Scores won't be kept, a championship trophy won't be awarded and most of the players are more likely to do themselves an injury off the paddock.
And the 500-plus rugby players - including former internationals - on their way to Queenstown for the 2015 World Vintage Rugby Carnival wouldn't have it any other way.
More than 26 teams, including 10 from Australia and one each from Norfolk Island, Samoa and Canada, have registered to take part in this year's event, being held in Queenstown and Alexandra from Sunday.
Carnival director Paul Guest, of Auckland-based Vintage Sport & Leisure (VSL), said the event was held every second year and was open to any player over the age of 35. The oldest player to date was an 87-year-old who ''goes full tilt''.
It had been held in New Zealand only once before, in Christchurch in 2008.
Mr Guest said the organisers selected ''the best destinations in the world'' to host tournaments. Other host cities included Limerick, Ireland; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Cape Town, South Africa.
''Why not Queenstown? Queenstown's just stunning, it's absolutely phenomenal.
''The reason for these festivals - the rugby, for a lot of it, is an excuse.
''These guys are coming to a destination to enjoy themselves, to experience it as much as they can.''
Teams will be welcomed at a function at the Skyline on Sunday before games begin on Monday.
Mr Guest said teams had been split into age categories, over 35 and over 45, and while there was a premier grade, no teams had entered it.
To minimise the chance of on-field injuries, Golden Oldies rules applied - some players would wear red or gold shorts or bibs, indicating they could not be tackled, and were only allowed to run ''20 yards with the ball''.
There would be no pushing in scrums, no lifting in line-outs and no kicking outside a team's own 22.
Cleaning out around the ruck was not allowed, tries would not be converted, a player could be subbed on and off as many times as they liked and games were generally split into three 20-minute periods.
And there would be plenty of rehydration, Mr Guest said.
''We've got a side from Bundaberg that always gets sponsored by rum - they come over and after every try, their whole team has got to do a shot of rum.''
The primary focus of the event was on being social - many of the ''players'' might take the field for only five minutes before turning supporter.
''The main thing to remember with any of our carnivals is that you're more likely to damage yourself off the pitch,'' he said.
Games will be played at the Queenstown Events Centre on Monday and Friday, and in Alexandra on Wednesday to help mark the Alexandra Rugby Football Club's 125th jubilee.
Players would also make the most of what was on offer in the resort, including a trip on TSS Earnslaw, golf, sightseeing, adventure activities and, naturally, wine tasting.
The carnival would conclude next Saturday night with a function at the events centre, including an auction raising money for Cure Kids.
The headline item to go under the hammer would be a signed 2015 All Black jersey.
