Constitution & Operational Rules - Section B Operational Rules

SECTION B    OPERATIONAL RULES (Currently Under Review)

17.    Discipline
18.    Appeals
19.    Suspensions and Fines
20.    Representative Rugby
21.    County Championship
22.    National and County Cups
23.    BARLA Rules for District, Regional & National Leagues
24.    Open Age and Youth & Junior Player Registration Rules and Procedures
25.    Transfers
26.    Child Protection
27.    Doping Control Regulations
28.    Equal Opportunities
29.    Media
30.    Interpretation

 


17. Discipline

(17.1)    Disciplinary matters shall in the first Instance be dealt with by the Organisation under whose jurisdiction the matches are played be it national, regional or district.

(17.2)    Each Organisation will appoint its own discipline committee.

(17.3)    A BARLA Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Board of Management shall deal with disciplinary matters involving matches under the direct jurisdiction of BARLA, County Cups/National Cups/Representative Games (Three Counties/International Games)

(17.4)    In the case of decisions made by Leagues, any person or club found guilty of misconduct or other offences of a disciplinary nature shall have the right of appeal to the RFL.

(17.5)    Disciplinary Committees shall have full power to adjudicate upon all leagues, clubs, players or persons reported by any match officials for any reason whatsoever arising from any game under their control.   This also includes representative and international games.

(17.6)    The BARLA Disciplinary Committee shall have full power to deal with all leagues, clubs, players or persons without the need of a match official’s report if they have committed an act or made any statement either verbally or in writing or been responsible for conduct, continuing misconduct or any matter which in the opinion of the Committee is considered to be unsporting, insulting or improper behaviour or likely to bring the game into disrepute. Any act, statement, conduct or matter which is discriminatory by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability shall constitute behaviour in contravention of this clause.  This also includes representative and international games.

(17.7)    Disciplinary Committees have full power to expel, suspend and/or fine any organisation, player, official or any other person found guilty of misconduct and/or any breach of the rules and order them to meet any costs incurred.

(17.8)    Disciplinary Committees shall deal with all reported offences without undue delay but no later than 31 days of the alleged offence. Except for cases falling within rule 17.6 which may be dealt with without time limit.

(17.9)    In addition to any reports pursuant to other provisions of these Operational Rules, each match official shall ensure that they provide within 48 hours to the relevant Competition Administrator a full and comprehensive report of any incident which occurs before, during or after any match including, (but not by way of limitation):

              a) a breach of any Operational Rules

              b) Crowd misbehaviour

              c) misbehaviour of club officials

(17.10)    Every organisation must ensure that the referee is given the full name of any dismissed player and give every assistance to any match official, to identify any official, spectator or other person about whom they have cause to enquire.

(17.11)    Every organisation is required to take all necessary precautions to prevent assaults or threats on players or officials, in connection with games.

(17.12)    A referee shall have the power to order the temporary suspension, for a period of ten minutes, of a player whose conduct does not warrant a full dismissal.

(17.13)    Any organisation not in receipt of a dismissal report from a match official within 48 hours of a game’s conclusion must immediately contact the Competition Secretary.

(17.14)    If a Player/Club wishes to be given the opportunity of stating his/her case in a personal hearing then they should send a letter for receipt by the Relevant Competition Administrator within ten days of the date of the match. The Player or Club may in their own defence request a personal appearance and/or bring witnesses to the hearing, provided that they notify the Competition Administrator within ten days of the alleged offence and send with it a deposit of £20.00.

(17.15)    If, during the game, an assault on a match official, a brawl or abandonment occurs, the referee must report such occurrence to the Competition Secretary within 48 hours of the game’s conclusion by telephone and confirm in writing within five working days with a copy to the reported party.

(17.16)    In all cases of Discipline or disputes, claims of non-receipt of any relevant correspondence shall not preclude any matter from being dealt with.

(17.17)    DECISIONS

The Player/Club charged has no right of access to the deliberations of the Competition Disciplinary Tribunal.

When the decision is made, any specific reasons for it should be stated;

In light of the evidence presented to it, a Competition Disciplinary Tribunal may find a Player/club guilty of a less serious offence that which the player/club was initially charged.

Alternatively where the evidence available at the hearing shows that the player/club is guilty of a more serious offence, the Competition Disciplinary Tribunal may refer the more serious to a subsequent Competiotion Tribunal hearing.

