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Background information about playing for the Roos
The Australian Rugby Union has developed a blueprint for young players to advance within the sport, providing a pathway to take you from the Under 6s right through to the famous Wallabies national representative side. In between, there is a whole world of Rugby Union that is guaranteed to suit everyone.
FAQs
Find the answers to the following questions below:
- I haven’t played Rugby before – what are my options?
- Are the rules the same for all ages?
- How are groups worked out?
- What is the Roos Grading Policy?
- What are the Naming Schemes for Teams?
- What equipment do players need?
- Who do I contact if I have a problem?
I haven’t played Rugby before – what are my options?
You are more than welcome to join up with one of our teams, and our qualified coaches will help you get started and teach you the rules of the game and the skill you need to play as you go.
Alternatively, another option is to take advantage of an Australian Rugby Union initiative called “Try Rugby”. Try Rugby is a high-quality community sport and social initiative created to introduce children and parents to the game and skills of rugby union in a safe, fun and welcoming atmosphere.
TryRugby activities are challenging but non-competitive and do not involve any tackling. It’s all about equal participation and enjoyment where every kid gets a fair go on the field. TryRugby has also been designed for the needs and lifestyles of the modern family.
The Friday night format features community BBQs, combined parent and children activities, and special events and guests. Balancing a blend of sport and social activities at an affordable family price is all part of the fun at the TryRugby Experience. Contact the ARU for further details fo the nearest location for TryRugby.
Are the rules the same for all ages?
No, the rules and outcomes are modified for each age group. Games are played to a modified version of the Australian Rugby Union Pathway.
The ARU believe that younger rugby union players should be introduced to the game gradually through its pathway program. The Rugby Union pathway is based on research conducted into children in sport and development. It was concluded that modified pathways offer great opportunities for children to develop confidence in sporting performances.
Children as young as six greatly enjoy rugby through non-contact versions of the game. Pathway Rugby should be free flowing with the purpose of developing the skills of running, balance, ball handling and contact.
The Pathway as played by the Roos comprises:
Under 6 and 7 Walla Rugby
This form of rugby is for the complete novice. Players compete in a non-contact “tag” based game that focuses on ball handling and running skills. Similar to Touch Rugby, this 8-a-side game is designed to combine basic skills with Rugby Union concepts in a fun environment, suitable for both male and female players.
Under 8 and 9 Mini Rugby
The Under 8 players are introduced to a more technical approach to the game, with tackling and line-outs and an increase in the number of players to 10 per side.
The Under 9 players play a similar game with the addition of scrums and a larger pitch.
Under 10 Midi Rugby
For the juniors at Under 10 the 12-a-side game allows the teams to achieve high skill levels in a fully competitive environment.
Under 11 to Under 17
These age groups use the International Rules as modified for Under 19 players. This is 15 a-side Rugby and is as exciting as the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
For the “Minis” (under 6 to Under 9) the emphasis remains on the kids having fun, learning the techniques and spirit of the game. There are no finals or premiers.
For the “Juniors” (Under 10 and above), a competition table is introduced culminating in a finals series and a premier team at the end of the season. For Under 11s onwards, players are selected for representative football, starting with the Manly District side, through Northern Zone (Manly, Warringah, Norths and Gordon), to Sydney, NSW and Australian sides.
In the spirit of a great international sport, Roos Rugby has a social side. Players, parents and supporters get together throughout the season for club socials and gala days.
How are age groups worked out?
Players qualify for a particular age group based on their birth year, not their age at the start of the season.
Those born in 2004 or after qualify for the Under “6″ team.
Those born in 2003 or after qualify for the Under “7″ team
Those born in 2002 or after qualify for the Under “8″ team
…and so on.
What is the Roos Grading Policy?
Minis U6s to U9s
Where there are one or more teams in the same age group, a ‘mates play with mates’ policy will apply wherever possible, player numbers permitting. The Roos believe that participation and basic skill development is important at these ages. Every attempt is to be made to create an environment of enjoyment and under no circumstances should coaches and managers encourage graded elitism.
Juniors U10s upwards
Where there is only one team in the age, a ‘mates play with mates’ policy will apply wherever possible, player numbers permitting.
Where there is more than one team in the same age group, (i.e. both team playing in the A grade or both teams playing in the B grade), a ‘mates play with mates’ policy will apply where ever possible, player numbers permitting.
Where there is more than one team in the same age group, but are playing in different grades (i.e. one team playing in the A Grade and the other team playing in the B grade), the policy will be to select players based on their level of skill and experience. This is done to ensure they are playing in the appropriate level of competition for their safety, enjoyment and skill development. Whenever possible a “mates play with mates” policy will apply, player numbers permitting.
Any Junior player playing in a lower grade in the previous season, who is selected to play in a higher grade for the current season, may choose to remain in the lower grade if they prefer, player numbers permitting.
All players are strongly advised to play in their own age group.
What are the Naming Schemes for Teams?
The naming scheme for the season is as follows:
A Team = Manly Roos Blue
B Team = Manly Roos Red
C Team = Manly Roos White
NOTE: If there is only one team in the age group, the name of the team will be Manly Roos Blue irrespective of the grade the team is in.
What equipment do players need?
Each registered player is issued with a team jersey, short and socks at the start of the season. The players keep their shorts and socks at the end of the season but are required to return their team jerseys. Each player provides their own boots, mouthguard and headgear.
Who do I contact if I have a problem?
Your first point of contact should always be the team manager or coach for your age group. In the event that the coach or team manager is unavailable, you can contact any committee member for assistance. Their contact details are listed here for your information.
