0 SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This Regulatory Rule is applicable in all those fields that are carried out totally or partially with funds from the Superior Sports Council for the practice of rugby and as a reference for the celebration of competitions of the Spanish Rugby Federation (FER) as a complement to its own regulations. It is the competence of this Sports Federation to approve each installation for the organization of official rugby competitions at national and international level of national selections. This document has been prepared with the purpose of normalizing the regulatory aspects of any facility useful for the practice of that sport, for which the current International Regulations have been taken into account and has been submitted to the consultation of the Spanish Rugby Federation.
1 SIZE OF PLAY AREA
The playing area is a rectangle comprising the “Playing Field” and the “Branding Zones”. The “Playing Field” is the area between the mark or rehearsal lines (“goal” line) and the lateral or “touch” lines. These lines are not part of the Playing Field. See figure RUG-1
“Mark Zones” or “In goal” are the areas between the mark or rehearsal line (“goal” line), the dead ball line and the two side mark or “touch in goal” lines. The Mark Zones include the mark or test line but do not include the dead ball line or the side lines of the mark zone. See figure RUG-1
“22 Zones” are the areas within the playing field between the respective mark or test lines and the 22 m lines, including the 22 m line but excluding the mark or test line. See figure RUG-1.
The dimensions of the playing area must be the maximum as indicated below and if not possible as similar to those indicated:
| PLAY AREA | Maximum dimensions * | |
| Length (m) |
Width (m) |
|
| PLAYING FIELD | 100 | 70 |
| BRANDING AREAS | 22 | 70 |
* Recommended by “World Rugby”
The minimum length of the marking areas should not be less than 10 m whenever possible. The minimum length of the branded zones will be 6 m for Rugby to seven and for international matches between the 1st or 2nd “senior” national team of one Rugby Union with the 1st or 2nd “senior” national team of another Rugby Union. This minimum dimension of 6 m is also the minimum length of the branding zones required by the FER for its competitions.
Only in the event that it is not possible to have the maximum and suitable dimensions, others that are closest to those indicated will be used, respecting the following minimum dimensions:
| PLAY AREA | Minimum dimensions | |
| Length (m) |
Width (m) |
|
| PLAYING FIELD | 94 | 68 / 65 ** |
| BRANDING AREAS | 10 / 6 * | 68 / 65 ** |
* Rugby to seven and for international matches between the 1st or 2nd “senior” national team of one Rugby Union with the 1st or 2nd “senior” national team of another Rugby Union and minimum required by the FER.
** The FER allows the dispute of Division of Honor matches and territorial selections in fields of width greater than or equal to 65m.
Therefore the size of the play area will be between the following dimensions:
| PLAYING AREA (PLAYING FIELD + BRANDED AREAS) |
DIMENSIONS | |
| Length (m) |
Width (m) |
|
| Maximum and ideal | 144 | 70 |
| Minimum | 114 / 106 * | 68 ** |
* Rugby to seven and for international matches between the 1st or 2nd “senior” national team of one Rugby Union with the 1st or 2nd “senior” national team of another Rugby Union and minimum required by the FER.
** The FER allows the dispute of Division of Honor matches and territorial selections in fields of width greater than or equal to 65m.
All areas will be rectangular.
In child and youth rugby the measures of the playing area must be adapted to the possibilities of the players according to their ages, the adapted dimensions will be the following:
- For children under 9 years of age:
Maximum 30 x 20 m (with 5 m of branded area) and minimum 25 x 15 m.
- For children under 10 years old and over 9 years old:
Maximum 40 x 35 m (with 5 m marking area) and minimum 35 x 30 m (with 5 m marking area).
- For children under 12 years old and over 10 years old: Maximum 60 x 45 m and minimum 55 x 40 m (with 5 m of branded area).
- For children under 14 years old and over 12 years old: 100 x 60 m (removing the side corridors of 5 m) (with 5 m of branded area).
When specific play areas for children’s rugby are not available, the playing field of adults may be used, delimiting the space by tapes not less than 6 cm wide.
The space can also be delimited by means of low and flexible cones that do not pose a physical risk for children or young people.
2 EXTERNAL BANDS OR PERIMETER SECURITY AREA
To facilitate the development of the game and for safety, around the playing area there will be a space free of obstacles, outside the lateral and dead-ball lines called “perimeter area”, whose recommended width is 5 m, according to Law 1 of World Rugby and at least 3.50 m after the lateral lines and 2.00 m after the dead-ball lines whenever justified by a risk assessment according to the level of the rugby game and the characteristics of the physical environment surrounding the playing area, always with the same sports surface as the playing area.
