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Mini Rugby is designed to progressively introduce the sport in a friendly environment. The game is suitable for both boys and girls and certainly up to the age of 12, girls are not at a physical disadvantage. The emphasis is on safety and fun and children are encouraged to develop their natural skills through coaching and competitive matches.
The ages are defined by the age at midnight of the 31st August and players stay with their age group throughout their time in Mini and Youth Rugby. As each age group moves up the game develops with more aspects being introduced each year. The format is as follows:
Under 7 & Under 8
- Tag-tackling: with removable velcro tags on a waist belt,
- Ball to be passed backwards,
- Players to stay behind the ball during play (their side of the ball),
- Attempt to score a try,
- Play (re)starts with a pass
- Seven players per side.
- No Contact.
- No Lineout.
- No Scrummage.
- No Kicking.
Training at Under 8 progresses from the end of February with an uncontested three player per side scrum and the idea of a back line, together with contact tackling during training sessions, but none of these are used in matches.
Under 9
- Any player on their feet with the ball can be tackled (below the armpit),
- Ball to be passed backwards,
- Players to stay behind the ball during play (their side of the ball),
- Attempt to score a try,
- Play (re)starts with a pass,
- Knock-on or unplayable ball results in an uncontested scrum,
- Two player uncontested lineout (No lifting).
- Nine players per side (three forwards and six backs). Positions are interchangeable throughout the game.
- No Kicking.
Under 10
- Any player on their feet with the ball can be tackled (below the armpit),
- Ball to be passed backwards,
- Players to stay behind the ball during play (their side of the ball),
- Attempt to score a try,
- Play (re)starts with a pass
- Knock-on or unplayable ball results in a contested scrummage,
- Two player contested line-out (No lifting),
- Nine players per side (three forwards and six backs). Positions are interchangeable throughout the game.
- No Kicking.
Under 11 and 12
- Any player on their feet with the ball can be tackled (below the armpit),
- Ball to be passed backwards,
- Players to stay behind the ball during play (their side of the ball),
- Attempt to score a try,
- Play (re)starts with a drop kick
- Knock-on or unplayable ball results in a contested scrummage (second row introduced),
- Four player contested line-out (No lifting),
- Twelve players per side (five forwards and seven backs). Positions are interchangeable throughout the game.
No hand-off or fend-off allowed at any age group in Mini Rugby.
Parents and supporters are encouraged to support their children and team but are also reminded to applaud good play from both teams in a match. The referee is the sole judge of fact and of law in a game of rugby and supporters should not criticise referees as it gives the wrong impression to the children.
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