U11 U12 Rules
U11 U12 Rules
U11 U12 Rules
This Section contains the rules of play, regulations and recommendations (including
modifications to the IRB Laws of the Game) which apply to players in the Under 11 and
Under 12 age grades.
RULES OF PLAY
Players and match officials must endeavour to ensure the IRB Laws of the Game, modified
by the following playing rules, are observed when playing Midi Rugby at Under 11 and Under
12:
5.1 OBJECT:
The object of the game is to score a try (5 points) and conversion (2 points).
5.2 TEAMS:
The game is played between teams having a maximum of twelve players, five of
whom will be forwards and form the scrum, with the remaining players forming the
back line. Each side can have an agreed number of substitutes. Substituted players
can be re-used at any time. Substitutions may only take place when the ball is ‘dead’
or at half time and always with the referee’s knowledge.
5.3 STARTS:
(a) A drop kick from the centre line will be used to start the game, the second half, and
for all restarts after a score. The kicker’s team must be behind the ball until it has
been kicked and the receiving team must be at least 7 metres back from the ball.
(b) If, from the kick-off, the ball is kicked directly into touch, the opposition has the choice
of:
(3) accepting the kick and contesting a line-out at the half-way line.
(c) If the ball is kicked into in-goal without having touched or been touched by a
player and is then immediatley touched down or made "dead", or the ball goes into
touch in goal the opposition has the choice of:
(2) their put-in to a scrum at the centre of the half way line.
(d) If the ball is carried, or kicked, into the in-goal area by the opposition and the ball is
made dead by going into touch in goal or over the dead ball line, or the ball is
grounded by a defender, the game is restarted by the defending side with a drop kick
on a line 15 metres out from the goal line.
(3) hand off/fend off (a hand off being the placing of an open palmed hand by the
ball carrier against an opponent’s face or body while a fend off is an
outstretched arm by the ball carrier towards an opponent to discourage that
person making a tackle);
(5) obstruction;
the game is restarted at the point at which the infringement occurred with a penalty
kick to the non-offending team. Note that players should be encouraged to carry the
ball in two hands to reduce the temptation to hand-off/fend off with a free hand.
(f) After any stoppage not covered elsewhere in this Section, the match restarts with a
scrum to the team moving forward or, if neither team was moving forward, to the
team last in possession of the ball.
(a) In general play, the ball can only be passed sideways or backwards - defined as
‘towards the player’s own try line’. If the ball is passed forward or knocked on, a
scrum is awarded to the opposition.
(b) Offside in general play is penalised in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game. A
player offside in general play is to be penalised for being offside unless that player is
making an obvious attempt to return to an onside position. Penalty: A penalty kick
restart to the non-offending side.
(c) If a player carrying the ball goes to ground in general play or if a player goes to
ground to gather the ball in general play, the player must immediately do one of three
things (or he will be penalised):
Note, however, that if a player releases the ball by placing it on the ground and his
team mates drive over the ball to prevent the opposition gaining possession, a ruck
will generally be formed and in this case the ball may not be picked up by hand until
the ball has left the ruck, as described in Section 5.7. Penalty: penalty kick.
5.5 TACKLING:
(a) Any player who has the ball and is on their feet (except in a maul) can be tackled.
Following a tackle:
(1) The tackler must immediately release the tackled player and get up or move
away from the tackled player and the ball. The tackler must get up before
playing the ball.
Note 1: Any tackle level with or above the armpit is to be considered a high
tackle.
Note 2: The scrag-type tackle (i.e. swinging the player round by the shirt)
must be considered dangerous play and must be penalised.
(2) The tackled player must immediately pass or release the ball and must get
up or move away from the ball. The tackled player may put the ball on the
ground in any direction, or may push the ball along the ground in any
direction, except forward (towards the opposition try line), providing this is
done immediately.
(3) At a tackle, or near to a tackle, other players who play the ball must do so
from behind the ball and from behind the tackled player, or the tackler closest
to those players’ goal-line.
(4) Any player who first gains possession of the ball at the tackle or near to it
may be tackled by an opposition player, providing that player does so from
behind the ball and from behind the tackled player or tackler nearest that
player’s goal-line.
