Promotion:
A club shall be automatically promoted to the next highest available division if that club reaches a USA Rugby Round of 8 in D2 or D3.
If a team refuses promotion, that team is ineligible for qualifying for championship matches at the same or lower level in the next immediate competitive cycle. That team may play in its current league, but that team’s matches will not count in the standings.
Relegation:
At the end of the league season, the lowest standing D1 club will be automatically relegated from D1 to D2. Relegation will not occur if the current number of teams in the D1 league is less than 8.
At the end of the league season, the lowest standing D2 club will be automatically relegated from D2 to D3. Relegation will not occur if the current number of teams in the D2 league is less than 12.
Mulitple Sides:
For clubs that field multiple sides, USAR has a policy where the lower non-contiguous side is not eligible for advancement along the path to the National Championship. In the case of a club with a D1 and a D3 side, the lower side can compete within the MAC Championship event, but can only earn the right to be promoted to D2. D3 Eligible clubs will have the right to continue on the path to National Championships. MAC will send the highest ranking eligible seed to CR playoffs, however, the promotion to D2 will be given to the #1 club.
Note: Given the intent of D4, promotion from a D4 league will be determined solely by the MAC Committee.
updated:8/19/15
The Mid Atlantic Conference 