The decision should be communicated to the Player/Club charged (this may be by email to his Club) within a reasonable time (it is recommended that this is no more than one week after the Disciplinary Tribunal).

(17.18)     At all discipline hearings, three members, one who will act as Chair, and one who will act as Secretary shall form a quorum.

(17.19)    All affiliated Leagues shall adopt all of Section B into their own constitution, in order that Leagues are playing to a standardised set of rules.

18. Appeals

(18.1)    All appeals must be made to the RFL, No person who was  at the original hearing, other than the Secretary or their representative, shall be eligible to participate as a member of the Committee.

(18.2)    Every organisation and player wishing to appeal against decisions by the BARLA Disciplinary Committee or other Organisations must do so in writing, to be received by the RFL within (10)ten days of the decision being made. The appeal fee of £40.00 must accompany each appeal application, which may be returned or forfeit as the Committee so decides. Unedited videotape evidence may be submitted.

(18.3)    No Appeal shall be heard, unless the appellant has made representation at the original hearing, either personally or by a representative or in writing.

(18.4)    In instances where a player has received a suspension, there shall be only two grounds for appeal. namely:

    1. severity of sentence or
    2. the finding of guilt.

The reason for appeal must be shown when submitting appeal document (Amendment 2012)

(18.5)    All appeals shall be heard, within fourteen days of the appeal being lodged.

(18.6)    At appeal hearings, three members, one who will act as Chair and one who will act as Secretary shall form a quorum.

(18.7)    Decisions of the Appeals Committee are final.

Each person found guilty of misconduct by a Competition Disciplinary Tribunal shall have the right, by personal request to appeal that decision;
The initial communication of the decision should state that the Player/Club may appeal against the decision within 14 days of the written confirmation;
Any person or Club appealing should pay a deposit of £40.00, (which is only returned if the appeal is successful) and submit in writing the reasons for the appeal;
Any appeal should be heard by members of the RFL Appeal Tribunal and shall follow an equivalent process to that set out above in relation to the initial Hearing;
Appeals must be heard within a reasonable period of time after notice of appeal is lodged;
The decision of the RFL Appeal Tribunal should be final.

19. Suspensions and Fines

(19.1)    A player’s suspension will commence on the second Saturday, following the meeting at which the suspension was imposed, except in the case of suspensions of six or more matches or Sine Die suspensions, which will have immediate effect. Two or more suspensions must be served consecutively. A player is allowed to play pending appeal if the suspension is less than 6 matches.

(19.2)    The following games shall count towards a player’s suspensions:

(19.2.1)    All registered team games, scheduled prior to the offence, representative games, in which the player has been selected to play and games awarded by default. Abandoned games shall only count if points are awarded or if the result is allowed to stand. All pre arranged friendly matches including 7- a-side tournaments which must have been organised prior to the sending off (Added 2012)

(19.3)    No person under suspension by the Association, Amateur League or club shall participate in playing, coaching, officiating or administrating within Amateur Rugby League Football, without the Association’s permission, until all suspensions are served.

(19.4)    A suspended player is not allowed to play in any other game of Rugby League Football until their suspension has been completed and any club or league found guilty of violating this rule shall be fined not less than £100.00, forfeit the game and the offending player may be liable to a further suspension.

(19.5)    Any suspensions, notified to the Association by other Sporting Authorities, shall be honoured unless special circumstances apply.

(19.6)    A player who has been fined shall not play in any game until the fine is paid. Should the fine not be paid within 28 days of imposition it will automatically double.  If the fine is still not paid, further action will be taken. The player’s club or league or county in representative games, is responsible for the collection and forwarding of the money to the Association.

(19.7)    If an organisation is fined, the fine must be paid within 28 days of imposition otherwise it will automatically double and if this in not paid within a further 14 days, all fixtures for that organisation shall be suspended.

(19.8)    A Disciplinary Committee will, as and when necessary, issue guidelines to Member Leagues with regard to minimum recommended suspensions to be imposed in respect of certain offences. Member Leagues should, unless special circumstances apply, follow the guidelines.

(19.9)    An automatic Sine Die suspension shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of assaulting a match official. No review of that suspension, after any initial appeal, may take place until 2 to 5 years have elapsed from the date that the suspension was imposed.

