NEW RULES

OF PLAY
2016-2017
SEASON

SPECIAL GUIDE

UPDATED
FOR THE7
1
0
2
6
1
0
2
SEASON

ENGLAND
LEADS A
YOUTH RUGBY
REVOLUTION
ACTION AREAS: TACKLE RUCK MAUL SCRUM

NEW RULES OF PLAY INTRODUCTION

Inside...
3 UNDER 7 MINI-TAG
4 UNDER 8 MINI TAG
5 REFEREEING AND
GAME COACHING
FOR MINI-TAG
6 UNDER 9
8 UNDER 10
10 UNDER 11
11 UNDER 12UNDER 16

The New Rules

of Play aim to
give all players
the chance to
get the ball
in hand more
often

12 NEW RULES OF
PLAY SUMMARY

A revolution in
mini & youth rugby
coaching
I

n September 2015, the RFU introduced

the first playing phase of the New
Rules of Play. Now that phase has been
completed, they have expanded the age
groups to include Under 12s and Under 13s,
with some tweaks at the older age groups.

Practice games and festivals will be played

with smaller team numbers to encourage more
individual involvement and a free-flowing
game with fewer interruptions.
The changes, known as the New Rules of
Play, have shown that they do give players

The New Rules will encourage more

individual involvement and a free-flowing
game with fewer interruptions
The current rules of the ages up to U11s
have been in force for a couple of years now.
They have been a couple of small adjustments,
mainly for clarity.
Other governing bodies worldwide are likely
to follow the lead of England Rugby who
have decided to introduce complex skills like
tackling and rucking gradually in steps, rather
than all at one age group.

more touches of the ball, improve individual

skills, making the sport more enjoyable and
ultimately lead to players staying in the game
for longer.
For parents, the changes are intended
to make understanding the rules and
refereeingeasier, but will require more
volunteers and helpers to manage a greater
number of games.

BACKGROUND
TO THE CHANGES
Research into the existing rules for the
mini and youth game started in 2007
when researchers at Exeter University
were asked to make recommendations for
change. The existing rules for U7 to U12
players had been unchanged for 20 years.
Their brief was to improve skills of
young players and improve retention
levels in the adult game.
The main findings were that children
learn best by doing, and reducing
numbers is a way to increase involvement.
The existing structures were found to be
too rigid and structured and an emphasis
on contact in rugby resulted in a bigger
is better mentality, rather than a focus on
skills and decision-making.

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 7

Under 7 Mini-Tag
Number of players: 8 (4v4). With groups of
up to 30, this requires at least three or maybe
four pitches and games to be set up and run,
with at least one helper per game, preferably
two. Avoid having players standing around,
waiting to play, if possible.
Maximum pitch size: 12m x 20m. Dont worry
if you have not got this space you can work
with slightly smaller pitches if required with
no problem. At least four 12m x 20m pitches
can be fitted into one half of a standard rugby
pitch. When the pitches are set up near goal
posts, ensure that the posts have protective

padding. If they are near corner or halfway

marker flags, remove these before play starts.
Knock-on not penalised: Although knock-ons
should not be encouraged, this new approach
by the rugby authorities means players can
drop the ball or throw it forward without the
game stopping. Other players can simply pick
up the ball and carry on, the emphasis being
on a free-flowing game.
After a tag: The ball carrier has to stop running
and pass the ball in three seconds. The tagger
has to give back the tag, not drop it on the
ground. Once a tag is made, no defender who

is closer to the opponents try line than the

tagged player can interfere with play.
No coaches on the pitch. The authorities are
rightly taking action to ensure that adults
interfere as little as possible in the free flowing
of the game at this level.
Scoring: Players must stay on their feet and
place the ball to score. Players cannot score a
try unless wearing both tags.
Ball size: 3
Length of game or match: Play 10 minutes
each way (20 minutes total), with a minimum
two minute water break at half time.