The playing area plus the perimeter playing area is called “perimeter”. The total dimensions of the playing venue will therefore be between the following limits:
| PLAY PERIMETER | DIMENSIONS | |
| Length (m) |
Width (m) |
|
| Maximum With perimeter area of 5 m |
154 | 80 |
| Minimum With perimeter area of 5 m |
124 | 78 / 75 ** |
| Minimum With perimeter area of 3.5 m and 2 m |
118 / 110 * | 75 / 72 ** |
* Rugby to seven and for international matches between the 1st or 2nd national team of one Rugby Union with the 1st or 2nd national team of another Rugby Union.
** LA FER allows the dispute of Division of Honor matches and territorial selections in fields of width greater than or equal to 65m.
In children's rugby there must be a space free of obstacles of 3 m at least, around the playing area.
3 COURSE LAYOUT
The layout of the field will be in accordance with figure RUG-1. All lines will have a width of 10 cm and will preferably be white in colour so that they are clearly distinguishable from the colour of the playing surface. All continuous lines are external to the areas they delimit, except for the branding lines that belong to the branding zones.
The following details are specified for the complete route:
3a) Continuous lines:
- Dead ball lines and side score lines or “touch in goal” lines, both delimit and are outside the score or “in goal” areas.
- Score or rehearsal lines (“goal” lines), belong to the score areas but outside the playing field.
- 22 m lines, are lines parallel to the score or rehearsal lines (“goal” lines)
- Midfield or midfield line, is parallel to the score lines in the center of the playing field.
- Side lines or “touch” lines, delimit and are outside the playing field.
3b) Broken lines:
- Lines of 10 meters, go from one side line to the other, 10 m from each side of the center line and parallel to it.
- Lines of 5 meters, go 5 m from each side line and parallel to them.
- Lines of 15 meters, link the discontinuous lines of 5 meters and are 15 meters and parallel to the side lines.
- Lines 5 m from each mark or test line (line of “goal”) and parallel to them. Two are with their center 5 m and 15 m from each side line or “touch” line. Two other lines are in front of each “goal” post.
3c) A line crossing the centre line with a length of 0.50 m.
4 OBSTACLE FREE HEIGHT
It will be at least 30 m above the field and the outer bands.
5 ORIENTATION
The longitudinal axis of the field shall be N-S, admitting a variation between N-NE and N-NO.
6 LIGHTING
The artificial lighting will be uniform and in a way that does not cause glare to players, judges or spectators. It will have the following minimum levels of horizontal lighting, color performance and maximum glare (GR) in the playing area, according to the criteria of the UNE-EN 12193 standard “Lighting of sports facilities”, which are indicated below:
| MINIMUM LEVELS OF RUGBY LIGHTING(Outdoor) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEVEL OF COMPETITION | Horizontal illuminance | Rend. Color (Ra) |
GR £ |
|
| E med (lux) | Uniformity E min/ Emed |
|||
| International and national competitions | 500 | 0.7 | 60 | 50 |
| Regional and local competitions, high-level training | 200 | 0.6 | 60 | 50 |
| Training, school and recreational sport | 75 | 0.5 | 20 | 55 |
For color TV broadcasts and film recording a vertical level of illuminance is required depending on the speed of action and the dimension of the object, in the aforementioned UNE-EN 12193 standard, sports have been classified, in that sense, in three groups A, B and C; rugby belongs to group B. The value of the vertical illuminance varies with the distance from the camera to the object, to determine it see the following graph:
Vertical illumination level to be maintained depending on the maximum shooting distance of the cameras (UNE-EN-12193)
For TV or movie shots, the spaces surrounding the rugby field must be illuminated, so that the vertical illumination level is at least 0.25 of the vertical illumination level of the playing field. For further information, please refer to the cited standard.
Lighting towers or scales shall in no case be placed in the outer strips, which shall be barrier-free.
The distribution of the lighting towers or scales shall be in two lines parallel to the side lines, arranging three or four in each strip.
The mounting height of the luminaires on the lighting towers or towers shall be at least 18 m so that there is no glare, in any case the mounting height shall be such that the angle formed by the line going from the luminaires to the centre of the field shall be limited by the range of 25 degrees.
When the roof terraces have a sufficient height, the luminaires can be placed on them in a lateral arrangement to the strip lines.
