LOVE THEM, OR HATE THEM, WE CANNOT HAVE A GAME OF RUGBY WITHOUT A REFEREE.
THE FOLLOWING FESTIVAL PLAYING LAWS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE EUROPEAN GRAND OLD RUGBY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE.
The understanding of the Referee can make, or spoil, a Golden Oldies Match. A regular area of disagreement and misunderstanding is the treatment of Players wearing Coloured Shorts. We play in European Grand Old Rugby Festivals, and the Fun, Friendship and Fraternity which is the Golden Oldies Motto must be evident at all times.
All Players must be correctly attired for
Golden Oldies Rugby at all times including
footwear. Low profile studs or grass sport
shoes.
These Golden Oldies Laws do not permit
offside play or unsportsmanlike behaviour
and have been designed to increase
the enjoyment of the Game, eliminating
over-vigorous play and minimising the
chances of injury.
The normal rules of Rugby as per Rugby Europe - Under 19 Laws - shall apply with the following variations:
1
All 8 forwards must remain bound in the
scrum until the ball has been cleared.
2
The halfback must not follow the ball
around the scrum.
3
There must be no pressure scrummaging
or movement of the scrum. (i.e. noncontested
set-scrums)
4
There shall be no striking against the
head by hookers.
5
Defending players may kick the ball only
in their own 22.
6
In lineouts all 8 forwards must take
part. All lineouts shall be set (no quick
lineouts). No supporting (lifting) of
jumpers is permitted.
7
Teams scoring a try shall also restart
the game by kicking the ball to the nonscoring
team.
8
There are no Kicks after a score.
9
Unlimited substitution of players.
10
Players must observe the offside rule,
particularly that of remaining behind
the hindmost foot at rucks, mauls and
scrums; lineouts to a minimum of 10
metres.
11
The game shall be played over two 15
or 20-minute periods or an alternative
decided by the Festival Organisers
12
No player may run more than 20 metres
before passing the ball.
13
All players must observe the restrictions
on tackling “older players”. These are
identified by coloured shorts.
14
Boots: metal/aluminium studs are prohibited. All players must use either plastic, moulded, rubber or blades for playing.
15
Coloured Shorts
35 to 59 years RED SHORTS: If a player is wearing red shorts in this category it means that he cannot be tackled to the ground or pushed off his feet. Any player in red shorts may be ‘held’ in the spirit of EGOR but NOT tackled.
60 to 64 years YELLOW SHORTS: Can be held but not brought to the ground.
70 to 79 years PURPLE SHORTS: Cannot be touched or obstructed in any way.
80 + years SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHORTS: Cannot be touched or obstructed in any way.
N.B. Club shorts are the normal coloured shorts worn by the club. These MUST NOT be red or gold or purple in colour
35 to 59 years RED SHORTS: If a player is wearing red shorts in this category it means that he cannot be tackled to the ground or pushed off his feet. Any player in red shorts may be ‘held’ in the spirit of EGOR but NOT tackled.
60 to 64 years YELLOW SHORTS: Can be held but not brought to the ground.
70 to 79 years PURPLE SHORTS: Cannot be touched or obstructed in any way.
80 + years SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHORTS: Cannot be touched or obstructed in any way.
N.B. Club shorts are the normal coloured shorts worn by the club. These MUST NOT be red or gold or purple in colour
Captains will be responsible for the behaviour of their players.
Other variations may be organised at the discretion of EGORF and both captains and the referees. Please ensure your Team are aware of the Golden Oldies Laws!