Severe Weather Policy

  • The full USAR guidelines for ‘Match Played’ & Weather Cancellation (link) will be enacted unless otherwise noted.
  • Severe weather includes lightning and hail (link). Rain would not be included in this unless the field owner withdraws field usage, or the field conditions are ruled unsafe by the referee or team captain(s).
  • Assumptions:
    • The field will be available for a 3.5-hour window for each match from the time of the scheduled kickoff.
    • The field and weather conditions were acceptable to both teams at the first half kickoff.
    • The field remains in safe condition after a weather delay. All parties (teams and referee) must agree that the field is playable prior to a restart; if not, the game will be suspended and will be adjudicated as described in Disputes below.
  • The 80-minute match must be fully completed within the 3.5-hour window. The final whistle must either be before the 3.5-hour window concludes or coincide with the end of the match.
    • The match may go beyond the 3.5-hour window, but that must be by agreement of all parties.
  • Teams may agree to suspend the match before the 3.5-hour window and use the USAR guidelines for game completion determination.
  • If the match cannot be completed, the USAR guidelines (linked above) will come into effect for determination of match completion or a later restart date (dependent on time in the match).
  • In the rare event that overtime is needed in a single-game playoff match and the 3.5-hour window has expired, play the match out if possible. If that option is not viable, the match will be suspended and will be handled under Disputes (below). [Overtime procedures for playoff matches can be found at https://rugby.org/competition-policy-for-15s/#ot15s]
  • Disputes: The Competitions Coordinator and Committee will handle all disputes that may arise. All parties must provide narratives, which should include video and/or photos.