Site inspection

The site inspection should take place 30 mins before the start of the first Captain’s Run.

Signage

The Match Commissioner must ensure that the appropriate directional is in place at the match venue.

Pitch and posts

It is the responsibility of the Match Commissioner to ensure that the field of play markings comply with the Laws of the Game and that the pitch flags (and post protectors) are in position for the Captain Runs and before the warm-up on match day.

Download the pitch markings diagram as a printable Adobe PDF file

Technical zone

Your site inspection should include a thorough check that the Technical Zone is ready for the match.

Technical Zone Protocols is a specialist area, and World Rugby has a dedicated learning resource which you are required to complete as part of your Match Commissioner training.

Allocation of side

Team A is situated on the left as you leave the tunnel to enter the pitch.

Team B is situated on the right as you leave the tunnel to enter the pitch.

This applies to technical zones, coaches seating, changing room allocation, warm up area pre-match, position for anthems, flying of flags and any other decision to be made requiring team positions.

Seat kill

Ready for match day, all reserved seats in the stands must be clearly marked with the appropriate signs and should be in place prior to the captains run.

Listed below are some example of groups for whom you may need to kill stadium seating. Not all of these may apply to your match, as their presence may depend on the tournament or match being played.

Pitch side

Team A: bench for the substitutes and 1 subsitution controller
Team B: bench for the substitutes and 1 subsitution controller
Within clear site of the subs, 4 places for anti doping chaperones
Seating for Match Day Doctor
Seating for Medical Teams
Position for Recorder and Time Keeper
Position for 4th and 5th official
Temporary suspension chairs

Assigned area in the stand

Team A, non-playing players and a minimum of 5 management personnel
Team B, non playing players and a minimum of 5 management personnel
Teams from previous matches which have been played earlier in the day
Match Officials from previous matches
VIP area

Elevated position, unrestricted view of the pitch

Team A, positions for coaching staff
Team B, positions for coaching staff
Position for Citing Commissioner
Position for Performance Reviewer
Game Analyst position (with video feed)
Commentators Positions
Camera positions
Media tribune
Team cameras
Television Match official

Position specific to venue

PA announcer
DJ
Crowd entertainer
Sports presentation staff
Security staff and police controllers
Venue operations centre
Tickets which participating teams have the right to buy, if possible next to team seating

Medical room

Check that the medical room is ready, clean, tidy, and clearly signed.

Anti-doping room

There must be an Anti-Doping Room where a Doping Control Officer (DCO) can take a player to conduct a urine or blood test. This must be available, clean, tidy and clearly signed.