20. Misconduct and Code of Conduct

World Rugby Handbook

REGULATION 20 REGULATION 20. MISCONDUCT AND CODE OF CONDUCT Preamble A Adherence to the Laws of the Game, Regulations Relating to the Game and the spirit of fair play remains fundamental to the proper administration and preservation of the Game in the modern era. Accordingly, a general obligation arises on all stakeholders to address Misconduct matters within their jurisdictions to ensure that discipline, control, honesty and mutual respect which are fundamental to the integrity of the Game are preserved. B This Regulation 20 sets out a harmonised approach to the administration of discipline and the implementation of sanctions for Misconduct at all levels of the Game. The administration of this Regulation shall be carried out on behalf of World Rugby by the Disciplinary Officer in consultation with World Rugby. C All participants in the Game by means of their participation recognise and agree to be bound by the principle of universality which means that Players who are suspended at any level of the Game shall have their suspension recognised and applied at all levels of the Game and in the territories of all member Unions and Associations. Application of the Regulation 20.1 The provisions of this Regulation including the World Rugby Code of Conduct (Appendix 1) apply to all Unions and Associations within their respective jurisdictions at all levels and it is their responsibility to advise their Players, Persons and Rugby Bodies of this Regulation. Unions and Associations shall ensure that they have in place disciplinary regulations compatible and not in conflict with this Regulation 20 and such regulations are applied to and complied with by all Players, Persons and Rugby Bodies within their jurisdiction. 20.2 Any act of Misconduct shall constitute an offence under this Regulation and may result in disciplinary proceedings being brought against and sanctions being imposed upon the Player, Person, Union, Association and/or Rugby Body involved. 20.3 For the purposes of these Regulations Relating to the Game, “Misconduct” shall mean any conduct, behaviour, statements and/or practices on or off the playing enclosure during or in connection with a Match or otherwise, that is unsporting and/or cheating and/or insulting and/or unruly and/or ill-disciplined and/or that brings or has the potential to bring the Game and/or any of its constituent bodies, World Rugby and/or its appointed personnel or commercial partners and/or Match Officials and/or judicial personnel into disrepute. Misconduct shall only exclude Foul Play during a Match which has been the subject of consideration and a finding under the regime prescribed for Ordering Off and/or Citing in Regulation 17. Last update: 14 January, 2015 299


World Rugby Handbook
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