SCORING A TRY
When scoring a try, a player must
bend, stay on his feet and place
the ball with both hands.
A player cannot score a try unless
wearing both tags.

ALT?

ALT?

RECOMMENDED
PITCHSET-UP U7
20m

20m

12m

12m

Maximum size 12m x 20m.

Make sure theres adequate space
between each pitch.
Try to keep spectators back from the pitch
edge.

20m

20m

12m

12m

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 8

Under 8 Mini-Tag
Number of players: 12 (6v6). This may reduce
the number of games you and your assistants
may have to run at the same time, but dont be
hidebound by the numbers. If 5v5 works better
for a group of 20, go ahead.
Maximum pitch size: 25m x 45m. Again dont
worry if you have less space, you can still run
a game.
No coaches on the pitch: same as for U7, and
for the rest of the age groups for that matter!

Permitted to go to ground to score: U8 are

allowed to dive or come off their feet to score.
Ball size: 3
Length of game or match: Play 10 minutes
each way, with a minimum two minute half
time rest.

SCORING A TRY
At this age, players are allowed to
dive to score a try.

45m

45m

22m

Maximum size 22m x 45m.

Make sure theres adequate space
between each pitch.
Try to keep spectators back from the
pitch edge.

22m

RECOMMENDED
PITCHSET-UP U8

NEW RULES OF PLAY COACHING MINI-TAG

Refereeing and game

coaching for Mini-Tag
You might hope not to have to get involved
in refereeing, or game coaching as it is
becoming known, or you might be dead keen
to try. These days the objective is a freeflowing game, so the person with the whistle
is more of a helper than a referee. Each side
having a coach is no longer advised (a lot less
shouting!), freeing up helpers to run other
games. This is needed because there are
smaller numbers of players per game.
Free pass: This is used as a way of restarting a
game. One player of the team that is awarded
possession simply passes the ball to a teammate to restart the game. To start the game
for the first and second halves, or after a try,
the free pass is from the centre of the field.
When the ball goes out of play, the free pass is
from the place where the ball went out. After
an infringement, the free pass is made from
the place of the infringement. The free pass is
used instead of a kick, scrum or lineout.
Scoring a try: Encourage the players to call

out try when they score. A try is worth

one point. If the ground or playing surface is
particularly hard you may prefer for a try to
be scored when a player simply runs over the
opposition goal line with the ball.
Knock-ons and knock forwards: A knock-on
occurs when a player drops the ball or fumbles
it as he tries to catch it and the ball both goes
forward towards the attackers goal line and
drops to the ground. At this age group, play
is allowed to continue, offering the chance for
the other team to win the ball.
Using the whistle: Although the emphasis
at this age is on using the whistle as little as
possible, its still valuable to start and stop
games, highlight dangerous play, stop for
injuries or when serious infringements occur.
And its helpful for getting attention, too! But
you could just say Stop! as an alternative!
Tags on the ground: There should be no
tags on the ground at any time. However,
occasionally a ball carrier may accidentally

flick off one of their own tags while running. In

this case, stop the game and allow the player
to replace the tag. Restart the game with
a free pass to the team in possession from
where the tag came off.
Kicking and diving: Youll probably find that
the ball ends up on the ground quite a lot. Do
not allow the players to kick or dive on any
loose ball, and stop the game to make the
point. Instead get them to gather the ball up,
staying on their feet, and play on.
Contact: Tag rugby is a non-contact sport,
so players should be encouraged to avoid
each other. The ball carrier must not run into
defenders, and defenders must not run block
the ball carrier. Players should not bash into
each other, and if any if this happens stop the
game to explain the rules.

RESTARTING A GAME
In Mini-Tag, players restart a game
with a free pass.
The player receiving a free pass must
be standing still.

