Carnival Rules

Viking Cup 10s presented by Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine — October 1-3, 2026

The Viking Cup 10s Carnival Rules apply to all matches played during the carnival. These rules should be read together with the applicable Rugby Australia and World Rugby laws. Where an express Carnival Rule differs from another applicable law, the Carnival Rule will apply.

⚠️ Player safety takes priority over every other rule. The referee may stop or modify a match where necessary to protect participants.

1. Applicable Laws

Hierarchy of Laws

Matches will be played under the following hierarchy of laws:

These Viking Cup 10s Carnival Rules.
For U6–U12 divisions, the applicable Rugby Australia Kids Pathway Laws.
For U13–U16 divisions, the World Rugby Laws of the Game, Rugby Australia Under-19 Law Variations and World Rugby 10s Variations.
Any directions issued by Queensland Rugby Union or the Viking Cup Competition Manager.

Where the laws do not specifically address a carnival situation, the Competition Manager may make a determination that is consistent with player safety, fairness and the spirit of the carnival. The Competition Manager's determination is final.

Rugby Australia Age-Grade Laws World Rugby 10s Variations Rugby Australia Concussion Management

2. Age-Group Summary

Division	Players	Max Squad	Field	Kicks at Goal	Scrum & Lineout	Format
Mixed U6	7	12	Half	No conversions, penalty goals or dropped goals	Tap restarts under Kids Pathway Laws	Participation
Mixed U8	7	12	Half	No conversions, penalty goals or dropped goals	Tap restarts under Kids Pathway Laws	Participation
Mixed U10	10	15	Half	No conversions, penalty goals or dropped goals	Formed but non-contested	Participation
Mixed U12	10	15	Full	Drop-kick conversions and penalty goal attempts permitted	Five-player contested scrum	Competition
Girls U13	10	15	Full	Drop-kick conversions and penalty goal attempts permitted	Three-player contested scrum	Competition
Boys U14	10	15	Full	Drop-kick conversions and penalty goal attempts permitted	Five-player contested scrum	Competition
Girls U15	10	15	Full	Drop-kick conversions and penalty goal attempts permitted	Three-player contested scrum	Competition
Boys U16	10	15	Full	Drop-kick conversions and penalty goal attempts permitted	Five-player contested scrum	Competition

On narrow screens, scroll the table horizontally.

3. Teams and Substitutions

Teams and Substitutions

Mixed U6 and Mixed U8 matches are seven-a-side.
All other divisions are 10-a-side.
Mixed U6 and Mixed U8 teams may nominate a maximum of five replacements, creating a maximum match-day squad of 12.
All 10-a-side teams may nominate a maximum of five replacements, creating a maximum match-day squad of 15.
Rolling substitutions are permitted. A team may make any number of interchanges using its nominated match-day squad.
A replacement must enter through the halfway interchange area and only after the departing player has completely left the field.
An incorrect interchange may result in a penalty being awarded against the offending team.
A temporarily suspended, sent-off or blue-carded player cannot be replaced unless the applicable laws expressly allow it.
Players must use the same jersey number throughout the carnival unless a change is approved by the Competition Manager.

4. Match Operations

Match Duration and Central Clock

Every match is 17 minutes straight, with no halftime.
Matches operate on the official central carnival clock.
There is a three-minute changeover period between scheduled matches.
Teams must be at the field, fully prepared and ready to play before their scheduled start time.
Matches will not ordinarily be extended because of injuries, substitutions, conversions or other delays.
The referee may stop play whenever necessary for player safety.
A match that cannot continue because of a serious injury, ambulance response, dangerous weather, unsafe field conditions or another emergency may be suspended or abandoned.
The Competition Manager may determine whether an affected match is resumed, rescheduled or recorded based on the score and circumstances at the time.
The Competition Manager may shorten, relocate, postpone or cancel matches where required to safely maintain the carnival schedule.

The central clock determines the beginning and end of each match. The referee retains authority over whether play is safe to commence or continue.

