Welcome to the Gathering of the Scots Rugby 7s U14 Tournament

June 4, 2016

Dear rugby friends,

We are pleased to welcome you for participating at the Gathering of the Scots Rugby 7s U14
Tournament in Perth-Andover, NB. The aim of the tournament is to promote Rugby in Maritime Canada,
and to recognize rugby 7s as a symbol of tradition which was first played at festivals in Melrose,
Scotland. An unforgettable weekend of Rugby, social activities and entertainment which only The
Gathering of the Scots can offer, is guaranteed for all the participants.
Tournament Rules and Reminders:
The Gathering of the Scots Rugby 7s U14 Tournament will be played under the laws of the game of
Rugby Football as framed by the International Rugby Board (Sevens Variations) except where local
tournament rules are clarified. A full set of tournament rules are presented in the attached document
titled: GOS Tournament Rules 2016.
The modified rugby pitch is approximately 65 meters in length and 30 meters in width. There will be no
kicking for points and the 22 meter line is removed.
The Gathering of the Scots Rugby 7s Tournament is sanctioned by Rugby Canada, therefore a complete
roster of all players participating must be submitted for insurance purposes 7 days prior to the festival.
Rosters may be changed up to 30 minutes before your first match. Rosters may include an unlimited
number of players, however only 12 players may be used for each match as outlined on the game
sheet which is to be submitted prior to every match.
Pitch Information: Only participating coaches, volunteers and players are allowed inside the roped-off
area of the pitch. Please help to keep your spectators and players off the sidelines, unless they are
playing. There are bleachers and seating/standing areas for spectators.
Field Size: 33m x 55m plus 5m dead ball zones (total 33m x 65m). 10m lines, and 5m lines are painted.
There is no 22m line.
Food: Breakfast can be purchased at the Elks Clubs adjacent to the Gathering of the Scots festival
grounds beginning at 7am. Additionally, food can be purchased at The Gathering of the Scots Tea Tent
throughout the festival. Coolers will NOT be permitted inside the festival grounds. Bottled water will be
provided for all players.

Shelter: Due to the festival growing, there is limited space available this year for team tents. Some
space may be available for a small pop-up tent/canopy. You will need to check with organizers at the
front gate before bringing your shelter into the festival site. Space will be allotted at a first-come-firstserve basis. There is a small shared space where your players can keep their things. There are currently
no changing areas on the festival grounds (with the exception of portable outhouses). This situation
may be rectified before Saturday.
Mid-Day Parade: At noon, all of the rugby teams, other athletes, and family clans are marched around
the festival grounds led by a mass pipe band. If your team has a banner or flag that represents them,
please bring it for the parade. This will only last for about 15 mins.
Tug-of-War: The Tug of War is a festive event at the Gathering of the Scots. Each rugby team gets to
participate in the single elimination bracket. The final pull(s) takes place in front of the main stage with
a live commentator/play-by-play announcer. The winners receive a trophy to take back to their
club/school.
Awards Presentation: At the end of the day all awards will be presented to the teams on the main
stage. This years awards will be presented for the following:
1st Place: Cup Trophy
2nd Place: Silver Plate
3rd Place: Bowl Trophy
4th Place: Shield Plaque
Tug of War (1St Place): Tug-of-War Trophy
The winning teams will keep all awards to bring back to their club/school.

Yours in Rugby,

Justin Tompkins
Vice Chairman, Gathering of the Scots
Tournament Director