BUCS GENERAL INFORMATION
1. BUCS Information Website – www.bucs.org.uk
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Fixtures & Results
Season Information for this Year – within your own section under ‘Sports’
2. BUCS Handbook (Rules & Regulations) – NOW ON LINE
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BUCS Constitution
Rules & Regulations
Download your information and take with you to Away Matches
3. Eligibility (Regulation 7)
3.1 BUCS Regulations on Eligibility
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Students must be an registered credit rated course of at least 60 credits;
must have paid club subscriptions;
cannot play the year after they have graduated;
may only compete for the institution with whom they are internally registered; (Note:
For the purposes of the BUCS Competition Chester Campus and Warrington Campus
are registered separately with BUCS)
3.2 Team Selection
In team sports which incorporate competition below First Team level, each team should
be selected as though the other teams would be playing in a match of equal importance
at the same time. Teams must be selected as if all teams are playing on a given day, for
example, if the first team do not have a match but the second team do, no players who would
normally represent the first team are eligible to play for the second team.
In all league matches and subsequent knockout round matches, the First Team or higher
fixture must be given priority. i.e. you cannot concede a first team fixture whilst playing a
second team fixture. Players have to play up to the higher team. Matches played in
contravention of this regulation will be awarded to the opposition, or in certain circumstances,
be voided. Any appeals against an ineligible player must be accompanied by photographic or
video evidence.
4. Duration of Matches and Conditions of Play (Regulation 8)
Duration of Matches shall normally be as laid down by the Sports Governing Body (Reg 8.1)
It is the responsibility of the Home Institution to provide the correct conditions and time
availability for the match, including provision for extra time for cup matches
In exceptional circumstances, the normal playing time of a match may be reduced before the
match has started with the consent of both captains and the officials. If this is pre agreed the
result of the mach cannot be appealed against.
Results from matches abandoned by the match official(s) before the completion of 75% of
normal time as per Reg 8.1 will not stand unless alternative provision is made under the
BUCS sports specific regulations.
5. RESULTS (Regulation 9)
Results have to be put on the BUCS website by 12 noon the day after the fixture.
Text results to my work mobile 07919 306069 as following example:-
M Football 2 Chester 4 Lancaster 2
If you have more than one team, it is important to identify the team as I will be getting about
25 texts through!
If you believe that an away score has been put in incorrectly please let me know and I will
investigate
All outstanding results have to be on the BUCS website by 1st April 2014, after this date the
BUCS leagues are locked
If you forfeit a match it will be entered into the results system as a ‘walkover’. 3 points are
deducted from the offending team and 3 points awarded to the non-offending team.
Tie on points in a league will be split by a sequential system in this order:
Teams with walkovers against them will automatically be placed below other tied
teams who have conceded less voluntary walkovers (Voluntary and involuntary
walkovers are dealt with later)
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Walkovers deemed involuntary may be disregarded in the above calculations on a
case by case basis.
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Where there is a tie between two teams, for whatever position in the league, the
result between the teams will be the determining factor in placing one team above the
other. Where fixtures are played on a home and away basis, the aggregate score of
the two matches (or more) will determine the higher placed team.
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Where more than two teams are tied on points, a table shall be formed to calculate
the higher placed team from the results between the relevant teams.
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Where a tie on points has been effected by a walkover or a void fixture, all the
relevant results against the team which conceded the walkover or the team involved
in the void fixture (i.e. all the results between the teams tied on points and the team(s)
conceding the walkover(s)/void match) will be removed from the results table and the
re-calculated goal/set/point/rubber (dependent on the sport) difference shall be used
to determine the higher placed team.
Badminton & Tennis – please read rule 9.9.8 for further clarification regarding your sport.
If the higher placed team cannot be determined from the system above, then this shall be
determined by the toss of a coin in the BUCS Office.
6. Match Official Requirements 2013 – 2014 (Regulation 11)
Attached is a summary of the necessary match officials for the coming season. The level of
official that you require depends on the league you play in. Generally, in Tier 1 and above
qualified & neutral officials are required whereas below this level, qualified but not necessarily
neutral officials should be organised. Neutral shall be taken to mean not being a current
student, a full or part time member of staff, a member of a team or Club or being closely
related to any member of the team.
An institution cannot appeal against a decision made by an official appropriate for the match.
6.1 Booking of Officials
Officials are booked at the beginning of the season through the appropriate refs\umpire
societies for:
Mens’ & Womens’ Rugby Union, Rugby League
We have to find our own officials for:
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Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Hockey and Lacrosse
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In some sports we have officials that are known to us and use them on a regular basis but
Fixtures Secretaries need to give them sufficient notice for the matches.
Tennis and Badminton mark their own matches and do not need official umpires.
6.2 Failure to Provide Officials
BUCS regulations state that failure to provide the appropriate officials will result in forfeiting
the match AND deduction of 3 league points, unless we can provide written notification from
appointments body that they were unable to prove officials on the day.
