Remit of The Hertfordshire Disciplinary Committee
Discipline in the game falls under the Disciplinary Department of the RFU. They are responsible for discipline both on and off the field of play. They hand down all disciplinary matters in games of level 5 and below to the constituent bodies. There are exceptions to this for example cross constituent body citings and league appeals. The full disciplinary regulations form RFU regulation 19 and can be found on this link http://www.rfu.com/TheGame/Regulations/ (When clicking on the link scroll down to Regulation 19 to get the full regulations.).
When we talk about discipline off the field of play that covers all aspects of the game including behaviour of officials,spectators and players. It can include breaches of RFU regulations on drug abuse or child protection (although these are both usually handled centrally by the RFU) and the use of the Internet in it various guises.
Youth and Schools Rugby
A distinction is draw between on field "youth rugby" and "adult rugby" at the age of 18 years. Any game in the age group under 18 or below is considered to be a "youth rugby game" and the responsibility for on field discipline here lies with the County Youth Disciplinary Officer (who is a member of the full disciplinary committee). In the case of Hertfordshire this is David Roberts who e-mail is d.roberts837@btinternet.com In the first instance a club should discipline there youth players (see disciplinary regulations for procedures and sanctions) and then liaise with David.
The line between age grade rugby and adult rugby for on field offences is drawn at "Colts" level ie under 19. All under 19 and above games come under the full disciplinary committee and procedures and sanctions are set out in the regulations. It is the level and age group of the game that controls this. So for example if a 17 year old is playing in a under 19 game and is sent off then it is a matter for the full disciplinary panel and is subject to procedures and sanctions as set out for "adult rugby".
For any off field incidents that fall under a breach of RFU Rule 5.12 then even if it occurred during a youth game it is dealt with in the first instance by the full disciplinary committee. For example if a group of spectators abuse the match official then it is a breach of rule 5.12 and the full committee will deal with it.
For schools rugby both off and on field in the first instance the responsibility to discipline lies with the headteacher, who should liaise with the County Schools Youth Disciplinary Officer who is John Williams, his e-mail is jdrw@ntlworld.com
What Should A Club Do If They Have A Player Sent Off
The disciplinary regulations say that the club has the responsibility to report the offence to RFU within 48 hours of the event. At level 4 and above (Hertford and Old Albanians) this should be directly to The RFU Disciplinary Manager at Twickenham. For all other games it should be to The County Disciplinary Secretary (in this case Adrian Sparks on hrfudc@btinterent.com ). This includes all age group games. There is a good reason for this in that it it starts the disciplinary process and the disciplinary manger knows then to trace the report, which especially if an out of county referee can take some time.
When the report match officials report is received then the Disciplinary Secretary will schedule a hearing. He will send by e-mail to the player's club secretary (as given in the county handbook), a calling notice, a charge sheet, the match officials report and a plea sheet. The later will have a date by which it is to be returned. The calling notice will give the date and time of the hearing and venue. it will also give a deadline by which written, photographic or other evidence is to be submitted. All clubs should have their own disciplinary panels who should consider each case before it comes to the Hertfordshire Panel. Any sanction imposed by a club panel will be Incorporated into any sanction given by the Hertfordshire Panel.
The importance of reporting the offence, completing paperwork on time and attending the hearing can't be over emphasised and as such clubs who fail to do those and meet deadlines will be fined.
The Disciplinary Regulations and the Disciplinary Process are complicated. They encompass both natural justice and human rights. A club no longer has to ban a player sent off immediately, the presumption of innocence is upheld until proven otherwise. If you are in doubt get in touch with the Disciplinary Secretary who will give you guidance and take you through the regulations.
Meetings
All meetings are held at Hertford RFC. They are usually on a Wednesday night. There are usually 2 or 3 cases on the same night depending on the type of case and plea being made. It now is virtually impossible under the regulations to deal with a "sending off case" either by writing or conference telephone. If a player is sent off he will be required to appear before the panel in person. Meetings are scheduled as and when required.
The Committee Make Up
The committee is made up of the following people:-
Chairman:- John Knighton (Old Albanians) e-mail jcknighton@hotmail.co.uk
Secretary:- Adrian Sparks (Hertford) e-mail hrfudc@btinternet.com 01992589364 (Home)
Vice Chairman:- Jeff Byrne (Old Ashmoleans)
Assistant Secretary:- Malcolm Tucker (Welwyn)
County Youth Disciplinary Officer:- David Roberts e-mail d.roberts837@btinternet.com
Schools Disciplinary Officer:- John Williams e-mail jdrw@ntlworld.com
RFU Accredited Members:- Mike Curtin (Stevenage), Tim Milner (Hitchin), Gerard McEvilly (Former Hertford and RFU Disciplinary Panel member).
Representative From Hertfordshire Society Of Referees:- Roger Johns
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