20. Representative Rugby

(20.1)    In BARLA International, County, Regional and District representative games, the following criteria and rules will apply.

(20.1.1)    Games shall be played at age levels as determined by the Board of Management.

(20.1.2)    Any player who has played Academy Rugby League Football under the age od 21 and not played first team rugby league football for a proffesional club is eligible for International or other representative honours within the Association.

(20.1.3)    Clubs shall only register relevant coaching staff that have the appropriate qualifications and a current RFL Coach Licence as set out in the relevant annual entry criteria notified by the RFL from time to time.

(20.1.4)    Any player selected for International duty must have played been elected to play, trained or made themselves available for the County Team in the current season.

(20.1.5)    A Player is eligible to play for the Country or County in which he was born or first played Rugby League Football. Having played for one he is not eligible to play for another, without permission of the Board of Management.

(20.1.6)   Clubs which has two or more Players required for a Representative Match or Representative Matches which is/are recognised by the RFL Community Board, to be played over the same weekend (i.e. Friday to Sunday inclusive) as a League match, may apply to the relevant Management Group to postpone their league match provided at least seven days' written notice is given to its opponents.   For the avoidance of doubt a club can only request a postponement of a competition match at the age group level for which the representative match will take place.

(20.1.7)    Any Club with four or more players selected to play in a recognised Youth or Junior representative match on the day of a scheduled league or cup game may apply to the relevant league for postponement of their match. Application must be made no later than 72 hours before the kick-off of the game in question and the opponents must also be made aware at the same time.

(20.1.8)    At Youth and Junior matches, identity cards must be produced for all players; such cards should ideally be colour coded to the respective playing age groups.

(20.2)    The management and supervision of International teams shall be the overall responsibility of the Board of Management who shall approved the appointment of managers to be responsible for the control of operations at Open Age and Youth level.

(20.2.1)    Application for the post of International Manager shall be accepted from experienced persons, who must be actively involved in the relevant age group within the Association. They shall be appointed for a three-year term of office, on completion of which they shall be eligible for re-election.

(20.2.2)    Each manager shall appoint his own management and coaching team, which shall be approved by the Board of Management. Collectively, they will be responsible for squad and team selection and accountable for the overall performance of their team at International level. Appointed coaches must hold at least a Senior Coach certificate.

(20.2.3)    Applicants for the manager’s position shall not take part in any committee or meeting, at which the appointment is being discussed.

(20.2.4)    The respective managers and their staff must have no County, Regional or District League team involvement whilst being part of the International unit.

(20.3)    Players selected in the final squad, (maximum of 20 players), shall not play for their Club in the 36 hours prior to the scheduled Representative Match unless otherwise stated by the RFL Community Board provided that the squad for the representative match is announced seven days prior to the fixture.

21. County Championship

(21.1)    The Board of Management shall approve the appointment of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer for each County and they, together with their Committee, shall be responsible for selection, promotion and such other duties as may be deemed necessary for Inter-County Championship games.

(21.2)    Each District League shall be entitled to nominate one representative with specialist knowledge, at each age level, who shall become a member of that age group’s County Selection Committee.

(21.3)    Each County shall at its Annual General Meeting appoint Managers and Coaches, at each age level, for the forthcoming season.

(21.4)    Players selected for a County game shall not play for their clubs 72 hours prior to that game. Any player withdrawing from a representative game is not permitted to play for his own Club on the day or weekend on which the representative game is scheduled to be played.

(21.5)   Over 35`s – Three County Rules

(21.5.1)   Players must be over 35 years of age by 1st September of the year of representation.-

(21.5.2)   Players must have ceased playing professional Rugby League for 3 years prior to the above date.           

(21.5.3)   Players must be registered with an Amateur Rugby League team and must have played a minimum of 5 number of games for the club in the past (winter) or current (summer) season to be eligible for selection

(21.5.4)   Players must be available for selection for the Tri County to be eligible for the Barla Bulldogs. 

(21.5.5)   The team manager and coach may take into account training any Injury/fitness when selecting  players.

(21.5.6)   In the event of a dispute the matter will be referred to the 3 Counties chairman any decision will be final 

(21.5.7)   Games will be played at for a duration of 30 minutes each way at 13 a side with a Maximum of 7 substitutions.

