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2019 Regular Season

Youth (u8-u14)

Player and Parent Handbook

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 Table of Contents

What is Rugby? 3

Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club 4

Code of Conduct 5

The Pitch, Time, and the Ball 6

Scoring, Set Pieces, and Open Play 7

Positions 8

Offense: Wing 9

Offense: Passing 10

Offense: Rucking 11-12

Offense: Mauling 13

Defense: On-Line 14

Defense: Tackling 15

Defense: Stripping 16

Defense: Rucking and Mauling 17

Set Piece: Scrum 18

Set Piece: Lineout 19

Kicking 20

Penalties 21-22

Team Strategy 23

Team Administration and Logistics 24

Resources 25

1
 WELCOME

Dear Parents and Players,

We are excited and honored to be the coaches for your boys and girls this year. Rugby is an
amazing sport, as much for its culture of respect and hard work as for it’s athleticism.
Throughout the season we will work hard to ensure that your child will:

● Be safe
● Have fun
● Develop more self-confidence
● Develop greater respect for others, to include opponents
● Develop a more intense work ethic overall
● Learn rugby
● Win a few games (at least)

Those goals are in priority order for you to see that the main goal is to be safe and have
fun...winning is much less of a concern that self-development. That said, we hope that we can
have the icing on the cake and win our games in addition to the more important outcomes.

Please know that we are all Level 200 certified with USA Rugby as well as current on our
SafeSport and Concussion Management Certifications.

We want to thank you for trusting us to coach and mentor your children. Go Lions!

Cheers,

Coach Pete (Youth Director)

Coach Cameron (u8)
Coach Jason (u10)
Coaches Garry and Jerry (u12)
Coaches Andrew and Rob (u14)

MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission Statement of the Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club is to Promote, Manage and teach
the game of Rugby, while developing a nationally renowned Club with members that have a Pride,
Passion and the Highest Ethical Standards both on and off the field. Members will know that personal
ability can get you to the top, but personal character is what keeps you there. To build a foundation of
excellence and tradition for the many who will follow​.

2
 WHAT IS RUGBY?

A commemorative stone at the Rugby school in Warwickshire, England (dated 1823)

claims that 16-year-old student William Webb Ellis, ​"with a fine disregard for the rules of
football (soccer)...first took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus originating the
distinctive feature of the rugby game."

Rugby is a very popular sport across the world and it is growing in popularity very
quickly here in the United States. It is one of the most physical, fast-paced, and
team-oriented sports ever created.

You can think of rugby as having both some aspects of soccer and some aspects of
gridiron football. If your child has had any exposure to either sport, they will catch on to
rugby quickly.

The thing that makes rugby so unique is the culture that surrounds the sport. Rugby is
grounded in a culture of respect, fair play, hard work, and humility. No one is “the star”
of a rugby team, all players must truly work together to play a good game.

At the heart of rugby is this unique ethos which it has retained over the years. Not only
is the game played to the Laws, but within the spirit of the Laws. Through discipline,
control and mutual self-respect, a fellowship and sense of fair play are forged, defining
rugby as the game it is.

From the school playground to the Rugby World Cup final, rugby offers a truly unique
and thoroughly rewarding experience for all involved in the Game. We are dedicated to
preserving that tradition here in Temecula, CA.

Additionally, rugby is a safe game. Compared to the head trauma associated with
gridiron football, rugby is quite safe - particularly for youth.
https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/0048/2603/Is_Rugby_Safe_For_Yout
h.pdf

We might be be biased but we think rugby is the greatest sport in the world and we
hope that you have fun playing the game with us this year!

3
 TEMECULA MOUNTAIN LIONS RUGBY CLUB

The TMLRC was founded in 2011. The Club is the parent organization of the Youth
Mountain Lions.

The club webpage is:

http://temecularugby.com/

The current CEO is Gus Nelson

gus@temecularugby.com

The current CFO is Rua Petty

rua@temecularugby.com

The current Youth Director is Pete Maroudas

pete@temecularugby.com

The Club address and telephone are:

PO Box 891777
TEMECULA CA 92589-1777
(951) 541-7496

The Club has a Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/TemeculaRugby/

Each age group has a private Facebook page that you will be invited to as a player/
parent.

