The Minis 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.
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.
For more information regarding player rules and guidelines see below:
Playing Guidelines
Warringah/Manly Minis 2010
Under 6s and Under 7s
Kick-off/Restart:
Scoring team kicks off – punt or place kick. Let the opposition gather the ball and encourage some “space” to run.
Share among the players.
Turnover:
On the first occurrence of 10 tags or 5 knock-ons.
If a player runs into touch, count as 1 tag.
What constitutes a tag?
U6: Two-handed touch below the shoulders.
U7: Two handed touch on or below the shorts (if higher, not paid.)
If a player is tagged in the act of scoring a try, a try is to be awarded.
Conversions:
Coaches to agree before the game whether to kick conversions. (In U6’s it may be considered time consuming.)
Share among the players.
Tries:
U6: early in the season be lenient in awarding the effort of attempting to score a try, close enough is usually good enough to award a try. (Often when a new player is over the try line and is told to “put the ball down”, the player drops the ball – award a try and explain how to put (PLACE) the ball down. Offer praise to the defensive team as well when a try is scored against them and don’t have the scoring team over celebrate and no ridiculing the defensive team.
Offside:
All players must be approximately 5 metres back from the ruck (play the ball area) behind the referee.
Tags made by defenders within this range do not count. Referee to call “Offside – play on.”
Scrums, lineouts and tackles:
U6: Nil
U7: With 5 rounds to go, teams could attempt (by agreement) 2 x 2 man lineouts (uncontested) and 2 x 3 man scrums (uncontested). This is preparation for the U8’s.
U7: With 5 rounds to go, the MJRU teams may (by agreement) practice tackling to acquire the technical skills in preparation for the U8’s.
Player Numbers:
7 players per team. If both teams have reserves, coaches may agree to increase player numbers and match up if a team has lower numbers.
Referring / whistles:
If possible, a referee from each club will referee a half each. ALWAYS have a whistle in the kit bag.
Etiquette:
All players to shake hands before and after the game.
3 cheers for the opposition and 3 cheers for the referees after the game.
General:
• Size 3 balls (Mini) to be used
• Playing area – 40m x 25m
• 15 minutes per half (and 5 minute half-time break)
• Play the mark from point of tag. If overrun, pull the player back – most important to set the ground rules here.
• Each player required to score a try as early in the season as possible. (On-field negotiation between coaches may be required – be fair and patient.)
U6: Each team may have 2 coaches on the field, especially early on in the season.
U7: May have 2 coaches on the field, upon agreement, for cases like behavioural issues.
Have fun and let’s not be over competitive, especially in the U6’s.
Download the Playing Guidelines for Under 6s and 7s
Manly Minis 2010
Under 8s and Under 9s
Management
Playing area 60-70m (touch line to touch line) x 35m*
Player numbers 10 per side*
Ball Mini (size 3)
Tackle Yes
Time 20 minutes each way (5 minutes half-time)
Scoring Try 5 points; conversion (in front) 2 points. By agreement, the numbers of conversions may be limited to free up playing time in the U8’s.
Kick
Start game Punt or drop-kick*
Restart Punt or drop-kick (try scorers kicks off–note this is a change for 2010 season)
Penalty Tap or kick for touch*
Drop-out Drop-kick from mid-point of 15m line (mostly N/A)
General play No kicking, no toeing through
Kick for goal Drop-kick in front* (By agreement, limit conversions in the U8’s)
Scrum
Features Non-contested (team who put in wins the ball)
Numbers 5 players (3-2)*
Push Non-push
Scrum-half – A Attacking scrum-half must pass the ball
Scrum-half – D Defending scrum-half cannot go past mid-line
No. 8 N/A
Offside line 5m from last feet (rucks and mauls offside is last feet)
Lineout
Features Non-contested (team who throws in wins the ball)
Numbers Hooker + 4 players
Length 4m-10m
Spacing 1m between teams
Throw Down the line of touch (but non-contested, so OK if not straight)
Not straight Have 1 more attempt
Beginning Ball leaves thrower’s hands
End Scrum-half has passed the ball or play is stopped
Offside 5m from line of touch
Support No supporting or lifting
Download the Pre Game Management Sheet
Download the Supplementary Notes
Download of Playing Guidelines for Under 8s and 9s [PENDING]
Management
Playing Area
Preferably: 60-70m x 35m (ie. 2 minis fields across full-size field but 3 fields may fit).
Player Numbers
10 per team. Must match numbers, so if one team only has 7 players, opposition can only field 7.
Rucks
ELV – If ball unplayable, free kick to team not in possession at start of ruck (ie. use it or lose it).
Mauls
ELV – If ball unplayable, free kick to team not in possession at start of maul (ie. use it or lose it).
Rucks & Mauls – Gateway
Preferable for players to enter ‘through the gate’, but latitude required. In diagram below, only penalise Team A for entering in the shaded zone. Slightly less latitude allowed for U9. Be generous to allow a free-flowing game.
Rucks & Mauls – Playing the Ball
Players not to handle the ball when off their feet.
Kicks
Kick-off / Restart.
Try scorers team kicks off (new for 2010).
5m ‘free zone’ for receiver.
If ball goes over try line or sideline, kick off again.
Penalty and Free Kicks
Under ELVs selected offences will be reduced from penalty kicks to free kicks.
Penalty – options are tap restart (preferred) or scrum.
Discourage kicks for touch (since line outs take too long). No kicks for goal.
Free kicks – options are tap restart (preferred) or scrum.
Conversion
Encourage drop-kick. Punt also permitted (since drop-kick difficult for many players).
Scrums & Lineouts
Offside
ELV – Offside line for attacking players not in the scrum is now 5metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.
ELV – Scrum-half must be 2 metres back from line out.
ELV – The defending players not in line out must retire 5 metres.
Defence cannot move up until 5/8th has caught the ball.
(Referee or coach to hold up one arm and shout “Hold”, then “OK” when defence can move up).
Numbers
If teams short in numbers, second row to drop out of scrum.
Other
If one team takes too long to set, penalty to opposition. “A fast game is a good game.”
Tackle
When tackled – must present the ball immediately.
Player to roll away after making a tackle.
Players must be on their feet to play at the ball.
ELV – all offences at the tackle are free kicks.
Etiquette
All players to shake hands before and after the game.
3 cheers for opposition and 3 cheers for ref after the game.
Refereeing
Who? Each team to preferably supply a referee for half the game.
High tackles Penalise any contact above the shoulders.
Shoulder charge Penalise any pushing – arms must come in contact when making a tackle
Pushing Penalise any pushing – arms must come in contact when making a tackle
Fending Penalise any contact above the shoulders. Fend must be a push, not a hit.
Back-chat Penalise any dissent.
Off the ball
infraction 5 minute “time out” (new for 2010)
Dirty/rough play 5 minute “time out” (new for 2010)
Knock-ons Allow generous discretion. (Less discretion allowed for multiple knock-ons). Do not pack down a scrum unless an obvious immediate advantage to the attacking team. Knock-on from a kick-off is always “Play on”.
Lineouts Non-contested lineouts are especially boring! Be lenient on players running out. If only marginal, call “Play on”. Coaches to encourage all players to avoid the sideline.
Mouthguards Encourage the use of mouthguards.
Coaches – U9
Off the field from round 9.
