URLA matches are played under the standard IRL Laws of the Game with a small set of URLA-specific competition rules.
URLA does not maintain its own law book. We use the published IRL laws, supplemented by a small number of URLA-specific competition rules below.
URLA matches are played under the standard 13-a-side international rugby league laws maintained by the IRL (International Rugby League). New players and refs use the official law book as the primary reference.
IRL Laws of the GameThe binding text for each URLA season — competition variations, eligibility, code of conduct, disciplinary process, and the judiciary panel. Sent to every club and referee at the start of the season.
Email URLA for a copyThese are the URLA-specific rules that sit on top of the IRL law book. The full season packet — sent to every club and referee before the season — contains the binding text. The summary below is a plain-English overview.
All URLA players must be registered through the official URLA registration system before taking the field. Players are eligible for one URLA team per season unless cleared for transfer by the league. Junior eligibility follows the URLA junior pathway rules.
Standard 13-a-side matches with 4 interchange. Match length and rest periods follow IRL competition standard. Specific match-day timing for finals and special fixtures is confirmed by URLA before each round.
Players, coaches, sponsors, and supporters are expected to uphold a respectful, inclusive culture on and off the pitch. Discriminatory or threatening behavior — at matches, online, or in URLA events — is grounds for suspension or removal.
On-field offenses are managed by the match referee. Post-match incidents go through URLA's judiciary process — written report, hearing if needed, sanction issued by the league judiciary panel. Appeals follow the standard URLA appeals process.
Mouthguards required. No metal studs. Headgear and shoulder padding optional but must comply with IRL standards. Match-day medical coverage is provided by the home team. Concussion protocols follow IRL Return to Play guidelines.
Teams unable to field a minimum squad forfeit the match. Matches abandoned by the referee for safety or weather are rescheduled or awarded by the URLA executive — case-by-case basis, decision communicated within 72 hours.
Players, refs, and team officials get the full URLA season packet at the start of each season. Sponsors and the public can request a copy by emailing [email protected].
URLA is a community league with a real path to higher-level rugby — for players, refs, and clubs. Everyone in the URLA community is expected to:
Code-of-conduct concerns can be sent confidentially to URLA leadership at [email protected]. On-field incidents go through the match referee and the URLA judiciary process.
The official Laws of the Game live on the International Rugby League website. The link in the section above takes you to the latest version. URLA matches use the current published edition.
IRL law takes precedence on the pitch unless URLA has issued a written competition variation (e.g., for junior age divisions). Variations are published in the season packet sent to clubs and refs.
The URLA judiciary panel — appointed by the URLA board, separate from the team executives — reviews incidents and issues sanctions. Hearings are held within 14 days of the incident.
Yes. Players and clubs can appeal a judiciary decision to the URLA board within 7 days. The board's appeal decision is final.
Email URLA leadership at [email protected]. Code-of-conduct concerns are handled confidentially.
Question not covered? Email [email protected] or [email protected] for ref-specific rules.