The lighting will prevent light pollution in its surroundings and in the night sky by reflection and diffusion of artificial lighting, for which the potential light impact on the environment will be assessed so that it does not reach maximum values of light pollution according to the criteria of the aforementioned UNE-EN 12193 standard, in the following concepts:
| MAXIMUM LIGHT POLLUTION VALUES FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Zone | Vertical lighting in surrounding properties Ev (lux) | Intensity of luminaires in the direction of potential light pollution I (cd) | Luminous flux ratio in the upper hemisphere ULR (%) | ||
| Maximum | Maximum recommended |
Maximum | Maximum recommended |
Maximum | |
| E1 Dark areas such as national parks or protected areas |
2 | 0 | 2,500 | 0 | 0 |
| E2 Low light areas such as residential, industrial or rural areas |
5 | 1 | 7,500 | 500 | 5 |
| E3 Areas of medium luminosity such as industrial or residential neighbourhoods |
10 | 2 | 10,000 | 1,000 | 15 |
| E4 High-light areas such as city centres or shopping areas |
25 | 5 | 25,000 | 2,500 | 25 |
Likewise, on nearby roads or streets, the effects of the lighting installation will be limited in terms of reducing the ability to view essential information, as indicated by the aforementioned UNE-EN 12193 standard.
7 PLAYING SURFACE
Natural grass and synthetic grass playing surfaces are suitable. Although they are not suitable, playing surfaces of sand, clay or snow can be admitted, on snow surfaces it is a condition that the surface below it is safe to play. Hard and abrasive playing surfaces (compacted soil, asphalt, concrete, etc.) They are not admissible.
The playing surface will be flat with a maximum slope of 1% for surface evacuation of rainwater and irrigation. The surface must have resolved the deep drainage of the waters as well as being smooth, free of holes and irregularities, soft although provided with safety on the foot and not abrasive.
7a) Natural grass playing surfaces:
Natural grass playing surfaces are classified according to the scope of sports activity (local, recreational, regional, national or international) and the intensity of use (low, medium or high), following the criterion of UNE 41951-1 “Natural grass sports surfaces”, in the ranges indicated below:
| Natural grass sports surfaces ranges(UNE 41959-1) |
Intensity of use | |||
| Baja | Media | Alta | ||
| Field | Local, Recreational | BASIC | BASIC | MEDIUM-HIGH |
| Regional | BASIC-MEDIUM | MIDDLE | TALL | |
| National International |
TALL | TALL | TALL |
According to the corresponding degree, natural grass playing surfaces must meet quality requirements at field delivery after completion, which are based on the aforementioned UNE 41959-1 standard “Natural grass sports surfaces”, these requirements are indicated in the following table:
| SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE DELIVERY OF SPORTS SURFACES OF NATURAL GRASS RUGBY FIELDS |
||
|---|---|---|
| PROPERTY | REQUIREMENTS | |
| MEDIUM/HIGH GRADE | BASIC GRADE | |
| Grass Height (mm) | 25-50 | 20-75 |
| Felt thickness (mm) | < 10 (15)* | < 10 (15)* |
| Live vegetable cover (%) | > 95 | > 85 |
| Weeds (%) | ≤ 5 | ≤ 10 |
| Pests and diseases (%) | < 1 | < 2 |
| Uniformity/Flatness (mm) With profile marker |
< 8 | < 10 |
| Infiltration / Drainage (mm/h) | > 20 | > 5 |
| Ball Jackpot (%) ** | 20 - 50 | 15 - 55 |
| Hardness (g) | 50-100 | 30-180 |
| Traction (Nm) | 35 - 60 | 25 - 60 |
| Transverse maximum slopes (%) |
≤ 1 | ≤ 1 |
( )* value with tepes
** with football
The tests to verify compliance with the properties of the natural grass surface indicated in the table above shall be those indicated in the said standard.
In order to achieve the above quality standards of the natural grass sports surface for rugby, the construction system and the vegetation cover must comply with the specifications of the said standard.
For the natural grass surfaces a preferably automatic irrigation system and a drainage network shall be provided. The automatic irrigation system will meet the requirements of UNE 41952-2 “Automatic irrigation systems on natural grass surfaces for football and rugby”.
The conservation and maintenance actions of the natural grass surface will be performed so that the initial properties of the sports surface are maintained over time and use.
7b) Artificial grass playing surfaces:
Artificial grass surfaces hardly need conservation and maintenance work and have no limits in terms of the number of hours of use as happens in those of natural grass, they are therefore suitable for training fields and with an intense degree of use.
The artificial grass playing surfaces are generally composed of a supporting fabric to which the artificial grass fibres are attached and protrude from it, between which the existing space is filled with loose granular material normally constituted by sand and rubber, all this being placed on a base layer which can be of asphaltic agglomerate or compacted zahorras. The sports surfaces of artificial grass for rugby usually have the characteristics indicated in the following table:
| ARTIFICIAL GRASS FOR RUGBY |
Filler | Fiber height (mm) |
Type of fibre | Height of filling (%) |
| Sand + rubber | 65 - 70 * | Fibrillated / Monofilament |
75 - 80 |
* Fiber height greater than or equal to 60 mm according to “World Rugby” and FER criteria
The height of the fibre shall be at least 60 mm (± 5 % of the value declared by the manufacturer), so that the filling may have a thickness of 50 mm and prevent the studs of the players’ boots from penetrating the synthetic grass supporting fabric and injuring and/or damaging it.
