Match management protocols
Ground Manager or Match Day Coordinator
Field Marshall
Match Day Checklists
Running sheet
Code of Conduct
Expectations of Behaviour Guidelines
ARU Safety Directives
Serious injury protocols
Competition Rules/Tournament Manual
Additional Resources
The ARU outlines a variety of match management protocols to assist Clubs in providing a safe, fun playing environment.
Each Club is responsible for ensuring that their ground/venue is safe and suitable for the conducting of Rugby matches for all home Club fixtures. The responsibility of such should not be left to a single individual but roles and responsibilities should be delegated to several members of the Club.
Ground Manager or Match Day Coordinator
Each Club should appoint an official for all home fixtures to ensure the game day responsibilities are undertaken. This Club official is often referred to as the Ground Manager or Match Day Coordinator.
Click here for sample position descriptions.
Field Marshall
Clubs may also appoint a Field Marshall for each field to manage the smooth running of matches, including managing of participating teams and spectators. Field Marshall(s) would report to the Ground Manager or Match Day Coordinator and should be clearly visible and identified by wearing a distinct or brightly coloured uniform or bib.
Click here for sample position descriptions.
Match Day Checklist
A Match Day Checklist is a useful tool to provide guidelines for Clubs as to their match management responsibilities. Such responsibilities would generally need to be completed a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of the first game.
Click here to download a sample Match Day Checklist
Click here for more details on ground dimensions.
Running sheet
A running sheet is a useful tool to provide an outline of scheduling for match days. A running sheet provides timing, activity, location and individual responsibilities.
Click here to download a sample Match Day Running Sheet
ARU Safety Directives
The Australian Rugby Union has developed Safety Directives for Players, Coaches, Administrators and Match Officials to ensure that the game is both safe and enjoyable to play. Clubs should ensure they have a copy of the safety directives available to match management staff.
Click here to view the ARU safety directives.
Serious injury protocols
The Australian Rugby Union has a set protocol for dealing with serious injuries in Rugby and a Serious Injury Case Manager (SICM) has been appointed to assist the club in managing serious injuries.
The ARU Protocol for Serious Injury provides a step-by-step process for clubs to follow in the event of a serious injury and outlines the responsibilities of the Club, State Union and ARU in managing this traumatic situation.
The SICM is your first point of contact in the event of a serious injury (ie: fatality or suspected spinal injury) and will provide a link between the club and the Australian Rugby Union.
Notification by way of a Serious Injury Report is required as part of this protocol. The details of this report are entered on the ARU Serious Injury Register and used to monitor the occurrence of injuries within Rugby.
Click here to view and download the ARU Protocol for Serious Injury & Serious Injury Report
Competition Rules/Tournament Manual
State Union and/or Competition Managers are responsible for the management of competitions. All competitions are conducted under a set of Competition Rules, which generally outline the Laws of the Game (i.e U19 Law Variations, etc), eligibility, duration of matches, draws, judicial procedures, etc to be adhered to within the competition. For example:
- Laws of the Game
- Eligibility
- Registration
- Duration of matches
- Draw & Venues
- Competition administration protocols
- Appointments process
- Judicial Procedures/Citing
- Etc
A copy of the local Competition Rules should be available for match day staff.
Additional Resources
JPP Modified Games Coordinators Handbook and Appendices
The JPP Modified Games Coordinators Handbookand Appendices is a resource available for Clubs and schools, providing a variety of information and resources which can be utilised in conducting a Modified Games competition.
Click here to view the JPP Modified Games Coordinators Handbook.
Click here to view the JPP Modified Games Coordinators Appendices.