Infringement of any of the above will result in a penalty kick being awarded to the
non-infringing team.
(b) If, after a tackle, the ball becomes unplayable, a scrum is awarded. The scrum is
awarded to the team that was moving forward immediately prior to the tackle or, if no
team was moving forward, to the attacking team (the team in the opponents’ half of
the pitch).
(c) No player shall use the technique known or referred to as ‘Squeezeball’ and no
person involved in the teaching or coaching of Mini-Midi Rugby may teach or coach
or encourage Under 11 or Under 12 players to use the ‘Squeezeball’ technique.
Penalty: penalty kick.
Note: 'Squeezeball' is a technique where the ball carrier goes to ground, head
forward (touching or close to the ground), irrespective of immediate contact with
opponents, usually keeping parallel to the touchline, holding and protecting the ball
close to the chest and, when on the ground, pushes the ball back between the legs.
(d) It is illegal for any player to voluntarily fall on or over a player lying on the ground with
the ball in his possession or to voluntarily fall on or over players lying on the ground
with the ball between them, or near them. Penalty: penalty kick.
Note:
(2) a player is assumed to have fallen voluntarily unless the referee is absolutely
certain the fall was accidental;
(3) in the very rare instances when the fall is accidental, play must be stopped
and a scrum awarded to the side previously in possession.
The object is to keep players on their feet and to prevent them from falling to the
ground, thus removing a dangerous area of play. This will create proper rucks and
mauls through encouraging players from each team to remain on their feet.
5.6 MAULS:
(a) A maul occurs when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents and
one or more of the ball-carrier’s team-mates bind on to the ball-carrier. It is helpful if
the referee calls ‘maul formed’. All the players involved are on their feet.
(b) Once a maul is formed, other players may only join the maul from behind the foot of
their hindmost team-mate in the maul. Players joining the maul from in front of this eg
from the side are offside and should be penalised. Penalty: penalty kick.
(c) A maul ends successfully when either the ball or a player with the ball leaves the
maul or the ball is on the ground or the maul is on or over the goal line (when the ball
may be grounded for a try).
(d) A maul ends unsuccessfully if the ball becomes unplayable or the maul collapses
(not as a result of foul play) and a scrum is awarded. Should a maul collapse, the
referee must immediately act to prevent a pile-up from developing.
(e) When a maul remains stationary or has stopped moving forward for more than 5
seconds, but the ball is being moved and the referee can see it, a reasonable time is
allowed for the ball to emerge. If it does not emerge within a reasonable time, a
scrum is ordered. It is helpful in all maul situations if the referee calls “use it or lose it”
prior to awarding a scrum.
(f) When a maul has stopped moving forward it may start moving forward again
providing it does so within 5 seconds. If the maul stops moving forward for a second
time, and if the ball is being moved and the referee can see it, a reasonable time is
allowed for the ball to emerge. A scrum is awarded if it does not emerge within a
reasonable time.
(g) In the case of a scrum following maul the team not in possession of the ball when the
maul began will throw the ball in at the subsequent scrum. If the referee cannot
decide which team had possession, the team moving forward before the maul
stopped throws in the ball. If neither team was moving forward, the attacking team
throws in the ball.
(h) Any player at any stage in a maul who has or causes an opponent to have, his
shoulders lower than his hip joint must immediately be penalised by awarding a
penalty kick. The object of this rule is to prevent the collapse of a maul. It is to help
the coach to teach good technique and the referee to penalise bad technique. Any
player who has his shoulders lower than his hip joint can only move downwards
unless he has very great strength. The force through the shoulders should be
directed forwards and upwards; all players should remain on their feet, thus
preventing a pile-up and possible injury.
5.7 RUCKS:
(a) A ruck occurs where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in
physical contact, close over the ball on the ground. It is helpful if the referee calls
“ruck formed”. Players are rucking when they are in a ruck and using their feet to try
to win or keep possession of the ball, without being guilty of foul play.
(b) Once a ruck is formed, other players may only join the ruck from behind the foot of
their hindmost team-mate in the ruck. a player may join alongside this hindmost
player. Players joining the ruck from in front of this eg from the side are offside and
should be penalised. Penalty: penalty kick.
