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World Rugby Handbook

EXPLANATORY NOTE REGULATION 4 (a) Each Union to provide appropriate regulations for the movement of players within their jurisdiction. Unions are responsible for ensuring that their members are properly informed about the way in which Regulation 4 operates and are responsible for introducing internal player movement regulations based on the principles within Regulation 4 that properly reward their constituents for their player identification, training and development activities. (b) Each Union to register, thereafter, its regulations with World Rugby. World Rugby considers that the principles enshrined in the compensation system within Regulation 4 are appropriate to achieve the vital objectives of encouraging and providing compensation for the identification, training and development of young players, and that as such they represent best practice. Accordingly, the regulations of Unions for the movement of players are expected, as far as reasonably practical, to incorporate the principles of compensation set out in Regulation 4. World Rugby may monitor the player movement regulations of Unions to verify that the regulations proposed by Unions are appropriate and that the compensation mechanism substantially complies with the principles of Regulation 4. It is essential that all Unions in membership of World Rugby recognise the important role that they have to play in the effective implementation of Regulation 4 This Explanatory Note should not be read in isolation. The Explanatory Note is not a substitute for the Regulation and must be read in conjunction with Regulation 4. 1. Determining a Player's Status 1.1 The status of a Player is a key factor in determining whether any compensation for his training and development is payable. 1.2 Under Regulation 4 there are two categories of Player Contract and Non- Contract Players. A Player is a Contract Player if he is currently receiving, or has previously received Material Benefit. All other Players are Non- Contract Players.8 1.3 A Contract Player must have or have had a written agreement with his Club, Union or other Rugby Body that pays him Material Benefits. 8 Players may not enter into written agreements until they have reached the age of contractual majority within the relevant jurisdiction. However, there is an exception for Players over 16 if the Material Benefit received by the Player under the written agreement takes the form of a non-refundable financial grant to be applied only for the purposes of the Player's academic and/or vocational training for a period of twelve months or longer. Each Union should establish its own regulations relating to the registration and development of young Players. Such regulations should provide that the relevant body responsible for the training and development of the player has the first option on a Player's professional services when he acquires the age of majority. World Rugby may issue guidelines to assist this process. Last update: 14 January, 2015 92


World Rugby Handbook
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