Forfeiture of Matches

SCRFU handles the competitive aspect as well as rescheduling (if any) responsibilities. SCRFU reviews forfeitures of matches and will assess if penalties should be applied.

SCORING

All forfeits, both off-field and played forfeits, will result in:

•  a 28-0 Win in favor of the non-forfeiting team in the CMS
• +5pts in the standings/ladder to the non-forfeiting team in the CMS
• -1pts in the standings/ladder to the forfeiting team in the CMS

Forfeiture of matches is taken seriously and SCRFU applies these policies with the intent to assure assigned matches are played. In addition to the SCORING implications above, forfeiture of matches can result in penalties/sanctions impacting the team and/or parent club in regards to post season play, and competition assignment(s). The type of forfeit is an essential aspect of determining how penalties/sanctions are applied in each occurrence.

NON-PLAYED FORFEITS (OFF-FIELD/BEFORE GAME DAY)

If a team believes they will not be able to fulfill a match and wish to file an OFF-FIELD FORFEIT, they are required to notify all parties by 5pm Wednesday prior to the scheduled match.

• All parties included in the original Match Confirmation/Monday protocol email should be included.
• If no Match Confirmation/Monday protocol has been sent, follow the same procedures to notify all parties of the OFF-FIELD FORFEIT.
• The forfeiting team may be subject to pay any expenses incurred by the opponent. All reimbursement requests must be submitted to SCRFU for review and/or approval.
• In addition to the SCORING adjustments above, the forfeiting team may be subject to penalties and other SCRFU sanctions which may include:

• 1st offense: Team is barred from postseason/playoffs
• 2nd offense: Team is relegated to the next lower division in the next competitive season. See below for administration of policy for Clubs with Teams in Multiple Divisions.

• Clubs with Teams in Multiple USA Rugby Gender-Based Divisions (Mens or Womens):

• If the club has 2 or more teams competing in multiple divisions of the same gender (men or women), and the club has 2 or more off-field forfeits across all divisional competitions, the club will lose the right to have a 2nd team take part in a competitive division for the next competitive season.
• If the club has 2 or more teams competing in multiple divisions of different gender (men or women), and the club has 2 or more off-field forfeits across all divisional competitions, the forfeits are applied only to the team committing the infraction.

• Further infractions shall be sent to SCRFU Disciplinary Committee or SCRFU Competitions Committee as appropriate. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements or refusal to provide the required information is grounds for sanctions for the offending club.

PLAYED FORFEITS (ON-FIELD)

Clubs/Teams are expected to use the Match Confirmation/Monday Protocol email to alert opponents about any potential of a PLAYED FORFEIT. This will allow the opponent to assist in fielding players and cooperate to ensure rugby can be played.

For a match to be considered a PLAYED FORFEIT, it must conclude with at least 12 players a side and at least 60 minutes of rugby. The match can commence with as few as 10 players but end with no less than 12 per side. This could include guest players from other teams but they must meet all eligibility requirements for play, including registration.

NOTE: The use of “guest players”, rolling subs and/or other adjustments that constitute playing a non-league match, is immediate grounds for a PLAYED-FORFEIT and failure to enter the match as such, may result in sanctions/penalties for both teams involved in the match.