The Youth also have a Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/temecula_youth_rugby_u8_to_u14/

4
 CODE OF CONDUCT (abridged)

Players Code of Conduct

● Play for enjoyment
● Play hard, but fair
● Play by the laws of the game
● Be committed to your team and attend all matches
● Never argue with the referee’s decisions and control your temper
● Work equally hard for yourself and your team
● Be a good sport and applaud all good play, whether by your team or by your
opponent
● Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and
play responsibly
● Be HUMBLE in victory and GRACIOUS in defeat

Spectators Code of Conduct

● Applaud the performance of both teams
● Be positive with the referees
● Acknowledge the effort of the referees
● Let children play their game, this is not a parent’s game
● Praise effort not just results
● Set an example of the children
● Do not criticize, belittle, or question the ability of any official, coach, or volunteer
● Control your emotions at games and events. Do not yell at or criticize players,
coaches, parents, or officials

Remember…
● These are kids
● This is a game
● The coaches are volunteers
● The referees are human
● This is not professional rugby

The full Code is at: ​http://temecularugby.com/code-of-conduct/

5
 THE PITCH, TIME, AND THE BALL

The field (pitch) above is an adult sized pitch. In adult matches, the game is played in
(2) 40 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime. Adults use a size 5 ball.

For u8 games, the field will be scaled down to (40-50m) x (25m) and the halves will be
15 minutes each with a 5 minute halftime. U8 uses a size 3 ball.

For u10 games, the field will be scaled down to (50-70m) x (30-35m) and the halves will
be 20 minutes each with a 5 minute halftime. U10 uses a size 3 ball.

For u12 games, the field will be scaled down to either (50-70m) x (40m) or (90-100m) x
(60-70m) and the halves will be 20 minutes each with a 5 minute halftime. U12 uses a
size 4 ball.

For u14 games, the field will be adult sized as above and the halves will be 25 minutes
each with a 5 minute halftime. U14 uses a size 4 ball.

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 SCORING, SET PIECES, and OPEN PLAY

Rugby is a game in which the object is to carry the ball over the opponents’ goal line
and force it to the ground to score.

In rugby, the ball MUST touch the ground, sandwiched between it and your hand, with
downward force in order to score.

Try - 5 points​: A try is scored when the ball is grounded over the opponents’ goal line in
the in-goal area. A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but
for foul play by the opposition.

Conversion - 2 points:​ After scoring a try, that team can attempt to add two further
points by kicking the ball over the crossbar and between the posts from a place in line
with where the try was scored. ​ (Not used at the u8, u10, or u12 levels)

Penalty - 3 points​: When awarded a penalty after an infringement by the opposition, a

team may choose to kick at goal. ​(Not used at the u8, u10, or u12 levels)

Drop goal - 3 points:​ A drop goal is scored when a player kicks for goal in open play by
dropping the ball onto the ground and kicking it on the half-volley. ​(Not used at the u8,
u10, or u12 levels)

Sometimes, in youth rugby, scoring is kept via a simple system of 1 try = 1 point, since
no conversions, penalty, or drop kicks occur.

“Set Pieces” refers to scrums and lineouts. These are parts of play where there is a
temporary slowdown of play, one team has been awarded the ball, and a restart of play
occurs through a specific set of rules.

“Open Play” refers to the bulk of the rugby match, when the two teams are contesting
for possession of the ball through passing, rucking, mauling, tackling, etc.

With a nod to equestrian lingo, the set pieces are sometimes referred to as “the stables”
and open play as” the paddock.”

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 POSITIONS

There are (15) positions on an adult Rugby Union team. Uniquely, each position
requires a different set of physical and technical attributes and it is this diversity which
makes the game so accessible to all. From the power of the forwards to the speed of
the backs, there’s a place in a Rugby team for anyone who wants a slice of the action.

