CONDITIONS OF PLAY

Thank you for reading our conditions of play for our competition. We supply this so that delegates receive all relevant information. Please read all pages carefully as they all make up part of the rules and regulations of the Newcastle Oztag Association. Please assist us in our efforts to administer the competition efficiently and professionally.

Newcastle Oztag Association will handle all administrative matters concerning the competition and referees, all queries should be directed to the Competition Co-ordinator for clarification or further assistance.

Please follow the link for all assemble guidelines https://www.oztag.com.au/resources/assemble-guides

The delegate is the person who registers the team and indicates online that they are the organiser of the team.

A delegate’s duties during the competition are as follows:

• Any questions regarding change of registrations/swaps etc due to pregnancy, illness or working away you must contact Newcastle Oztag to discuss your options.

• They are the only person allowed to ask questions to the Referee in a respectful manner.

• They should check the score with the referee at the end of the game and sign the card. DO NOT sign the scorecard if you disagree with the score, come and see us at the canteen.

• If someone else has the role of captain during a game please notify the Referee.

• Making sure everyone In your team is registered and all players are aware of the penalties that occur if unregistered players are played OR attempted to play.

• The delegate is responsible for all actions of their players and their spectators. If a player or spectator does not follow the instructions of the Referee it is the delegate's responsibility to ensure they do. The Delegate may be dismissed by the Referee to deal with any players/spectators.

• Make sure all players are aware that no pushbikes, Ebikes/Scooters to be rode on the grounds whilst games are being played.

Summer competition starts Late October every year and is 10 rounds + Finals.

Autumn competition starts April every year and is 10 rounds + Finals.

Please make sure you have the 10 players registered to secure your team BEFORE the cut-off date which is the 2026.

If competitions fill up prior to the cut off date and your team does not have 10 players paid it will be placed on the waitlist. First in basis for all competitions, if teams come in with 10 players registered before yours they will take your spot.

For any player found playing that has not paid their registration fee in the team they are playing in, penalties will apply. Before each player pays online they MUST read the accompanying sheet that lists the insurance details. 

Players must be 15 years old before they can register and play in an adult team.

If you have played previous seasons that does not mean your team is guaranteed a spot in the next season. 

If you have any problems finding extra players, understanding any of the supplied information or filling in the forms then please contact us on 0418 440 319. If you have problems contacting us please leave a message and we will get back to you ASAP.

Players may register to play in multiple teams under the following conditions:

We cannot guarantee the games will not clash times.

The players can only switch teams at half-time if the teams play at the same time.

Players must be in the correct uniform for each team.

It is the PLAYER's responsibility to contact Newcastle Oztag to advise us that they are playing in multiple teams and if both teams make finals. We will make every effort to avoid a clash of times during finals.

The registration of any player into multiple teams is at the discretion of the committee.

You can continue to register players up until round 6 of competition. If players are injured, pregnant or change of circumstances after round 6 and you need to replace them please contact newcastle@oztag.com.au and the committee will review the circumstances.

Guidelines considered during initial grading:

Past performance of the team. 

Players in a team (rep, experienced) 

Oztag experience (new players/team) 

Number of teams in a division. 

Team requests.

Newcastle Oztag’s knowledge of teams.


Guidelines considered when regrading teams:

We have the right to regrade teams up until round 7 once most teams in the competition have played each other once. The committee reserves the right to regrade a team earlier than this should they deem it necessary.

How many games have been played and against what teams have these games been played?

How many players did teams have playing on a particular night?

How many players did the opposition team have? 

How is the whole division performing?

Do other teams in the division need regrading? 

What are the for/against figures?

Do teams in higher/lower divisions require regrading and can be switched?

Do the teams have a history of poor performance and then much-improved performance once regarded?

Under no circumstances will any representative or A-grade player be permitted to be added to a lower-grade team if they don't commence the season with that team. 

This is deemed as being unfair to lower-grade teams and the grading process.

This decision by the Committee is final and cannot be appealed against.

Please ensure you have your team organised to avoid any issues.

(Newcastle Oztag has the right to alter these times as required)

Summer competition time slots: 5:45pm, 6:20pm, 6:55pm. 

Winter & Autumn competition time slots: 5:45pm, 6:30pm, 7:15pm, 8pm.

STATE OF ORIGIN NIGHTS WILL BE HALF HOUR GAMES TO AVOID FORFEITS

Teams require 5 players to take the field and have 5 minutes before a game is declared a forfeit. Mixed teams ratio you can have 4 ladies on and 1 male this is okay to start the game.

Team delegates must notify Newcastle Oztag via txt message only, If they cannot field a team before or by 3pm on the day of play.

Teams who forfeit a game without notice will be required to pay $50 forfeit fee prior to taking the field in their next game as well as deducted -5 points for the forfeit. If notified before 3pm of the game day, the team will incur 0 points and no fee. Please be considerate of other teams who travel far distances to play and give notice.

After 2 forfeits the team may be dismissed from the competition, and NO refunds will be issued.

