CLUB APPROVAL FORM

This is a two-stage process:

1. Your club must firstly seek and obtain the KCRFU’s written approval for 17-year-olds to play adult rugby.
2. It is only when approval has been obtained, can a club then make applications on behalf of such individuals to play adult rugby.

A lack of a response to any application must not be deemed to be silent consent to the application. Unless you have received written approval from the KCRFU, no application for a 17-year-old to play or train with adults should be made.

The priority is always for age grade players to play in their defined age/year group, with their peers/friends and where those that support them are most closely connected. Playing out of age grade is the exception. For any player to do so, the circumstances, conditions, assessments and approvals required in regulation must be in place beforehand. The ultimate consideration must be the welfare and safety of all the players involved.

Please read Regulation 15.6 and 15.5 in detail before completing this form. Due to DBS and Safeguarding requirements this is a 2-stage process. In addition to the Club Approval Form, each individual player must be approved, by completing the Playing Adult Rugby – Player Approval Form and process. Until the club is approved, it cannot apply for any individual 17 year old to play in their adult teams.

Legally, whatever their physical and emotional characteristics, 17 year olds are still children and we have a duty to ensure that their welfare is protected. Constituent Body (CB) approval permits a 17 year old to play adult rugby until they reach their 18th birthday when they can play without approval. Club eligibility for 17 year olds to play adult rugby may be revoked by the CB or RFU if significant concerns are raised in relation to discipline or safeguarding.

Please read the accompanying advice in the Club Guide – Playing Adult Rugby

Playing Up, Down and Adult Rugby is about individual players for whom it is appropriate.

When completing this form, please refer to the information ‘bubbles’, which provides essential additional instructions and guidance.

Age Grade to Adult rugby approval should be submitted and approved received no later than 10 days before the adult match in which you wish the 17-year-old individual  to participate.