNAMENT MATCH SCHEDULE
The tournament match schedule will detail the time when the match will be played, the pitch and the age category. The Festival Organisation has the right to change the groups, the schedule, the pitches and timetables. Notice about any change would be given to each team leader with sufficient time.
SQUAD SIZES
Your squad size is not restricted for the tournament but you may not make more than seven substitutions in any one match although rolling substitutions are permitted in all matches. This means that you may substitute a player and then re-enter the player in the same match but each time a player is swapped this will count as one of your seven substitutions.
Any team found breaking this rule might face elimination. Clubs entering more than one team at any one age group may not swap players between the two teams at any stage during the tournament. Teams found breaking this rule will face elimination from the tournament. Teams can only use the players they have registered on their team sheet throughout the weekend, unless permission has been granted in extreme circumstances by the Competition Director. Random controls of these rules will be carried out during tournament matches.
LIST OF PLAYERS NAMES
All teams must submit until the 15th of March the lists of the players they will be fielding in the tournament.
The list sheet will be sent to all teams on confirmation of registration in the tournament. All fields including name, birth date and passport/ID numbers must be filled to be valid.
AGE CONTROL
All participants in the tournament must be able to identify themselves and to certify their age with a valid passport or national ID. All players must be able to present this proof if and when required.
PUNCTUALITY
All the teams must be at their playing pitch 10 minutes before the kick-off of their match. Failure to do so without a reasonable excuse, will result in one of the following measures:
• Match loss to the infractor team
• Match loss to the infractor team and one point less
• The referee will decide if the math should be played or not
AGE GROUPS
Under 12 - All players born in 1998 & 1999
Under 14 - All players born in 1996 & 1997
Under 16 - All players born in 1994 & 1995
Under 18 - All players born in 1992 & 1993
Please note that teams from countries who use the age system that runs from September to September will have to submit in advance the players list with date of birth for consideration by the Competition Director.
REFEREES
With the collaboration from the Portuguese Rugby Union and the Associação de Rugby do Sul the Event Organization will try to field as many qualified referees as possible. Due to high number of matches to be played during the tournament we invite all clubs to travel with a qualified official that wishes to collaborate with our rugby festival. In your enquiry form you can inform us of this possibility.
Qualified referees wishing to travel with their home clubs will be offered complimentary accommodation and meals during their stay in Lisbon.
We ask all team managers to ensure that respect is given to all match officials regardless of the outcome of your fixture. We will never tolerate in any way disrespect given to match referees and disciplinary action will be taken against teams or individuals that disrespect the festival officials.
TEAM COLOURS
If the referee decides that one team must change shirts due to the similarity in the opposing team's shirts, the team appearing in second place in the schedule must change.
BEHAVIOUR IN THE FESTIVAL
Any team which causes a match to be suspended whether as a result of team insubordination, players leaving the pitch, assaulting opponents, the referee, linesmen, managers, coaches, etc. or of a pitch invasion by fans of the same team or of any other cause which forces the referee to suspend the match, shall be deemed to have lost the match. Each club will be responsible for the behaviour of its players, companions and families, both inside and outside the playing field. Bad behaviour could lead to elimination and expulsion from the tournament.
BEHAVIOUR IN THE ACCOMMODATION UNITS
We remind all participants that the accommodation units will be shared with persons not involved with the rugby festival and we owe them all our respect. The management of the these touristic units where the teams are lodged are entitled to cancel the accommodation contract with the teams in case of bad behaviour, and the tournament Organisation will be able to do nothing about this.
INSURANCE
All teams are responsible for making sure that their players are fully insured both on and off the playing field. The Portugal Rugby Festival does not carry any group insurance protecting participants in case of injury, illness, theft or damage to property. Participants from countries that have no medical insurance agreement with Portugal must have personal medical insurance. The Portugal Rugby Festival event organization cannot be held responsible for adverse weather conditions, which could result in cancellation of the tournament matches.