If you are having problems with player numbers please email the committee at newcastle@oztag.com.au, we may be able to assist you.

If teams forfeit semi-finals they will NOT be eligible for finals.

If a team falls below five players due to injuries or (period in sin bin) they may continue the game. If they choose not to continue they will lose the game as a forfeit and receive 0 points.

If a team falls below five players because of players dismissed for the remainder of the game the non-offending team shall be declared the winner. 

The offending team will be given 0 points and the non-offending team will be given 3 points and either a 5-0 win or the score after the game, whichever is the greatest advantage to them.

If the referee abandons a game the committee will decide the result at a later date.

If a game cannot continue due to a bad injury/incident or bad weather and the game has been played till ½ time the team leading at that time will win the game.

Win – 3 points

Loss – 1 point

Draw – 2 points

Bye – 3 points

Forfeit – Forfeited team 0 points and 5 tries against.

Team forfeited against – Win 3 points and 5 tries, 0 against. 

Finals series: 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd (Winners through to grand final)

Finals format:
In the event of a draw at full time, the match will be decided by first try scored in extra time. Unlimited substitutions are permitted during finals matches.

Any refund will incur a $20 admin fee.

After round 4, there is NO refund of registration to any player, regardless of circumstances. If you require a refund prior to round 4 a $20 admin fee will be deducted from the registration fee.

If you are wanting to swap a players registration to another player please contact newcastle oztag via email newcastle@oztag.com.au

Unregistered players:

Only players registered in a team may play for that team ONLY. Penalties for teams playing players not registered in their team will be severe.

If you are found playing or attempting to play unregistered players in the Newcastle Oztag competition the following penalties occur:

1st Infringement - If the unregistered person/player attempts to play even if they do not take the field, your team will forfeit the game which is classed as a forfeit and -5 points, (the game can still be played, however it is an automatic win to the other team) You’re team will also receive a written warning.

2nd Infringement – Same penalty as above and in addition the team delegate will receive an automatic 3 week suspension from ALL teams they are registered in, regardless if they were present or not.

3rd Infringement – The whole team is removed from the competition and the team delegate receives an automatic 3 week suspenation from ALL teams they are registered in. NO refund will be given to any player after not abiding by the rules, fairness and integrity of our competition.

All infringement penalties are subject to the Committee’s discretion. Where the Committee determines that the nature of an incident warrants a higher penalty, this will be clearly outlined in the written correspondence to the team delegate. If the team delegate is a parent/person that does not play the penalty will be given to the team captain that signed off on the score card.

All delegates should be aware that all players that play in their team are registered to avoid these penalties and all players registered in the team are aware of the penalties and rules for the Newcastle Oztag competition.

Incorrect shirt:

1st Infringement - You are allowed to play, please come to the canteen for a stamp to show the referee and ground manager.

2nd Infringement - Second occurrence of this infringement you can still play, however you cannot score.

3rd Infringement - You will not be allowed to take the field.

Incorrect Shirt in finals = NO play.

If your shirt has been lost or damaged and you cannot source another one in time, the player must come to the canteen before they take the field each week to get a stamp to show the referee and ground manager.

A Referee may send you for a P.O.T., the duration of which is at the discretion of the referee. You must remove your tags hand them to the referee and position yourself behind your opponent's try line. 

Any player sent off for the duration of the game will incur one of the below: 

The remainder of the game is a sufficient penalty.

Up to an Automatic 2-week suspension. (only includes played games)

If more severe it will be reviewed by the Newcastle Oztag committee. 

If you are in doubt about any of the above please get your captain to check with the referee after the game or the competition organisers. 

Please view the link here for suspension gradings

Team Shirts: It is the team delegates responsibility to ensure their team abides by the rules. Team delegates must supply all players with the correct shirt numbers on Assemble before the start of the competition, no team will take the field if shirt numbers are not entered into the assemble platform. Click here to view how to do it https://oztag.com.au/ao/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Team-Delegates-Viewing-Team-and-Player-Details.pdf

Teams must have shirts organised by round 3 of competition (this can change each season)

We suggest that all teams have a minimum of 2 extra team shirts in a regular size in case they get ripped or lost. 

Footwear 

Shoes without metal screw-in studs are to be worn by all players.

Light leather or synthetic boots with soft moulded soles are permitted, providing individual studs are no longer than 1cm in length. 

No player is allowed on the field without footwear. 

Shorts/Tights

Players must wear official Oztag shorts/tights or they cannot take the field.

Shorts and Tights are available to purchase from our office on allocated short nights or times during the day and sent to team delegates. There is also a limited amount of stock at the grounds to purchase as well. 

Shorts and Tights cost: $35

Other uniform information and requirements:

• No league tag shorts are allowed or anything without the official Oztag logo on it. (if you're unsure, please ask)

• No shorts are loaned out (unless a faulty pair of shorts has been purchased) 

• All players must be correctly attired in the team's uniform.

• Shirts must be tucked into shorts and tights at all times.