(c) Players must not use their hands to pick up the ball while it is still in the ruck.
Penalty: penalty kick.
(d) A ruck ends successfully when the ball leaves the ruck, or when the ball is on or over
the goal-line (when the ball may be touched down for a try).
(e) A ruck ends unsuccessfully when the ball becomes unplayable and a scrum is
awarded. Should a ruck collapse, the referee must immediately act to prevent a pile-
up from developing.
(f) Scrum following ruck: The team that was moving forward immediately before the ball
became unplayable in the ruck throws in the ball. If neither team was moving
forward, or if the referee cannot decide which team was moving forward before the
ball became unplayable in the ruck, the team that was moving forward before the
ruck began throws in the ball. If neither team was moving forward, then the attacking
team throws in the ball. Before the referee blows the whistle for a scrum, the referee
allows a reasonable amount of time for the ball to emerge. If the ruck stops moving
or if the referee decides that the ball will probably not emerge within a reasonable
time, the referee must order a scrum.
(g) Any player at any stage in a ruck who has or causes an opponent to have, his
shoulders lower than his hip joint must immediately be penalised by awarding a
penalty kick. The object of this rule is to prevent the collapse of a ruck. It is to help
the coach to teach good technique and the referee to penalise bad technique. Any
player who has his shoulders lower than his hip joint can only move downwards
unless he has very great strength. The force through the shoulders should be
directed forwards and upwards; all players should remain on their feet, thus
preventing a pile-up and possible injury.
5.8 SCRUMS:
(a) The scrum will be made up of five players from each team - the front row (a row of
three players, i.e. a prop on either side of the hooker) and two locks forming the
second row. The locks must bind to each other using the inside arm, with the
outside arm around the hips (not between the legs) of the front row (props). Neither
of the locks may unbind to pick up the ball at the rear of the scrum but must remain
bound onto the scrum until the ball is carried or passed out by the scrum half.
Penalty: Penalty kick.
(b) The front rows from each team will bind together approximately half a metre apart,
and the locks will bind to each other and to the props. Each prop will touch the
upper arm of his opponent, and then pause before the engagement. The referee will
talk the players through the engagement procedure in the sequence Crouch,
Touch, Pause, and Engage. On the grounds of safety, it is important that the
referee manages the engagement of every scrum in this way. There must be no
downward pressure exerted by hands or arms.
(c) Although scrums are contested at Under 11 and Under 12, under no circumstances
is the scrum to be:
(1) pushed more than 1.5 metres towards either try line Penalty: A penalty kick
at the original spot against the side that has pushed the scrum;
(d) Front rows must not be allowed to charge at each other. If they start to engage too
close together and with necks and backs bent, they must be stopped and the scrum
reformed. Props’ body positions must be parallel to the touchline (not boring in).
There must be no downward pressure exerted by hands or arms. Shoulders must
always be above the level of the hips.
(e) If the scrum collapses, the whistle must immediately be blown and the appropriate
penalty awarded, or the scrum reset. If a player is persistently involved in collapsing
or illegal binding they must be replaced. If a player’s lack of technique or strength is a
danger then they must be replaced.
(f) A non-contested scrum must replace a contested scrum in any of the following
circumstances (on safety grounds):
(3) if one side is obviously stronger and more experienced than the other and
the referee has been unable to get the stronger side to reduce their push to
take this into account.
In a non-contested scrum the teams do not contest for the ball. The team putting the
ball in must win it. Neither team is allowed to push the other team away from the
mark.
(g) Any player at any stage in a scrum who has or causes an opponent to have, his
shoulders lower than his hip joint must immediately be penalised by awarding a
penalty kick. The object of this rule is to tprevent the collapse of a scrum. It is to help
the coach to teach good technique and the referee to penalise bad technique. Any
player who has his shoulders lower than his hip joint can only move downwards
unless he has very great strength. The force through the shoulders should be
directed forwards and upwards; all players should remain on their feet, thus
preventing a pile-up and possible injury.
(h) The back lines of both teams must remain behind the hindmost foot of their
respective scrums until the ball emerges or the scrum-half places his hands on it. If a
scrum is awarded within 5 metres of the goal-line, the scrum is to be taken at a mark
such that the middle line of the scrum is 5 metres from the goal-line. In this case the
defending backs must stay on or behind the goal line.
(i) The scrum-half not throwing the ball into the scrum may remain directly alongside
his opponent, however, he/she must not move beyond the middle line of the scrum
until the ball has emerged from the scrum or an opponent has placed their hands on
the ball. In the event of a strike against the head (the side putting the ball in losing
the ball in the scrum), the scrum-half who has thrown the ball into the scrum is
similarly restricted.
5.9 LINEOUTS:
(a) If the ball or player carrying the ball goes out of play, a contested line-out at the point
at which the ball or players crossed the touchline will take place. If a lineout is
awarded within 5 metres of the goal-line, the lineout is to be taken at a mark such
that the line of touch parallel to the goal-line is no closer than 5 metres from the goal-
line. The opponents of the team who carried or last touched the ball before it went
into touch throw the ball in. .A quick throw-in is not permitted.
(b) The line-out will be made up of four players from each team (who stand between 2
and 10 metres from the touchline) plus the player throwing the ball in and an
immediate opponent (who must stand within 2 metres of the touchline) and one
player from either side in a position to receive the ball (i.e. scrum-half). Both the
thrower-in and his immediate opponent are able to take an active role in the lineout
as soon as the ball has been touched by one of the players in the line-out. Players
not taking part in the linout must stay behind the offside line until the lineout ends.
(c) The line-out will extend from 2 to 10 metres from the touchline. Should the ball be
thrown beyond 10 metres, the opposition will be awarded the throw. Should the
opposition then throw beyond 10 metres, a scrum will be awarded to the side
originally throwing in. The scrum will be formed 10 metres in from touch opposite the
point where the ball went into touch.
(d) The line-out begins when the ball leaves the hands of the player throwing it in. The
line-out ends when the ball or a player carrying it leaves the line-out. This includes
the following:
(2) when a line-out player hands the ball to a player who is peeling close to and
parallel to the line;
(3) when a ruck or maul develops in a line-out, and both feet of all the players in
the ruck or maul move beyond the line-of-touch; and
(4) the ball has been passed or carried out of the lineout or if the catcher decides
to drive through the lineout.
(e) When the ball becomes unplayable in a line-out, play restarts with a scrum to the
team moving forward or, if neither team was moving forward, to the team last in
possession of the ball. The scrum will take place 7 metres in from the touchline
opposite the point where the lineout took place.
(f) All ‘peeling off’ movements must be close to and parallel with the line-out. Players
must keep moving. Lifting/supporting is prohibited at this level (i.e. a player may not
bind to a jumper until they return to the ground). The player designated to receive the
ball (i.e. the scrum half) may not enter the lineout to compete for the ball. “Peeling
off” occurs when a player leaves the lineout to catch the ball knocked or passed back
by a team mate.
(g) The offside line for all players not participating in the line-out (all players other than
those described under Section 5.9(b)) is 7 metres back from the line of touch, parallel
to the goal-line, and they must remain behind that offside line until the line-out has
ended. If the lineout is closer than 7 metres to the touchline, the goal-line is the
offside line.
5.10 KICKING:
(a) All the IRB Laws of the Game pertaining to kicking in open play will apply, with the
following exceptions:
(1) Players may only kick the ball out of their hands
(2) The offside zone ahead of the kicker is 7, rather than 10 metres.
(3) Kicking a loose ball when it is on the ground (often called fly hacking) is not
permitted.
(b) After a try has been scored, the team can attempt to convert the try into a goal. The
kick at goal may take place from anywhere in front of the posts.
(d) Following the award of a penalty, a kick at goal or drop goal is not permitted. Should
the side awarded the penalty opt to kick to touch and do so directly they will be
awarded the subsequent throw in at the lineout.
5.11 COACHING:
(a) The RFU recommends that at a Fixture, a coaching session precedes each match.
(b) All matches should be used as an extension of the coaching session with the
emphasis being on the quality of performance rather than the result.
(c) During the match, coaches can direct and develop play, in a coaching sense, from
the touchline.
(d) The emphasis must be on enjoyment and the players must be encouraged to enjoy
the physical skills of running, passing and evasion.
(e) During the half-time interval, coaches must take time to talk to, encourage, coach
and explain the game to the players.
(f) Mismatches can be avoided by talking to the coach in charge of the opposition
before the game.
REGULATIONS
Failure by Clubs or Schools, their match officials and coaches to observe the following
regulations may invalidate the compulsory insurance cover provided by the RFU:
(a) A Fixture is the playing of Midi Rugby between teams of different Schools or Clubs,
not more than three Schools or Clubs being involved together on any one day.
Where three Clubs or Schools are involved, these are sometimes referred to as
“Triangular Fixtures”.
(b) A Festival is the playing of Midi Rugby between more than three teams of different
Schools or Clubs, normally to establish a winner, all matches being part of one event.
(d) Fixtures and Festivals must all comply with the regulations contained in the Rugby
Continuum, however, Festival organisers may impose additional conditions on
participation including maximum squad sizes which should not be less than 17
players (although this should not prevent teams from participating with less than this
number should they so wish).
(a) The Midi Rugby season starts on 1st September each year. Fixtures and Festivals for
Under 11’s and Under 12’s may only take place during the period 1st October to 30th
April each season unless a special dispensation has been granted by the RFU.
Outside this period players may only participate in training and recruitment initiatives.
Applications for special dispensations should be submitted to the RFU Community
Rugby & Operations Director.
5.14 UNDER 11 AGE GRADES:
(a) A player’s age grade is determined by their age on 1st September at the beginning of
the season. An Under 11 player will therefore only turn 11 during the course of the
season.
(b) During the course of a season players may only play rugby with other Under 11
players unless they are permitted to play with players from a different age grade
under a dispensation referred to in Section 5.15.
(c) When participating in Fixtures or Festivals, the Club/School must inform the coaches
and match officials of opposing teams of any dispensation being applied and identify
each player concerned.
The following general dispensations apply as exceptions to the age grade rules
contained in Section 5.14. Particular attention is drawn to the need to ensure that
player safety is not compromised when applying any of these dispensations since
players of different age grades and development will be playing together and the duty
of care owed to players means it may not always be appropriate to allow a player to
take advantage of a dispensation.
(a) Team Dispensation: Under 12 players may play down in an Under 11 team if Clubs
or Schools do not have enough players to complete an Under 11 team, however, this
dispensation is subject to strict observance of the following qualifications:
(1) the maximum numbers of players allowed to play down is two; and
This dispensation will also apply if a Club or School does have one or more full
Under 11 teams, but needs extra players to field a further Under 11 team.
(c) Special Dispensation: The vast majority of children, with correct coaching, can play
in their correct age grades but in exceptional cases where child safety may be
compromised due to a developmental disability (physical or behavioural); application
to the RFU may be made for an individual dispensation permitting a player to play
down one age grade. Such dispensation will only last for one season. Application for
such a dispensation should be submitted to the RFU Community Rugby &
Operations Director and should be accompanied by documentary evidence or signed
statements confirming the player's disability. For the avoidance of doubt, special RFU
dispensations to play outside of their true age grade will not be granted to players
merely because they appear to have skills inferior or superior to their team mates.
(b) During the course of a season players may only play rugby with other Under 12
players unless they are permitted to play with players from a different age grade
under a dispensation referred to in Section 5.17.
(c) When participating in Fixtures or Festivals, the Club/School must inform the coaches
and match officials of opposing teams of any dispensation being applied and identify
each player concerned.
The following general dispensations apply as exceptions to the age grade rules
contained in Section 5.16. Particular attention is drawn to the need to ensure that
player safety is not compromised when applying any of these dispensations since
players of different age grades and development will be playing together and the duty
of care owed to players means it may not always be appropriate to allow a player to
take advantage of a dispensation.
(a) Team Dispensation: Under 12 players may play down in an Under 11 team if Clubs
or Schools do not have enough players to complete an Under 11 team, however, this
dispensation is subject to strict observance of the following qualifications:
(1) the maximum numbers of players allowed to play down is two; and
This dispensation will also apply if a Club or School does have one or more full
Under 11 teams, but needs extra players to field a further team.
