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Date Posted: 15:34:18 03/30/01 Fri
Author: Richard Belli
Subject: Latest RFU advice on Foot & Mouth - Season Extended to 19th May

COMPLETING THIS SEASON'S FIXTURES

In the light of the disruptions to the Competition Season, it was agreed, at the Governance Committee's last meeting, to form an Emergency Task Group to deal with and resolve any fixtures issues that arise between then and the conclusion of this season.

The Emergency Task Group, comprising Bob Rogers (Chairman Governance Committee), Jonathan Dance (Chairman Competition Sub-Committee), Terry Burwell (Operations Director), Keith Plain (Chairman County Championship Task Group), Trevor Richmond (representing Levels 2 to 4) and Paul Astbury
(representing Levels 5 and below), met at Newbury RFC on Tuesday 20 March.

The very helpful information and data produced by a number of Competitions Organising Committees, whose task will be vital during the final few weeks of this season, has been considered. The current lists of rearranged fixtures at all levels have been analysed and will continue to be reviewed.

A copy of the latest RFU Guidelines on Foot and Mouth Disease, followingfurther advice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is attached.

The existing backlog of fixtures reveals that there are a number of clubs who are 4 or 5 league matches behind and that it is unlikely that all league fixtures will be completed by 12 May. Indeed, a number of clubs may not be
able to complete their league programmes at all because of closure of facilities.

To facilitate the completion of the league programme, clubs are expected to seek alternative local pitches if their own facilities are not available.
Clubs should discuss the options available with their League Secretary and opponents.

This season's league programme will be extended to Saturday 19 May in the hope that all (or at least nearly all) league matches can be completed by that date.

Due to the extension of the league season, the final date for the play-offs will now be Saturday 2 June; but play-offs may be played before that date if it is possible.



Organising Committees will continue to be responsible for the management, organisation and administration of the remainder of their league programmes and have full support and authority to prioritise rearranged fixtures if that helps to complete the 'tops' and 'bottoms' of leagues fairly for all directly concerned.

It is the intention that no club is disadvantaged, but, if nothing else, the issues of promotion and relegation and which clubs participate in play-offs must be resolved.

The Emergency Task Group will meet within a day or two of Saturday 19 May having consulted the Local Organising Committees to resolve any outstanding issues, for example, where leagues have not been completed and there is
uncertainty as to promotion, play-offs and/or relegation. It hopes that it will not have to take any difficult decisions.

To assist, if you have a backlog of fixtures to make up, please consider the possibility of playing midweek, on Good Friday, Bank Holiday Mondays (16 April and 7 May) and possibly even two games in one weekend (Saturday and
Sunday). If your ground is not available, please investigate alternatives.
Your Organising Committee will assist you in any way it can to ease you through these difficult times.

County Cup and other club competition Matches

The Emergency Task Group has decided that, after Easter, League fixtures must take priority over all County Cup and other club competition matches, because it believes that the completion of the Leagues is of paramount importance.

Please remember that it may be convenient to play cup matches midweek (as already happens very successfully in many Counties). And, there are also the Bank Holidays mentioned earlier.

County Championship

The Emergency Task Group has also decided that League fixtures must take priority over County Championship matches.

The Emergency Task Group has considered the options available. It would not wish to abandon this season's County programme. On the other hand, it is concerned not to create a situation where mis-matches are prevalent. Nor
does it wish to create additional loyalty problems between club and county.
Some Counties have already decided that they cannot participate this season.

The County Championship Task Group (CCTG) met earlier today and agreed that the only realistic way forward is for those counties, who wish to, to play as many of their existing county matches as possible (on the original or
rearranged dates if necessary) or newly arranged alternative county matches but as friendlies only. Therefore, for this season there will be no
knockout stages. The funding available for Counties will not be adversely affected by this decision.

However, to retain a final focus, Yorkshire (the reigning County Champions) have agreed to play a challenge match against an English County XV atTwickenham on County Finals Day (Saturday 26 May). In addition, whilst there will be no Plate Final, the possibility of extending the County Sevens Tournament played at Twickenham is being explored. This should make for an excellent County Finals Day at Twickenham with even more Counties being able to participate. The Tetley's Bitter National Under 20 Championship will be played as arranged, including the Final at Twickenham.

The possibility of an English Counties XV playing a touring side during the Autumn Internationals is being investigated.

And finally, all of the above decisions have been taken with great regret and in the knowledge that there will be a number of disappointed people.
But we have had to set some priorities in this extreme situation.

In Summary

The Action Plan set down by the Emergency Task Group to enable the League
Season to be concluded is summarised as follows:

1. After Easter, League Matches have priority over all other club matches, and the Organising Committees' decisions on dates will be final.
2. Organising Committees may prioritise League fixtures to achieve satisfactory 'League outcomes'.
3. Every effort must be taken by participating clubs to complete the League season by not later than 19 May, including playing at "neutral" venues.
4. Play-offs must be completed by not later than 2 June.
5. If any League is incomplete on Sunday 20 May, the Task Group will make such decisions on promotion, play-offs and relegation as are fair and reasonable.
6. After Easter, League matches have priority over County Cup matches unless the Organising Committee agrees otherwise.
7. The arranged County fixtures should be played where possible but only as friendlies and there will be no knockout stages this season.
8. Yorkshire will play an English County XV at Twickenham on Saturday 26 May.
9. The Final of the Tetley's Bitter National Under 20 Championship will take place at Twickenham on 26 May as planned.
10. The number of rounds of the County Sevens to be played at Twickenham on 26 May may be extended to create more involvement and interest for as many Counties as possible.

These are exceptional circumstances which may require firm decisions to be taken.

Regards,

R A G Rogers
Chairman
Emergency Task Group

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