Classification of Players

Where teams are particiapting in play-offs, or players from a higher grade (whose season has finished) wish to play in a lower grade - these players may need to be reclassified.

Clubs and team management should be aware of the Club Competition By-Laws aroun d the classifiaction of players as follows:

CLASSIFICATION OF TEAMS AND PLAYERS

19. The MRU shall have the power to classify the various clubs' teams and players for such contests in accordance with the MRU 2009 Competition document. The criteria below must be met:
• Supporting teams, including an age group team
• Coaches working towards NZRU level 2 qualifications
• Age group development
• Plan for the support of secondary school players leaving school
20. Before being considered for Senior 1 status a Club shall have maintained teams at full strength for the previous season in three grades of the Union's competitions below Senior 1 grade, one of which is an age grade side. Any Club of Senior 1 status which fails to maintain a Senior 2/Senior Reserve side and an age grade side may be required to forfeit such status. (A Presidents or Women's team does not constitute "a team" under this rule).
The MRU has the right to determine the status of any team entering a competition under its jurisdiction.
21. For the purpose of classification, a player shall be classified in the most senior grade in which that player has started in more than three games, or come off the bench in more than six games, during the current season or the preceding season. In order of grades, seniority shall be Senior 1, Senior 2, Senior Reserve A, Senior Reserve B, Colts Premier, Colts A, and Under 19 grades.

Proviso: During the season or in between seasons, a player may be reclassified to a lower grade by application to the MRU. Written applications for such reclassification must be lodged with the MRU at least forty-eight hours before the proposed action.

22. On application to the Union, dispensation may be sought to classify players in an age grade side if they are over the required age on 1st January of that season. In general terms, teams may be granted up to 3 reclassifications although this may be increased at the discretion of the Union. Such reclassifications should be applied for to the MRU no later than 48hrs prior to an overage player taking the field in a competition fixture. The Union will consider any applications made after this time with regards to newly registered players.