In rugby fields for recreational, school, initiation and non-federative competitions and the field is also used for other sports such as football it can be admitted that the height of the fiber is at least 55 mm.
The artificial grass playing surfaces also sometimes include an intermediate elastic layer or base on the base layer in order to improve the reduction of forces in the sport-sports surface interaction, thus achieving a good absorption of impacts, however they may not include the said elastic base as long as the artificial grass and the filling of rubber granules provide the required levels of absorption of impacts, however it must be considered that with the elastic base the behaviour of the sports surface is more uniform during the useful life of the sports surface. The elastic layers or bases may be prefabricated or “in situ”.
The construction of the artificial grass surface requires previously the excavation of the base natural terrain eliminating all the vegetation and vegetation existing, reaching the level of the firm and preparing its surface which will constitute the subsoil of the construction. When it is necessary to make fillers to achieve the required level or to replace inconsistent terrains, the fillers will be made by layers of compacted zahorras to achieve the necessary carrying capacity, this layer is called sub-base. On the prepared natural ground or subsoil or on the sub-base the base or support layer is arranged, for which there are two types of constructions:
- Construction with bonded support layer and horizontal drainage: Consisting in making a first support layer or unbonded base layer by providing a layer of compacted zahorras and on it a second support layer or bonded base layer of asphaltic agglomerate is spread with a correct planimetry and slopes towards the perimeter rain water collection and/or irrigation gutters for horizontal drainage being this impermeable layer, the slopes will be greater than 0.5% and less than 1%. The elastic layer or base and finally the artificial grass surface and the filler are installed on the asphaltic agglomerate layer, where appropriate. In order to obtain the necessary flatness and regularity of the sports surface, the base layer of saws and the asphaltic agglomerate will have the required flatness.
- Construction with unbonded support layer and vertical drainage: Consisting in making a support layer or base layer unbonded by providing a layer of compacted pans and under it a drainage network for collecting rainwater and/or irrigation as this solution is permeable. The drainage network is made with drainage trenches filled with filtering material and drainage pipes, a geotextile sheet is also arranged to prevent the washing of fine material from the support layer to the drainage trenches. In this case, if the drainage works correctly, it is not strictly necessary to arrange the slopes on the sports surface. The elastic layer or base and finally the artificial grass surface are installed on the non-bonded support layer, where appropriate. In order to obtain the necessary flatness and regularity of the sports surface, the base layer of saws and the asphaltic agglomerate will have the required flatness.
As for the criterion for deciding on one or other type of construction, it should be noted that constructions with unbonded support layer are usually more economical than constructions with bonded support layer, however they could have a lower level of dimensional stability due to potential seating if it does not have a good design or the characteristics of the land and place have not been considered well, or have not had a good quality control of the materials and construction. In any case for a correct decision and a good design that ensures the good behavior of the surface in the long term, it is convenient to carry out a geotechnical study of the available lands to know the type of soil, its resistance, composition, water content, drainage capacity, water table and its expansivity potential by desiccation/wetting, as well as other important characteristics. This initial site assessment stage is an essential part of the design.
Artificial grass surfaces shall have a perimeter strip outside the outer security strips, paved and at least 1 m wide.
It is also advisable to have an automatic irrigation system for the surfaces of synthetic grass and an at least perimetral drainage with gutter. The irrigation system will be made perimetrally and outside the external bands by water cannons preferably without sprinklers inside the field, only sprinklers will be placed externally to cover the areas where the cannons do not arrive. The fall of the irrigation water will not produce displacement of the filling for which the inclination and pressure of the water will be adequate.
7b.1) Artificial grass playing surfaces for federative competition fields:
The Laws of the Game of Rugby state that the artificial grass surface must comply with Rule 22 of “World Rugby” regarding the use of artificial grass surfaces for rugby. To do this, artificial grass surfaces must comply with the performance requirements established by the specifications of Rule 22 and additional technical documents, which consist of prior quality and performance requirements of the synthetic grass product through “Laboratory Tests” (Identification, Durability, Climate Resistance, Surface-Player and Surface-Ball Interaction Tests) to be carried out in laboratories accredited by “World Rugby”. Once it has been positively verified that the synthetic grass surface meets the requirements of the laboratory tests, said surface can be installed to build the rugby playing field, after which the artificial grass surface already installed must verify the quality and performance standards by means of “In situ tests” of the finished field (Identification tests, of surface-player and surface-balloon interaction, surface regularity and slopes), also performed by laboratories accredited by “World Rugby”. Once the compliance of the quality and performance of the synthetic surface of the playing field has been verified, it is certified by the corresponding National Federation. Thereafter every two years the artificial grass surface must be re-tested to verify that Rule 22 is still being complied with. The requirements and procedure can be found in the Technical Manual of Performance Specifications for Synthetic Grass for Rugby and the technical documents published annually by “World Rugby”.
