At the RFU Council meeting on Friday 25th April, it was agreed that:

“Rolling substitutions be permitted in all domestic Schools’ matches played within England on the understanding that it is an experiment only and subject to review at the end of season 2003/04.”

The above variation seeks to formalise a practice that has existed successfully in a large number of schools whereby players may be replaced for any reason and be allowed to return to the field later in the game. It will not be applied in representative matches (England Trials, Divisional or County), or where the matches are against schools from other unions. It will be on a trial basis, initially for one year, and the ERFSU Governance Sub-Committee will monitor its effect on the game.

The advantages of rolling substitutions are:

• Can help to improve mis-match fixtures by allowing the rotation of ‘star’ players.
• Keeps squad players happy - they should all get a game - an important parental issue.
• Helps to maintain the interest of all team/squad members and should keep more players active in the game.
• Allows time for minor injuries to be assessed.
• Removes the danger of more serious injuries being exacerbated by playing on.
• Helps selection and selectors - players can be seen again.

Before all 1st XV schools’ matches and above, the teacher in charge of the team will submit a squad list to the referee. The teacher in charge of the team will be responsible for the nomination of any substitutes and the player whom they are to replace. The referee will administer this variation in the same way as the current replacement/substitution laws, i.e. replacements are made only during stoppages in play. Teachers may exercise discretion and flexibility in squad numbers, at all levels below 1st XV, by agreement with their opponents.

Schools are requested to monitor, carefully, the effect of this experimental law variation, throughout this trial season.

Referees’ Societies and Federations have been informed of this variation.