REGULATIONS ON UNCONTESTED SCRUMS

League regulations. (Three replacements allowed in Divisional and County leagues, but see below for matches involving CI clubs).

If a team is unable to continue with contested scrums the game is deemed to be abandoned  (although normally the game is concluded with uncontested scrums), at that point  (exception temporary suspension for sin bin or blood bin). If the team have not been able to provide one replacement for the front row they are deemed to have lost the game. If they have already provided one front row replacement then the game must be replayed unless the League Secretary, after consultation with the Organising Committee, decides the result should stand.

The time at which the abandonment takes place is not relevant (i.e. 60 mins does not apply).

The home club should inform the results service of the circumstances of the abandonment when telephoning the result. Both teams must tick the box on the match card and also inform the League Secretary without delay.

The referee should note on the match card the time the game went uncontested and the score at that time. Scores after the deemed abandonment are disregarded.

Channel  Islands clubs. League matches, in the CI or on mainland. Four replacements are allowed, and there must be five players in the squad able to play in the front row.

If on any occasion a team cannot provide a front row replacement the game will continue with uncontested scrums and the result shall stand.

RFU KO competitions (Intermediate and Junior), Gales Hampshire KO games.  (Four replacements allowed, seven in semi and final)

If on the first or second occasion a front row player needs to be replaced and his team cannot provide one the game is continued with uncontested scrums. The offending side will not be allowed to replace the injured player(s) and the result will stand. If on the third occasion a front row player is needed and cannot be provided the game will continue with uncontested scrums and the result will stand.

IN ALL CASES OF GAMES COMPLETED WITH UNCONTESTED SCRUMS THE RESULT WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE.

by John Sneezum, Competitions Sub-Committee HRFU   July 2006