Although the Shute Shield doesn’t have a salary cap, it does have a ‘points cap’ which limits the number of representative players each team can field in a particular match. As we head toward the pointy end of the season, here’s a quick summary. All players points ratings are determined at the start of the year. A first grade team may not exceed 100 points in a particular match and a second grade side cannot exceed 60 points. 1st grade colts teams are limited to 40 points while 2nd grade colts sides must be below 35 points. A number of discounts are available for players, which are explained below. Category A – 20 points – A player who has played a 15-a-side Test match for a tier one nation Category B – 16 points – A player who has at least five Super Rugby or Heineken Cup caps – A player for has played a 15-a-side Test match for a tier two nation Category C – 10 points – A player who holds a current Super Rugby contract – A pla