Institutions competing in BUCS Super Rugby, Women’s National League, and Rugby Union National Championship competitions must conform to the Minimum Operating Standards (MOS). These are outlined in the MOS papers and are governed by BUCS. These Minimum Operating Standards are reviewed annually by the competition League Management Committees and the Sport Advisory Group for rugby union.
BUCS administer an annual audit for each participating institution, as well as a separate audit for institutions participating in the BUCS Super Rugby Playoff. These audits comprise of a self-assessment, a site visit, and an internal audit completed by BUCS. Site visits take place in the New Year period, with exact timelines decided by BUCS on an annual basis through consultation with member institutions. Institutions will be given a score based on their performance in the audit. In the first instance, if an institution gets below 65% in the audit process (see ‘Measurement Process’), they will be supported in developing an action plan to develop their offering in order to attain a pass in a second audit. Any institution that persistently fails an audit, or refuses to work toward attaining a pass, could ultimately face expulsion from BSR. Non-compliance may result in sanctions imposed on institutions based on measurement criteria.
Teams competing in Premier North 1 and South 1 are eligible for promotion to BUCS Super Rugby through the playoff system outlined in REG 8 and Appendix 10 of the BUCS General Regulations and RUU 2.7/RUU 3.6 of the BUCS Rugby Union Sport Specific Regulations. In order to be eligible to be named as the home team for this playoff fixture, each eligible team must provide evidence they can meet the minimum requirements outlined in the ‘BUCS Super Rugby Playoff Audit Minimum Operating Standards’. Eligibility will be determined by the BUCS Executive by means of an audit and site-visit in the spring period.
MOS documents are available here:
