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Sport Specific Affiliations
Most of the items in each section are compulsory requirements that MUST be met, and as a result, most carry sanctions if not completed by the published deadlines. However, there are also some others which are not compulsory requirements but that BUCS believes are valuable for members to undertake. Please read the details associated with each one for further information. Deadlines will ONLY be listed here, not on the sport specific pages or in the rules and regulations.
You can also download all affiliation information for the 2023-24 season here:
Please note that this information is subject to change. Should any updates be required then the document will be re-published, and Institution Administrators will be notified via e-mail.
Have any further questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us.
1. BUCS Team Championships | Leagues and Knockouts
NGB Affiliations, Memberships, Registrations etc.
American Football
American Football 1
Requirement
Club Affiliation (including players)
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate with the British American Football Association (BAFA) via BUCS.
How
Institutions will affiliate with BAFA via BUCS.
Following the first two originally scheduled fixtures for each team, BUCS will use the team squad information on BUCS Play to calculate each institution/Playing Entity’s annual BAFA affiliation fee.
The affiliation fee is £22 per player.
Institutions will be invoiced by BUCS and given a 28-day payment period.
BUCS will repeat this process for teams that do not qualify for the knockouts once the league deadline has passed. BUCS will repeat this process for teams that qualify for the knockouts, by the end of March, after the knockout competitions. Any extra players recruited during the season will then be accounted for.
Summary of Benefits
Dedicated BAFA funded post within BUCS – BUCS American Football Coordinator.
Free access to Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses.
Free access to BAFCA self-officiating courses.
Free access to Officiating Courses (Flag and Tackle Football).
Access to a £20,000 club development pot.
Access to BUCS American Football Conferences.
Tailor-made League Schedule.
Club coaches get access to NFL Coaching Clinics.
Players get access to NFL organised Player Clinics.
Deadline
Prior to their first BUCS fixture all players must be listed in the team squad on BUCS Play.
New players can be added to the team squad throughout the season, but this must be done prior to their first BUCS fixture.
Sanctions
£250 fine if after first two originally scheduled fixtures for each team, a team does not have at least 18 players per team registered.
After the first two originally scheduled fixtures for each team, walkovers will be applied until at least 18 players per team are registered.
Once the league deadline has passed for teams that don’t qualify for the knockouts, and after the knockouts are completed for teams that qualify for the knockouts, a fine of £50 per player will be levied if a team is found to have fielded any unregistered players after their first two originally scheduled fixtures.
American Football 2
Requirement
Coaches/Sideline Personnel Membership
All coaches/sideline personnel must purchase membership with the British American Football Association (BAFA).
How
Coaching staff will continue to purchase membership through BAFA’s registration system.
Summary of Benefits
Insurance provided by BAFA.
Deadline
Prior to their first BUCS fixture (at least one coach should be affiliated prior to their team’s first practice).
Sanctions
Individuals are not permitted to participate if they are not registered with BAFA.
A fine of £50 per individual will be levied if a team is found to have used unregistered individuals.
Basketball
BASKETBALL 1
Requirement
Club Affiliation
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate to their respective National Governing Body (NGB).
How
English Institutions/Playing Entities
Basketball England (BE) requires all clubs to affiliate at a cost of £77.
If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact Basketball England.
Scottish Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs are required to affiliate directly with Basketball Scotland. Information regarding how to affiliate your club can be found here.
Welsh Institutions/Playing Entities
Basketball Wales (BW) requires all clubs to affiliate. Once the club affiliation has been completed and the fee paid, individual players can then register.
If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact Basketball Wales.
Summary of Benefits
A Summary of the benefits your Basketball Scotland (BS) affiliation can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the first fixture.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until the affiliation is complete.
BASKETBALL 2
Requirement
Licensing of Players
All players competing in the BUCS Leagues must hold a valid licence issued via the relevant NGB. Players must be able to present their individual licence at each fixture should they be requested to do so.
How
English Institutions/Playing Entities
Once club affiliation has been completed and the fee paid, individuals can then register as a licensed member and then purchase the relevant BUCS licence:
Player - £18
Coach - £30
Bench Personnel - £30
Referee (Regional) - £26
Table Official (Regional) - £26
All members will register and licence themselves through the membership portal. To affiliate/register visit the membership portal. The membership hub will help you through the registration process.
If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact Basketball England.
Scottish Institutions/Playing Entities
Once the club affiliation has been completed and the fee paid, individual players can then register and licence themselves through the Basketball Scotland membership portal.
Welsh Institutions/Playing Entities
All coaches, officials, and bench personnel must register online via the registration portal.