22. National and County Cups

(22.1)    League Matches will take precedence over cup ties at Tier 4.  Cup ties will take precedence over league matches at Tiers 5 and 6.

(22.2)    These competitions shall be played at age levels decided upon by the Board of Management.

(22.3)    Only three current ex-professional players per team are allowed to participate.

(22.4)    Certain Regional League teams may be exempt from the early rounds, which will be played on dates set down by the Board of Management If the scores are level at the end of normal time, then only one period of extra time of ten minutes each way shall be played. Should the scores remain level, the winner will then be determined by a “golden score”, i.e. a “sudden death first score.

(22.5)    The closing date for entries will be determined by the Competition Secretary each season and the entry fee will be determined by the finance committee

(22.6)    At Youth and Junior matches, identity cards must be produced for all players. Should a team not produce their identity cards then the game will be awarded to the non-offending team. For ease of reference, identity cards should ideally be colour coded for the respective playing age groups.

(22.7)    Any club which fails to fulfil its obligations shall be automatically eliminated from the competition and referred to the discipline committee

(22.8)    No player may play for more than one team in any cup competition in one season. Any team found guilty of playing an ineligible player shall be fined a minimum of £100 and forfeit the match. The offending player shall be liable to be suspended for six matches.

(22.9)    All players must play in at least two league or cup games to be eligible to play in any semi-final or final.

(22.10)    The home team must provide ground directions to their opponents and match officials at least 72 hours prior to kick off. The home team is responsible for the match officials fees and expenses and for the provision of post-match refreshments. All players must play in at least two league or cup games to be eligible to play for a club in any semi-final.

(22.11)    Where possible playing areas must be properly enclosed, or roped off, so as to keep spectators from entering the field of play.

(22.12)    If the home club considers its ground to be unfit, confirmation must be readily sought from a bone-fide representative of a local referee society, the local parks or education authority whose decision is final. If so confirmed the home club after advising the competition Administrator must notify both the match officials and opponents prior to them travelling. If however the visiting team travels without due notice then 50% of its expenditure incurred shall be levied upon the home club. If the clubs cannot agree on the state of the ground then the referee shall, mindful of players safety and without the constraint of or undue pressure from either party concerned, shall decide upon its fitness. The decision to play or otherwise shall be accepted without question by both clubs.

(22.13)    Postponed cup games must normally be re-arranged for the following weekend. Should the ground look likely to be unfit for a second time, the Competition Secretary will have the discretion to determine an alternative venue, which may mean the game will be transferred to their opponents ground.

(22.14)    The Association shall decide the venues for all semi-finals and finals. These games will be controlled by leading amateur graded officials, who shall be selected and appointed by the Board of Management or its representative. Proceeds from all finals shall go to the Association funds.

(22.15)    The winners of all BARLA Competitions shall return their trophy to the Association at least four weeks before the final in the following season. Those in default will be fined £50.

(22.16)    There will be no cup competitions or league structures at the Mini and Modified age groups.

(22.17)    No player may play for more than one team in any knock out competition in a season.

23. BARLA Rules For District, Regional & National Leagues

(23.1)    Any team failing to play a fixture on the scheduled day shall be fined no less than £10.00, and shall be responsible for any expenses. The match will be awarded, to their opponents. Only in exceptional circumstances shall a League rule otherwise.

(23.2)    If the home club considers their ground unfit, they must obtain confirmation from a member of a referee’s society or the local parks or education authority. If so confirmed the home club must notify the match officials and their opponents prior to them travelling and also the Competition Secretary. If the visiting team travels, the home club is liable for half the visitors travelling expenses. If the clubs can not agree on the state of the ground, the referee shall decide upon its fitness and both clubs shall accept that decision.

(23.3)    Any team due to play in a match organised by the Rugby Football League may apply to the Association, with a copy of the application to their opponents, to postpone any scheduled fixtures due to be played up to five days prior to or after the match.

(23.4)    The kick-off time for all scheduled Saturday games shall be 2.30pm unless the Association or the relevant League notifies otherwise. Referees must report teams responsible for late kick-offs.

(23.5)    Each team must register its colours with its District and Playing Leagues and in the event of a colour clash the away team must change. It is the home club’s duty to contact their opponents and the appointed match officials, at least five days prior to the match, with details of the ground location and club colours. In the event of a colour clash the home team must wear an alternative strip.

