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World Rugby Handbook

SECTION 2 REGULATION 4 SECTION 2. YOUNG PLAYERS PROTOCOL A. Introduction 1. World Rugby for and on behalf of its members recognises the importance of the development of the Game of Rugby Union in all Unions throughout the world. 2. Unions, Rugby Bodies and Clubs must promote the playing of the Game and be encouraged to identify, train and develop young players in order to broaden participation and improve standards in emerging Unions as well as the more developed Unions. B. Associate Players 3. The rationale behind the Associate Player Scheme set out in this Protocol, is to reward and protect Unions, Rugby Bodies or Clubs who invest time and resources in developing young players in Licensed Training Centres. 4. In accordance with Section 1 of the Guidelines, Unions may operate or allow Rugby Bodies or Clubs within their jurisdiction, to operate Licensed Training Centres. If a Union, Rugby Body or Club operates a Licensed Training Centre then the Union within which that Licensed Training Centre is established may allow the Licensed Training Centre to register players as Associate Players, provided such players receive regular and frequent coaching and training services through that Licensed Training Centre. 5. Subject to the regulations of the Union in which the Licensed Training Centre is situated, the Licensed Training Centre (for and on behalf of the Union, Rugby Body or Club who is Licensed to run the Licensed Training Centre) shall hold the Associate Player’s registration. By retaining an Associate Player’s registration, Unions, Rugby Bodies or Clubs who operate Licensed Training Centres will be able to preserve a right to claim compensation in respect of the financial investment made in that player’s training and development. 6. Compensation for the investment made in Associate Players may be payable whether the player is transferred before acquiring the status of a Contract Player or if his registration should be transferred while he is still an Associate Player. Any compensation payable in such circumstances should reflect, and be based on the factors set out in paragraph 13 of Section 3 of these Guidelines, in particular, the actual investment made by a Union, Rugby Body or Club in a player registered with a Licensed Training Centre. This will include the quality, regularity/frequency of training and coaching received. 7. The Licensed Training Centre registration scheme for Associate Players is designed to provide an incentive to improve the training and development of young players. Unions, Rugby Bodies or Clubs who operate Licensed Training Centres will know that they are likely to receive an equitable reward for their youth development activities either in the form of that player’s services or, should the player move whilst registered as an Last update: 14 January, 2015 84


World Rugby Handbook
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