In competitions of the Spanish Rugby Federation artificial grass surfaces for rugby must meet Rule 22 and the criteria of “World Rugby” in relation to artificial grass surfaces.
7b.2) Artificial grass playing surfaces for non-federative competition fields:
For non-federative competitions, local competitions, training, school sport and recreation, artificial grass surfaces for rugby will meet the performance, durability, product identification and testing requirements based on UNE-EN 15330-1:2014 “Artificial grass and punched surfaces designed primarily for outdoor use. Part 1: Specifications for artificial grass surfaces for football, hockey, rugby, tennis and multi-sport use”, in relation to rugby. This standard consists of two parts, Part 1 describes the requirements of artificial grass sports surfaces according to the intended use, to be verified by laboratory tests for the prior approval of the product and Part 2 describes the requirements of artificial grass sports surfaces once installed to be verified by “in situ” tests, to confirm that their properties are suitable for the intended use.
1st part: Type approval in laboratory: The following table lists the laboratory testing requirements for the materials, to ensure the required levels of athletic performance and player-to-surface interaction, as well as being made from materials of acceptable quality for the intended use.
| MATERIAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LABORATORY TYPE APPROVAL ARTIFICIAL GRASS SURFACES FOR RUGBY |
||
| artificial grass carpet traction | > 25 N/mm | |
| Traction of artificial grass fibres | > 30 N for fibrillated fibres > 8 N for monofilament fibres |
|
| Resistance to the aging of artificial grass fibres | ≥ 50% for the unaged sample and not less than the tensile values indicated above | |
| Colour | After artificial aging color fastness ≥ 3 on the gray scale, compared to the unaged sample | |
| resistance of artificial grass carpet joints | Sewn joints | ≥ 1000N/100 mm After immersion in hot water, the strength of the sewn joints will be: ≥ 75% of the value obtained before aging and ≥ 1000N/100 mm |
| Glued joints | ≥ 100N/100 mm After immersion in hot water, the strength of the bonded joints will be: ≥ 75% of the value obtained before aging and ≥ 100N/100 mm |
|
| artificial grass tuft or plume joint | Extraction force of the plume: ≥ 30 N After immersion in hot water, the extraction force of the plume: ≥ 75% of the value obtained before ageing and ≥ 30 N |
|
| Permeability to water | ≥ 500 mm/h | |
| Tensile strength of the shock absorbing layer | > 0,15 MPa After ageing by exposure to air, the maximum tensile strength shall be: ≥ 75% of the value obtained before ageing and ≥ 0,15 MPa |
|
| Resistance to wear | Maximum percentage of mass loss after 2,000 cycles ≤ 2% | |
| Vertical ball canister* | Between 45% and 75% (0.60 and 1.0 m) | |
| Critical fall height | ≥ 1.3 m | |
| Impact absorption/Force reduction | Between 55% and 70% | |
| Vertical deformation | Between 4 mm and 10 mm | |
| Rotational resistance | Between 30 Nm and 50 Nm | |
| Resistance to simulated use | After a simulated use of 20,200 cycles using roller with cleats, the dry surface must meet the requirements of vertical balloon canister, impact absorption, vertical deformation and rotational resistance indicated above. In addition, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) measured at a height of 1.0 ± 0.05 m should not exceed 1,000 HIC. |
The product identification tests will also be carried out which must correspond to the values contained in the manufacturer’s product declaration with the tolerances indicated in the UNE-EN 15330-1:2014 standard indicated above.
2nd Part: Requirements for facility testing: After installation or construction of the artificial grass surface, on-site testing shall be performed to ensure that the artificial grass sports surface offers the expected acceptable performance levels, such initial assessment being carried out after installation or construction. Further evaluations of these requirements are also recommended throughout the life of the artificial grass surface, every two or three years depending on the use. Initial and subsequent field testing performance requirements are included below.
| IN SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS” ARTIFICIAL GRASS SURFACES FOR RUGBY INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT TESTING |
||
| Vertical rebound | 45% to 75% (0.60 m to 1.0 m) | |
| Critical fall height | Initial test | > 1.3 m |
| Subsequent Essay | > 1.0 m | |
| Absorption of impact | > 55% and < 70% | |
| Vertical deformation | > 4 mm and < 10 mm | |
| Rotational resistance | 30 Nm to 50 Nm | |
| Water infiltration speed (If applicable) | > 180 m | |
| Superficial regularity | Rule of 3 m | < 10 mm |
| Maximum transverse slopes | £ 1 (%) |
The manufacturer and/or the installer of the sports surface shall provide the documentation of the sports surface, which shall include at least the following:
- Results of laboratory test tests and their compliance with the required requirements.