(23.6)    It shall be the duty of the home team to complete and forward to the relevant Competition Administrator the score sheet and team sheet from the match day and to comply with all relevant requirements as set out in the relevant competition rules no later than 48 hours after the match.

(23.7)    Youth and Junior teams only – After each game both teams shall complete a referee’s assessment form and forward it to the Competitions Secretary failure to return an assessment form will render a team liable to a £10.00 fine.

(23.8)    Grounds for semi-finals and finals of all competitions should be properly roped off or enclosed, so as to keep spectators from entering the field of play.

(23.9)    If a club, running two or more teams, is unable to raise a team on any particular day, then the first team fixture must be played.

(23.10)    A Club wishing to object to the result of a Match shall send a fax or email to the relevant Competition Administrator and to the opposing club within two working days of the termination of the Match stating the full grounds on which the objection is made. Send within two working days a payment for £40.00, by way of an appeals deposit, to the relevant Competition Administrator.

The Management Group will hear the objection and may decline to consider any matter not stated in respect of the above, and can if the objection is not sustained, order the forfeit of the whole or any part of the deposit. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club shall not be entitled to object to a result on the grounds of a Match Official's decision(s), and the imposition of a fine or other penalty on a Club pursuant to these Operational Rules and shall not preclude a Club from objecting to a result of a Match under this operational rule.

(23.11)    It is the duty of the home club to inform the Results Officer of the match result immediately after the game. Clubs in default shall be fined not less than £10.00.

(23.12)    In all matches four substitutes may be used with unlimited substitutions. All shirts are to be numbered 1-17.

(23.13)    Match officials’ allowances and expenses shall be as agreed annually. Wherever possible officials should endeavour to travel in one vehicle, in order to minimise expenses.

(23.14)    If circumstances prevent full duration of the playing time, then the clubs may agree to a shorter playing time. This must be confirmed with the referee prior to kick-off.

(23.15)    If less then three quarters of the laid down playing time has elapsed when a game is abandoned, then the game may be ordered to be replayed. If more than three-quarters of the game has elapsed before the game is abandoned then the result will stand, however if a match is abandoned for misconduct the Discipline Committee will decide whether the result of the game stands or otherwise.

(23.16)    The duration of play and the one period only of extra time to be played if necessary. followed by a sudden death “golden score” shall be as follows:

    • Open Age - 40 Minutes each half (10 minute each way extra time)
    • Under 18 - 35 Minutes each half (10 minute each way extra time)
    • Under 16 - 30 Minutes each half (7½ minute each way extra time)
    • Under l4 - 25 Minutes each half (5 minute each way extra time)
    • Under 12 - 20 Minutes each half (5 minute each way extra time)

Mod League will be played at age group 10-11 years and Mini League at age group 6-9 years. These games will be played in accordance with the Modified Games Programme contained in the current edition of the Association’s handbook.

(23.17)    In Youth/Junior games a person from the age of 6 playing in the age groups Under 7 through to age group Under 16 must not play and shall not be permitted to play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more than that person. At Youth and Junior Matches, identity cards must be produced for all players. Should a team not produce their identity cards then the game will be awarded to the non-offending team.

(23.18)    Under 18s will register as per International rules e.g. registration as at present however players reaching their 18th birthday between 1 January and 31 August will be eligible to remain registered as Under 18s for the following season.

(23.19)    Persons who have attained the age of 16 can play Open Age Rugby provided he/she meets one of the following criteria:

    1. That they are not currently registered for a Youth team
    2. That the Club they wish to play Open Age Rugby for does not run Youth teams at the players relevant age.
    3. Once a player has attained the age of 16 and they are registered to play in the Under 16’s Competition, they are also eligible to play for the clubs Under 17’s or Under 18’s team, but not at the detriment of their own age group. The player must indicate on the registration form which age group they wish to play for. An ID card will be issued for each age group they are eligible for. A parent/guardian signature will be required on the registration form as acknowledgement of the age group/s the player has chosen to play at. If a Player is registered with a Club that has both adult and Youth Teams, then that Player is only eligible to play for Teams at that Club and can only move Clubs by completing a transfer.


