EVERYONE S GAME Play Coach Referee Volunteer Age Grade Law Variations Safe, fun and enjoyable for all National Trials - Season 2018/19 Supported by Steven Sims Cavaliers Foundation scottishrugby.org/coaches
Our Game: Ethos & Values Rugby is a game for everyone; all ages, levels of experience and body types. Children can prosper through rugby in an environment where having fun, learning and building confidence are prioritised. It is the responsibility of all adults in the game to create an environment that is player-centred, development-driven and competition-supported. This applies to coaches, parents, teachers, volunteers and supporters. To ensure ALL players have the opportunity to develop and enjoy rugby, the Half Game Initiative will be introduced in 2018/19 - encouraging all clubs and schools to give at least HALF A GAME to ALL players in a squad. Clubs and schools are encouraged to: EVERYONE S GAME Put children at the heart of everything they do and the decisions they make. Encourage fun on the pitch through realistic expectations of our children. Build the skills of our adults (coaches and parents) to provide a safe, healthy and respectful environment. Champion rugby s core values Leadership, Engagement, Achievement, Enjoyment, Respect. Play Coach Referee Volunteer What are Age Grade Law Variations Trials? Age Grade Law Variations (AGLVs) exist to make rugby safe, fun and appropriate for a child s stage of development. AGLVs for mini and youth rugby will be trialled during season 2018/19, as part of the Technical Blueprint for Scottish rugby. The trial AGLVs provide a playing format that builds towards the 15-a-side game and allows players to master the basics of running, evading, catching and passing the ball before tackling and contact skills are gradually introduced. The main emphasis is on player safety. Through the trial period (starting on 1 August 2018), Scottish Rugby will undertake an analysis project to monitor the impact of each trial compared with the current set of AGLVs. Players, coaches and referees will be asked for their feedback too. Score / Prevent Score Listen Apply Pressure Square Up Contest Possession Scan Rugby Speed Stay Connected Go Forward Continuity Talk Go Forward Support Technical Blueprint: The Scottish Way
Player-centred, Development- driven, Competition-supported Young people tell us that having fun with their friends is the most important part of playing rugby. Expert opinion and Scottish Rugby s own research have shown that there can be an overemphasis on winning at the younger age groups, leading to over-playing the more able team members and underplaying those less able, to achieve results. Changes to how and when players compete puts inclusivity and skill development first, with competition gradually being introduced as players develop through the age groups. Young players will start with festivals and triangular fixtures and progress to knockouts, tournaments and leagues as they get older and develop their game. Our aim is to have as many players as possible taking part and developing through the game. This competition menu highlights the formats which may be played at each age group in relation to what is developmentally appropriate for the players. Revised Competitive Menu: Mixed Girls & Boys U15 Girls U18 Girls Micro P4/U9 P5/U10* P6/U11* P7/U12* S1/U13* S2/U14* S3/U15 S4/U16 S6/U18 Friendlies, Triangular Fixtures Friendlies, Triangular Fixtures Festivals Festivals Mitsubishi Conferences Pool & Knockout *All clubs and schools to give at least HALF A GAME to ALL players in a squad. National Cup
Rugby is a contact sport enjoyed by thousands of players throughout Scotland, who all enjoy the physical, mental and emotional benefits that participation in the game brings. It is essential that coaches, teachers and parents prioritise player welfare, to ensure young people play rugby in a safe and positive environment. RugbyRight online course All coaches, teachers and referees must undertake the annual course. Find it on Hive Learning. Maximum game time The maximum game time that should be played for all age grade rugby players (P4/U9 U18) should not exceed 90mins in a 48 hour period. 2 Years Maximum 2 year age bands Male school and youth rugby is played in a maximum of two year age bandings. (e.g. players in S1 can play with the S2 year group, but not with the S3 / U15s). Food first A well-balanced and well timed diet is sufficient to meet a player s nutritional needs. The use of supplements is actively discouraged for U18 players and below.
Game Coach & Referee Guidance There should only ever be one game coach or referee on the pitch at all times and no other adults on the field of play. Player Welfare - Safety is the most important part of game coaching. Game Management game coaches should encourage players to: Attack Go forward, attack space and evade defenders, support the ball carrier, keep the ball alive. Defence Tackle height kept in the green zone, the tackler should roll away after a tackle has been completed, players should stay onside behind the back foot. Equity The game coach must be fair, impartial and consistent to both teams. Laws It is important that game coaches at all levels learn, understand and apply the laws in a consistent way. Child Protection Child Protection and Wellbeing is of paramount importance to Scottish Rugby. We are committed to ensuring children and young people enjoy their rugby in a safe environment and are protected from harm. It is policy that all youth coaches in rugby are members of the PVG Scheme and go through the annual RugbyRight training. Every club with a youth section has a Child Protection Officer who is the first point of contact for any concerns at your club. If you re a child who is worried about something and want to talk to someone away from the club then call ChildLine on 0800 1111. For more info on our policy, advice for parents, clubs and children, visit scottishrugby.org/child-protection Child Protection is everyone s responsibility should you have any concerns or require more information please contact us at safeguarding@sru.org.uk or on 0131 346 5000.
Tackle Height Tackle height guidance (P4-U9 / S2-U14) Red High tackle. Penalty. Amber Tackle is slightly high. Play on but remind player about tackle technique and height. Green Good low tackle around legs or waist (belly button). Note: P4-U9 / S2-U14 The tackler cannot target or rip the ball in the tackle.
Concussion Management Any player with a suspected head knock or concussion should be immediately removed from play in a safe manner. They must not return to activity that day. If a neck injury is suspected, players should be removed under the direction of a healthcare professional. In all cases of suspected concussion it is recommended that medical advice is sought early. These may include the player s GP or NHS24 (dial 111). Return to sport, once symptom free, should be graduated. Please refer to Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance for more information. sportscotland.org.uk IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT.
