Bucks RFU Under 17’s (male + Female) playing in the adult game procedure. (As stipulated by the RFU 2019)
The RFU has introduced a revised policy for clubs who wish young players who have reached the age of 17 after the beginning of the current season, to play in the adult game (This does NOT apply to players playing in the front row)
The attached forms are self-explanatory and should be completed for every player whom a club wishes to play in the adult game (18+) and signed off and submitted by the club Secretary or club Chair (To ensure Executive knowledge)
As can be seen, the player/parent etc will need to complete a form as will the “club”, these will then be sent together (Scanned copies via email will be acceptable for the time being) to:
Bucks RFU Deputy Chair Chris McCombie via email at: emailbucksrugby@gmail.com who will chair the panel consisting of County and RFU officials, who will approve or otherwise (on RFU set criteria) individual player requests and inform the club Secretary/Chair of their decision.
This will of course be done as quickly as possible, but clubs will need to keep in mind that it will not be an instant response and indeed may takes several days to make an informed decision, having the PLAYERS welfare and safety as its priority and not the clubs need. PLEASE read all the forms, Including the CB requirements.
On the club form a number of criteria which must be met prior to seeking approval. (The club accreditation section should read “Have RFU Club Accreditation OR working towards it as confirmed by RFU). Should any club wish to seek clarity around the criteria, then please contact Chris McCombie via email. (But please have in mind, we are bound by the RFU on these matters)
This process in no way wishes to stem the flow of U17’s playing adult club rugby but merely re enforces the commitment to ensure all we do in youth rugby is, developmental, player centred and SAFE.
The RFU have also advised that there can be NO retrospective applications allowed, therefore NO U17’s child should play in an adult rugby game until approval has been given via the County (CB). Should a breach of this regulation occur, it would unfortunately attract penalties, which can include loss of points, withdrawal of previously granted permissions to play youth players etc.
Any questions regarding this RFU policy should be directed to Chris McCombie Deputy Chair Bucks RFU at emailbucksrugby@gmail.com
Appeals against a County decision in these matters can only be made to the Bucks Executive as above
Thank you for your continued support
Bucks RFU 2019