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Bendigo YMCA Touch Footy - By Laws

1.            Teams

1.1        Six players per team on the field.

1.2        Mixed Touch Team to consist of a maximum of 4 males and at least 2 females on the field.

1.3        Boys who are in Primary School can play as females in mixed competition.

1.4        For a game to start the team must have 5 players on the field (at least one female).

1.5        Players registered with a team are not permitted to play with any other team.  The offending team (ie: the team playing an unregistered player) will forfeit the match.

1.6        Teams may play with substitute players.  They must be registered for insurance purposes before they take the field.  The ‘substitute player’ will need supply their personal details in the game book to be registered. Once a player takes the field with any one team for the third time they are ineligible to play with another team.

1.7        Teams owing money will not be permitted to take the field – see pay schedule on the website for each competition.

2.            Team Uniforms

2.1        All players must be wearing their team’s nominated uniform.  If a player is filling in they should at least have the same shirt color if you don’t have a spare.  It is at the referee’s discretion to request the whole team to wear bibs if a player is out of uniform.

2.2        Numbers on shirts are compulsory.  Either 1 number on each sleeve (no more than 8 cm high) or 1 number on the back (no more than 16 cm high).  If this is not adhered to it is at the referees discretion to request the whole team to wear bibs.

2.3        If a teams uniform clashes with the referee’s official shirt the team shall be required to wear bibs.

2.4        If two teams have the same color shirts the second named team on the draw shall be required to wear bibs. 

2.5        Shoes must be worn by all players on the field.

2.6        Shoes or boots must have molded soles (no screw in studs allowed).

3.            Starting Times:

3.1        Teams are to have team sheets filled out and presented to the referee before the start of the game. For players to be covered by insurance they must have their full name in the game book.

3.2        If a team is not ready to start playing at the referee’s official time they have 5 minutes to take the field.  The offending team will be penalized 1 try for starting late.  If a team is between 5 and 10 minutes late they will be penalized 5 try’s.  If not on the field 10 minutes after the referee’s official time they will forfeit the game.

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4.            Team Responsibilities for the Competition

4.1        Turn up 5 - 10 minutes prior to starting time.

4.2        Check the Notice Board and Team Website for updated information.

4.3        Register any new or fill in players before they take the field.

4.4        Be dressed in full uniform. 

4.5        Fill out the Team Sheet.  Must include players full name and playing number.  If this is not done correctly it will affect their eligibility for finals and insurance cover.

4.6        Supply your own touch footy for warm up and practice.  Please do not use game balls.  Touch balls are not structurally designed to be kicked.

4.7        Have representatives at team meetings and information sessions.

4.8        Supply referees or trainee referees for the competition.

4.9        Clean up before leaving the field.

4.10    Complete duty team responsibilities when rostered.

4.11    Play in the spirit of the game.

5.            Safety Procedures

5.1        No jewelry, hair combs or sun glasses are to be worn by any player. 

5.2        Fingernails should be cut to a safe length.

5.3        Shoes must be worn by all players (no screw in studs allowed).

5.4        Referees have the right to prevent a player taking the field if they contravene any safety rules.

5.5        Provide your own First Aid equipment.  The club has emergency supplies at the game table.

6.            Insurance:  

6.1  Our Insurance provider is WWSI (World Wide Sports Insurance)

6.2  Insurance is provided to players when their personal details are completed on the Registration Form and handed in.  It is the teams and individual players responsibilities to hand insurance forms in on time and to ensure all information is true and correct. Check the web site for each competitions deadline.

6.3  Registration Tags: Once a team hands in their Registration they will be given Registration Tags for only those players with correct Registration.  The Rego Tag is to be worn on your shoe; it is easy to attach to your laces.  Refs will not allow a player on the field unless they have a Rego Tag.  Players with out Rego Tags will need to follow new / substitute player procedures.  (See section one: Teams).  That is filling in all personal details in the game book and show to the Ref prior to the game.   Please Note: If a player takes the field with a borrowed Rego Tag they are not covered by insurance and the club is not liable.  There is no advantage in lending your Rego Tag.