- Description of the installation procedure of the same.
- The results of the “in situ” tests and their compliance with the required requirements.
- Estimated useful life of the sports surface, which should not be less than 10 years and guarantee thereof.
- Information on the maintenance of the artificial grass sports surface.
Conservation and maintenance operations are essential so that the properties of the sports surface that initially exist are not affected over time. If, despite the actions of conservation and maintenance of the surface, indicated by the manufacturer, loss of such properties is observed, this would be the subject of a claim for product warranty.
8. GOAL AND CROSSBAR POSTS
The goal posts and the crossbar are placed in the center of the goal line, the spacing between the inner ends of the goal posts is 5.60 m, the crossbar arranged horizontally between the goal posts is at a height of 3.00 m from the ground measured from its upper edge, the height of the goal posts on the crossbar will have a minimum of 3.40 m and recommended 5 m, for high sports level will be 7 m. See Figure RUG-2.
They will be made of the same material (wood, steel, light alloy or plastic material) that is not corrosive or protected from corrosion.
The posts and the crosspiece will have the same section, which will preferably be circular, semicircular or elliptical, those of square or rectangular section will have rounded corners with a radius of at least 3 mm. The maximum cross-sectional dimension shall be 10 cm and shall be the same as that of the marking line.
The goal posts and the crosspiece shall be rigidly connected, if there are connecting elements they shall be perfectly flush with the surfaces of the connecting elements and shall not have any hollow cutting elements or protrusions.
The recommended color is white or another that perfectly contrasts against the background, being recommended to paint a central segment of the crosspiece as a reference of its axis.
The poles shall have a shock absorbing protection element of a height not less than 2,00 m, shall not exceed 30 cm from the marking lines and shall provide a damping (Shock absorption) not exceeding 500 m/s² (UNE EN 913)
The goal posts must be firmly fixed to the ground below the sports surface by means of boxes embedded in concrete dice,see figure RUG-2, so as to provide them with adequate rigidity, stability and strength.
9. THE BALL
Oval shape formed by four elements, made of leather or suitable synthetic material. It can be treated to make it water and mud resistant and easier to grip.
It will have the largest perimeter of the ellipse, from one end to the other, between 740 and 770 mm and the smallest perimeter of the circumference in width, between 580 and 620 mm. The length of the major axis shall be between 280 mm and 300 mm. The weight of the balloon will be between 410 and 460 g. The dimensions and weight can be reduced for matches between schoolchildren or young people from rugby schools.
The ball will have a pressure equivalent to 0.67 – 0.70 kg/cm², i.e. 65.71 – 68.75 kPa (9.5 – 10 pounds per square inch) at the start of the match. See figure RUG-3.
10. POSTS WITH FLAGS
Eight flagged posts are placed at the intersection of the side lines and the score and dead-ball lines, these posts will be outside the score zone area and do not form part of the play area.
Another six posts are placed aligned with the 22 m lines and the center line, 2 m beyond the side lines.
The poles will not be spiky, they will be flexible in all directions and their minimum height will be 1.20 m above the sports surface. See Figure RUG-4.
11. BANKS OF PLAYERS
Outside the outer security area of the playground, the space required for placing two reserve player banks of the teams at the level of the playing surface and not below it and in such a way that they are not accessible to the spectators shall be reserved next to one of the outer bands.
Reserve player banks shall be located parallel to the outer line of the perimeter area, in any case outside the perimeter area and at a minimum distance from that line band of 1.50 m. Seats will be provided in each bench for at least 8 persons seated or for the number indicated by the Rules of the Competition in question. It is advisable that they have a backrest and are protected from the weather and/or objects launched by the spectators, if there are any, this protection can be of transparent material as long as it effectively fulfills its function. See Figure RUG-1.
12. SCOREBOARD
The scoreboard will be placed in a situation of perfect visibility for referees, players and the public and will be resistant and waterproof to inclement weather for placement outside. The scoreboard will indicate the time of the meeting with chronometer, the period, the names of the teams and the score.
13. VIDEO REFEREE
In high-level competitions, when required by the competition, a space and the necessary technical installation will be provided to assist the referee by viewing the game on the video screen.
14. MEGAPHONY
In sports facilities where high-level national competitions are to be held, the sports facility must have a megaphone facility. The installation of megaphony must allow individual control of the sound system in the areas where media representatives and commentators are located.