Youth teams typically have smaller numbers of players at the younger ages, working up
to a full squad.

U8: 7 players per side 7 players per side minimum

U10: 10 players per side 7 players per side minimum
U12: 12 players per side 10 players per side minimum
U14: 15 players per side 12 players per side minimum

Position names for a full team are below. Positions are modified with less than 15
players:

The Forwards
1 and 3 Props
2 Hooker
4 Lock
5 Lock
6 Flanker
7 Flanker
8 Wing

The Backs
9 Scrum-Half
10 Fly-Half
11 Wing
12 Inside Center
13 Outside Center
14 Wing
15 Full-Back

We expect that there will be some shuffling of the kids around the various positions until
we can figure out what works best. Numbers may also fluctuate as we see what jerseys
fit who. Please be flexible.

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 OFFENSE - THE WING

The position of most players on the field should be in a staggered diagonal

direction...called “The Wing.”

This positioning allows for the maximum amount of maneuvering room and momentum
as the ball is passed out to the players further on the wing.

It is EXTREMELY important that players hold a Wing formation on the field while
engaged in offensive play.

In our experience, kids often want to bunch up behind the ball, thereby destroying their
ability to maneuver with agility and run with momentum when they do receive the ball.

Players will often hear coaches yell “Get a Wing!” That is a que to the players that they
are bunched up or flat and that they need to move into a Wing formation.

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 OFFENSE: PASSING

A player may pass (throw the ball) to a teammate who is in a better position to continue
the attack, but the pass must not travel towards the opposing team’s goal line.

A pass must travel either directly across the field, or backwards in the direction of the
passer’s own goal line.

By carrying the ball forwards and passing backwards, territory is gained.

If a forward pass is made, the referee will stop the game and award a scrum (more on
this later) with the throw-in going to the team which was not in possession at the time of
the pass.

Rugby passes are made with (2) hands and generally fall into the categories of:

Spin passes ​- these passes are used when the teammate is not super close and
accuracy over distance is needed. Like an American football or a bullet, the rugby ball
will spiral through the air as you swing your hands across the front of your body at table
top height turning your wrist in the process.

Push passes ​- these passes are made in close range when a teammate is nearby and
easy pass to. The push pass is executed by extending the arms out towards the
recipient and “pushing,” causing the ball to travel a short distance without spinning.

There are also several more advanced passed that the coaches will teach the players
as the season progresses...including the loop pass, the pop pass, the switch pass, and
the dummy pass.

Always LOOK BEFORE PASSING!

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 OFFENSE: RUCKING

A ruck is formed when a player is tackled, the ball is on the ground, and one or more
players from each team who are on their feet close around it.

Players must not handle the ball in the ruck, and must use their feet to move the ball or
bind to each other and drive over it so that the ball emerges at the team’s hindmost foot,
at which point it can be picked up and put back into play.

The goal is to PROTECT THE BALL and retain possession!

The u8 level plays “touch rugby” and does not ruck

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 OFFENSE: RUCKING CONTINUED

Players must come through “The Gate” when entering a ruck.

12
 OFFENSE: MAULING

A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and one or more
of the ball carrier’s team mates holds on (binds) on as well.

The ball must be off the ground. The team in possession of the ball can attempt to gain
territory by driving their opponents back towards the opponents’ goal line.

The ball can then be passed backwards between players in the maul and eventually
passed to a player who is not in the maul, or a player can leave the maul carrying the
ball and run with it.

When in a maul, note that the ball is always susceptible to being stripped away by
the other team. Maintain possession!

The u8 level plays “touch rugby” and does not maul

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 DEFENSE: ON-LINE

The position of most players on the field in defensive play is a straight line across called
“On-Line.”

In the image above, the white line drawn on the picture shows how the defense is
“On-Line.”

This is extremely important because being on-line as a team will close up the gaps that
an offensive player is looking to run through. It will allow you and your teammates to
better support each other during defensive play.

