Match Day Communication Policy

Clubs are required to communicate in the following manner regarding match day events and logistics:

• The host/ home club will initiate an email to all involved parties not later than the Tuesday preceding the match. 
  • All parties are defined as all referees appointed and all match secretaries, or at least one other club representative.
• The pitch address and timetable will be provided regarding the match location and kick off time.
• If multiple clubs are hosting matches at the same pitch as separate events, they are each responsible for their own communications.
• Clubs hosting multiple matches at a single location for multiple sides or both men’s & women’s sides should incorporate all match coordination into a single communication.
• Notification of changes to the match day events can be provided by either club, although the host club holds responsibility for ensuring referees are informed.
• A referee society has the right to fine a hosting or visiting club for failure to communicate in a timely manner.

Match Day Administration Policy

The following procedures should be followed on game day and/or in the case of a citing:

• Both coaches should review the assigned team areas at least 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
• If both coaches cannot agree to a suitable resolution, the respective coaches, must notify the referee before kickoff.
• Coaches can NOT agree to waive the stated policy requirements by mutual consent.
• Primary reporting of the Field Barrier Policy shall continue to be made via Referee Match Reports.
• The MCR Administrator and Division Commissioners will review all match reports and notify the respective clubs within 48 hours or as is reasonable.
• Appeals shall be submitted to the Midwest Disciplinary Chair within 48 hours of notification or as is reasonable.

Match Cancellation Policy

Cancelled matches are frequently determined well in advance of the scheduled match date and should be rescheduled in a timely fashion. If a field cancellation occurs for any reason within 24 hours of the originally scheduled match and another suitable and reasonable field within 30 miles cannot be located, the weather rescheduling policy should be followed. Otherwise, if the original field was cancelled (more than 24 hours in advance), the home team shall make any/all efforts to secure a suitable and reasonable field for the same date no further than 30 miles in additional travel distance from the original venue for the away team.

If the home team cannot secure a field as stated above, the teams will negotiate for a make-up date during the Competitive Season within the vicinity of the original home team. If a reschedule decision cannot be reached by the two teams prior to 5:00 pm on the date of the originally scheduled match, the match maybe rescheduled by the MCR.

If either team requests a match to be cancelled for any other reason, the teams will negotiate for a make-up date as stated above. The team requesting the cancellation risks forfeiting the match if a reasonable reschedule date cannot be determined.

Match Played & Weather Cancellation Policies

All senior club matches sanctioned by the USA Rugby National Competitions Committee or USA Rugby Performance Game Board shall adhere to the following weather cancellation policy: Weather Cancellation Procedures

Severe Weather Policy

The MCR follows USA Rugby guidelines found here: Severe Weather and Lightning Policy

Rescheduling Policy

The MCR provides a league schedule to all clubs in good standing. By agreeing to be a part of a specific division, it is understood that a club will fulfill the obligation of playing the entire league schedule. If a match cannot be played within the season due to weather cancellations and an inability to reschedule the match within the league season, both clubs have the option of mutually agreeing to a 0-0 tie score. This is not considered a forfeit for either side.

A club can request that a match be rescheduled, and the other club can agree to do so, and the match may be rescheduled. The updated information must be captured in CMS and reported to the appropriate MCR Coordinator and Referee Society immediately.

If a club requests a match to be rescheduled and the opponent does not agree then an MCR League Coordinator will be called upon to mediate the rescheduling attempt. In this mediation only valid reasons will be supported for rescheduling requests. Valid reasons are “weather” and “field cancellations.” Non valid reasons are “too many injuries,” or “not enough to field a full side.” Validity of reasons will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Once a match is rescheduled, weather may require that the match not be played, but due to the lack of available weekends within the season schedule, it may not be possible for a third attempt to schedule the match. Therefore, a rescheduled match (with a valid reason) that is cancelled may be converted to a 0-0 tie score. A rescheduled match (with no valid reason) will be forfeited by the team that initiated the request to reschedule the match.