Any policy not explicitly stated here is covered by MARFU policies (www.marfu.org --> General Info).

The PRU follows MARFU's alcohol policy (link here).

The PRU follows the Mid-Atlantic RFU adverse weather policy.
 

The PRU follows the IRB concussion policy as mandated by USA Rugby.  For further information about concussions, read about the CDC web site.

Effective with the 2007 AGM, all PRU clubs pay the same dues and have an equal vote. This is a change from prior policy where higher division clubs paid more dues and had a higher proportional vote. (Bylaws change)

The PRU offers low interest loans to member clubs for in several categories. Loans may be approved for: 1) capital improvements to club fields; 2) major equipment purchase (scrum machines); 3) travel costs to attend national events.

The PRU offers grants to PRU players participating on the national team in international matches. If the player's club donates money to their player for their participation, the PRU (and then MARFU) will match the amount up to $100 per event. The PRU requires proof of club support to their player.

Coaching Certification (Required) - the PRU requires every club to have a USA Rugby certified coach

Effective with the 2008 AGM, all matches must be refereed by a USA Rugby certified referee. This includes youth touch matches as well as youth, HS/U19, college, and senior tackle matches. Since PSRFR will not have enough referees from time to time to assign a neutral referee to all matches, each club must be able to call upon a mmeber of their club who is a certified referee to referee their matches, including A side matches. (Policy change)

Every PRU club is required to have at least one CIPPed and USA Rugby certified referee available to referee matches whenever a PSRFR-assigned referee is not available.  Also, there is a relevant competition rule about alternate referees.

Effective with the 2009 AGM, the Potomac Rugby Union requires that Qualified Medical Personnel (QMPs) shall be present at all tackle tournaments (7's and 15's) sponsored by member clubs of the PRU or by the PRU itself. Tournaments that fall under this policy shall be comprised of four or more teams, one of which may be the host club, and the teams pay an entrance or administrative fee to the host club to enter the tournament.  (All tournaments we know of meet this definition.).

• Qualified Medical Person (QMP) – a medical doctor (MD, OD, or chiropractor); a physician's assistant (PA); a registered nurse (RN); an emergency medical technician (EMT); physical therapist (PT); a certified athletic trainer (ATC); others to be approved and added to this list.
• For 7's tournaments, there shall be one QMP for every three fields in use, and if there are an one or two fields extra, then an additional QMP shall be required.
• For 15's tournaments, there shall be one QMP for every two fields in use, and if there are an odd number of fields, then an additional QMP shall be required.
• The host club (or the PRU if a PRU-sponsored tournament) shall bear the costs of the QMP, though these may be passed on to the participating teams. The PRU will bear the cost when there is a neutral field being used as the tournament or playoff venue regardless of the number of teams, or when there are four or more teams gathered at the home venue of one of the competitors.
• QMPs shall be present from 30 minutes before the first kickoff until 15 minutes after the tournament concludes.
• QMPs may be dismissed early to the extent that fields are taken out of play as the day progresses.

Effective with the 2009 AGM, each club must complete a permission-to-play form (online) and have it approved by the Executive Cmte and the divisional director. There is a link to the form on the PRU web site. This form must be completed at the start of each spring and fall season. Permission to play and assigned referees will not be granted until the form is completed.
 

CIPP <click here>

It is a requirement in all rugby games to install a sideline restraining rope or other effective spectator separation barrier no less than 5 meters from the touchline and extending from goal line to goal line. This restraining rope is to keep spectators from encroaching upon the area adjacent to the touchline. While we're usually satisfied with a rope on one side of the field only where most of the crowd assembles, the rule applies to both sides of the field. This is for the safety of spectators, players, touch judges, and anyone else permitted to be in that 5 meter area.

Failure to provide a restraining rope or other effective spectator separation barrier can lead to the host club being penalized in a variety of ways. Additionally, the referee is empowered to suspend the game until the spectators clear the 5 meter area outside the touch line.

Please make all attempts to comply with this requirement. It is for your enjoyment and protection that this rule exists. If you feel your club needs a waiver, please consult the PRU Executive Committee.