Promotion and Relegation in Red River Rugby Conference Club Divisions – XVs only
Updated June 2023
The following regulations apply to Senior Club teams in good standing with the Red River Rugby Conference (RRRC) which compete in USA Rugby Divisions 1, 2, and 3.
A club’s Divisional team shall be automatically promoted to the next highest available division if, at the end of the current season:
- The team won the USA Rugby National Championship in their current division OR
- The team won the RRRC title in their current division for the second consecutive year OR
- The team won the RRRC title in their current division AND had an average point differential of +28 points/game or greater in league games within that division, for the second consecutive season.
A club’s Divisional team shall be automatically relegated to the next lowest available division if, at
- The team finished last in their current division for the second consecutive year OR
- The team finished with an average point differential of 28 points/game or worse in league games within that division for the second consecutive year OR
- The team finished last in their current division AND had an average point differential of 28 points/game or worse in league games within that division for the second consecutive year OR
- The team forfeited more than one league match in their current division due to insufficient numbers or refusal to play scheduled matches.
Exception: promotion or relegation is not automatic if the result is two teams from the same club competing in the same division. If the relegation of a club’s first side team results in that team being in the same division as their second side team, their second side team may also be relegated.
It is possible for more than one team in a given division to be promoted or relegated within the same year. Club teams that are not in good standing, e.g. failure to comply with USA Rugby registration requirements, may be relegated even if none of the above criteria apply.
Appeals and voluntary promotion/relegation
Initial Alignment
After each season, the Red River Competitions Committee will release initial division placements. Clubs are provided with an opportunity to challenge these placements or request voluntary transitions. A club has the option to dispute automatic promotions or demotions, or alternatively, request voluntary advancement or descent to a different division. The RRRC Competition Committee, when evaluating an appeal, may consider various factors including but not limited to, the number of forfeits, margin of victory/defeat, club’s geographical location and size, coaching staff, anticipated player turnover, past performance, and whether the club has teams in other divisions. Clubs should submit their appeals via email to admin@texasrugbyunion.com AND to their respective RRRC Representative. If the committee deems it necessary to obtain additional information, the club might be invited to participate in the monthly committee call.
Procedure to Appeal Initial Division Placement
Clubs have the right to contest the Competitions Committee’s decisions to the TRU. Please note that this is the final appeal stage and the TRU’s decision will be final. Clubs wishing to dispute the Competitions Committee’s ruling should direct their appeals via email to admin@texasrugbyunion.com AND to their respective TRU Board Representative.
Procedure and Notice
The RRRC will notify all clubs of the preliminary divisional alignments for the upcoming competitive cycle no later than 21 days after the completion of the USA Rugby Club Championships.
Each club shall then have 21 days in which to submit a written appeal regarding the division in which any of its teams have been placed.
The RRRC Competitions Committee will rule on any appeals and notify all clubs of the final divisional alignment no later than August 1st.