5. Restarts and Kicking

Half-Field Divisions — Mixed U6, U8 and U10

Mixed U6, Mixed U8 and Mixed U10 all play on a half field. Restarts, penalties and free-kicks will be managed under the applicable Rugby Australia Kids Pathway Laws and the age-group summary above.

Conversions, penalty goals and dropped goals are not permitted in any of these divisions.

Competition Divisions — Mixed U12 and Older (Full Field)

After a try, the scoring team may attempt a conversion.
All conversions must be taken by drop kick.
The conversion must be taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded.
Opposing players must immediately assemble at or behind their own 10-metre line.
After a score, the scoring team restarts play with a drop kick on or behind the centre of the halfway line.
Team-mates of the kicker must remain behind the ball.
The restart must travel at least 10 metres and must not go directly into touch.
If the restart does not travel 10 metres, goes directly into touch or is otherwise taken incorrectly, the receiving team is awarded a free-kick.
If the ball travels into the opponents' in-goal without touching a player and is made dead, goes into touch-in-goal or crosses the dead-ball line, the receiving team is awarded a free-kick.
A penalty or free-kick may be punted or drop-kicked but cannot be place-kicked.
A penalty attempt at goal must be a drop kick and must be taken within 30 seconds.
A team awarded a penalty is not required to attempt a kick at goal.

6. Scrums and Lineouts

Mixed U6 and Mixed U8

A tap restart is used instead of a scrum.
A tap restart 10 metres in from the touchline is used instead of a lineout.
Defending players must retreat five metres.
The applicable Rugby Australia Kids Pathway Laws apply.

Mixed U10

Teams form scrums and lineouts for player development purposes.
Scrums and lineouts are non-contested.
Teams cannot push, strike for possession or compete for the throw where prohibited by the applicable Kids Pathway Laws.

Lineout Numbers — U10 to U16

A lineout must have a minimum of two and a maximum of four participating players from each team, excluding the player throwing in.
The team throwing in determines the number of participating players in the lineout.
The opposing team must not have more participating players in the lineout than the team throwing in, but may have fewer provided it has at least two.
Mixed U10 lineouts remain non-contested. Lineouts in the older divisions are contested under the applicable laws.

Mixed U12, Boys U14 and Boys U16

Contested scrums use five players per team.
The front row consists of two props and one hooker.
The second row consists of two locks.
All scrum players must remain safely bound until the scrum has ended.
Applicable Rugby Australia Under-19 scrum safety variations apply.

Girls U13 and Girls U15

Contested scrums use three front-row players per team.
There is no second row.
All scrum players must remain safely bound until the scrum has ended.
Applicable Rugby Australia Under-19 scrum safety variations apply.

Scrum Safety and Uncontested Scrums

The referee has sole authority to determine whether a scrum can be safely contested.

The referee may consult coaches, but player safety cannot be overridden by a coach or team official. If either team cannot safely contest, the referee will order uncontested scrums.

Any player-number consequence associated with uncontested scrums will be applied by the referee and Competition Manager under the applicable laws and the circumstances that caused the uncontested scrum.

Teams must not deliberately create uncontested scrums to gain a tactical advantage. Suspected manipulation may be referred to the Competition Manager or carnival judiciary.

7. Scoring and Finals

Participation Divisions

Participation

The Mixed U6, Mixed U8 and Mixed U10 divisions are participation and development divisions.

Scores may be recorded for draw administration, but these divisions will not have published ladders, finals, premiers or champion-team trophies. Recognition should focus on participation, effort, improvement and sportsmanship.

Competition Divisions

Competition

The Mixed U12, Girls U13, Boys U14, Girls U15 and Boys U16 divisions are competition divisions and may include ladders and finals.

Win2 points

Draw1 point

Loss0 points

Forfeit received2 points

Forfeit conceded0 points

Tiebreaker order (equal competition points):

Result between the tied teams, where only two teams are tied.
Overall points differential.
Most tries scored.
Most points scored.
Fewest points conceded.
A draw conducted by the Competition Manager.