To affiliate/register visit the registration portal.
Once payment has been made online and received, licences will be distributed. All Basketball Wales referees are instructed to check licences prior to all matches in Wales.
If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact Basketball Wales.
Summary of Benefits
A Summary of the benefits your Basketball England (BE) Licence gives you can be found here.
A Summary of the benefits your Basketball Scotland (BS) membership gives you can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to their first BUCS fixture all players playing in a BUCS fixture must comply with the requirements outlined.
New players added or selected to play later in the season, must hold a ‘full’ licence before playing in a BUCS fixture.
Sanctions
£100 fine per player will be levied if a team is found to field players without a ‘full’ licence.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball 1
Requirement
Club Membership
All institutions/Playing Entities must be a member of British Dodgeball.
How
British Dodgeball (BD) requires all institutions to hold a University Club membership.
The cost for University Club Membership is £100.
Clubs should be named as per the following examples:
- University of Bristol
- Loughborough University.
University Club membership can be purchased here.
Summary of Benefits
Insurance provided by British Dodgeball. To find out more visit the British Dodgeball insurance centre here.
Ability to compete in British Dodgeball University and Community events.
Access to the British Dodgeball Higher Education Dodgeball Activator (HEDA) scheme for 2 members of your club. Find out more about the HEDA scheme here.
Deadline
Monday 16 October 2023
Sanction
£250 fine if not completed before the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until the affiliation is complete.
Dodgeball 2
Requirement
Player Registration
All players must be registered with British Dodgeball prior to playing in any BUCS Dodgeball fixtures.
How
British Dodgeball (BD) require all players to complete the free university registration with them prior to competition.
The link for registering is here.
Summary of Benefits
Insurance provided by British Dodgeball. To find out more visit the British Dodgeball insurance centre here.
Eligible to compete in British Dodgeball University and Community events.
Eligible to compete in BUCS dodgeball leagues.
Access to the British Dodgeball Higher Education Dodgeball Activator (HEDA) scheme for 2 members of your club. Find out more about the HEDA scheme here.
Deadline
Prior to their first BUCS fixture.
Sanction
Teams found to have fielded individuals who are not registered will be subject to walkovers.
Fencing
Requirement
British Fencing Membership
British Fencing memberships are required by all competitors; FIE Licences will not be accepted. For the Team Championships all competitors require a minimum of ‘Recreational’ membership.
NB: ‘Starter’ memberships are classed at the ‘Recreational’ level.
More information relating to this can be found on the British Fencing website here.
How
Memberships should be purchased here.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of the benefits your BF membership gives you can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanction
Not eligible to compete without valid membership.
A fine of £100 will be levied if a team is found to field competitors without a valid membership.
Football
Requirement
Team/Club Affiliation
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate to their respective Home Nation Football Association.
How
English Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs should affiliate their teams directly with their County FA via the FA’s Clubs Portal system. The Competition options on the platform are:
- BUCS Men’s Football
- BUCS Women’s Football
Support guides on how to do this can be accessed here.
Teams should be named as per the following examples:
- University of Bristol Men’s 1st Team (BUCS)
- Loughborough University Women’s 1st Team (BUCS)
Teams should then be added to the relevant BUCS ‘Division’ and ‘Cup’ within the competition on the Clubs Portal system.
If you are unsure about the Clubs Portal process, please contact your County FA directly.
Following the deadline, BUCS will access Clubs Portal to confirm completed affiliations.
Welsh Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs should affiliate their teams directly with their Area Association and then submit the affiliation number to BUCS here.
Scottish Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs should affiliate their Men’s teams directly to the Scottish Amateur Football Association (SAFA) and then submit their affiliation details to [email protected].
Clubs should affiliate their Women’s teams directly to Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and then submit their affiliation details to [email protected].
Institutions should receive affiliation information directly from the SAFA and SWF.
If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact Chris Purdie at Scottish Student Sport.
Deadline
Monday 25 September 2023
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Futsal
Requirement
Team/Club Affiliation
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate to their respective Home Nation Football Association.
How
English Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs should affiliate their teams directly with their County FA via the FA’s Clubs Portal system. The Competition options on the platform are:
- BUCS Men’s Futsal
- BUCS Women’s Futsal
Support guides on how to do this can be accessed here.
Teams should be named as per the following examples:
- University of Bristol Men’s 1st Team (BUCS)
- Loughborough University Women’s 1st Team (BUCS)
Teams should then be added to the relevant BUCS ‘Division’ and ‘Cup’ within the competition on the Clubs Portal system.
If you are unsure about the Clubs Portal process, please contact your County FA directly.
