TOURNAMENT FORMAT
In order to have a fun and enjoyable day that ends at a reasonable time we have kept to our format of a Round Robin League. There will be six Clubs taking part at each age group, utilising three pitches per age group, with the results from each game being entered into league tables. There will be no semi-finals or finals.

We will be presenting medals to the winners and the runners up in each age group. We plan to make the presentations as each age group finishes; children and parents can make their way home once their age group presentations are over. Presentations are due to commence around 1:45pm for the U8s and continue through to around 2:45pm for U12s.
• The Tournament entrance fee is £8 per player, payable in advance and includes a programme per player.
• Breakfast will be available from 9.00am, so come early!
• First games at 10.30am - absolutely no excuses accepted for being late! (Please Note: If it is wet on the day, the start time will be 11.00am.)
• Break for lunch - a chance to check age group schedules.
• There will be a raffle, a BBQ, bouncy castle, a sweet stall, a bar and refreshments available on the day.

CLUBS ATTENDING
Amersham & Chiltern, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham (A Squad), Fullerians (B Squad), Saracens & Tring

SQUAD INFORMATION
U7 (A + B) Two squads of 6 players, 4 per game (See Tournament Rules)
U8 (A + B) Squads of 9 players, 6 per game
U9 (A + B) Squads of up to 12 players, 7 per game
U10 (A + B) Squads of up to 15 players, 9 per game - 3 forwards
U11 (A + B) Squads of up to 15 players, 9 or 12 per game – 3 or 5 forwards depending on whether the old or new rules are played. (See Tournament Rules)
U12 (A + B) Squads of up to 18 players, 13 per game - 6 forwards
Please note the maximum squad sizes applicable this season.

DISCIPLINE
We encourage all coaches and spectators to show support and encourage all those playing the game we love and so any discipline complaints regarding coaches, players, spectators or referees received by the tournament organisers, will be treated with the utmost seriousness. The organisers reserve the right to discipline any participating club as considered appropriate for the circumstances. Please remind your coaches, players and spectators of the Codes of Conduct and their requirements

TOURNAMENT RULES
In accordance with the ‘New Rules of Play’ regarding very young players, all U7 players have to be at least six years old on 1 September 2013.

Please note the ‘New Rules of Play’ will apply to U7s to U10s age groups. U12s will play under Continuum rules. For U11s where a club only play the ‘New Rules of Play’ then these will be followed in all the games they play but where two teams are happy to play the Old Rules, then these will be followed. The clubs playing the ‘New Rules of Play’ will have preference.

For the U7s we are keen for as many players as possible to participate in our tournament as possible and so have adapted our tournament format to achieve this in line with the new rules. Each U7 squad should have a minimum of eight players and maximum of 12. This means that 16 players would be involved in the match not eight. The scores from both games will be combined to arrive at an overall result. For example:-

An U7 A match between Tring and Beaconsfield might play out as follows:-
Tring U7 A (1) vs Beaconsfield U7 A (1) [4 players vs 4 player] Result: 3 – 1
Tring U7 A (1) vs Beaconsfield U7 A (1) [4 players vs 4 player] Result: 1 - 4
Combined Result Result: 4 – 5
Beaconsfield would be awarded 3 points for the win

The combined result of each match will be used to determine the league table, as per our Tournament rules.

The format will be a Round Robin for each age group, every team having a guaranteed 5 games and the results put into a league table. There will be 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. U7 will be 4 mins each half; U8 games will be 5 mins each half; U9 & U10, 6 mins each half; and U11 & U12, 7 mins each half. All U7’s will receive a medal. Winners and runners up in both A and B Tournaments, in all other age groups, will receive medals. In the event of a points tie between teams, positions will be based on the following priority list: The total points difference; Points for; Tries scored; Tries for & against; Share trophy.
Referees will be briefed before the Tournament begins in order to emphasise the important areas of the rules, to ensure consistency and to deal with any queries (see note for referees).
Presentations will take place as the age groups finish their final matches beginning at 1:45pm at the Central Control Tent. The intention is to stagger the presentations and avoid the crush of previous years.
Please ensure you bring regulation (correct length) tags and that all squad members have the correct studs (RFU rugby standard).

REGISTRATION
Registration will be between 9:30-10:00am at each Age Group Control Tent. All players must be registered with their clubs and eligible to play in the age group in which they are entered, as detailed in the Continuum. Any Team fielding over-age players will be disqualified. Any player named in an A squad may not participate in the B Tournament. In the spirit of fair play, please ensure that B team players are just that. Proof of age may be required at any time by Referees or Organisers.
A registration form is available below for downloading and distributing to your age group squads before the Tournament. Please note all sections must be completed.