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 9

Under 9
Number of players: up to 14 (can be 6v6 or
7v7 but must be equal numbers). With groups
of up to 30, this requires at least two pitches
to be set up for two games to be run, with at
least one helper per game, preferably two.
Avoid having players standing around, waiting
to play, if possible.
Maximum pitch size: 30m x 60m. Dont worry
if you havent got this space you can work
with slightly smaller pitches with no problem.
A 30m x 60m pitch can be fitted into one half
of a standard rugby pitch. When the pitches
are set up near goal posts, ensure that the
posts have protective padding. If they are near
corner or halfway marker flags, remove these
before play starts.
Tackling. Introduction of the tackle. A tackle at
U9 is defined as a tackle below the waist or a

grasp anywhere below the armpits.

Hold tackles are also allowed. This is where the
ball carrier is clearly held, but not necessarily
brought to ground. In a hold tackle, if the
ball carrier is held for three seconds you call
tackle. Other authorities may have other
definitions, which you may have to abide by.
Scrag tackles (where the ball carriers shirt
is grabbed and the player swung round) are
regarded as dangerous and are not allowed.
When tackled, the ball carrier must be allowed
to pass the ball, so the tackler can only tackle
the player and cannot attempt to get the ball.
After a completed tackle, the next player to
play the ball must pass. He cannot pick it up
and run with it.
Offside. The offside line is where a tackle is
made. Players offside are penalised by the

other side getting a free pass.

No coaches on the pitch. The authorities are
rightly taking action to ensure that adults
interfere as little as possible in the free flowing
of the game at this level.
Scoring: Players can dive to score a try.
Ball size: 3
Length of game or match: Play 15-20 minutes
each way (30-40 minutes total), with a
minimum two minute water break at half time.

TACKLE HEIGHT

Tackles must be below the armpits.

TACKLING TO
THEGROUND
Players can be tackled to the
ground at U9.

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 9

HOLD TACKLES
1. Hold tackles are allowed. When
the player is held, call Held23,
Tackle!
2. The ball carrier must then pass
the ball to a team mate
3. Or a team mate can rip the ball
from the ball carrier and pass.

TACKLING
DOS & DONTS
1. Defenders cannot reach
over for tackled ball.

2
1

2. No grabbing the ball.

3. More than one tackler
allowed.

RECOMMENDED
PITCHSET-UP U9
Maximum size 30m x 60m.
Make sure theres adequate space
between each pitch.
Try to keep spectators back from the
pitch edge.

60m

30m

60m

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 10

Under 10
Number of players: up to 16 (can be
7v7 or 8v8 but must be equal numbers).
Although these is the ideal, and the numbers
recommended for fixtures and festivals, they
are only recommended numbers. For example,
with a group of 24 players it would be better
to play two 6v6 games rather than leave eight
players standing around. If you have only two
or three more than 16, simply rotate players on
and off the field every few minutes so that no
one is left out for very long.
Maximum pitch size: 35m x 60m. Again dont
worry if you have slightly less space available,
you can still run a game.
Tackle contest. Competition for the ball is
allowed in the tackle situation for the first
time. One player can compete for the tackle
ball and one player can support the ball carrier.

This means rucks and mauls albeit with

limited numbers of players are formed for
the first time.
A maul at U10 is when an attacker binds
onto a ball carrier on his feet being held by
a tackler. The defence is allowed to add one
more defender to the situation. In both cases,
the referee calls maul. If the maul becomes
stationary, the referee calls once. If the maul
remains stationary or comes to a halt again,
the referee calls use it and the attacking
team must pass or run with the ball. If not, a
scrum is awarded to the defending team.
A ruck at U10 forms when one player from
each side is in contact over the ball on the
ground. Most likely this will happen because
of a tackle. The tackler may be the one player
who competes over the ball, but it must only

be one player from the defending team. The

referee calls ruck. Once the ball is won, the
team in possession have five seconds to move
the ball away from the ruck. If not, a scrum is
awarded.
Scrum. Introduction of the scrum. Made up of
the nearest three players to the infringement
either a forward pass, knock-on, or a five
second delay from a ruck or maul. The scrum
is uncontested (the team putting the ball in
wins).
No coaches on the pitch: same as for U9, and
for the rest of the age groups for that matter!
Ball size: 4
Length of game or match: 15-20 minutes each
way (30-40 minutes in total) with a minimum
two minute half time rest.

