Sunday 24th August 2008

A Handicapped 7 a-side rugby tournament for all

What is FatBoy 7's ?
"FatBoy 7s" Rugby tournament is aimed at the older less athletic player's in the rugby community. Points are deducted from the starting scores of teams fielding player's under 35 years of age and tipping the scales at less than 108kgs. Players with more years under their belts and more pounds over them will gain extra points.
Fancy dress helps to reduce some of the handicaps imposed on the lighter teams that enter.
The handicap system should ensure that a team of "lumbering mature men" should be able to beat the Fijian's national side.

Everybody is Welcome (EXCEPT THE MOANERS THAT TAKE EVENTS LIKE THIS TO SERIOUSLY)
We expect the event to be fully subscribed and late entries may be turned away.
The main criteria for entries is that teams just want to have fun and experience seven a-side rugby whilst living in a body that is perhaps not in the mould of the more traditional seven's player.
TOURING SIDES ARE WELCOMED.
Any clubs wishing to join us while on tour are encouraged to make early contact.

Rules
As the tournament is aimed at the older, more rotund player we use a handicap system to favour that type of player. The handicap system for 2008 will be as follows:

· Players will be awarded +0.5 points for every kilogram over 108kg (-0.5 points for every kg under 108 kg, no points adjustment for players weighing exactly 108kg)
· Players will be awarded +0.3 points for every year over 35 years of age (-0.3 points for every year younger than 35, with no points adjustment for 35 year olds)
All players are responsible for their own insurance and take part at their own risk.

Under age players will be required to wear fancy dress.
Further penalties may be imposed to prevent outrageous miss-matches
i.e Martin Johnson and Jason Leonard turning up.

In short: a team of seventy year old biffa’s would only need to be able to stand on the pitch for fourteen minutes in total and have the co-ordination and strength to change ends within a minute of the half time whistle to BEAT a side of 19 year old athletes wearing drag.
All registration forms must be submitted along with the entrance fee by 21st July 2008, or their place may be taken by a team on the reserve list.
All matches to be played under the current IRB 7-a-side laws. 7 minutes each way, convert your own tries.
A 2minute sin bin will be used for time wasting.

Registration will commence at 0900. No teams are to arrive at the ground later than 0930. The group stages of the tournament will commence at 1100.
Any fixture in the knock-out stages that ends with a draw shall be decided by the team scoring the most tries in that match. If both sides have scored an equal amount of tries, the match shall be decided by a sudden-death drop-kick competition from in front of the posts on the 22 metre line.
Any queries or complaints with regards to the playing aspects of the tournament are to be directed to the Tournament Organiser, whose decision in the matter will be final. Any fine’s shall be decided at the “FatBoy Court” by the Judge, with the defendant’s team captain as the defence lawyer.

For research purposes and to get a flavour visit these websites
http://www.gosportfatboy7s.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.fatboysevens.net/index.asp

There will also be a “MVP“ award going to the player worth the most points by just stepping on the scales. We are still looking for a sponsor to donate a suitable prize, any offers of health club membership will be frowned upon.

Bar, BBQ and Raffle

Party in the bar till late with live entertainment (tba)

Over night camping facilities may be available should you wish to bring a tent.
Please complete the entry form and return as soon as possible as numbers will be limited.