(23.20)    Clubs shall only register relevant coaching staff that have the appropriate qualifications and a current RFL Coach Licence as set out in the relevant annual entry criteria notified by the RFL from time to time

24. Open Age and Youth & Junior Player Registration Rules and Procedures

Section A Open Age

(24.1)   All Open Age players ‘s registrations shall be bonding for one season only and shall expire on the 30th June each Year, A player may transfer from one club to another, subject to the deadline of the 28th February each year and the permission of the clubs and leagues concerned, No player can register for more than one club in a season without an official transfer, unless he is a member of the Student Rugby League the British Police, the Civil Service, the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Army, Prison Service and the Rugby League Conference or any other body recognised by the Association.

A Player shall be registered by the club by completing a Registration Form.  Any Player under the age of 18 requires a parent/guardian signature confirming that both the player and the parent/guardian understand that some sections of the RFL Safeguarding Policy do not apply to Adult Rugby League.  A player may only play for the Adult team if their own age group can fulfil fixtures.

All player registrations shall be directed and processed centrally by the RFL.

An Adult player will remain on the register of that club until such time a club official strikes them off or unless the player transfers to another club.

A player who registers for an armed forces or student team may also register for another team, however when there is a clash then the player mustplay for the armed forces or student team.

(24.2)    Clubs are only allowed to play 2 overseas players in any team, these players must sign a declaration that they are not registered with any other club which shall be forwarded to the Association for approval, NO player may play until clearance had been given

(24.3)    Each team may register an unlimited number of ex-professional players but no more than three may play in any one team, Any ex-professional re-registering with the last Barla Club for which he played prior to signing as a professional shall not be counted as an ex-professional whilst playing for that club, An Acadamy player who is under the age of 21 years who has returned to play with any amateur club and not played first team rugby league for any proffecional club is eligable for Barla international and representative honours.

(24.4)    The maximum number of players registered with each team shall be 30, clubs with A or B teams are allowed to register multiples of 25 extra, Clubs with an A team may not play more than four first team players in any match without its playing leagues approval, regardless of whether the teams are in the same league or not, A recognised first team player is a player who has played six or more games with the first team during the current season, Clubs with a B teams may not play more than four recognised first or A team players. Once a player has registered for the club, they are eligible to play for any team at that Club, irrespective of which competition they play in.

Section B Youth & Junior

(24.5)    All new Youth & Junior must sign for a club membership of the District League in which they are domiciled

(24.6)    All Youth & Junior teams must play in the Regional League in which they are geographically located

(24.7)    No Youth & Junior player may register for more than one club in a season unless he is registered with an Open Age club which has no team at that age group of Youth/Junior rugby, or is a member of the Student Rugby League, the British Police, the Civil Service the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Army Prison Service and the Rugby League Conference or any other body recognised by the Association.
Any player has the right of Appeal to the Associations Youth/Junior transfer Committee, whose decision will be binding, clubs are permitted to field mixed gender sides and to play tag rugby up to and including school year (U11s)

(24.8)    At Youth/Junior games identity cards must be produced for all players, Should a team not produce their identity cards then the game will be awarded to the non –offending team who will also be entitled to claim for any expenses incurred, for ease of reference, identity cards should be colour coded for the respective playing age groups

Section C common to both Open Age and Youth & Juniors
 

(24.9)   Any youth player who signs a contract to play academy rugby will be allowed to finish their current season with their existing team but may not transfer to a new team. Transfers will not be allowed for RFL scholarship players during the season in which they are active participants.

(24.10)    All players must fulfil all financial obligations to their current club or team prior to any transfer to another club being permitted, this applies to a player wishing to sign for a different club in future seasons

(24.11)    Any Team found guilty of playing an ineligible player shall be fined not less than £100-00 and the match shall be awarded to their opponents. The offending player should be liable to be suspended for no less than six matches

(24.12)    The Board of Management is empowered to agree with the Rugby Football League any player Development compensation that becomes payable when a Barla player signs for the first time as a contract player with a professional club

(24.13)    Clubs will be eligible to receive such Community Game compensation as is specified by the RFL Board from time to time if any of its Players shall sign professionaly for a RFL member club. Clubs in Tiers one, two and three will pay all monies to the Clubs in Tiers four, five and six through the RFL.