The megaphony system must be designed to automatically make warnings in case of emergency, both to athletes and spectators.
15. CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV)
In sports facilities where national high-level competitions are to be held, the sports facility must have a closed-circuit color television installation for surveillance of spectators, if required by the authorities for the prevention of violence in sport, however, it is advisable to provide for its installation. The closed-circuit television installation will have fixed and mobile cameras that control the interior and exterior (graderío, accesses, etc. ), own supply of electricity and will be handled from the organizational control room of the facility.
16. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTROL UNIT (UCO)
In sports facilities where national high-level competitions are to be held, if required by the authorities for the prevention of violence in sport, due to the importance of the competition, the number of attendees, the safety of the same and the modality of its development, a control room will be provided from which an overview of the installation is obtained (track, grandstands, etc. ), this organisational control unit shall have at least a closed-circuit television, megaphony and radio and telecommunication links, as well as such other means as may be necessary for the control of the enclosure.
17. AUXILIARY SPACES FOR ATHLETES
17.1 CHANGING ROOMS, SPORTS TOILETS, COACHES
There will be at least two independent changing rooms, one for each team. The changing rooms will have a laundry area with benches and hangers, a shower area with space for drying and a toilet area with toilet cabins and basins.
The changing rooms will have independent entries from other areas from the playing field, each changing room will be provided for a minimum number of 23 users.
The changing rooms will have the following characteristics:
• Players clothing change area, equipped with fixed benches with a minimum length of 0.65m/user, clothes hangers or wardrobe and blackboard.
• Massage area with at least two massage tables, ice machine and refrigerator.
• Shower area, with non-slip and waterproof floor, with a minimum of 6 showers and recommended 10 showers.
• Toilet area (2 minimum, 3 recommended), urinals (2 minimum, 3 recommended), mirrored washbasins (2 minimum, 4 recommended) and hair dryers (2 minimum, 4 recommended).
The rest of the characteristics of these spaces will be as indicated in the NIDE standard “Rooms and Pavilions” in the dressing room-toilets section.
A coaches room will be provided adjacent to each of the team changing rooms, with bench, clothes or wardrobe closets, blackboard, toilet, sink and shower.
17.2 CHANGING ROOMS, REFEREE TOILETS
There will be a dressing room for arbitrators In addition to that provision should be made, which can be used, when there is no competition, as a dressing room for coaches, instructors or teachers. EstAll changing rooms shall be fitted with showers and toilets.e dressing room will have a change of clothes area with benches and hangers, shower area with space for drying and toilet area with toilet cabins and basins. In competitions of high sports level the zone of change will be equipped for 8 people. In the same dressing room or annex to it there will be an area for writing minutes, reports, etc. With the appropriate furniture. The characteristics of these spaces will be as indicated in the NIDE standard “Rooms and Pavilions” in the wardrobe/toilet section.
17.3 INFIRMARY – FIRST AID
It will be arranged in such a way that access to it from the playing field is easy and will have a rapid outward exit to emergency vehicles for the evacuation of accidents, injuries or patients. The circulation spaces and doors will have sufficient width for the passage of stretchers, the corridors will have a minimum width of 2.25 m and the doors 2.20 m. It will be equipped with an exam table, stretcher, a desk table, armchair, a medicine cabinet, clothes rack and the essential medical equipment for first aid. The first aid room must be available to both athletes and the public if there is no other specific room for the public.
17.4 DOPING CONTROL AREA
In official competitions, a doping control area will be provided, which will be used exclusively for this purpose. It must comply with the requirements established by Order PRE/1832/2011, of 29 June, which regulates the area of control of doping, the material for taking samples and the protocol for handling and transporting blood samples and will have the following spaces:
• A waiting room with chairs and refrigerator for non-alcoholic beverages or other substances that could have an adverse effect, as well as container(s) for the collection of beverage containers.
•A working room adjoining the waiting room and directly connected to it with table, chairs and a refrigerator with a key to store the samples until they are moved.
•Urine sampling room adjoining the work room (In case of competitions for men and women it is advisable to have two) with toilet, sink and mirror
• Blood extraction room as an additional room adjoining the work room or as a space included in the work room. If it is an additional room, it will be equipped with a refrigerator with a key to store the samples until they are transferred.
17.5 WAREHOUSE OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT
A store of sports equipment of sufficient size to store rugby sports equipment will be available and can be locked. You will have easy or direct access from the playing field without obstacles, you will meet the requirements of the NIDE standard “Rooms and Pavilions”.
18. SINGULAR AUXILIARY SPACES
18.1 MANAGEMENT OFFICES
They are the spaces intended for the people in charge of the administrative management of the sports facility. Its size will be in accordance with the size of the sports facility it serves. It will meet the requirements of the NIDE “Rooms and Pavilions” standard.
