League rules · 2026

Rules & conduct.

URLA matches are played under the standard IRL Laws of the Game with a small set of URLA-specific competition rules.

URLA-specific rules Code of conduct
URLA-specific

URLA competition rules.

These 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.

01

Eligibility

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.

02

Match format

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.

03

Code of conduct

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.

04

Disciplinary process

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.

05

Equipment & safety

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.

06

Forfeit & abandonment

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.

Need the full text?

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].

Code of conduct

Behave like a pro on and off the pitch.

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:

  • Respect the referee, the opposing team, and the spectators — every match, every time.
  • Refuse discriminatory or threatening language and behavior, on the pitch and online.
  • Look after each other — concussion checks, post-match handshakes, transport home if needed.
  • Represent your club, your sponsors, and the league in public — your social, your jersey, your post-match commentary.
  • Report concerns to URLA leadership directly. Confidentiality respected.
Reporting

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.

FAQ

Quick answers.

Where do I find the full IRL law book?

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.

What if a URLA-specific rule conflicts with IRL?

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.

Who decides disciplinary outcomes?

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.

Can a sanction be appealed?

Yes. Players and clubs can appeal a judiciary decision to the URLA board within 7 days. The board's appeal decision is final.

Where do I report a concern off-pitch?

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.