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.
Playing Guidelines: U6 and U7
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), and tackling. This is 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)
- 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.
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