EXPLANATION

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is focused on creating a safer game that participants love to play. Three game innovations called Experimental Domestic Safety Law Variations (EDSLVs), will again be implemented in the 2024 community rugby season. They are aimed at improving player safety and the flow of the game. These game innovations were developed by NZR through a series of successful trials in Provincial Union competitions throughout the 2022/23 season, following an in-depth assessment that took into consideration game footage, key metrics and participant feedback. 

Note they apply to all Senior level rugby down other than EDSLV #3 that won't apply in Premier designated grades Men, Women Premier 1, Colts Division 1 in Metro, Central and Southern Region​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

EXPLANATION

​​​​​​​All Unions run a judicial process that deals with instances of players being Ordered off (Red Card/Yellow Card), referee abuse reports, citing complaints and misconduct complaints and they are all managed through the judicial system. 

In 2024 the Duty Judicial Officer alternate process will be implated across all Otago competitions. 

EXPLANATION

Player welfare is extremely important. If you suspect a player has suffered a head knock, they should be monitored closely within the first 24 hours and visit a doctor as soon as possible. Players and clubs involved in the CCMP pilot will have trained and supported medical staff that guide players through the process. 

NZR webform:

• This form is available here: Concussion Notification Form | NZ Rugby
• May be completed by anyone who is associated with the team (e.g., player, coach, manager, parent, teacher, physio, medic, partner/spouse).
• Does not require teams to loaded into a system.
• For quality control purposes, NZR will contact the person who submits the webform.

The Concussion Clinic is again running from the Recovery Room; 03-477-0996, Mondays, 5.30pm-7pm, 55 Crawford St, Dunedin.

EXPLANATION

It is important that very serious injuries are reported immediately to Otago Rugby. It is the role of the coach or manager to ensure this happens. Serious injuries are those that have the potential to result in any type of permanent disablement to players. The NZ Rugby Foundation provides support to players/coaches and all volunteers connected with rugby who suffer a very serious injury. All persons must have a current registration with their club or school.  

For contact within Otago please contact; who will coordinate our Otago support and response
Metro based game; Simon Wallace +6421923879
Country based game; Diane Ede +64272672233​​​​​​​

EXPLANTION

NZR and Sport NZ provide a fully independently run complaints management service should anyone in your club wish to lodge a complaint. These type of complaints are more associated with inappropriate or objectional behaviour from anyone involved in rugby.