(24.14)    A Player duly recognised on the official register of a Barla Regional League Club and wishing to participate in a summer based competition organised by and falling under the auspices of the Rugby Football League must a s a pre-requisite of doing so fulfil his Barla obligations before being allowed to register with a summer based club

(24.15)   Suspended players having completed their Barla Regional League commitments must, if they wish to compete in a summer based competition organised by and under the auspices of the Rugby Football League serve the remaining period of their suspension at the club with whom they are registered

(24.16)   A Player shall be registered by the Club by completing a Registration Form.
Once a Player has completed a Registration Form for a club they may play for any team at that club, subject to satisfying any age band restrictions
The RFL will maintain the official register of Players.

25. Transfers

(25.1)    As a deterrent and means of combating super team building, in particular, transfer rules have been devised to offer an effective control against the movement of representative players.   The Transfers Committee should at all times take an eclectic vie, thus by so doing teams do not fold because of the players transferring to others seeking a higher profile at the expense of the vulnerable clubs.  The Transfers Committee should continue the promotion of development strategies across the country.

(25.2)    In the first instance all transfers to be dealt with by the District or Fixture organising League. In the event of any Appeal this to be heard by the BARLA Transfers Appeals committee

(25.3)    A youth team and junior team may register on transfer each season three players only, from different clubs.  Additional player transfers may be sanctioned providing mutual agreement between the clubs is confirmed in writing to the relevant Transfers Committee that the personnel concerned are not ”Representative” players.  The playing season for this purpose shall be from the Monday following the Spring Bank Holiday.   Transfers will not be allowed after the last day in February each year.

(25.4)    Players who have attained the age of 18 will not be subject to the transfer rules if their involvement is with Open Age rugby only.   The transfer rules will apply whilst they are registered and play with a Youth team.

(25.5)    Any player/club at youth and junior level has the right of appeal to the Association’s Youth and Junior Transfer Committee, whose decision will be binding.

(25.6)    All players at open age, youth and junior age levels must fulfil all financial obligations to their current club or team before any transfer to another club including professional clubs will be permitted. This also applies to a player wishing to sign for a different club in future seasons.

(25.7)    Only one transfer at youth and junior level per player per season will be allowed.

(25.8)    Players from a disbanded team at open age, youth and junior age groups will be deemed to be free agents.   Written notice of a disbandment must be in writing from the club secretary.

(25.9)    All Youth/Junior players once registered with a club many only transfer to another club in their domiciled area after it has been established that the player does not owe any money or equipment to the club s/he wishes to leave.  

(25.10)    Should club personnel from the leaving club refuse to sign the transfer form, the appropriate registration secretary should communicate with the leaving club’s secretary in order to ascertain accurate details.  The form may then be processed within four weeks by the registration secretary, acting as surrogate and thereby validating the transaction.

(25.11)    Under the Gemini Rule, twins are allowed to transfer as one.

(25.12)    Junior Teams may register, by transfer, three Players only per Season from different Clubs. Additional Player transfers may be sanctioned at the representative management groups discretion
The deadline for transfer will be determined annually by the respective Management Group prior to the start of the Season.
In the first instance all transfers are to be dealt with by the respective Competitions Administrator. In the event of any appeal this is to be heard by the RFL`s appeal tribunal.
Players who have attained the age of 18 will not be subject to the transfer rules if their involvement is with adult rugby league only. The transfer rules will apply whilst they are registered and play with a youth team.
All Players at youth and junior age levels must fulfil all financial obligations to their current Club or Team before any transfer to another Club, including a professional club will be permitted. This also applies to a Player wishing to sign for a different Club in future Seasons.
Any single Player can transfer only once in a Season.
Players from a disbanded team at youth and junior age groups will be deemed to be free agents. Written notice of disbandment must be in writing from the Club secretary and signed by one other club official.
Any youth player who signs a contract to play academy rugby will be allowed to finish their current season with their existing team but may not transfer to a new team.
Transfers will not be allowed for RFL scholarship players during the season in which they are active participants.
Should Club personnel from the leaving Club refuse to sign the transfer form, the appropriate Competition Administrator should communicate with the leaving Club’s Secretary in order to ascertain accurate details. The form may then be processed within four weeks, with the relevant Competition Administrator acting as surrogate and thereby validating the transaction.

26. Child Protection

(26.1)    The Association, including all constituent members, will adopt the Rugby League Child Protection Policy and Implementation procedures.

