Golden Oldies Rugby Ethos and Rules

Golden Oldies Rugby Ethos and Rules

Golden Oldies Rugby Old Boys derbies are primarily the means of bringing together old boys from different schools, 35 years of age in year and older to share their common interest in rugby & their passion for their alma mater.

These derbies provide opportunities for Old Boys from different schools and their spouses or partners to travel, create new friendships and renew old acquaintances.

For anyone over 35
Golden Oldies Festivals are open for old boys 35 years of age and older. The criteria is the school you matriculated at the school of the Old Boys team you represent.Referees
Referees are recruited in conjunction with the local provincial referee governing body.

Playing Laws
The World Rugby Laws of rugby apply to Golden Oldies, but are modified within each grade.

The Golden Oldies Laws embody and reflect the spirit of Golden Oldies Rugby. The aim of the laws and the variations is to provide the best environment in which player enjoyment is maximised and the possibility of injury is minimised.

Prior to a match the team captains and the referee will remind all players of the manner in which the game is to be played and the nature of the laws to be applied.

Sportsmanship and camaraderie are imperative in all Golden Oldies matches.

Golden Oldies match length – Two 20 minute halves, 40min in total game time.

Unlimited substitutions, there’s no limit on how many times same player may be substituted and return, each team may not exceed 15 players on the field.

Squad size is limited to 25 players, 10 reserves and 15 playing at all times.

Law Variations
Scrums
All scrums are uncontested. 8 & 9 may not play from scrum and must first pass.

Line-outs
There are no quick line-outs.
A line-out must consist of 8 players.
Full World Rugby Laws apply.

Kicking
A player may only kick when inside their own team’s 22 meter area.

Tap Kicks
There are to be no quick tap kicks, but players from the offending side must quickly retire 10 meters from the mark.

Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions permitted at any time and a player substituted earlier may return to the game at any time.

Tackles, rucks and mauls
Full World Rugby Laws apply.

Generally, the normal Laws or Rules of the Game apply, with minor alterations, there’s unlimited substitutions, shorter playing times, over vigorous play is discouraged and at all times.