Organised rugby matches in South Africa will not be allowed to take place next year unless the participating coaches and match offi cials are BokSmart certified. The ruling was one of several decisions ratified by the provincial unions at the SARU AGM on Friday.
Organised rugby matches in South Africa will not be allowed to take place next year unless the participating coaches and match offi cials are BokSmart certified. The ruling was one of several decisions ratified by the provincial unions at the SARU AGM on Friday. The impact of the new rules will be to improve rugby’s safety record as part of the wide-ranging BokSmart national rugby safety programme. The key regulations pproved by the provinces include:
• Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and schools shall not be allowed to host any match without ensuring
that all match offi cials and participating coaches are BokSmart certified.
• Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and schools must comply with these regulations and ensure that they inform all their members of the regulations and their obligation.
• Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and schools must ensure that all affi liated match offi cials and coaches
are BokSmart certifi ed and their details recorded.
• As of 1 April this year, players younger than 18 years old shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in any position, at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU or any of its provincial unions, without any special waivers.
• As of 1 April this year, players younger than 19 years old shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in the front row at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU or any of its provincial unions.
• Only players who have been identifi ed within the provincial or national structures with the potential to play at elite provincial level or above can apply for a waiver.
BokSmart has conducted more than 208 workshops across the 14 South African rugby unions, certifying a total of 5493 referees and coaches since its launch in July 2009.
Rugby coaches and referees who wish to learn about completing the BokSmart course or wish to get more information on the SARU Underaged rugby policy should go to www.BokSmart.com or contact their Union directly for more information.