REFEREES
Please confirm your registration at the relevant Age Group Control Tent then attend the briefing at 10:00am which will be held by the Amersham & Chiltern Head Coach for each agre group at the appropriate Age Group Control Tent.

Every squad, with the exception of U12s, is required to bring a referee, if you anticipate any problem with regards to making your refereeing duties please contact the organisers ahead of the day.

Please contact Janneke Skilling (email jannekeskilling@yahoo.co.uk) by FRIDAY 3rd OCTOBER with NOMINATED REFEREES and any problems concerning age group representation.

FIRST AIDERS
All teams are expected to have a first aider with them for minor knocks and bruises. Healthy Balance will provide Immediate Care Practitioner service should this be required.

Please contact Janneke Skilling (email jannekeskilling@yahoo.co.uk) by FRIDAY 3rd OCTOBER with NOMINATED FIRST AIDERS and any problems concerning age group representation.

MATCH TIMINGS
The Playing Order Schedules for each age group will be advertised at the relevant Age Group Control Tent and in the programme. The Schedule will be strictly adhered to. Teams should be ready 5 mins before their scheduled kick off. The penalty for any team not ready at kick off time will forfeit the match with a notional score of 6-0 awarded to the other side.

In the event of any rescheduling, it will be the responsibility of each individual attending club’s Age Group Coaches to keep an eye on the timings. Scores will be displayed only at Age Group Control Tents. We will announce the winners and runners up for award recipients at presentation time.

PLAYING RULES
In line with the rest of Buckinghamshire, Amersham & Chiltern RFC will be adopting the RFU’s new Age Grade Regulations. However, for this tournament, U12s will play under Continuum rules whilst the U7s and U10s will play to the ‘New Rules of Play’.

For the U11s, and as detailed earlier, where a club only play the ‘New Rules of play’, then these will be followed in all the games they play but where two teams are happy to play the Old Rules, then these will be followed.

Fly kicking, hand offs and high tackles are not permitted at any age group.

Please note there will be no conversions at U11 or U12 levels.

Any player sent off will be barred from the rest of the Tournament.

It is essential that you make sure that all players are wearing RFU recognised studs and have gum shields if playing contact. Referees will be asked to check these before every match, underlining the need to be ready to play 5 mins before the allotted time.

CAR PARKING
There is adequate parking available in the club grounds, but we do suggest you arrive early to avoid disappointment in the event of a very high spectator turnout. Please follow the directions of the marshals. Some of the neighbouring roads, particularly Weedon Lane (leading to the club) will be coned as courtesy to the residents. Please help us to retain our good relationships with our neighbours. Weedon Lane turns into Woodfield Park and we ask visitors to use this loop as a one-way system to get back onto Copperkins Lane and exit the ground.

In the event of heavy rain, please check our website www.chilternrugby.com for details. If the organisers consider that parking on the Club’s fields would not be an option, alternative parking arrangements will apply, utilising the public car park in the centre of Amersham 15 mins walk away. If it is necessary to invoke these arrangements, maps will also be distributed by the car park marshals at the club entrance, and the start time of the tournament may be delayed slightly.

Please note that no responsibility can be taken by Amersham and Chiltern Rugby Club or its officers for any damage, howsoever caused, for cars parked on Amersham and Chiltern Rugby Club grounds or surrounding area.

PHOTOGRAPHS
DE Photo will be onsite to provide their usual excellent services including access to the full gallery online after the event. Please note by entering children in this festival parents/guardians implicitly agree and accept that:-
• Photographic images may be taken of their son/daughter during the normal course of rugby activity, by accredited photographers and/or other parents/guardians
• The images may be used in the local press or in club publicity, in line with the RFU guidelines for the welfare of young people in Rugby Union.

DOGS
In the interest of safety for all players we have a NO DOGS policy at our grounds (pitches and all other areas) and this will be fully supported by the organisers. Please ensure the players and their parents are aware of this Policy.

REFRESHMENTS
There will be refreshments available from 9am on the morning of the tournament. The bar is open for sales of alcohol from 12 noon.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club and its officers will not accept any responsibility for the loss of valuables or personal items left anywhere in the club grounds. Please do not leave any clothes of personal belongings in our changing rooms. Please act safely and responsible at all times. Amersham and Chiltern Rugby Club will not accept injury howsoever caused.