• If wearing a jumper they must be worn under the team uniform and they must be tucked under the uniform including the hood. 

• Swapping of shirts/shorts/tights on the sideline is not allowed.

• Shirts must be the same design, and colour and have iron-on numbers or printed.

• NO Texta or tape numbers.

• Numbers must be no less than 16cm in height and displayed. 

• Sunglasses/safety glasses cannot be worn. Prescription glasses may be worn at your own risk. 

• Hard peak hats are not allowed, they must be soft peak.

Jewellery and fingernails 

Players are not to participate in any match whilst wearing any item of jewellery that might prove dangerous.

Long or sharp fingernails are to be trimmed or taped. Hard peak hats are to be worn backwards or hats are to be soft peak official oztag hats. 

If any issues regarding the uniform policy eg. shirts have not arrived in time please contact us and we can pass this onto the committee.

Players are not permitted to consume alcohol at any time during a game they are participating in. This includes any time they may be off the field during the game or at half-time of a game. Players observed consuming alcohol during a game they are participating in will not be permitted to continue participating in that game. 

It is the delegate's responsibility to ensure this rule is adhered to. Teams and players that ignore this rule may be subject to suspensions. 

In the event of wet weather or field closure, the noticeboard page will be updated if games are cancelled due to weather. Please do not contact us before 2 pm, or go to https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/groundinfo under menu, recreation, then sports ground closure. 

Wet weather round/s are allocated to each competition and there will be NO refunds given for games varied or cancelled due to conditions outside of Newcastle Oztag's control. Eg weather, public health orders, and council requirements. 

Newcastle Oztag reverses the right to: 

Change field venues if fields are unplayable/closed for several weeks and N.C.C can allocate alternate fields. Games may be played any day of the week, including weekends. These may be single or multiple rounds. 

If the fields are closed during finals, the finals will be pushed back into remaining spare weeks, if they have not already been used.

If there are no spare weeks available, the finals series may be cancelled. 

Grand finals will be attempted to be played on alternative days in the weeks leading up to next season.

If the grand finals are not completed at least 2 weeks before the next competition starts, joint premiers will be awarded.

If you have any complaints please email us at committeenoztag@gmail.com or see us on the night of the complaint rationally and calmly. Abusive or foul language to any official will NOT be tolerated. Please make sure this is done within 48hrs of the incident occurring as the later it is left the harder it is for all parties to correctly recall what happened.

If you wish to appeal a suspension received from the committee please apply via this form

You may only appeal if the suspension is greater than 2 weeks and the cost is $250 to be paid into the Senior Oztag bank account with a receipt attached to the email with the appeal.

Bank details:

BSB: 637000

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 781174769

Appealing points on the ladder:

All enquiries regarding the scores of games, points on the ladder must be brought to the attention of Newcastle Oztag the week of that round. Any issues or enquiries after the week of that round will not be accepted.

Newcastle Oztag provides a first aid officer to attend to basic injuries. Anything above will need hospital treatment.

If you need strapping, bandaids etc please bring your own, as first aid supplies are for injuries only on the night.

Please note the following:

If there is an injury in your game you must notify the Referee, we cannot view all games and see all injuries. If you require treatment at your field get someone to come up to the canteen and we will attend your field.

If the first aid officer believes an Ambulance is required they will ask the injured person if they would like an Ambulance called. If they do not want an Ambulance called we generally will not call one unless the player is suffering a life-threatening injury/illness.

Insurance Forms and Reporting a Claim 

Insurance forms must be completed correctly by all players and handed to staff at the grounds. These forms must be completed otherwise player’s claims for injuries may be refused. Players should look at carrying their insurance, as the Oztag Player Insurance Policy is limited. 

We cannot accept forms if there are mistakes which are crossed out. You must fill in the form correctly. 

Please visit the players insurance tab on our home page to complete the form.

While the competition is scheduled for the numbered amount of rounds including finals (this can vary each season), Oztag reserves the right to vary the length due to the circumstances that may arise. Newcastle Oztag is under no obligation to provide refunds if the competition length is shortened, or games are cancelled, due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, or public health issues. 

Remember, we are all here to have fun and enjoy the game. If in any doubt about any aspect of the game come and see a committee person. We are here to help you out and, as most people would know, we bend over backwards to ensure you get to play your games. But remember rules are in place for a reason, and at times we cannot be flexible with how the competition is run. 

Respect the referees and the job they are doing. Whether you agree with them or not, keep your opinions of the referees to yourself whilst playing the game. We are quite happy to receive feedback about referees but talk to a committee person and do so calmly and respectfully. Being abusive or derogatory will result in you being suspended. 

Development Officers: Jo & Brett Howard 

Phone: 0418 440 319 

Email: newcastle@oztag.com.au

Website: www.newcastleoztag.com

Phone hours: Mon-Thurs  9:00 am – 5:30 pm Fri 9:00 am - 5:00pm 

Office Unit 7/7 Revelation Close Tighes Hill. Office open via appointment.