(b) Specific Under 12 Dispensation: As well as the Team Dispensation allowed for
above, where a Club or School does not have enough players to form an Under 12
team, Under 12s may play with an Under 13 side but only with written parental
consent. No Under 11 player or below can play in an Under 13 side and no Under
13s or above may play down an age grade in any circumstances. This dispensation
will also apply if a Club or School does have one or more full Under 12 teams, but
needs extra players to play in the Under 13 age grade.
Clarification: If short of U11s two Under 12s may play down; if short of Under 13s,
Under 12s may play up.
(d) Special Dispensation: The vast majority of children, with correct coaching, can play
in their correct age grades but in exceptional cases where child safety may be
compromised due to a developmental disability (physical or behavioural); application
to the RFU may be made for an individual dispensation permitting a player to play
down one age grade. Such dispensation will only last for one season. Application for
such a dispensation should be submitted to the RFU Community Rugby &
Operations Director and should be accompanied by documentary evidence or signed
statements confirming the player's disability. For the avoidance of doubt, special RFU
dispensations to play outside of their true age grade will not be granted to players
merely because they appear to have skills inferior or superior to their team mates.
(a) Each players in the Under 11 and Under 12 age grades is limited to playing in not
more than:
(1) 17 Club Fixtures and/or Festivals during a season in addition to any Fixtures
and/or Festivals played by them for their Schools;
(b) Clubs and Schools must maintain a record of how many Fixtures and Festivals are
played by each Under 11 and each Under 12 player during a season to ensure they
are not exceeding these limits.
(c) Where Clubs or Schools have large squads, additional Fixtures/Festivals may be
arranged, provided that no player plays in more than the maximum number referred
to in Section 5.18(a).
(a) Fixture (2 Clubs or Schools present): 20 minutes each way, 1 game = 40 minutes;
(b) Fixture (3 Clubs or Schools present): 15 minutes each way, 2 games = 60 minutes;
No extra time is permitted in any match, except that added for injury time. Matches
must be brought to an end if the points difference rises to more than 30.
Fixtures, coaches and training sessions must last no longer than 120 minutes,
inclusive of time devoted to match play. At a Festival, time spent on training and
matches must not total more than 120 minutes.
5.21 EQUIPMENT:
(a) A size 4 ball should be used.
(b) Players may only use studs and other clothing during training sessions and matches
that are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game. Spectacles may not be worn
during training or in matches.
The maximum pitch size for Under 11s is 60 metres x 43 metres, plus 5 metres for
each in-goal area. Reduced pitch sizes are acceptable provided this is agreed
between the officiating referee and coaches and the smaller pitches will not
materially increase the risk of injury to players. Adjacent pitches should be no closer
than 5 metres. Provision should be made to indicate the position of the line15 metres
out from each goal line, serving a similar purpose to the 22 metre line in the IRB
Laws of the Game.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations represent best practice and Clubs, Schools, their match officials and
coaches must endeavour to follow these:
(a) Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.
(b) Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during
games.
(d) Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
(f) Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive
and supportive.
(i) Explain decisions - all players are still learning and parents will understand the game
better.
(k) Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
(o) Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and
procedures.
(p) Officiate to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves
updated on rule changes.
(q) Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance
access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along
with someone trained in its use before starting play.
(r) Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in
accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game.
(a) Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
(c) Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
(e) Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage players to behave with dignity in
all circumstances.
(f) Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a
mistake, (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the
players recognise that they must do the same.
(g) Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all
players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
(h) Provide rugby experience which are matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as
well as their physical and behavioural development.
(i) Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily
to hand.
(j) Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives
everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
(l) Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
(m) Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or
unacceptable risk of injury.
(o) Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol and those under 16 to
smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.
(p) Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with
RFU philosophy.
(q) Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young
people on residential tours at home and abroad.
(r) Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and
Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.
(s) Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated
on rule changes.
(a) Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and
administrators in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby
environment.
(b) Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
(c) Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be
safe and free from all types of abuse.
(d) Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in
a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at the Club or
School or outside of the game.
(e) Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
(f) Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of
the game.
(h) Work equally hard for themselves and their team - both will then benefit.