Following the deadline, BUCS will access Clubs Portal to confirm completed affiliations.
Welsh Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs should affiliate their teams directly with their Area Association and then submit the affiliation number to BUCS here.
Scottish Institutions/Playing Entities
Clubs should affiliate their Men’s teams directly to the Scottish Amateur Football Association (SAFA) and then submit their affiliation details to [email protected].
Clubs should affiliate their Women’s teams directly to Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and then submit their affiliation details to [email protected].
Institutions should receive affiliation information directly from the SAFA and SWF.
If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact Chris Purdie at Scottish Student Sport.
Deadline
Monday 25 September 2023
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Lacrosse
Requirement
Club Affiliation (English and Welsh Institutions/Playing Entities)
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate with England Lacrosse (EL).
How
To affiliate visit the England Lacrosse website affiliation page.
For any questions regarding affiliation, please contact Kerrie Lawler at EL.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of the benefits your England Lacrosse affiliation gives you can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Rugby League
Rugby League 1
Requirement
RFL Club Affiliation (including teams)
All institutions/Playing Entities must be an associated member of, and all teams must be affiliated with, the Rugby Football League (RFL).
How
The annual affiliation fee scheme is based on a tiered pricing system:
1 Team - £200.
2 Teams - £270 (£200+ £70 for a second team).
3 Teams - £290 (£200 + £70 for a second team + £20 for a third team).
If it’s your first year as an institution/Playing Entity in the BUCS Rugby League programme, your affiliation is free.
To complete the affiliation process, invoices issued directly by the RFL, and sent by via email to each institution/Playing Entity, must be paid by Monday 16 October 2023.
For any questions regarding affiliation, please contact Nathan Mayers at the RFL.
Summary of Benefits
Once all relevant paperwork and payment of fees is received, your club will be covered by the RFL Public Liability and Personal Accident policy for a period of 12 months.
Further details of what the policy covers can be found online here.
Deadline
Monday 16 October 2023
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until the affiliation is complete.
Rugby League 2
Requirement
RFL Player Registration
All players must be registered with the Rugby Football League (RFL) prior to playing in any BUCS Rugby League fixture. There is no maximum number of players that can be registered, however institutions/Playing Entities must register at least 13 players per team with the RFL.
How
Player registrations can be completed here.
Summary of Benefits
See above benefits from Club Affiliation.
Deadline
Prior to their first BUCS fixture, all players playing in the fixture must be registered and each team must have a minimum of 13 players registered.
New players added or selected to play later in the season, must be registered before playing in a BUCS fixture.
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
For subsequent fixtures, a fine of £100 will be levied if a team is found to field new players who are not registered with the RFL.
Rugby Union
Rugby UNION 1
Requirement
Club Affiliation (English Institutions/Playing Entities)
All teams must belong to a club which holds membership of the Students’ Rugby Football Union (SRFU) and Rugby Football Union (RFU).
How
To affiliate, please visit the SRFU affiliation page.
Summary of Benefits
For a summary of the benefits of affiliation, please read the FAQs on the SRFU affiliation page.
Deadline
Friday 22 September 2023
Sanction
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Rugby UNION 2
Requirement
RFU Player Registration (English Institutions/Playing Entities)
All players must have an account, have confirmed their email address, and attached this account to their university organisation, on the RFU Game Management System (GMS).
How
To affiliate, please visit the GMS webpage.
Summary of Benefits
Eligibility to access the SRFU rugby grants scheme.
Entry to England ticket ballots (for RFU voting members).
Invitations to member events including webinars, the RFU/BUCS/SRFU University rugby Development Forum, the University rugby Awards and SRFU AGM.
Receive the University Rugby Update, and RFU comms throughout the season.
Coaching and officiating course access.
Dedicated NGB staff support.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanction
No sanction in place for the 2023-24 season.
Ultimate (Outdoor)
Requirement
UK Ultimate Membership
Players competing in the Outdoor Leagues and the National Shield Qualifier Competition (rounds prior to the National Finals Weekend) require Basic Membership.
Players who qualify and compete at the Outdoor National Finals events (National Championship, National Trophy or National Shield Finals) will require Full Membership.
NB: Team registration to the UKU is not mandatory to compete in the BUCS Ultimate programme. However, to facilitate the individual membership process, an institution/Playing Entity's club must be registered with the UKU.
How
Memberships should be purchased here.
More information relating to this can be found on the UKU website here.
Summary of Benefits
Basic Memberships:
Access to some member events for Free, such as Coach Forums.
Full Membership:
Eligibility to compete in any UK Ultimate event.
Free access to rewards scheme.
