UNDER RFU REGULATION 15.1.4
ALL AGE GRADE RUGBY PLAYERS MUST BE REGISTERED ONLINE VIA THE RFU GAME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (GMS) WITHIN A STRICT 45-DAY CUT-OFF WINDOW.
THE RULES APPLY TO CLUB RUGBY AS FOLLOWS:
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NEW PLAYERS: Must be fully registered on GMS within 45 days of first joining the club.
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EXISTING/RETURNING PLAYERS: Must have their annual affiliation renewed on GMS within 45 days of starting the new season at the club.
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The domestic rugby season in England began on September 21, which means that any player not registered before Thursday 5 November will be INELIGIBLE for consideration to play, regardless of their membership status.
KEY DETAILS TO REMEMBER
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WHO HANDLES IT: A player's parent or guardian is required to log into GMS to complete or renew the registration annually.
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THE SYSTEM TIMELINE: The GMS database resets for the new season on July 1st each year, which is when the renewal window officially opens.
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MATCH DAY COMPLIANCE: Club team managers and Constituent Bodies (CBs) may require registration cards to be presented at matches or festivals. If a player is not registered on the system past the 45-day window, they may be deemed ineligible to play.
