MidSouth Rugby Referee Society MSRRS.org

Clarification on Allowable Cleat Patterns

USA RUGBY
Laws Committee
April 2006

Clarification on Allowable Cleat Patterns-

It has recently become apparent there is some confusion in the US on the application of Law 4.4 (i):
"A player must not wear a single stud at the toe of the boot."

I have heard reports of referees requiring that players cut a toe stud off molded rubber soles. This is not a requirement in Law. In fact, I have seen the results of this and they can be actually dangerous after a sloppy trim job, with sharp edges created when cutting off the stud.  The prohibition on single studs is meant for boots with replaceable studs.   Soccer style cleats with molded bottoms are covered in Law 4.3 (b), as are many boots intended for other sports such as football:
     "Molded rubber multi-studded soles are acceptable provide they have no sharp edges or ridges."

In a similar vein, the boot style known as “blades” were accepted provisionally in 2001. That has not changed.

That said, the referee on the day always has the right and the obligation to decide that a particular shoe is unacceptable. Many shoes that are just fine when new can, after use and wear, become dangerous. That is why there is an equipment inspection before every game.

Peter Watson
Chair, Laws Committee

Open Letter re: Player Misconduct

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has come to my attention that Red Cards and referee abuse have been an issue of late. Moving into the playoff season I would like to sternly remind the players and coaches that referee abuse will NOT be tolerated. This also extends to abuse directed at the event organizers and assistant referees as well.

Officials have been instructed to not tolerate abuse directed at them and to report it to the proper authorities at the event. Should a referee choose to remove a coach, player or spectator, they should leave with no protest, or the police will be called, and they can leave with them. If a player is receives a red card at a weekend event on a Saturday. They cannot participate in any more matches that weekend at that event. The appeals process does not allow for an at the event appeal. If a player earns a red card, that means the referee feels that player committed an act or acts in the very worst of sportsmanship and in serious violation of Law 10 which governs player misconduct. A process for appeal is in place, but not at the event.

We wish all players, coaches and teams success as we move forward into the playoff season, and remind everyone to take responsibility for their actions and be aware of the consequences for actions contrary to fair safe play and sportsmanship.

- Steve Parrill
R&L Training Committee Chairman; USA Rugby
Southern Rugby Referee Association (SRRA) Chairman
IRB Trainer; International Rugby Board; Dublin, Ireland