For high-level international competitions, offices will be available with the necessary surface and equipment for the planned events, it is recommended to have the following spaces:
•Two working rooms and offices.
•Working room for delegates.
•Meeting room.
•Two warehouses for temporary storage of sports equipment and technical equipment.
•Space for accreditation at the entrance of the installation, with direct access from the outside. The accreditation spaces of Vips and media will be differentiated and separated from the rest. All accreditation spaces will be clearly signposted
18.2 STAFF LOCKER ROOMS
The staff locker rooms will be of a size depending on the number of people involved in the conservation, maintenance and preparation of the playing field, cleaning, maintenance of technical facilities, etc. These changing rooms will be arranged separately from the area of changing rooms for athletes and referees.
18.3 MAINTENANCE AND MAINTENANCE WAREHOUSE
A warehouse or warehouses will be provided for machinery, utensils, products, etc. conservation and maintenance of the playing field and sports facility with sufficient dimensions and can be locked. You will have easy or direct access from the playing field without obstacles, you will meet the requirements of the NIDE standard “Rooms and Pavilions”.
18.4 SPACES FOR AUTHORITIES AND PERSONALITIES
In large sports facilities there will be a reception and stay area for authorities and personalities, which will be located near the Tribune of authorities as a front door.
For high-level competitions, it is required to reserve spaces intended to receive VIP guests whose size depends on the type of event. These spaces, outside of their use in the event, can also be used for other purposes.
There will also be parking spaces with differentiated access area and direct entrance to the interior of the installation and near the reception area.
18.5 MEDIA SPACES
In large sports facilities where important sporting events are held, spaces will be available for representatives of the media and the facilities they require, such spaces will be separated from the spectator areas and with independent access.
For high-level competitions, it is also required that the sports facility has a differentiated entrance for the media with reception area and the following spaces.
• Stands for the press.
• Booths for radio and TV commentators.
• Spaces for TV cameras.
• Media workrooms.
• Press conference room.
• Working room for the press.
• Mixed zone that allows media representatives to speak and/or interview players.
• Parking reserved for the media.
19 SPACES FOR SPECTATORS
The spaces for the spectators will allow to see the sports competitions that take place and will have the necessary auxiliary spaces such as: entrance hall/s with zone and information posters, access control, lockers, bar – cafeteria, toilets, wardrobe, etc. The spaces for spectators will be designed and built in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities in a non-discriminatory, independent and safe way, places will be reserved for people with reduced mobility (1 for wheelchair users for every 100 seats or fraction) and they will comply with national, regional and local regulations for this purpose. The spaces intended for spectators will comply with the requirements of the Technical Building Code (CTE) and other current regulations, especially that of public shows, accessibility and fires. These spaces will also meet the requirements of the NIDE standard “Large Fields and Athletics”.
The sports facilities where high-level sports competitions are to be held must have independent access for players and referees other than the public, so that they cannot come into direct contact with the public.
The number of spectators to predict depends on the level and character of the sporting event. In sports facilities where high-level national competitions are to be held, it is recommended and mandatory if required by the authorities for the prevention of violence in sport, that numbered localities are available and with seats for all spectators.
The Tribune of authorities and personalities will be in a central position, close to the playing field and in front of the player banks. The area should not be accessible to the public. In high-level competitions you’ll have the upper hand.
Forums of Participants: A sufficient number of places will be reserved in a special rostrum for members of the teams and organizations participating in the sporting event who are not contesting the match.
20 ACCESSIBILITY
Rugby sports facilities will be designed and built in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities, non-discriminatory, independent and safe. They will have an outdoor itinerary accessible to the installation and accessible itineraries to the playing field, the auxiliary sports spaces (changing rooms, nursing, etc.) and the spaces for spectators. The aforementioned sports, auxiliary and spectator spaces will be accessible, meeting the accessibility criteria indicated in the NIDE standard “Large Fields and Athletics” as well as the national, regional and local regulations for this purpose. They are recommended to meet the requirements of the UNE “Accessibility” Standards.
21 BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Laws of the game of rugby 2016. “World Rugby” (International Rugby Federation)
- Technical manual of performance specifications of artificial surfaces for rugby, Edition 2016 “World Rugby”
- Rules of matches and competitions 2015. Spanish Rugby Federation.
- Gradual Rugby Spanish Rugby Federation.
- Regulations of the Spanish Rugby Federation for the homologation of rugby fields for national and international competition. October 2016.
- UNE-EN Standards for “Sports Surfaces and Equipment”
- UNE-EN Standards for “Lighting of Sports Facilities”
- UNE-EN Standards for “Spectator Facilities in Sports Facilities”
- UNE Standards for “Accessibility”