GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW

WHO WE ARE

The Oman Rugby Committee (ORC) is the recognised governing body responsible for the administration, development, and regulation of rugby in Oman. ORC governs all formats of the game, including (but not limited to ):

• Rugby Union (15s)

• Rugby Sevens (7s)

• Touch Rugby

• Beach Rugby

• Age Grade and development rugby

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OUR GOVERNANCE APPROACH

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ORC operates under a clear, structured governance framework designed to ensure:

• Player welfare and safety

• Integrity of the game

• Fairness, transparency, and accountability

• Alignment with international rugby standards

Our governance framework is principles-based, stable, and proportionate to the size and needs of rugby in Oman.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE. ORC governance operates through three interconnected layers after the constitution:

Constitution

The Constitution establishes ORC’s authority, roles, and decision-making powers and is the highest governing document.

All Regulations and Policies operate under and in accordance with the Constitution.

1. Rules and Regulations

ORC Regulations set mandatory and enforceable standards covering:

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• Playing the game

• Player safety and safeguarding

• Integrity (anti-doping, anti-corruption)

• National representation

• Media and intellectual property

• Cross-border participation

• Discipline and enforcement

These Regulations apply to all affiliated participants and organisations and are enforced through a single disciplinary framework operated by ORC.

There are no parallel or informal disciplinary systems.

2. Policies & Procedures

Policies support the delivery of Regulations by providing operational guidance and clarity.

Policies:

• Do not override the Constitution or Regulations

• May be approved, amended, or withdrawn by ORC in accordance with governance processes

• Are recorded in the ORC Policy Register

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3. Guidelines & Forms

Guideliens and forms are usually how to implement and cmplete the the above/required requlations, policies & procedures.

Guideline and forms:

• Do not override the Constitution or Regulations or Policies & Procedures

• May be approved, amended, or withdrawn by ORC in accordance with governance processes

• Are regulary updated so alays revert to source (Oman Rugby Website) for the most upto date version.

PLAYER WELFARE & SAFEGUARDING

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Player welfare is a core priority of ORC governance.

Dedicated Regulations address:

• Player safety

• Age grade rugby

• Safeguarding

• Medical and welfare considerations

These are aligned with World Rugby and FIT  principles and best practice and are supported by clear enforcement mechanisms.

INTEGRITY & FAIR PLAY

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ORC is committed to protecting the integrity of rugby in Oman.

Our governance framework includes:

• Anti-doping provisions

• Anti-betting and anti-corruption measures

• Clear standards of conduct

• Protection of the game’s reputation

DISCIPLINE & ENFORCEMENT

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ORC operates a single, independent disciplinary framework that applies to all breaches of Regulations and relevant Policies.

Key principles include:

• Natural justice and procedural fairness

• Proportional and consistent sanctions

• Independence and transparency

Disciplinary decisions may be subject to appeal in accordance with the ORC Appeals Procedure.

AFFILIATION & AUTHORITY 

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ORC affiliation is mandatory for the organisation of rugby activity in Oman.

Only ORC-affiliated clubs, teams, schools, and organisations are permitted to:

• Organise rugby activities, training or matches

• Enter competitions or tournaments

• Host rugby events

• Undertake rugby activity within the Sultanate of Oman

Affiliation ensures that rugby is delivered within a framework that protects:

• Players and participants

• Volunteers and officials

• Clubs and organisers

• The reputation and development of the sport in Oman

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ALIGNMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

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As well as conforming to rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and with the Oman Olympic Committee, ORC governance is aligned with:

• World Rugby Laws and Regulations, in connection with Asia Rugby

• Federation of International Touch

• Regional and international competition requirements

• Best practice standards for national governing bodies

This ensures that rugby in Oman is administered to internationally recognised standards.

TRANSPARENCY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

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ORC maintains a Master Governance Index, which records:

• All governing documents

• Their status and authority
   

Supporting policies are recorded separately in the ORC Policy Register.

Governance documents are reviewed periodically to ensure:

• Relevance

• Effectiveness

• Alignment with the continued development of rugby in Oman

OUR COMMITMENT

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Through this governance framework, ORC is committed to:

• Growing rugby in Oman responsibly

• Protecting all participants

• Acting with integrity and accountability

• Supporting clubs, players, and partners