It is our experience that kids tend to get drawn in to the offensive player who has the
ball. If many of our players get sucked in towards that one player, they can easily be
taken out of play when the offensive player passes the ball.

We must stay “On-Line” when playing defensively.

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 DEFENSE: TACKLING

Only the ball carrier can be tackled by an opposing player.

A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and is brought to
ground, i.e. has one or both knees on the ground, is sitting on the ground or is on top of
another player who is on the ground.

To maintain the continuity of the game, the ball carrier must release the ball immediately
after the tackle, the tackler must release the ball carrier and both players must roll away
from the ball.

This allows other players to come in and contest for the ball, thereby starting a new
phase of play.

When tackling we want to hit low, cheek to cheek, and wrap up.

When being tackled, we want to shrimp towards our team and present the ball back to
our players.

The u8 level plays “touch rugby” and does not tackle

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 DEFENSE: STRIPPING

Anytime that the ball is being carried by another player, and the ball is not on the
ground, the ball is open to being stripped.

That is, our players can reach in and ”steal” the ball from the player from the opposing
team who has possession.

Stripping the ball will result in a turnover and we will get to go back on offense!

That said, we must be careful to hold the ball tight when we have it. The other team will
be looking to take it from us.

Two hands on the ball as our players go into contact.

Better to retain possession than to look like the Heisman trophy

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 DEFENSE: RUCKING AND MAULING

In a defensive ruck, someone from the other team has been tackled by someone on our
team. The other team will likely have one of their players already providing an offensive
ruck to protect the ball.

Our job is to send (1) player into that ruck to try and “clear” the ruck.

Clearing the ruck is the only time that a player can tackle someone who DOES NOT
have the ball.

One of our players can run through The Gate and tackle the opponent who is providing
the protection of the ball. If that is successful, another one of our players can step in
over the ball and pick it up for a turnover.

Defensive rucking is hard due to timing. We may not do much clearing and that is ok.
What we want to avoid is committing too many players to a defensive ruck and reducing
the number of players out on the pitch who are on-line and looking for a tackle.

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 SET PIECE: SCRUM

The scrum is a means of restarting play after a stoppage which has been caused by a
minor infringement of the Laws (for example, a forward pass or knock on) or the ball
becoming unplayable in a ruck or maul. The scrum serves to concentrate all the
forwards and the scrum halves in one place on the field, providing the opportunity for
the backs to mount an attack using the space created elsewhere.

The ball is thrown into the middle of the tunnel between the two front rows, at which
point the two hookers can compete for the ball, attempting to hook the ball back in the
direction of their teammates. The team who throws the ball into the scrum usually
retains possession, because the hooker and scrum half can synchronise their actions.
Once possession has been secured, a team can keep the ball on the ground and in the
scrum and attempt to drive the opposition down field. Alternatively, they can bring the
ball to the hindmost foot of the scrum, where the ball is then passed into the back line
and open play resumes again.

The key player at the scrum is the scrum half. This player throws the ball into the scrum,
moves to the hindmost foot of the scrum, and is usually the player who picks the ball up
and passes out to the fly half who then distributes the ball to the back line. As soon as
the scrum half picks the ball up, the opposition may contest for the ball and attempt to
tackle whichever player is in possession.

In u8 rugby, the scrum will be 3 on 3 and it will be uncontested.

In u10 rugby, the scrum will be 3 on 3 and typically it will be uncontested.
In u12 rugby, the scrum will be 5 on 5 and typically it will be contested.
In u14 rugby, the scrum will be 8 on 8 and typically it will be contested.

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 SET PIECE: LINEOUT

The lineout is a means of restarting play after the ball has gone into touch (off the field
of play at the side). The lineout concentrates all the forwards in one place near to the
touch line, so the backs have the rest of the width of the field in which to mount an
attack.

The key for the forwards is to win possession and distribute the ball
effectively to the back line.

The forwards assemble in two lines, perpendicular to the touch line, between 5 and 15
meters from the touch line, and one meter apart. The hooker throws the ball down the
corridor between these two lines of players.

