The overriding principle for Team Selection is that, "teams must be selected as if all teams are playing on a given day, at the same time, and in a match of equal importance" (REG 11.1.3). 

For example, this means that if the 1st team does NOT have a fixture, but the 2nd team does, players who would NORMALLY represent the 1st team are NOT eligible to play for the 2nd team.

Upon arrival or during a BUCS fixture, if you feel that the conditions do not adhere to the BUCS Regulations, you should fill out a 'BUCS Playing Under Protest' form (Appendix 8) as soon as the issue arises.

Game Day Process: 

• Collect Play Under Protest forms (as part of Match Day pack) from Sports Office on Game Day 
• The form must be completed fully (including suspected REGs breached - contact TEAMBrookes Staff for help or check the BUCS Regs) before the game finishes - it can't be done retrospectively 
• If there is a protest, the opposing captain must sign the form (you/they can’t refuse -it is not an acknowledgement of guilt, it is just agreeing to play under protest) 
• If you are at all in doubt, contact TEAMBrookes Staff immediately (073848 36980) or come to the Sports Office and we can check the regulations
• As soon as the game finishes, if it was played under protest, send a picture of the form to the TEAMBrookes Staff and they will be in contact for more details

Reasons you may wish to fill out a Play Under Protest form:

• Queries around individual eligibility  
• Queries around team selection (or playing order/ranking)
• If you think the match official does not meet the requirements laid out in Appendix 5 (disagreeing with an official's decision is not a valid reason, if the official is suitably qualified then their decision is final)
• Issues with sport specific regulations e.g. venue/equipment requirements

Wednesday After the Fixture/Thursday AM:

• Play Under Protest forms need to be actioned ASAP 
• We have to go through the process of investigation with the opposition and if we want to raise an appeal with BUCS - this initial appeal must be submitted by 17:00 the next day - investigations can take hours, so you must come into the Sports Office on Thursday morning ASAP - if the game is part of a cup, the initial appeal must be submitted by 15:00 the next day

Teams can claim a walkover on a fixture which results in penalties for the offending team. This could be because a team has been unable to fulfil a fixture on a given date and the fixture cannot be rearranged, or there has been a breach in regulations. 

Penalties for conceding walkovers are harsh and will have an affect on a team's league finishing position, as well as TEAMBrookes' BUCS overall points tally. The full penalties are listed in REG 13.7.5. and can include:

• Loss of league points
• Loss of BUCS points attained through final league position
• Loss of eligibility for promotion
• Up to £750 fine for knockout walkovers depending on the stage and level

If a team anticipates having an issue with getting a team out for a fixture they must let the TEAMBrookes Staff know well in advance (by Friday) - so the TEAMBrookes Staff can coordinate with the other universities. Do not reach out to the opposition, this should be done through the TEAMBrookes Staff. 

Postponed Matches

• Matches may be postponed for reasons such as bad weather, ground conditions or other extenuating circumstances. If a match has to be postponed it is usually rearranged at the venue of the original HOME team. 
• Where the Away team has already started their journey and the fixture is subsequently postponed by either the match official or grounds staff (written evidence required), the fixture will be replayed at the venue of the AWAY team. 
• If you need a fixture to be postponed due to lack of player availability, you need to give a minimum of 48 hours notice, and there is no guarantees that it can be moved as the opposition must agree.

Abandoned Matches

• If a match has to be abandoned once play has begun, the fixture will be replayed at the venue of the AWAY team.
• However, if 75% of the match has been completed, the result will stand and the fixture will NOT be replayed. 
• If you are late to a match and facility time is limited, you must try and play to 75%.

All fixtures are published on BUCS Play and include the date, start time and location of the fixture.

If something doesn't look right or your team has two fixtures scheduled for the same day email sport@brookes.ac.uk immediately. 

Entering a Team Sheet 

Team sheets must be completed on BUCS Play prior to the match. It's always useful to have paper copies (can collect from Sports Office) in case the app crashes or there's no wifi or service. It's also always useful to screenshot the team once you have it in BUCS Play just incase the app crashes. 

If you are posting team sheets onto social media, ensure these are accurate as sometimes they are used as evidence in Play Under Protest cases. 

Ensure all players travel with their Oxford Brookes Student Cards as they may be challenged to prove they are a student by the opposition/umpire 

Approving/Disputing an Oppositions Team Sheet 

The ability to approve or dispute a team sheet opens 1 hour prior to the fixture start time. 

Process:

1. Check the oppositions team sheet in line with REG 11.2 
2. If you are happy with their team sheet click approve 
3. If not, click dispute if Team Sheet does not meet the regulatory requirements 
4. Complete Playing Under Protest form 

Results must be entered (by the captain), and approved (by the TEAMBrookes Staff for home games), on BUCS Play no later than 12:00 on the first working day following the fixture (REG 13.2). Please also send them into the captain's Whatsapp group. 

If you think a score has been entered incorrectly by the opposition (or if you have made a mistake entering the wrong score) please contact the TEAMBrookes Staff through your captain's Whatsapp group.

• REG 13.2.1 - Where an institution/Playing Entity has not approved a result for a knockout competition match in accordance with REG 13.2 they shall incur a £10 fine
• REG 13.2.2 - Institutions/Playing Entities persistently found to be in contravention of REG 13.2 may face disciplinary action

Some sports require information to be entered than others e.g. game and match points in Squash or tries and conversions for Rugby Union, so please ensure that all the relevant information is inputted as this can impact league points. 

Self Drive 

• Driving personal cars to fixtures/competitions
• Reimbursed petrol costs through Access Workspace through calculation of distance
• When driving your personal vehicle, this is NOT covered under the university's insurance policy and students should ensure they have appropriate cover with their insurance company

Coaches 

• Used when multiple teams traveling to the same location

To reclaim money for transport costs or match offical payments please follow these steps:

• All expenses are processed through the Online Payment System (Access workspace)
• To avoid any delays, it is encouraged that team members register at the beginning of the year
  • To do this, email sport@brookes.ac.uk from your student email and specify your sport
• You cannot claim expenses on behalf of other teammates
• Relevant receipts must be attached for verification - no receipts, no reimbursement
• If claim is approved by Wednesday, the money should be reimbursed the following Monday
• All expenses must be approved in advance - talk to us if you are planning to purchase something
• Claims must be submitted as soon as possible - reimbursements will not be made if the claim is made 3 months after the date of initial payment
• There is an app which makes it easier!