Free access to online Coach Education materials.
Access to member events for free, such as Coaches Forums.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanction
£25 fine per player without UKU Individual Membership once league fixtures have commenced.
Volleyball
Requirement
Club Affiliation
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate to their respective National Governing Body (NGB).
How
English and Welsh Institutions/Playing Entities
BUCS works closely with Volleyball England to provide the best value club affiliation and scheme possible. All clubs must be affiliated through Volleyball England.
To affiliate visit the Volleyball England Website. To log on you will need log into the Club Admin Profile (access can be provided by the current secretary or requesting support from Volleyball England .
It is suggested that a generic email address (e.g. [email protected]) is used for accounts. Your online account will help you keep track of your annual affiliation and see when renewals are due.
Clubs competing in BUCS Volleyball and/or Beach Volleyball only should select BUCS Club Affiliation when registering.
Clubs playing in Volleyball England and/or additional affiliated Competitions to BUCS (e.g., National, Regional or Local leagues) should register as a 'Standard Club’.
The Affiliation Fees for 2023-24 are:
- BUCS only club – £70.50
- Standard Club (Also playing outside of BUCS) – £108.00
* Service Provider Fee: 3.2%+50p on all transactions throughout the season.
If you are experiencing trouble with registering, please email Volleyball England, or call them on 01509 974700.
Scottish Institutions/Playing Entities
Affiliation directly through the Scottish Volleyball Association.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of benefits from your affiliation to Volleyball England can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Basketball 1
Requirement
Club Affiliation
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate their club to British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB).
How
To affiliate, please visit the British Wheelchair Basketball website.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of benefits from your club affiliation can be found here.
Deadline
Monday 16 October 2023
Sanction
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Wheelchair Basketball 2
Requirement
Individual Registration
All players, coaches and team officials must sign up for the appropriate membership and licence with British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) prior to participating in any BUCS Wheelchair Basketball fixtures.
How
To register, please visit the British Wheelchair Basketball website.
A user guide on how to purchase memberships and request a licence can be found here.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of benefits from your individual registration can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanction
A fine of £100 will be levied if a team is found to have used unlicenced individuals.
2. BUCS Team Championships | Leagues and Knockouts
Other – Ranking Lists, Data Submissions etc.
Badminton
Requirement
Premier Tier Player Ranking List
All institutions/Playing Entities with teams in Premier Tier leagues must submit the names of four players who are unable to play below the first team at any stage of the season as per BAD 7.
How
The Excel template can be downloaded here and should be e-mailed to [email protected].
Deadline
Monday 02 October 2023
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Cricket
Requirement
UCCE Player Registration
Each of the UCCE teams must supply BUCS with the names of three players, who, as their better players, will not be permitted to play at a level below that of the UCCE team regardless of circumstance.
How
TBC
Deadline
TBC
Sanctions
TBC
Football
Requirement
BUCS Football Accreditation
Accreditation is not a requirement to compete in BUCS Football competitions. However, BUCS recommends that each institution is accredited as the model is designed to support the growth of football and futsal across Higher Education.
How
Accreditation sign up form is here. More information can also be found on this link including an accreditation guidance document.
Summary of Benefits
Member Services are run throughout the academic year which institutions have access too once accredited, these include:
- FA Women’s Leadership Programme
- Club Committee Leader Training Events
- Football Activator Training Events
- Student Coach Development CPD Events
- Student Referee Development CPD Events
Deadline
Institutions should accredit by Monday 09 October 2023.
Sanctions
Recommendation – No sanction for non-completion.
Futsal
Requirement
BUCS Futsal Accreditation
Accreditation is not a requirement to compete in BUCS Futsal competitions. However, BUCS recommends that each institution is accredited as the model is designed to support the growth of football and futsal across Higher Education.
How
Accreditation sign up form is here. More information can also be found on this link including an accreditation guidance document.
Summary of Benefits
Member Services are run throughout the academic year which institutions have access too once accredited, these include:
- FA Women’s Leadership Programme
- Club Committee Leader Training Events
- Football Activator Training Events
- Student Coach Development CPD Events
- Student Referee Development CPD Events
Deadline
Institutions should accredit by Monday 09 October 2023.
Sanctions
Recommendation – No sanction for non-completion.
Golf
Requirement
Submission of Home Course Scorecard, Local Rules and Winter Rules
Institutions/Playing Entities with teams in Premier Tier leagues must submit to BUCS for approval, the scorecard (or appropriate document) for their home course showing the Men’s and Women’s medal course lengths along with Course Rating and Slope for both the full length course and the winter course, as well as a copy of the local rules and winter rules as per GOL 4.3.4.