In some circumstances, the away team can host the match and we are obliged to travel if they
can provide qualified officials and we can’t.
Please read rules 11.7 for all different scenarios.
If we agree, in writing, before a match to play with non-neutral, qualified and\or the incorrect
number of officials neither team can appeal against the result of the match. In reality we often
agree this between institutions over the phone and, in this case, our word is as good as a
written agreement between North West Institutions.
6.3 Non-Provision of Officials on the Scheduled Day of the Fixture:
If the away team has arrived at the venue and the home team is let down by an
appointed or booked official and can prove in writing that the official was appointed / booked
the original home team is obliged to travel.
If a team has not yet travelled, and the home side notifies them that they have been let down
by an official on the day of the fixture (providing written evidence as above) the match shall be
rescheduled to be played at the original home team venue.
6.3 Payment of Officials
If officials are booked through appointments body they are paid at the end of the season via
SU Office and only need travelling expenses on the day. If you book officials you may: Request cash from SU via referee expenses claim form, no later than Monday before
fixture, or
 Pay official yourself on the day; official needs to sign the referee claim form to confirm
payment and for you to claim your money back.
 Forms are in the SU office
7. FIXTURE ADMINISTRATION (BUCS Regulation 12)
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All match confirmations etc. done by Jane
No matches can start before 1.00 pm without prior agreement of both institutions
Away matches should not be scheduled to see you arrive back at Chester after
midnight
No double headers
All matches must be played by the cut off date set by BUCS (Enclosed) Matches not
completed by this deadline will be declared void with no points awarded to either side
7.1 Forfeited Matches:-. Regulation 12.9
Due to the impact of the integrated league/knockout format initiated in the 2013/14 season,
REGS 12.9–12.11 are currently under review. Scenarios to which REGS 12.9-12.11 are
applied shall be assessed on a case by case basis by the BUCS office and are subject to the
process of appeal outlined in REG 16. (Full Appeal situation)
All walkovers in the first instance will deemed to be voluntary. (i.e. we can’t get a team out)
An involuntary walkover occurs when it is considered that a team has forfeited a fixture
through reasons beyond the reasonable control of that team, club or Students Union, i.e.
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major weather or traffic incident. We have 24 hours following the walkover to submit the case
for it being an involuntary walkover.
A team conceding one or more voluntary walkover(s) and finishing bottom of their league is
ineligible to take part in any promotion/relegation play offs and shall therefore be
automatically relegated.
Walkover Consequences for Tier 1 Teams:
Should a team concede one walkover then that team will receive a three point league
deduction and the loss of half the Overall BUCS Points attained through league finishing
position. Should a team concede two or more walkovers then that team will be ineligible for
progression into the knockout stages of the Championship and Trophy and will lose all of the
Overall BUCS Points attained through league finishing position. Three points to be deducted
from the league points total for each walkover conceded.
Walkover consequences for Tier 2 and below Teams:
Should a team concede one walkover then that team will receive a three point league
deduction and the loss of half the Overall BUCS Points attained through league finishing
position. Should a team concede two or more walkovers then that team will lose all the
Overall BUCS Points attained through league finishing position. Three points to be deducted
from the league points total for each walkover conceded.
Three voluntary walkovers will result in a £50 fine and subsequent £50 fine for each walkover
after that. (It would be recommended to withdraw from the league if we didn’t have a team
week after week).
Any team not fulfilling a Championship Cup round, or Trophy Semi final or Final will be
subject to a £500 fine.
7.2 Playing Under Protest: Regulation 12.11
If a team feels, upon arrival or during a fixture, the conditions do not adhere to those outlined
in the BUCS regulations they should complete a 'Playing Under Protest’ form or equivalent as
soon as the grievance is noted. Forms can be downloaded from the BUCS website;
equivalents must have all applicable information noted. (Take some in your kit bag)
Prior knowledge of breach of regulations: If a team travels to, begins or continues a fixture
with knowledge of a breach of regulations but fails to complete a Playing Under Protest or
equivalent form they are deemed to have accepted the conditions of play and can therefore
not play under protest nor appeal for that reason UNLESS information comes to light after the
fixture has been completed.
Breach Occurs during a match: Providing a team gives advanced warning to the official in
charge, a team is permitted to stop play at an appropriate time (natural break in play) to
complete a Playing Under Protest form or equivalent during a fixture. This must be completed
in a reasonable timeframe so as not to impact upon completion of the fixture (for example
facility booking restrictions).
The opposition captain cannot refuse to sign the Playing under Protest Form and could be the
subject of a misconduct charge if they do so.
You have to clearly state which regulation is contravened or it will not be considered by BUCS
Completion of a Playing Under Protest form allows you the right to appeal at the end of the
fixture if you feel that the grievance has had an effect on the final result. It does not
guarantee the outcome of the appeal.
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7.3 Teams from the same Institution in the same League
Fixtures cannot be scheduled for the last game of the season
7.4 Postponed and Abandoned Matches
Postponed Matches. Postponed matches are matches called off up to and including the
day of the match, due to bad weather, ground conditions, bad light or other extenuating
circumstances (force majeure) before you have travelled. A postponed league match shall
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preferable be played within two weeks of the original date and a knock out no later than the
Monday before the following round.
Late Postponed Matches – after you have started travelling. Where the away team has
commenced their journey only for the fixture to be postponed by the match official(s) or
groundsmen, the fixture shall be replayed at the venue of the AWAY team (i.e. reverse fixture)
When a match has been abandoned, the fixture shall be replayed at the venue of the AWAY
team. (Results from matches abandoned by the match official(s) before the completion of
75% of normal time will not stand unless alternative provision is made under the BUCS sports
specific regulations)
8. Disputes - Lodging a Complaint – BUCS Regulation 16
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A dispute (where a Playing Under Protest goes to Initial Appeal) should only be
submitted to the BUCS office in exceptional circumstances.
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If a Playing Under Protest form is filled out, please let Jane or Savannah know asap
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If you think you have grounds for this to go to appeal, bring all details up in writing on
Thursday morning. The protest will be evaluated and a decision made as to whether
we should make an initial appeal.
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Appeals are never considered against qualified officials
9. MISCONDUCT – BRINGING BUCS INTO DISREPUTE – BUCS
REGULATION 17
Every member institution and its clubs shall be responsible for ensuring that its players,
officials and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers conduct themselves in an
orderly fashion whilst attending or taking part in by the above shall render the institution and
its clubs liable to a charge of misconduct for failing to discharge its said responsibility. Failure
to adhere to this regulation may render the institution and its clubs liable to a charge of
misconduct for failing to fulfill its said responsibilities and/or additional charge(s) of bringing
BUCS into disrepute. Examples of behavior the company would deem an institution and its
clubs liable to a charge of misconduct and/or disrepute are:
- Violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language;
- Disregarding requests/instructions of Tournament Directors or appointed officials;
- Encroachment on the playing area by spectators or unauthorised persons, save for
reasons of safety;
- Throwing missiles, bottles or other potentially harmful or dangerous objects at, onto or
adjacent to the playing area.
- Every member institution and its clubs shall be responsible for ensuring that its players,
officials and all persons purporting to be its representatives do not conduct themselves or
print / have published any material which will bring the company into disrepute including
social media platforms.
Please see further details in Regulation 17 for how complaints are lodged and subsequent
disciplinary procedures.
10. Transport
Buses are organised in advance and your travel arrangements will be clearly marked on the
fixture sheet for that week. This has to be done in the most cost effective way and you may
experience some delays at venues waiting for other teams.
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Buses booked through Selwyn’s coach company
No Alcohol on Buses
No Stopping Buses
11. Trip Registration Forms
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Form must be completed for all away BUCS matches and off campus home matches;
Form must be submitted to Sarah by 2.00 pm on the Tuesday before the match;
Names should be completed clearly and in full (No nick names please);
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Everyone travelling must be included on form;
Chester student spectators, coaches, and officials must now have Duty of Care Card
to get on bus; Students from other institutions may not travel on buses.
12. First Aid Cover for Matches
All Clubs should have their own first aiders to cover matches, training and away fixtures.
13. Club Subscriptions and Duty of Care Card
Subs and Duty of Care fee must be paid before your first fixture. Students will not be allowed
to play their 1st fixture if they do not have current membership card\duty of care card.
14. Requesting Absence from Lectures
Students must request absence from lectures through the normal channels if they need to
leave a lecture early on a Wednesday to fulfil a sports fixture. University Departments are
given the details of when buses leave and when home fixtures start so will know if students
are leaving too early.
15. Code of Conduct for Clubs and Societies
All members of Chester Students’ Union Clubs and Societies are expected to conduct
themselves at all times in a manner which does not bring the good name of the Union and
University into disrepute.
Any infringement of this requirement of good conduct will result in disciplinary procedures
being taken against the team or individual concerned. The disciplinary procedures are
outlined in the Student Activities Policy.
16. Code of Dress
It is important that you look and act in a professional manner at all times as members of Team
Chester. Teams can choose to wear smart dress (shirt\tie or skirt\blouse) or your Team
Chester attire. Both is acceptable and will project the right corporate image for Chester
Teams arriving at other institutions provided that the whole team adopt the same attire.
17. Team Teas
Team teas will now be provided for home teams via the shop. These will be automatically
ordered for you for home matches. You need to pick up meal tickets from the BUCS board on
the day before the fixture.
18. Hospitality
It is essential that we ‘look after’ visiting teams arriving on our Campus.
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A representative from your Club should meet visiting teams on arrival and direct them to
the Changing Rooms and pitches.
Visiting team members are shown where the bar is after matches
Jane Hodson
Clubs & Societies Administrator
Chester Students’ Union
Tel: 01244 513392
Mob: 07919 306069
September 2013
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