Tied Finals

If a semifinal or final is tied at full-time, play three minutes of sudden-death extra time. The first team to score wins.

If the match remains tied after sudden-death extra time, the team that finished higher on the relevant pool or competition ladder will advance or be declared the winner.

The Competition Manager may vary this procedure where field availability, player welfare, weather or the carnival schedule makes extra time impractical.

Score Confirmation

At full-time, the referee and both team managers must confirm the result.
The manager of the team listed first in the draw is responsible for submitting the result through the Match Day App within 20 minutes.
A disputed score must be reported to the Competition Manager within 20 minutes of full-time.
The Competition Manager may consult the referee, team managers and available match records.
The Competition Manager's determination of the official score is final.

8. Player Eligibility and Registration

Player Eligibility and Registration

Every player must be registered through RugbyXplorer before participating.
Unregistered players cannot take the field.
Players must satisfy the applicable age-grade requirements.
Any age dispensation must have been formally approved before the carnival.
A player may only be registered to one Viking Cup team unless the Competition Manager gives prior written approval.
A player cannot change teams or divisions during the carnival without prior approval.
A team manager must be able to produce the team's RugbyXplorer registration list when requested.
Each team must nominate its match-day squad before each match when requested by a carnival official.
No team may exceed the maximum match-day squad shown in the age-group table.
Any late player addition or emergency replacement must be approved by the Competition Manager before that player takes the field.
Using an ineligible or unregistered player may result in the match being forfeited and may be referred to the carnival judiciary.

9. Referees

Team Referee Responsibilities

Every U10–U16 team must supply a suitably qualified referee for the matches allocated to that team.
The nominated referee must have completed the required Smart Rugby online training and any other qualification advised by the organisers.
A team-supplied referee may be allocated to matches involving other teams or divisions.
Mixed U6 and Mixed U8 matches will ordinarily be facilitated or refereed by coaches on the field.
Team referees must report to the referee coordinator at the requested time.
Failure to provide an allocated referee may be referred to the Competition Manager and may affect the team's continued participation.
Referees appointed by the carnival have full authority over the match, regardless of their club or team affiliation.
Abuse or intimidation of referees will not be tolerated.

10. Discipline and Concussion

Yellow Cards

A yellow-carded player is temporarily suspended for two minutes.
The suspended player cannot be replaced during the suspension.
A second yellow card in the same match results in a red card and send-off.
Two yellow cards accumulated across the carnival result in an automatic one-match suspension.
After the automatic suspension has been served, the player's yellow-card accumulation resets to zero, although all cards remain recorded.
Team managers must record the player's name, jersey number, offence, match and referee details.

Red Cards

A red-carded player takes no further part in the match and cannot be replaced.
A red-carded player is immediately suspended from all further carnival matches pending a judiciary determination.
A red card arising from a second yellow card in the same match is treated as a red card.
Judiciary hearings will ordinarily be held after the close of play.
The player, team manager and relevant match officials may be required to attend.
A judiciary suspension may extend beyond the carnival where required under applicable Rugby Australia or Queensland Rugby Union disciplinary procedures.

Suspected Concussion and Blue Cards

Any player displaying signs or symptoms of a possible concussion must be immediately removed from play and cannot return to the field that day.

No coach, trainer, parent, team official or medical practitioner can override the requirement that a player with suspected concussion remain off the field on the day of the injury.

For matches in which the Blue Card process applies, the referee will show a blue card and the incident must be recorded.

All suspected concussions, whether or not a physical blue card is shown, must be managed under Rugby Australia's Concussion Management Procedure.

For players aged 18 and under, the minimum period before return to play following a diagnosed concussion is 21 days. The player must also complete the required medical referral, recovery and Graduated Return to Play process.

A hospital or GP clearance obtained on the day of the incident does not allow a player with suspected concussion to return that day.

Recognise. Remove. Record. Refer.

A player with suspected concussion does not return that day.