How
To be submitted online here.
Deadline
Friday 22 September 2023
(This is to enable BUCS and the Golf SAG enough time to review these ahead of the first matches taking place)
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Lacrosse
Requirement
Submission of Qualified Officials
All institutions/Playing Entities are required to submit the names of at least two qualified officials within their Men’s/Women’s club(s) who are able to officiate the respective format in the absence of neutral officials.
NB: For English and Welsh institutions/Playing Entities, these officials must be registered with England Lacrosse via Individual Membership and complete the annual rules test.
How
To be submitted online here.
England Lacrosse uses an online course to ensure all universities/colleges can take full advantage of qualifying student officials for the upcoming season to meet this requirement. Find out more here.
If you have any questions regarding the submission of qualified officials please contact Ryan Griffiths at the England Lacrosse.
Deadline
Monday 27 November 2023
Sanction
£100 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
Squash
squash 1
Requirement
Player Ranking List
Prior to the start of the season, each institution/Playing Entity must submit a ranked list of all the players they expect to use across their teams as per SQU 7. There shall be separate ranking lists for the Men's and Women's Championships.
How
The Excel template can be downloaded here and should be e-mailed to [email protected].
Following the initial ranking deadline passing, ranking lists will be locked and cannot be changed except in the following circumstances:
1. There shall be two re-ranking windows, during which institutions/Playing Entities can change the ranked order of existing players on their ranking list. Changes to ranking lists made during a re-ranking window will only come into effect at the end of the window.
2. Institutions/Playing Entities may request to add players in at any positions on their ranking list at any time during the season by emailing [email protected]. Requests must be submitted to, and approved by, the BUCS Executive in advance of the players competing in any fixtures so they should be made as far in advance of affected fixtures as possible.
3. If a player is listed in the top five rankings and has not played any matches prior to the January re-ranking window, then that institution/Playing Entity is required to resubmit their rankings during this window, removing any such ‘top five’ players from the ranking list. An exception will be made at the discretion of the BUCS Executive on a case-by-case basis if sufficient proof can be provided to explain the above scenario (e.g. medical note).
Deadlines
Initial Deadline: Monday 09 October 2023
First Re-ranking Window: Thursday 26 – Monday 30 October 2023
Second Re-ranking Window: Monday 01 – Monday 15 January 2024
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
squash 2
Requirement
SquashLevels
For the 2023-24 season, fully completed BUCS results will automatically pull through to the SquashLevels system to calculate your Squash Level. Register an account of the site to take ownership of your rating.
How
Deadline
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanctions
Recommendation – No sanction for non-completion.
Table Tennis
Requirement
Player Ranking List
Prior to the start of the season, each institution/Playing Entity must submit a ranked list of all the players they expect to use across their teams as per TAB 7. There shall be separate ranking lists for the Men's and Women's Championships.
How
The Excel template can be downloaded here and should be e-mailed to [email protected].
Following the initial ranking deadline passing, ranking lists will be locked and cannot be changed except in the following circumstances:
1. There shall be two re-ranking windows, during which institutions/Playing Entities can change the ranked order of existing players on their ranking list. Changes to ranking lists made during a re-ranking window will only come into effect at the end of the window.
2. Institutions/Playing Entities may request to add players in at any positions on their ranking list at any time during the season by emailing [email protected]. Requests must be submitted to, and approved by, the BUCS Executive in advance of the players competing in any fixtures so they should be made as far in advance of affected fixtures as possible.
3. If a player is listed in the top four rankings and has not played any matches prior to the January re-ranking window, then that institution/Playing Entity is required to resubmit their rankings during this window, removing any such ‘top four’ players from the ranking list. An exception will be made at the discretion of the BUCS Executive on a case-by-case basis if sufficient proof can be provided to explain the above scenario (e.g. medical note).
Deadlines
Initial Deadline: Monday 09 October 2023
First Re-ranking Window: Thursday 02 – Monday 06 November 2023
Second Re-ranking Window: Monday 01 – Monday 15 January 2024
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Tennis
Tennis 1
Requirement
Player Ranking List
Prior to the start of the season, each institution/Playing Entity must submit a ranked list of all the players they expect to use across their teams as per TEN 9. There shall be separate ranking lists for the Men's and Women's Championships.
How
The Excel template can be downloaded here and should be e-mailed to [email protected].
Following the initial ranking deadline passing, ranking lists will be locked and cannot be changed except in the following circumstances:
1. There shall be two re-ranking windows, during which institutions/Playing Entities can change the ranked order of existing players on their ranking list. Changes to ranking lists made during a re-ranking window will only come into effect at the end of the window.
