As discussed with the D1 players in January, the Midwest asked the WRC which division our D1 side preferred to play in and the vote tallied 12 for D2, 9 for D1, and 5 abstaining from the vote. All 26 D1 players from the 2023 responded to this vote.

The Midwest has given very little in terms of response. Below is what was received on 2/11. The long and the short of it is that D1 has been relegated to D2 and there has been no discussion surrounding a playoff ban for the D2 side nor any other communication on this relegation determination. Please reach out to the Board with any questions.

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Good morning,

I have a few things for you all from the Midwest Competition Committee meeting yesterday. And a couple things that I need some feedback on.

1. If your club is seeking self promotion or relegation, I need to know by Feb 15. Currently, here is where all clubs are listed for Fall 2024.
Men’s D2 – Green Bay, Milwaukee RFC, Milwaukee Barbarians, WRC (relegation granted)
Men’s D3 – Green Bay D3, Fox Cities, Oshkosh, Oconomowoc, WRC D3, Milwaukee Black & Blue, Milwaukee Barbarians D3
Men’s D4 – Eau Claire Orcs (MN D4), Kenosha/McHenry (CARFU D4), Milwaukee Beer Barons (CARFU D4)
Women D1 – Milwaukee Scylla
Women D2 – WWRFC, Oconomowoc Women
Women Festival – Fox Cities Chaos, Chippewa Valley Vipers

Not on a MW schedule – LaX River Rats, Madison Minotaurs

2. Law Changes:

a. Rolling Subs – Competition Committee will vote in March, I need club feedback on if you want to see this implemented within your competition. For teams with multiple sides. It is on the table to possibly adopt this law change at the D3 level, but not the D2 or D1 level. Please reply with your feedback with both competitions.
World Rugby Law 3.34. Rolling Replacements
A match organizer may implement rolling tactical replacements at defined levels of the game within its jurisdiction. The number of interchanges must not exceed 12. The administration and rules relating to rolling replacements are the responsibility of the match organizer.
Is this an item we would like to see implemented?

High Tackles – voted and adapted by MW, will be implemented immediately.
In accordance with the World Rugby Council recommendation to consider trials of reduced tackle height in community rugby, the USA Rugby Tackle Height Committee was convened to assess the issue and make recommendations regarding the nature, scope, and timing of USA Rugby’s participation in the program. The expected recommendation will be to lower the tackle height to a line parallel to the ground just below the sternum.
The expectation is this will be instituted for the 2024/2025 competitive season.3. Spring Dates:
2/15 – Member clubs seeking divisional changes (promotion or self-relegation)
4/15 – MWRU will publicly announce all Division, Conference, and League structures with corresponding playoff structures. Likely sooner except for Men’s D4
5/1 – Member clubs must submit their fall schedule accommodations to the MWRU in writing. (I would like to get the Men’s D3 schedule out sooner, so please send me any requests as soon as possible. It may not be possible to grant all requests. I would like to have Men D3 schedule out by 5/1 so I can work with D2 scheduler to accommodate home/away for the 3 teams with 2 sides)
6/1 – Draft schedules will be released to member clubs.
6/15 – All League Competition is finalized.

Super regional changed to Chicago Blaze May 4 & 5.
Nationals May 17-19 in Austin, TX.
Midwest LAU tournament June 1 & 2. Location Chicago, field TBD.

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Mike Good

Oshkosh Rugby Football Club – Head Coach
Great Waters Women’s Rugby Conference – Assistant Commissioner
Wisconsin Rugby Football Union – Vice President of Competitions
Midwest Rugby Union – Wisconsin D3 League Coordinator
(920) 573-7488
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