(26.2)    Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.

(26.3)    In these Regulations the expression “Offence” shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal     offence which reasonably causes the Association to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.

(26.4)    Upon receipt by the Association of:

(26.4.1)    Notification that an individual has been charged with an offence; or

(26.4.2)    Notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, Social Services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or

(26.4.3)    Any other information which causes The Association reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children then The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be suspended from all or any specific Rugby League activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.

(26.5)    In reaching its determination as to whether an order under regulation 4 should be made, the Association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:

(26.5.1)    Whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm

(26.5.2)    Whether the matters are of a serious nature;

(26.5.3)    Whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any investigation by the Association or any other authority or body to proceed unimpeded.

(26.6)    The period of an order referred to in 4 above, the Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of the Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.

(26.7)    Where an order is imposed on an individual under Regulation 4 above, the Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of the Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.

(26.8)    Where a person convicted, or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules or the Association and the Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all or any specific Rugby League activity for such a period (including indefinitely) and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.

(26.9)    For the purpose of these Regulations, the Association shall act through the Rugby League Child Protection Disciplinary Panels.

(26.10)    Notification in writing or an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned and/or any club with which he/she is associated as soon as reasonably practicable.

27. Doping Control Regulations

(27.1)    Doping in or out of competition is strictly forbidden and is an offence. Any player found guilty of a drug offence in accordance with current practices and guidelines of the International Olympic Committee and Sport England, or any person who assists or incites others to use prohibited substances or techniques, will be liable to disciplinary action.

(27.2)    The offence of doping takes place when: A prohibited substance and/or metabolites of a prohibited substance is found to be present within a player’s body tissues or fluids, or when:

    • A player uses or takes advantage of a prohibited technique: or
    • A player admits to having used or taken advantage of a prohibited substance or a prohibited technique: or
    • A player fails to report to the doping control Sampling Officer: or
    • A player fails to provide a specimen of urine: or
    • A player fails to provide a specimen of urine of the required quantity: or
    • A person assists or incites others, or admits having assisted or incited others, to use prohibited substances or prohibited techniques.


(27.3)    There is a maximum suspension of four years for the first offence and a maximum suspension of a life ban for a second offence.

(27.4)    A player or other person found guilty of a doping offence shall be entitled to appeal to the Board of Appeal: three members of which shall hear and determine the said appeal. The notice of appeal must be in writing and must be received by the Secretary within 14 days of the decision of the Board of Management being received in the ordinary course of post.

28. Equal Opportunities

(28.1)    BARLA will act in accordance with the Association’s equal opportunities policy.

(28.2)    All Leagues will enclose the following statement in their constitution:

BARLA and (name of League) are committed to eradicating all forms of racial discrimination and racism, a commitment that will enhance equality of opportunity in all aspects of the game. Racist language or behaviour has no part to play within the game and as a result will not be tolerated. Anyone that engages in racist behaviour will be dealt with promptly through the relevant procedures. We must all be responsible for tackling racism and ensure that Rugby League is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone. 

(28.3)    If a club or an individual associated with a club is found to be guilty of a racially based offence arising from a disciplinary hearing then BARLA reserves the right to report the club or the individual concerned to the appropriate Local Authority.

29. Media

(29.1)    The Board of Management has the sole and exclusive right to enter into any contracts for broadcasting and/or televising of any matches organised by or on behalf of the Association or by any Member League or club.

(29.2)   The Clubs and Management Groups shall have the right and power to enter into all forms of sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting and other commercial contracts that relate to Matches in a relevant Competition, provided that before entering into any arrangement with a third party the Management Group first notify the RFL of the terms of the agreement.

30. Interpretation

(30.1)    In this Constitution and Rules, unless the contrary intention appears:

    • Words importing the masculine gender include the feminine;
    • Words importing the feminine gender include the masculine;
    • Words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.
    • The term “organisation” means “County, League and Club”


(30.2)    The Board of Management shall decide on the interpretation of these rules and shall have the power to deal with any matter that may arise in connection with the Association which is not provided for in these rules.

(30.3)    Any notice or other communication or document sent by first class post to a Member of the association shall be treated as having been given twenty four hours after the time when it was posted. Faxed documents will be treated as being received on the day of transmission.