Because the thrower’s teammates know where the throw is likely to go, that team has
an advantage in retaining possession. However, with speed of thought and movement,
the opposition can contest for the ball and the lineout frequently results in a turnover of
possession.

The player who successfully catches the ball can keep it and set up a maul, or can pass
to the receiver (a player who stands next to the lineout to wait for such a pass) who then
passes.

At the u8 level, our (2) players will simply “jump” for the ball.
At the u10 level, our (2-4) players will simply “jump” for the ball.
At the u12 level, our (2-4) players will simply “jump” for the ball.
At the u14 level, our (2-7) players may “lift” for the ball.

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 KICKING

Each half of the match is started with a drop kick from the centre of the halfway line.
The non kicking team must be 10 metres back from the ball when it is kicked and the
kick must travel 10m towards the opposition goal line before hitting the ground.

The ball is also kicked to restart play after a team has scored and to resume play after a
penalty.

Kicking plays an important part in offensive rugby but not at the u8, u10, or u12 levels.

In u14 rugby, the ball can be advanced down the field through a variety of short and
long range kicking techniques. Additionally, the ball shall be kicked for a conversion
after each try and may be kicked for penalty and drop kick points.

We will probably determine the best kicker(s) on the team and designate them to do
most of the kicking.

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 PENALTIES

In rugby, the referee is the embodiment of the Laws of the Game. He or she will be
shown the utmost respect. You never argue with a referee. In fact, you never talk to
them unless you are a coach or team captain. If they talk to you, respond with “Yes Sir/
No Sir” or “Yes Mamn/ No Mamn.”

Common penalties include:

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 PENALTIES CONTINUED

When a penalty is awarded the referee will explain what happened and what the
choices are for restart of play. It is important to listen to the referee and do exactly what
they say.

RESPECT THE REF!

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 TEAM STRATEGY

The focus this year will be on basic rugby skills.

On offense we will focus on:

WING
Making sure that we are positioned in a good wing formation and not bunched up
around the ball

PASS/ KEEP
We want to advance the ball. That means gooding look-passing. If we can’t pass, hold
tight and make contact.

RUCK
We want to protect the ball when our players are tackled so that we keep it. A strong 3
person ruck will be essential to that.

RESET
Coming out of a ruck is an opportunity to reset. The scrum-half will make sure that the
team is positioned and then advance to the next set of play.

On defense we will focus on:

ON-LINE
Making sure that we are spread out on-line and not bunched around the player with the
ball.

STRIP
Looking to strip the ball from the other team when we make physical contact up high
(maul and failed tackles)

TACKLE LOW
Hitting low...cheek to cheek...so that we can get the other player down quick with as
little effort as possible.

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 TEAM ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

Dues are located on our webpage:

http://temecularugby.com/sign-up/

Please pay dues promptly and notify Coach Pete if you need assistance. Without your
funds, we cannot pay for field lights, equipment, uniforms, and registration fees.

Dues will include shorts, tee, socks, and a decal. A mouth guard and cleats are the
players responsibility.

Practice is on Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm at Birdsall Park in Temecula.

Games are typically Saturday mornings and begin January 12th.

We need a “Team Mom” who can coordinate washing jerseys, providing water, and
providing snacks.

We need a “Fundraising Parent” for each team who will find a creative way to raise the
required $200 per team through the season.

After the regular season, don’t forget that we play Summer 7s. Rugby all year long!

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 RESOURCES

World Rugby
https://www.worldrugby.org

Laws of the Game

http://laws.worldrugby.org/

USA Rugby
https://www.usarugby.org/

Rugby 101 Handout

https://assets.usarugby.org/docs/youth/Rugby101-HQ.pdf

Rugby Spectators Guide

https://assets.usarugby.org/docs/youth/spectator-guide.pdf

Southern CA Youth Rugby

http://www.socalyouthrugby.org/

Southern CA Rugby Football Union

http://www.scrfu.org/

Rugby World Cup

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

Olympic Rugby
https://www.olympic.org/rugby

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NOTES:

26