There are two different types of forfeits recognized by the Midwest Competition Region. Forfeits are recorded within CMS. Match Forfeits and Administrative Forfeits are defined below.

The MCR handles the competitive aspect as well as rescheduling responsibilities. The MCR also reviews forfeitures of matches and will assess if the below fines should be applied.

If a team believes they will not be able to fulfill a match they are required to notify the MCR Admin, assigned referees, and their opponents by Wednesday at 5:00 pm. If notifications are not sent or don’t include the right individuals than the below fees can be assessed:

Non-played Forfeits

• 1st offense: referee costs and reimbursement of related club expenses up to $500
• 2nd offense: referee costs and reimbursement of related club expenses up to $500 and the infraction will be sent to Midwest Disciplinary Committee or MCR Competitions Committee as appropriate.

Played Forfeits

For a match to be considered a Played Forfeit it must include at least ten (10) players per side and last at least sixty (60) minutes. This could include guest players from other teams, but they must be of age for senior rugby and CIPP registered.

The above notification policy is required for a played forfeit as well, notifications must be sent by Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Upon notification of a played forfeit, referees will be provided as available:

• 1st offense is written warning;
• 2nd offense Club President must be present at next MCR Competitions Committee call to explain how his or her team will remedy situation;
• Further infractions shall be sent to Midwest Disciplinary Committee or MCR Competitions Committee as appropriate. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements or refusal to provide the required information is grounds for sanctions for the offending club.

Administrative Forfeits

Administrative Forfeits are imposed on a club due to a policy violation, either CIPP or CMS violations. Administrative Forfeits are not subject to relegation or barring a team from playoffs. Admin Forfeits are recorded as a 28-0 (4 converted tries) win for the non-offending side and will receive the full five (5) points in CMS. The offending side will receive a negative league point (-1) penalty in CMS.

Referee Abandonment of Match

1. The referee will commence the match only if all safety guidelines are met and may abandon the match if any of these guidelines are breached.
2. The referee will abandon the match if any match official (referee, touch judge or other assigned official) is threatened verbally or physically.
3. Before abandoning a match, the referee will meet with the team captains to explain why this action is being taken.

A team is responsible for the abandonment and will be liable for all match fees.