(i) Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
(k) Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’
decisions even if they appear to make a mistake.
(l) Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches,
match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
(m) Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with,
bully or take advantage of any player.
(a) Dangerous play can cause injury. Coaches and match officials must be particularly
vigilant to prevent it.
(b) There will always be knocks and bumps in rugby, but if dangerous play is eliminated,
then many serious injuries will never happen.
(c) After a stoppage for injury, restart play with a scrum to the team moving forward, or,
if neither team was moving forward, to the team that was last in possession of the
ball immediately prior to the stoppage.
5.27 DISCIPLINE:
(a) If the referee decides that a player must cease to participate in a match, they must
stop the match, call the individual player aside from the other players and invite the
coach of that player on to the field. The referee must explain to the coach and the
player why they feel the player’s behaviour is unacceptable and instruct the coach to
provide a substitute player. That player is to take no further part in that Festival or
Fixture. It is the responsibility of the coach to speak to and educate the player as to
why such action was taken.
(b) Clubs and Schools complying with Section 2 of the Rugby Continuum will have both
a Child Protection Policy (which conforms to the RFU’s recommendations) and a
player disciplinary procedure. While player indiscipline (including physical and verbal
abuse and actions contravening the Rugby Continuum) will in most cases be dealt
with in accordance with the player disciplinary procedure it should be recognized that
there will be some instances where the relevant actions also fall within the scope of
the Child Protection Policy.
(c) In the case of actions on the part of adults involved in Midi Rugby which contravene
the Codes of Practice (for parents, spectators, match officials or coaches) contained
in the Rugby Continuum, the recommended procedure is as follows:
(1) The match or training session should be stopped and the match officials and
coaches should confer and agree on a course of action appropriate to the
circumstances. This may include the match officials and relevant coach
warning the adult concerned or requesting the relevant adult to vacate the
vicinity of the pitch before recommencing the match or training. In extreme
cases or where the adult refuses to cooperate, the match or training should
be abandoned.
(2) The match officials and coaches should notify the incident to the Chairmen of
the Mini-Midi Sections of their respective Clubs or to the Head of Games in
the case of Schools for further consideration. In extreme cases this may
include banning the relevant adult from attending matches and/or training
sessions for a period and/or submission of a complaint to the relevant
Constituent Body.
(3) Where the relevant actions fall within the Child Protection Policy, Clubs and
Schools should also institute the procedures contained in such policy.
(d) In all cases where a disciplinary matter has been referred to a Constituent Body, the
Constituent Body may require either Club or Schools to provide additional
information on the incident including confirmation of the action taken and may in
exceptional cases refer the matter to the RFU for further consideration and
sanctions.
1.28 SAFETY:
(a) The development of all contact (contested or uncontested scrums and line outs) must
be introduced using the techniques contained in current RFU coaching manuals.
Tackling is a skill that needs to be taught and must be introduced progressively as
shown in the current RFU Coaching Course materials. Similarly, the formation of the
scrum must be introduced in a progressive way following the stages described in
current RFU Coaching Course materials.
(b) The RFU strongly recommends the wearing of mouth guards in case of accidental
collision. Ideally mouth guards should be custom made from a dental impression of
the teeth. The RFU also strongly recommends the wearing of shin guards.
(c) If a player appears injured, the referee must blow the whistle and stop play
immediately. Obviously the referee must use judgment - players don’t want to stop
for every slight knock - but it is usually possible to tell when a player is hurt. Where
possible, invite the player to get up. If it hurts them to move, let them stay where they
are (if this will not worsten their injury) and send for expert help. In all cases it is
essential that other people/players are stopped from rushing in and hauling the
player to their feet. They may mean well, but they could make the damage even
worse. In summary, take no chances: act fast but act with caution.
(d) If referees find themselves in an injury situation, they must concentrate on the vital
things. If there is difficulty breathing remove the player’s mouthguard and ensure the
player hasn’t swallowed their tongue: if they have, hook it out at once. If they seem
stunned, they may be concussed: if so, they must leave the field and have a medical
examination. If there is any bleeding, the player must leave the field for treatment.
For further information on the interpretation of these rules, regulations and recommendations
contact the Community Rugby and Operations Department at the RFU.