SCRUM
1. From an infringement here a forward pass
the nearest three players to the infringement
from each side (circled) form the scrum.
The 9 is the next nearest player from each side.

2. When the scrum is formed, the defending 9

has to stand directly behind the scrum.

The other defenders have to be 5m back and

cannot move forward until the ball comes out of
the scrum or the attacking 9 has picked up the
ball to pass. The 9 cannot run from the back of
the scrum.

5m

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 10

MAUL
At this age, players can grab the ball and
form a maul of no more than two players per
team, that is the ball carrier and a support
player, the tackler and one more defender.

RUCK
A ruck at U10 has one player from each
side in contact over the ball on the ground.

60m

30m

RECOMMENDED
PITCHSET-UP U10
Maximum size 35m x 60m.
Make sure theres adequate space
between each pitch.
Try to keep spectators back from the
pitch edge.

60m

35m

Off

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 11

Under 11
Number of players: 9v9 maximum.
Maximum pitch size: 43m x 60m. A line up to
15m out from the try line to indicate a 22m
line (see kicking)
Scrum: 3v3 uncontested, but the hookers can
compete for the ball.
Restarts: A kick off is a drop kick, with the
receiving team at least 7m back. Any kick off
which goes into the opposition dead ball area
or goes over passed means a choice of retake
or scrum to the receiving team.
After a try, the conceding team has the option
to receive or take the restart.
Rucks: A maximum of 2v2 competing over the
ball.
Mauls: A maximum three attackers including
the ball carrier and three defenders in the
maul.
Players must pass from the ruck or maul no
pick-and-go.
Lineouts: Theres no lineout unless the
throwing in team have a chance to take a quick
lineout. Otherwise, the team now in possession
have a free pass 5m in from the touchline.
Kicking: This is allowed out of hand, but not
if the ball is on the ground. Kicking is allowed
anywhere on the pitch.
If the ball is kicked directly into touch from
anywhere outside the 22m, the nonoffending team take a free pass 2m in from
the touchline, in line with where the ball was
kicked from.
If the ball is kicked directly into touch from
inside the 22m, then the free pass is taken
from where the ball went into touch.
If the ball is made dead from a kick or touched
down by a defender from an attacking kick,
then there is a drop kick from the 22m.
Free passes and free kicks: A free pass is
awarded for the ball going into touch, a mark
called or a high tackle.
A free kick is awarded for offside and ruck or
maul offences (not incomplete rucks or mauls),
pushing in the scrums, fending off.
A free kick can be kicked, tapped and run by
the free kick taker, or tapped and passed to a
player running onto the ball.
As with a free pass, the defending team must
be 7m back for a free kick, unless the pass or
kick closer than 5m from line. In which case
the kick is taken on 5m line, and the defence
stand on the try line.
Ball size: 4

CATCHING A KICK
If the ball is caught on the full,
either play on OR call a mark and
have a free pass.

DROPPING A KICK
If a player drops the ball when
trying to catch it on the full and it
goes backwards, and the subsequent
play gains no advantage to his team,
the referee awards a scrum at the
point the ball was dropped.
If a player knocks-on the ball, then
his team are awarded a scrum.

10

NEW RULES OF PLAY UNDER 12-UNDER 16

RECOMMENDED
PITCHSET-UP U11

60m

43m

Maximum size 43m x 60m.

Make sure theres adequate space between
each pitch.
Try to keep spectators back from the pitch
edge.