6.4  Insurance Claims:  If a player is injured at Touch Footy they are eligible to make an insurance claim.  Claim forms are available on line.  Please note you only have 120 days to lodge a claim.  Do not wait until treatment is complete to claim. To be eligible to claim you must have the injury noted in the game book.  It is important to record all injuries in the game book.

6.5  Registration Forms will need to be completed for each competition.  See the home page for details.

7.            Ladder Points

         Win = 3 points             Bye = 3 points             Draw = 2 points                       Loss = 1 point

         Forfeiting Team = 0 points                   Team forfeited against = 3 points

8.            Forfeits

         Please become familiar with what to do when you need to forfeit a game for any reason. This forfeiting policy will be enforced. You will lose points and money for simply not turning up to a scheduled game as it inconveniences a lot of people.

8.1        If the forfeiting team let their opposition, the referees and the competition coordinator know 24 hours in advance, no points will be deducted from them and the opposing team will be awarded winning points.  (Notification for Wednesday night matches must be made prior to 7pm Tuesday night). The offending team will be billed the cost of the ground hire.

8.2         If the forfeiting team, do not let their opposition, referees and competition coordinator know 24 hours in advance, winning points plus one, will be deducted from their points tally and the opposing team will be awarded full winning points.  The offending team will also be billed the cost of the ground hire and referee payments.

8.3        You are responsible for contacting everyone.  If you are unable to contact the referees please contact the ‘Referee Coordinator’

8.4        Refunds:  In the case of a team forfeiting against your team, it is your responsibility to apply in writing for a refund of the pre paid game payments that you have made.  You must clearly mark the ‘forfeiting team’, the date and scheduled game time.  It is at the committee’s discretion to make refunds.  Refunds will only be made at the end of the competition.

9.            Finals

9.1        For players to be eligible to participate in Finals they must be registered to the team eligible for finals and have played a minimum of 3 games in that season.

9.2        Team Sheets will be checked.  Only correctly filled in sheets will be valid.

9.3        If a team has trouble filling a side for finals they may request a permit for substitute players.  The request must be in writing/email to the secretary four days before the final.  The committee will make the decision.

10.        Penalties will be applied to the teams total points when

10.1          The team fails to complete duty team responsibilities. The equivalent to the points awarded for a win will be deducted.

10.2          Teams failing to supply referees for a competition will be pay the ‘referee levy’.  This will be the cost of paying a Ref for the duration of the season.

10.3          Teams forfeiting will have either a monetary and or a point’s penalty.  See section 7 “Forfeit Procedure”

11.        Payment Procedures

11.1     Under no circumstance will a player or team owing money to the association be eligible to take the field.

11.2     Individual players coming from a team owing money to the association will not be permitted to play for any other team in the competition without first requesting a permit from the committee.

11.3     Each team is responsible for depositing their game fees into the Bendigo Bank by the due date. See Fees on the web page. Request a pay in book from the Treasurer, pay online or use a bank deposit slip.  Bank details are on the web page - Fees.

11.4     It is ESSENTIAL that you use your teams draw number or name in the REFERENCE box on the deposit slip. This is imperative for us to track your payment.  Please keep your deposit receipt as proof of payment until the end of the current competition.

11.5     After 5pm on the day of payments the treasure will audit teams.  Any teams owing money will be automatically forfeiting their games until they are financial.  The Treasure will ring your team and you will be required to follow the forfeit procedures (See section 7).

11.6     If you wish to make a late payment and continue the game you must bring your deposit book or bank receipt to prove payment to the Head Referee.  If this is not produced you will forfeit the game and not be permitted to play.  Forfeit penalties will apply.

12.        The teams Refereeing Responsibilities

12.1    All teams are to provide at least one referee per competition. Two referees are preferred as your team will have one Ref commitment each week.

12.2    New / inexperienced Referees will be coached and assigned with an experienced Ref. for training and guidance.

12.3    Referees will be expected to attend Ref training/information sessions to be badged

12.4    Teams not supplying a Referee will be required to pay a “Ref Levy”.  This will be the cost of paying a Ref for the duration of the season.

12.5    If the teams ref does not fill their ref duties the team may be asked to supply a more reliable ref and / or pay the ref levy.

