Surrey County have issued guidance for all clubs in Counties League 2 in an effort to ensure as much rugby is played as possible.
The 25-26 season saw a number of League fixtures lost, mostly because Clubs struggled to raise a team but other reasons also affected results. The knock-on affect was that some Clubs secured mid-table security without playing many games - great for the clubs' status but not great for rugby. Many clubs have struggled for any strength in depth over a number of years, with very few clubs managing to field a 2nd XV, never mind a 5th XV! A particular issue arises around front row replacements, the injury or carding of numbers 1-3 often ending matches as meaningful contests.
Club administrators have faced difficulties with player registration, often exacerbated by the unwieldy nature of the RFU Game Management System. The movement of amateur players between clubs has assumed a massive burden that frankly makes football's transfer window look like a set of open french doors!
Surrey CRFU has issued guidance with the clear intention of ensuring games can take place and/or continue even when personnel is stretched or limited. Six of the 9-point guidance covers off the following:
1) teams can field two unregistered players, registering them post-match
2) it is no longer necessary to name a front row player on the bench
3) three times a season, teams can opt for a "friendly" fixture option, thereby avoiding the -5 points sanction
4) Concession of an Away walkover in the first half of the season means that the fixture will be Away in the second half
5) "Game On" - providing both sides agree a game can take place with fewer players on each side, reduced match length and even amended pitch size. This is to ensure that those who do turn up on a Saturday afternoon do get to play rugby, or at least some form of it.
6) Unplayable grounds - swap the fixture! (possibly a lesson in the obvious!)
7-9 assist administrators with match day cards and player availability.

The over-arching principle is clearly let's just play rugby, a maxim that many involved in community rugby feel has been lost in the rush to grow the professional game. After all, 23 games in a 32 week season is barely enough to keep the weight off, never mind the skills up!

The need for players to register with the Club still remains and none of the new regs should be viewed as an excuse to be unavailable when your Club needs you. It does remain a sad indictment of 21st century life that commitment to team mates in particular and sport in general barely exists. But as one old-timer (me, actually - ed) said "your best sporting life is very brief. I never heard anyone say they wished they'd played less!"