2. Institutions/Playing Entities may request to add players in at any positions on their ranking list at any time during the season by emailing [email protected]. Requests must be submitted to, and approved by, the BUCS Executive in advance of the players competing in any fixtures so they should be made as far in advance of affected fixtures as possible.
3. If a player is listed in the top four rankings and has not played any matches prior to the January re-ranking window, then that institution/Playing Entity is required to resubmit their rankings during this window, removing any such ‘top four’ players from the ranking list. An exception will be made at the discretion of the BUCS Executive on a case-by-case basis if sufficient proof can be provided to explain the above scenario (e.g. medical note).
Deadlines
Initial Deadlines: (All Scottish institutions) Monday 25 September 2023; (All English & Welsh institutions) Monday 09 October 2023
First Re-ranking Window: Thursday 26 October – Monday 30 October 2023
Second Re-ranking Window: Monday 01 – Monday 15 January 2024
Sanctions
£250 fine if not completed prior to the deadline.
After the deadline, walkovers will be applied until completed.
Tennis 2
Requirement
LTA Advantage Membership (BTM) and World Tennis Number (WTN)
LTA Advantage Membership (BTM) and a World Tennis Number (WTN) are not a requirement to compete in BUCS Tennis Leagues and Knockout Competitions.
However, BUCS recommends that players hold both so that their individual match results can be added to the LTA Tournament Software and contribute to their WTN (World Tennis Number) which has now replaced a player’s LTA rating.
How
More information and a link to take out membership (either ‘Advantage Play’, ‘Advantage Play+’ or ‘Advantage Compete’) can be found here.
Summary of Benefits
Enables a player’s individual match results to be added to the LTA Tournament Software and contribute to their WTN (World Tennis Number) which has now replaced a player’s LTA rating.
Other benefits of LTA Advantage membership can be found here.
Deadlines
Prior to first BUCS fixture
Sanctions
Recommendation – No sanction for non-completion.
3. BUCS Individual and Team Championships | Events
NGB Affiliations, Memberships, Licences etc.
Archery
Requirement
Archery GB Membership
All competitors must have a valid Archery GB membership.
For further details please refer to the ‘Entry Information’ document which will be published on the relevant BUCS Archery event website page when entries open on BUCS Play.
How/Useful Links
Archery GB University Club Handy Guide
Summary of Benefits
Archery GB membership enables an individual to compete in the BUCS Archery Championships and other licensed archery competitions in Great Britain.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid Archery GB membership will not be permitted to compete.
Athletics
Requirement
To compete in any BUCS/UKA competition, all Institutions should have a Club Affiliation with their Home Nation’s National Governing Body.
If students are representing their Institution/any other club at any other UKA athletics events, they will need to have completed the Athlete Registration process and have a valid URN to compete.
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
A summary of the benefits offered by each home nation can be found here:
England Athletics
Scottish Athletics
Welsh Athletics
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Compulsory?
No
Badminton
Requirement
Badminton England Membership Number, Badminton Scotland Membership ID, Badminton Wales Membership ID, to support seeding and selection process of BUCS Badminton Individual Championships.
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
A summary of the benefits offered by Badminton England can be found here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Compulsory?
No
Boxing
Requirements
All competitors must be registered with and have a valid licence with the International or National Governing Body of their home nation, as well as a Boxer Competition Record book which details their competitive experience, to include any previous competitive experience from other combat sports.
A valid NGB Boxer Competition Record book and medical card must be produced by all competitors at weigh-in - failure to produce these will result in disqualification from the competition.
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
A valid licence, Boxer Competition Record book and medical card enables an individual to compete in the BUCS Boxing Championships and other competitions.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid licence, record book and medical card will not be permitted to compete.
Cycling (Down Hill Mountain Biking Championships)
Requirement
Competitors do not need to be a member of British Cycling, however those who hold a Full Racing Licence must supply these details as part of the BUCS Play entry form in order to be eligible for earning licence ranking points. These licences must also be presented when registering at the event
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
Member benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Compulsory?
No
Cycling (Track Cycling Championships)
Requirement
British Cycling Race Licence
All competitors must hold a valid British Cycling Race Licence.
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
Member benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play OR purchased on the day at the event
Sanction
Individuals without a valid British Cycling Race Licence will not be permitted to compete.
Equestrian
Equestrian 1
Requirement
Rider Ranking List
Prior to the start of the season, each institution/Playing Entity must submit a ranked list of all the riders they expect to use across their teams as per EQU 3.5 (awaiting update for 2023-24).