12.6    Referee duties and responsibilities are provided on the web page - Draw & Referees

13.        Duty Team Responsibilities

13.1 Check the draw for the dates that you are required to do duty. On the draw one team is named in Italics for each time slot. You will need at least four people from your team to fulfill the duty roster requirement. Failure to fulfill Duty team responsibilities will result in penalties. The equivalent to the points awarded for a win will be deducted from your team. See penalties, Section 9)

13.2    The duty team will be asked to assist with the following tasks:

Ø      Report to the desk and the referees will let you know where they need help.

Ø      The First Aid box is to be at the Game Table.  It is the Duty teams responsibility to keep an eye on it.  If a player uses any supplies please record the use and ensure that the player fills in an injury report.  This MUST be done, especially if insurance is required at a later date.

Ø      If only one referee at the game be the side line ref and score the try.

Ø      If only one referee at the game check that both teams have filled the team sheet out correctly. This means full names and number provided. Check players have Rego Tags. Bring any discrepancies to the attention of the referee.

Ø      One person to be responsible for the start and finish siren.  Regardless of the teams readiness all games must start on time. Assist with time keeping if required by the Head Referee.

Ø      (People who already fulfill refereeing duties should not be asked by their team to do this as well.)

Ø      Thank you for your assistance in making the competition enjoyable for all.

14.        First Aid

14.1          It is the teams responsibility to provide their own basic First Aid.

14.2          Emergency First Aid is available at the Game table.  An injury report must be completed.

15.        Team Captains Responsibilities

15.1    Have Sports Cover Insurance Forms filled out and handed in on time.

15.2    Fill in Bendigo YMCA entry/registrations form and hand in on time.

15.3    Make all payments on time; otherwise teams will not be permitted to take the field.

15.4    Ensure that the team organisers contact information is correct.  Address, email and after hours number to be provided so that they can be contacted.  If any of this information cannot be published and made available to other teams please advise the committee.

15.5    Get entry forms for the next season on line.

15.6    Most of our communication is done online.  If your team is unable to get information this way please make sure you request the information from the committee or competition coordinator.

16.        New Players

16.1    A new or substitute player must before taking the field have their name, address, date of birth and telephone number recorded on the official game book to be covered by insurance.

16.2    Referees will endeavor to help new players understand the rules by the way of explanation during the general play of the game. But it must not interfere with the flow of the game.

16.3    It is up to the team to inform players of rules.

16.4    A new player will not learn how to play if the rules are bent for them. It is at the referees discretion to provide new players with one or two leniencies. 

16.5    In Division 1 players will be expected to play by the rules. 

17.        Basic Rules and Player Etiquette

17.1    The “Sprit of the Game” covers all situations in the game of Touch.  The tradition of Touch is one of Honesty and good sportsmanship.  Courtesy to other players and officials is a requirement.

17.2    A touch is a gentle contact made on any part of the body including clothing and hair. The arm must be bent when making a touch.

17.3    Under no circumstances will the referee allow unduly, either verbal or physical play to continue.  Players must be sent off.  This will be recorded on the game sheet.

17.4    The Ref is to be addressed as Sir.  Any comments or concerns need to be addressed via the captain and preferably at half time.

17.5    Referees will endeavor to help players to understand the rules during the general game play. But they must not let it affect the flow or outcome of the game.

17.6    In a game situation players should not dispute or question referee decisions. (Captains may speak to a referee to clarify an issue, but may not dispute a decision.)

17.7    Player Sanctions:  The referee may choose to use any of the following sanctions

17.7.1    A verbal warning

17.7.2    Award a penalty tap.

17.7.3    Captains Substitution – the ref suggests to the captain to sub a player to diffuse a situation.

17.7.4    Period of exclusion time from the game.  Usually 5 minutes.  Must be reported in the game book.

17.7.5    Sending Off which is an automatic 2 week suspension and tribunal which will determine any additional suspension time. Must be reported in the game book.

This is a player based competition so your feedback and contribution is vital to the smooth running and longevity of Touch.  If any of these By Laws need clarification or you think we have omitted something please let the committee know.  Play in the Spirit of the Game and enjoy your Touch.