Rugby Australia Concussion Management

11. Forfeits, Uniforms and Protests

Late Teams and Forfeits

Teams must be ready at the field before their scheduled start.
The central clock and following matches will not ordinarily be delayed for a late team.
The Competition Manager may declare a forfeit where a team is not ready to play.
A competition-division forfeit will ordinarily be recorded as a 20–0 result.
The Competition Manager may vary the recorded score where fairness or unusual circumstances require it.
Participation-division teams should make every reasonable effort to play a modified or shortened match rather than record a forfeit.

Minimum Numbers and Player Sharing

A match cannot commence unless the referee is satisfied it can be played safely.
Player sharing or matching team numbers may be permitted in participation divisions with the agreement of both coaches and the referee.
Player sharing in a competition division requires approval from the Competition Manager.
A shared player must be properly registered and eligible for the relevant age division.

Protests

Only a registered team manager may lodge a protest.
A protest must be provided to the Competition Manager in writing within 20 minutes of the end of the match.
The protest must clearly identify the rule or eligibility issue being challenged.
Referee judgement decisions made during play cannot be protested.
The Competition Manager may request further information before deciding the protest.
The Competition Manager's determination is final, subject to any mandatory Rugby Australia or Queensland Rugby Union process.

Matters Not Covered by These Rules

The Competition Manager may interpret these rules and decide any situation not expressly covered.

When making a decision, the Competition Manager will consider:

• Player safety and welfare.
• The applicable Rugby Australia and World Rugby laws.
• Fairness between teams.
• The participation or competition status of the division.
• The need to maintain the carnival schedule.
• The spirit and objectives of the Viking Cup 10s.

Unless an external governing-body process is required, the Competition Manager's decision is final.

12. Code of Conduct

The Viking Cup 10s presented by Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a celebration of community, teamwork, and fun. Every player, coach, parent, and spectator is expected to uphold the following standards.

Respect

Treat all players, coaches, referees, officials, and supporters with respect
Value fair play and good sportsmanship over winning at all costs
Recognise and appreciate the efforts of volunteers

Safety & Wellbeing

Place the health and wellbeing of participants above everything else
Encourage safe play; never support violence, bullying, or abuse
Ensure all children feel included and valued

Positive Participation

Play, coach, and cheer in a way that is welcoming and inclusive
Applaud good play and effort from both teams
Keep sideline behaviour positive — criticism and negativity are not acceptable

Responsibility

Abide by the rules and respect the decisions of referees and officials
Accept decisions in the spirit of the game
Be a role model for others through your own behaviour

Enjoyment

Remember the carnival is about fun, development, and community
Celebrate teamwork, effort, and improvement, not just results
Contribute to the festival atmosphere that makes the Viking Cup special

Together, by living this Code of Conduct, we can ensure the Viking Cup 10s presented by Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a safe, welcoming, and memorable event for all.

Enforcement

Team managers are responsible for helping manage the behaviour of their players, coaches and supporters.

A referee or carnival official may warn or remove any person whose behaviour is abusive, threatening, discriminatory, unsafe or persistently disruptive.

A person directed to leave the playing enclosure or venue must do so immediately. Failure to comply may result in the associated team's match being suspended or abandoned and the matter being referred to the Competition Manager or relevant authorities.

13. General Information

First Aid

A first aid station will be set up between Fields 1 and 2. Please note: strapping will not be provided by first aid officers.

Food, Drink & Merch

Food and drink available at Club Whitsunday (EFTPOS available)
Reservations recommended for sit-down bistro meals
Merchandise tent located next to the Can Bar alongside Field 1

Good to Know

Bring insect repellent — midges can be prevalent in the evenings.
Serious injuries, ambulance responses, dangerous weather and significant match interruptions will be managed by the Competition Manager in consultation with referees, first aid personnel and venue officials. Player safety will take priority over maintaining the published schedule.

A Note from WJRU

Please remember that the WJRU committee, referees, coaches, managers and everyone helping are all volunteers. We all share the same goal — delivering a great carnival for our children and a fantastic weekend of rugby union for everyone. Please stay respectful at all times.

Here's to an awesome carnival!

— WJRU Executive Committee