NEW RULES OF PLAY (NROP) WORKSHOP

REVISION OF U7 TO U11 RULES FULL DETAILS FOR THE VARIOUS AGE GRADE NROP ARE INCLUDED IN REGULATION 15: U7 & U8 – Appendix 1A U9 – Appendix 1B U10 –Appendix 1C U11 – Appendix 1D THE REGULATIONS ARE AT THE NEW RULES VIDEO’S/INFORMATION AND ONE PAGERS ARE AT -

U7 AND U8 (TAG RUGBY) U7 3 or 4 a side Max pitch size 20m x 12m Size 3 ball Play can continue from a knock on Players cannot go to ground to score U8 6 or 7 a side Max pitch size 45m x 22m Size 3 ball Players permitted to go to ground to score

Under 9 6 or 7 a side Max pitch size 60m x 30m Size 3 ball Introduction of the tackle Supporting players may pick the ball up from a tackled player or the ground but then must pass the ball immediately to a team mate. This player cannot be tackled

Under 10 7 or 8 a side Max pitch size 60m x 35m Size 4 ball Up to 30 minutes playing time Introduction of the uncontested scrum (all players trained, nearest 3) Introduction of Maul (ball carrier +1 and tackler +1) Introduction of Ruck (ball carrier +1 and tackler +1) Scrum Half must pass the ball from the base of the scrum. They cannot run with the ball. Opposing Scrum Half must remain directly behind his/her scrum

Under 11 8 or 9 a side Max pitch size 60m x 43m Size 4 ball Up to 40 minutes playing time Introduction of the contested strike – hookers may strike for the ball. Neither team may push (all players trained, nearest 3) Development of the Maul (ball carrier +2 and tackler +2) Development of the Ruck (ball carrier +2 and tackler +2) Scrum Half must pass the ball from the base of the scrum. They cannot run with the ball. Opposing Scrum Half must remain directly behind his/her scrum

Under 11 Continued Introduction of tactical kicking & kicking restart Drop kick to start/re-start the game After a score the opponents of the team who scored will have the option to receive the kick or kick off A ‘mark’ may be made anywhere on the pitch, with a clean catch direct from an opponents kick, other than from a re- start or free kick Other than from a re-start, free kick or charge down, if from a kick the ball is played in flight by a player of the non-kicking team and knocked forward, a scrum will be awarded to the non-kicking team

Introduction of the NROP for U12 As of 1 st September 2015, all Constituent Bodies and Schools are permitted to implement the Under 12s NROP on a discretionary basis. Somerset RFU will be implementing the U12s NROP on 1 st Sep Gloucestershire RFU will NOT be implementing the U12s NROP

Key Elements of the NROP for U12 (Regulation 15 Appendix 1E) 11 or 12 a side Maximum pitch size 60m x 43m Size 4 ball Up to 40 minutes playing time Continuation of the contested strike. Neither team may push. Nearest 5 players in scrum (all players trained) No limit on numbers contesting for the ball including maul and ruck Introduction of the hand off – below the armpits

COACHING THROUGH GAMES – WHY GAMES? They are a coaching tool to: Guide players to discover and develop the game Increase motivation and more enjoyable for children Develop tactical awareness Improve individual skills Develop Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character and Creativity!

COACHING THROUGH GAMES – WHY GAMES? TECHNIQUE + GAME CONTEXT = SKILL! (“Game Context” refers to elements such as pressure, decision making, timing, reaction, risk, use of space)

COACHING THROUGH GAMES – WHAT TO CONSIDER When Coaching through Games, consider the following: What is the main objective/purpose for the activity? What skills and tactics do you want to develop? What will be the main problem/challenge for the players? What are the boundaries and safety laws? What questions may you ask to help the players achieve the technical and tactical goals for the session? What progression can be used to support each individual?

COACHING THROUGH GAMES – WHERETO START Resources available: Other coaches “Small Sides Games for Coaching Rugby Union” resource (issued on Level 1 courses) Somerset RFU Coaching Through Games Resource Youtube – D&W Rugby Kids First Coaching Through Games CPD (formal 3 hour course) Your local CRC!

Feedback on the New Rules of Play is welcomed by Adam Cottingham (RFU Kids First Manager. Please contact him and cc your relevant RFU Community Rugby Coach. His details are: Adam Cottingham -

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