RRRC Competitions Committee Notes – 12/9/24

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The Red River Competitions Committee releases their monthly committee call minutes and notes. View all of the archived RRRC minutes or read on for the most recent:

  1. Roll Call
    1. McPhail 
    2. Norton
    3. Walker
    4. Curl
    5. Kurylas
    6. Robison
    7. Dale
    8. Davies
    9. Fil
    10. Wegman
    11. Hanlon
    12. Hughes
    13. Regrets
      1. Hunter
      2. Hanson
  2. Compliance
    1. Club Compliance and Registration Numbers – Texas Rugby Union
    2. Notable takeaways from the above link
      1. All listed clubs are now in good standing (Paid and have >15 registered players).
      2. Several have less than 23+.  These teams need to be sure to communicate early and often with opposition and TRRA.
      3. RRRC YTD registrations are still tracking ahead of the prior cycle but the margin has shrunk.  Currently we have 1737; +229 from Dec 2023.
      4. RX current number has the TRU at 1778; +270 from Dec 2023.
    3. Transfers into Texas from other GUs
      1. To keep clubs from inadvertently playing ineligible players they should request waivers for any transfers into Texas.  
      2. We always recommend that players first submit Waiver requests to USA Rugby Eligibility.
      3. This ensures that there are no mistakes in the paperwork process and ensures that Clubs are staying in line with required documentation from RRRC league play and through the National Championship Series.
      4. The waiver form is available on this page: https://usaclub.rugby/resources/ 
  3. RX items
    1. Club RX Admins need to ensure that “name withheld” restrictions are removed.  Utilize the contact report to see if it is hidden or not.
    2. Hansel report: https://sites.google.com/texasrugbyunion.com/truclubs/match-compliance?authuser=0
    3. NOTE:  Post meeting, via RRRC email, the following update was rec’d from Hansel regarding compliance:
      1. “There were quite a few issues in terms of Match Compliance form this last weekend. I am ccing RRRC reps for the division when reaching out to clubs so you should be aware. Majority from Friday were roster submission, majority from today were no movements.”
        1. CC Crabs MD3 has three compliance violations.
        2. Galveston MD3 has two violations. 
        3. HARC MD4 has two violations. 
    4. Here is the current info on fine policy / procedures: https://texasrugbyunion.com/administration/operating-policies/#Competition_Management_System_CMS
    5. Travis – So, it looks like they should all receive written warnings with notification that future compliance issues may result in fines, etc as indicated in the policy…and include the link to the policy. 
    6. Hansel – There was also discussion of removing competition points for compliance issues. Didn’t look hard in the minutes, but pretty sure that is there in September or October. 
    7. David – The “Points Deduction” policy above needs to be reviewed / verified.  
    8. CAD Summary:  Dec 1-8th there have been 15 changes. Down from Nov but still a high amount.
    9. Rob to have a reminder / update for the website on Admin User access.  Will send a reminder and best practices to Wendy for posting.
  4. 15s Items
    1. D4 – Space City has stated that they are having number issues.  They will seek to play if possible but will likely partner up with other local clubs so that their members can still play D4 while they continue recruiting efforts.
  5. Forfeits
    1. Nov-16th – McAllen vs Old Skool.  Played forfeit by McAllen. 
    2. Dec-7th – Shreveport vs Blacks.  Shreveport Non-played.  Large portion had military drills.
      1. Fines and points deduction based on RRRC policy are recommended; TRU Board will review on their next call.
      2. The TRRA was not notified.  Clubs should contact TRRA, RRRC Rep and Match Officials.
      3. Sat Feb-1st vs Arrows needs to be reviewed and possibly rescheduled?
    3. Dec-7th – Galveston vs Huns.  Galveston forfeit. Discussion on action.
      1. Fines and points deduction based on RRRC policy should be applied; TRU Board will review on their next call.
      2. Huns have sent a proposed figure to GRFC for payment.  The referee was reassigned; albeit late.
  6. 7s Items
    1. Arnal, Fil and David are having discussions on potential revamping of structure.  
    2. On going discussions with Jeff Kolberg regarding the Choctaw event.
    3. Need to talk with Ross / TRRA about next summer’s schedule and staffing.
  7. Championships 
    1. Dallas RFC was selected as the host.  McPhail has asked Jeff and Wendy to work with the Host committee on the day of event details, logistics, etc. and finalizing a budget.
    2. The Gulf Coast location is still pending.  As of today, TN and FL are likely hosts.
    3. Red River will be playing Miami Tridents as the only two D1 representatives from the region.
    4. Nationals – too soon to confirm.
  8. Referees
    1. Four new law changes coming into effect Jan-1st: https://usa.rugby/news/world-rugby-law-changes-set-to-implement-on-january-1-20241210
    2. USA Rugby to send a press release; should be sent by the end of the week.
      1. World Rugby Global Law Trials – 1 January 2025).
        1. World Rugby law changes are effective January 1, 25 for all levels
  9. New Business.  
    1. New team inquiry from Bryan / College Station area.  Social status at the moment.  Full application pending.  Likely start off with Sevens only.  
    2. Request has been put forward to have a look at the weekly Match Compliance policy.  Specifically, moving up the Team / Ref contact date from Wednesday to an earlier date (Monday?).  Would like to get a volunteer or two to examine the current process for possible improvement and suggestions for change.  Recommend including Hansel and John McAuliffe (DRFC) to the working committee.
      1. Travis & John K would like to work with the group.  
    3. Premiership Conf (D1 M/W) call update – Women’s league getting ready to kick off.  Some minor changes in procedures.  
    4. Women’s leagues are kicking off this weekend and overall numbers have been increasing.  
    5. Mary Graham – heavy rains later in the day on Saturday, but an overall good experience/matches. Midwest Green won the Cup Final, TRU second and Capital won the Plate Final.
  10. Meeting Adjournment 8:58 PM
    1. Motion: KC / Norton