Unfortunately April was already a very busy month with existing League fixtures still to be played, Sub County tournaments, school holidays and club tours arranged. Add to this the finals that have had to be re-scheduled and it quickly becomes obvious that it is unlikely all League fixtures will get played.

I have discussed this with the EMMJRA committee and we have agreed on the following course of action:-

All April League matches will take place as originally scheduled. Any previously slipped games will not now be re-scheduled.

As most Leagues are fairly close to being decided this should not affect the final outcome. However if there is not an outright winner and second place in each League then this will be decided by a games played/win ratio with walk-overs omitted. In the event of a further tie the result will be decided by a). the result of the paired match, or b). by the League score difference if that fixture has not been played (walk-overs again excluded).

As clubs tours are booked and with mini sections to consider, the decision has been taken to not change the U13 – U16 calendar for April published at the start of the season. If you cannot play your League fixture on the play-on date then you will regrettably have to concede.

It has been decided not to insist that every game is played. Clubs are more than welcome to arrange League games on the weekends/evenings not programmed by me, and the result will count if both clubs agree. However with so few weekends remaining and so little rugby played this year we do not want every fixture to remain a competitive one this season.

I understand that this decision may not be to everyone’s liking, but I don’t think anyone could have allowed for the weather we have had to endure this season. I took over as Competition Secretary in December and in that time I have had only one weekend (3rd March) where every programmed fixture was played. If you feel your club/age group has been severely disadvantaged as a consequence of this decision then please email me with your complaint before 31st March and I will consider whether to raise it with the EMMJRA committee.

Many lessons have been learnt this season and there are changes for 2013 – 2014. Over Easter I will email the 2013 – 2014 EMMJRA Competition invitations and rules and will detail the changes then.

Finally I have attached the EMMJRA Competition programme for April. The U13 and U16 final dates remain provisional until I hear back from all clubs involved.

Have a great Easter!

Best wishes,

Steve

EMMJRA Junior Competition Secretary