How
The Excel template can be downloaded here and should be e-mailed to [email protected].
Following the initial ranking deadline passing, ranking lists will be locked and cannot be changed except in the following circumstances:
1. There shall be one re-ranking window, during which Playing Entities can change the ranked order of existing riders on their ranking list and/or remove riders from their ranking list. Changes to ranking lists made during a re-ranking window will only come into effect at the end of the window.
2. Institutions/Playing Entities may request to add riders in at any position on their ranking list at any time during the season by emailing [email protected]. Requests must be submitted to, and approved by, the BUCS Executive in advance of the riders competing in any competitions so they should be made as far in advance of affected competitions as possible.
Deadlines
Initial Deadline: Friday 13 October 2023
Re-ranking Window: Monday 13 November – Thursday 23 November 2023
Sanction
£100 fine if not submitted prior to the deadline.
Equestrian 2
Requirement
Submission of Pool Match Dates and Venues
All institutions/Playing Entities must confirm all home match dates and venues to BUCS as per EQU 4.2.3.
How
To be submitted online here.
Deadline
Monday 9 October 2023
Sanction
£100 fine if not submitted prior the deadline.
Equestrian 3
Requirement
Submission of Pool Match Scoresheet
After each match the home team’s Athletic Union is responsible for completing and submitting via e-mail to [email protected] and the Athletic Unions of the other teams who took part in the match the full Excel scoresheet by the end of the relevant hosting window as per EQU 4.8.7.
NB: If hosting on the last day of a window there will be an additional 24 hour allowance to submit the scoresheet.
How
The Excel scoresheet template can be downloaded here and should be e-mailed to [email protected] and all opposition Athletic Unions.
Please save all Excel scoresheets in the following format prior to sending: “Team - Level - Region - Date”. For example, Oxford 1s - Region D – 16-10-2023.
Deadlines
First Hosting Window: Friday 24 November 2023
Second Hosting Window: Friday 26 January 2024
Third Hosting Window: Friday 23 February 2024
Fourth Hosting Window: Friday 22 March 2024
Sanction
£100 fine if not submitted prior the deadline.
Fencing (Individual Championships)
Requirement
British Fencing Membership
British Fencing memberships are required by all competitors; FIE Licences will not be accepted. For the Individual Championships all competitors require a ‘Compete’ membership.
More information relating to this can be found on the British Fencing website here.
How/Useful Links
Memberships should be purchased here.
Summary of Benefits
Member benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid British Fencing ‘Compete’ membership will not be permitted to compete.
Fencing (Regional Series)
Requirement(s)
British Fencing Membership
British Fencing memberships are required by all competitors; FIE Licences will not be accepted. For the Regional Series all competitors require a minimum of ‘Introductory’ membership.
NB: ‘Introductory’ memberships are free and valid for 90 days.
More information relating to this can be found on the British Fencing website here.
How/Useful Links
Memberships should be acquired here.
Summary of Benefits
Member benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid British Fencing membership will not be permitted to compete
Judo
Requirement
Licence
All competitors must hold, and present at registration and weigh-in, a valid licence issued by one of the following organisations:
British Judo (BJA); Judo Scotland (JS); Northern Ireland Judo (NJIF); Welsh Judo (WJA); Amateur Judo Association (AJA); British Judo Council (BJC); For international competitors, their home country’s national governing body (as sanctioned by the International Judo Federation)
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
Member benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid licence will not be permitted to compete.
Jiu Jitsu
Requirement
The Jiu Jitsu Foundation Licence
All competitors must hold a valid The Jiu Jitsu Foundation (TJJF) licence.
How/Useful Links
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid TJJF licence will not be permitted to compete.
Karate
Requirement
Competitors must hold a valid, up-to-date, recognisable karate licence of a UK Karate Association, duly completed with full and appropriate grading history. For competitors that gained grades from another association, then that licence must also be presented for scrutiny. Competitors must enter the correct category for any grade they have achieved.
How
Individuals will acquire and update their licence through their club/association.
Summary of Benefits
Holding the appropriate licence enables an individual to compete in the BUCS Karate Championships.
Deadline
Before Entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid licence will not be permitted to compete.
Korfball
Requirement
British Student Korfball Association Club Affiliation (including teams)
All institutions/Playing Entities must affiliate with the British Student Korfball Association (BSKA).
How/Useful Links
Please contact the British Student Korfball Association for affiliation details.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Teams belonging to institutions/Playing Entities who are not affiliated to the BSKA will not be permitted to compete.
Powerlifting & Weightlifting (Powerlifting Championships)
Requirement
British Powerlifitng Membership
All participants must hold a valid British Powerlifting membership that is in date.