Under 12-Under 16
From August 2016, there are new rules for U12s
and above.
If theres specific ruling, then default back to
the World Rugby laws.
For more details visit www.englandrugby.
com/governance/regulations.
Mixed rugby stops at U11s
Links to girls regulations:
http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/
Document/General/General/01/31/97/95/
RFURegulation15Appendix102016-2017_
English.pdf
http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/
Document/General/General/01/31/99/84/
RFURegulation15Appendix112016-2017_
English.pdf
UNDER 12
Number of players: 12v12. As with U11, rotate
players on and off the field every few minutes
so that no one is left out for very long and
everyone gets substituted.
Pitch size: 43m x 60m
Scrum: 5v5. The five players from each side
nearest to the infringement take part (all
players trained). Hookers only contest the ball.
No pushing.

No lineout or kicks for goal. Game is restarted

with a free pass from lineout.
Tackle contest: Unlimited numbers of players.
Ball size: 4
Contact: Hand offs below the shoulder
allowed. Can pass or run from a maul or ruck.
UNDER 13
Number of players: 13v13. If you have
more numbers, ensure regular rotation and
substitution.
Scrum: 6v6. Contested. Scrum can push
(1.5m maximum). Players must be trained and
volunteer to play in the scrum. Any player can
strike for the ball. The number 8 cannot pick
up the ball, but the 9 can pass or run.
Kicking: Kicking loose ball allowed.
No lineout or kicks for goal. Game is restarted
with a free pass from lineout.
Pitch size: 60m x 90m
Ball size: 4
Sin bin: Five minutes
Lineouts: Free pass 10m infield.
Kicking the ball on the ground now allowed.
UNDER 14
Number of players: 15v15.
Scrum: 8v8. Contested. Players must be
trained and volunteer to play in the scrum.
The number 8 can pick up the ball from the

back of the scrum.

Lineouts: Uncontested, no lifting. Ball must be
thrown in straight.
Introduction of kicking at goal. Drop goals,
conversions and penalty kicks allowed.
Kick offs: Team who just conceded a try take
the kick off.
Penalties for the following offences: Foul play,
offside, high tackle, preventing fair release
after the tackle.
Pitch size: 70m x 100m
Ball size: 4
UNDER 15
Lineout: Introduction of uncontested lifting.
Sin bin: Six minutes.
Pitch size: Full size
Ball size: 5
UNDER 16
Number of players: 15v15.
Sin bin: 7 minutes.
Contested lineouts.
Scrum: Scrum half can move beyond the
middle line at the scrum.
Pitch size: Full size
Ball size: 5

11

NEW RULES OF PLAY SUMMARY

New Rules of Play

Summary
STRUCTURE

GET STARTED

Age
Group

School
Year

Max
Max Pitch
Numbers
size

U7

U8

U9

U10

SCRUM

LINEOUT

CONTEST FOR THE BALL

KICKING

Ball
Size

Tackle

Max
Numbers

Contest

Max
Numbers

Contest

Ruck

Maul

From
hand

At
goal

20 x 12

No
Tag
only

N/A

N/A

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

N/A

N/A

No

No

45 x 22

No
Tag
only

N/A

N/A

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

N/A

N/A

No

No

60 x 30

Yes
inc
hold

N/A

N/A

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

No

No

No

No

60 x 35

Yes

Nearest 3

Uncontested

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

Yes limit of 1
supporting
player

Yes limit of 1
supporting
player

No

No

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

Yes - limit
of 2
supporting
players

Yes - limit
of 2
supporting
players

Yes - fly
hack not
permitted

No

U11

60 x 43

Yes

Nearest 3

Strike only,
no push

U12

12

60 x 43

Yes

Nearest 5

Strike only,
no push

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

Yes

Yes

Yes - fly
hack not
permitted

No

U13

13

90 x 60

Yes

6 - trained
and willing

Strike and
push

N/A - free
pass

N/A - free
pass

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

U14

15

100 x 70

Yes

8 - trained
and willing

Strike and
push

13

Uncontested

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

SOURCE: ENGLAND RUGBY NEW RULES OF PLAY

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