Micro P7 P1-P3 / U12 / U6-U8 10 6 43 20mins 40mins Max 60mx40m 40mx30m Trial Laws Laws (no change for 2018-19) Tackle Waist Touch and or Tag below, no targeting of the ball Max 2 support players per team Drop Kick or Tap & Pass Tap & Play Handling in 2 hands to be encouraged from hand allowed anywhere in open play Hand-off Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Festival max playing time 50mins 60mins
P7 P4 // U12 U9 106 4 3 20mins 40mins Max 60mx40m 40mx30m Trial Laws Tackle & Handling Handling Hand-off Waist Tackle and or below, Tackle Hold, no targeting waist or of below the ball Max No targeting 2 support of players the ball per team Drop None, Kick offload or Tap or & pop Pass from floor Tap Free & Pass Play No scrums or lineouts in 2 hands to be encouraged Knock on, play on Hand-offs from not hand allowed allowed anywhere in open play Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Festival max playing time 50mins 60mins
P5 P7 / U10 U12 106 4 3 40mins 20mins Max 60mx40m 40mx30m Trial Laws Tackle & Handling Handling Hand-off Waist Tackle and or below, Tackle Hold, no targeting waist or of below the ball Max No targeting 2 support of players the ball per team Drop None, Kick offload or Tap or & pop Pass from floor Tap Free & Pass Play No scrums or lineouts in 2 hands to be encouraged Knock On, Play On Hand-offs from not hand allowed allowed anywhere in open play Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Festival max playing time 60mins 50mins
P7 P6 / U12 U11 108 4 3 40mins 30mins Max 60mx40m Trial Laws Tackle Handling Hand-off Waist and below, no targeting of of the ball Max 21 support players per team Drop Tap & Kick Pass or Tap & Pass Tap & Play in in 2 hands to to be encouraged from hand allowed anywhere in in open play Allowed 3v3, closest (not to 3, uncontested, head or neck) no push 5v5, -half closest 5, must contested, pass no push, -half must pass Festival max playing time 60mins
P7 P7 / U12 / U12 Girls 10 4 40mins Max 60mx40m Trial Laws Tackle Handling Hand-off Waist and below, no no targeting of of the ball Max 22 support players per team Drop Kick or or Tap && Pass Tap && Play in in 22 hands to to be be encouraged from hand allowed anywhere in in open play Allowed (not to to head or or neck) 5v5, closest 5, 5, contested, no no push, -half must pass 5v5, closest 5, 5, uncontested, no no lift lift Festival max playing time 60mins
S1 / U13 P7 Boys / U12 & U15 Girls 10 13 4 40mins Max S1 / U13 Boys 45mins Max U15 Girls 60mins Max Full 60mx40m Pitch Trial Laws Tackle Handling Hand-off Waist and or below, no maul targeting allowed of the ball Max No targeting 2 support of players the ball per team Hand-off allowed (not to face or neck) Drop Kick or Tap & Pass Drop Kick or tap & pass Tap & Play Full open play kicking options, conversions within 15m lines in 2 hands to be encouraged Uncontested, No Lift, Minimum of 5 players, no maul allowed from hand allowed anywhere in open play -Half must pass 0.5m max push Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Max playing Festival time max 90mins playing over time 4860mins hour period
S2 P7 / U14 / U12 Boys 10 15 4 40mins 60mins Max Full 60mx40m Pitch Trial Laws Tackle Handling Hand-off Waist and or below, no maul targeting allowed of the ball Max No targeting 2 support of players the ball per team Hand-off allowed (not to face or neck) Drop Kick or Tap & Pass Drop Kick or tap & pass Tap & Play Full open play kicking options, conversions within 15m lines in 2 hands to be encouraged Uncontested, No lift, Minimum of 5 players, no maul allowed from hand allowed anywhere in open play Half can pass or run, Number 8 can pick and Allowed immediately (not to pass, head 1m or max neck) push 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Max playing Festival time max 90mins playing over time 4860mins hour period
S3 P7 / U15 / U12 Boys 10 15 4 5 40mins 60mins Max Full 60mx40m Pitch Trial Laws Tackle Handling Hand-off Waist Uncontested, and below, lift introduced. no targeting of the ball Max Minimum 2 support 5 from players each per team, team no maul allowed Drop Full open Kick or play Tap kicking & Pass options, conversions within 15m lines Tap & Play in 2 hands to be encouraged from hand allowed anywhere in open play Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Max playing Festival time max 90mins playing over time 4860mins hour period
S4 / U16 P7 &/ U12 U18 Boys 10 15 4 5 70mins 40mins Max Full 60mx40m Pitch Trial Laws Laws Tackle Full World Rugby Waist U19 Law and Variations below, no targeting of the ball Handling Max 2 support players per team Note: Drop Kick or Tap & Pass It is Scottish Rugby Tap & Play policy that male players are only allowed to play U18 rugby from 16 years old. in 2 hands to be encouraged scottishrugby.org for full policy. from hand allowed anywhere in open play Hand-off Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Max playing Festival time max 90mins playing over time 4860mins hour period
S6 P7 / U18 / U12 Girls 10 15 4 40mins 70mins Max Full 60mx40m Pitch Trial Laws Laws Tackle Full World Rugby Waist U19 Law and Variations below, no targeting of the ball Handling Max 2 support players per team Note: Drop Kick or Tap & Pass Girls may play U18 rugby from 15 years old. Tap & Play scottishrugby.org for full policy. in 2 hands to be encouraged from hand allowed anywhere in open play Hand-off Allowed (not to head or neck) 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, -half must pass Max playing Festival time max 90mins playing over time 4860mins hour period