How
Memberships should be purchased here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid British Powerlifting membership will not be permitted to compete.
Powerlifting & Weightlifting (Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting Championships)
Requirement
British Weightlifting Membership
All participants must hold a valid British Weightlifting (BWL) membership that is in date.
How
Memberships should be purchased here.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid BWL membership will not be permitted to compete.
Rowing
Requirement
British Rowing membership is not a requirement to compete in BUCS Rowing events. However, BUCS events are eligible for British Rowing ranking points. These will be attributed to competitors who have British Rowing membership, or a visitor number.
How/Useful Links
Summary of benefits
A summary of the benefits of British Rowing membership can be found here.
Deadline
Prior to competing
Compulsory?
No
Sailing
Requirement
British Universities Sailing Association Club Membership
All institutions/Playing Entities must have a valid British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) membership.
More information relating to this can be found on the BUSA website here.
How/Useful Links
TBC
Summary of Benefits
Member benefits include affiliation to the RYA and support and development for university sailing clubs.
Deadline
TBC - Prior to competing
Sanction
Clubs without a valid BUSA membership will not be permitted to compete.
Surfing
Requirement
Recommended affiliation to their Home Nation’s National Governing Body.
How/Useful Links
Summary of Benefits
For a summary of the member benefits please refer to the Home Nations specific membership pages.
Deadline
Prior to competing
Compulsory?
No
Swimming
Requirement
Being registered with a governing body is not a requirement to compete in the BUCS Swimming Championships. However, registered swimmers of Swim England, Scottish Swimming or Swim Wales who wish for their times to be submitted for ranking purposes must ensure that they provide their governing body number when registering on BUCS Play, as well as checking that the name and date of birth matches that on their governing body registration.
For para-swimmers to be eligible for para-swimming points and awards they must be nationally/internationally classified and have a current governing body registration to validate their entry. Governing body numbers must be provided at the point of entry.
How/Useful Links
Scottish Swimming membership website
Swim England membership website
Summary of Benefits
A membership will allow times recorded in individual events to be submitted to rankings after the event has taken place.
Deadline
Before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Compulsory?
No
Taekwondo
Requirement
British Student Taekwondo Federation Membership
All participants must hold a valid British Student Taekwondo Federation (BSTF) membership pass of the correct type and grade class: Student-athlete Pass, Basic Pass (volunteers, assistants); Head-coach Pass; Umpire Pass, etc.
How/Useful Links
Membership pass registration is open here.
Institution Administrators/Captains may group purchase student-athlete passes via the Institution Administrator portal.
An individual’s BSTF ID code is required for entry on BUCS Play. This can be found on the Manage My Account page after registration.
Deadline
One week before entries are submitted on BUCS Play
Sanction
Individuals without a valid BSTF membership pass will not be permitted to compete.
Touch
touch 1
Club Affiliation & Membership
All institutions/Playing Entities must be a member of the England Touch Association, regardless of which country within the UK that said institution resides in.
How/Useful Links
Membership information can be found here.
‘University’ membership can be purchased through the ETA membership portal here.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Club membership must be valid at the time of entering and attending a BUCS Touch Championships event.
Sanction
If a club is found to not have a valid ETA membership whilst competing at a BUCS Touch Championships event, they and all teams entered from said club will be disqualified from the event.
touch 2
Player Membership
All players must be a member of the England Touch Association.
How/Useful Links
Membership information can be found here.
Membership can be purchased through the ETA membership portal here.
Summary of Benefits
A summary of benefits can be found here.
Deadline
Player membership must be valid at the time of entering and attending a BUCS Touch Championships event.
Sanction
If a player is found to not have a valid ETA membership whilst competing at a BUCS Touch Championships event, the team they have represented will be disqualified from the event.
Ultimate (Indoor)
Requirement
UK Ultimate Membership
UK Ultimate (UKU) memberships are required by all competitors. Players competing in the Indoor Championships Regional Rounds require "Basic" membership. Players competing at the Indoor National Finals events will require "Full" membership.
NB: Team registration to the UKU is not mandatory to compete in the BUCS Ultimate programme. However, in order to facilitate the individual membership process, an institution/Playing Entity's club must be registered with the UKU.
More information relating to this can be found on the UKU website here.
How/Useful Links
Memberships should be purchased here.
Deadline
Prior to competing
Sanction
£25 fine per player without UKU Individual Membership once the Championships have commenced.
Windsurfing
Requirement
Recommended affiliation to The Student Windsurfing Association.
How/Useful Links
Deadline
Prior to competing
Compulsory?
No
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