pocketGUIDEmini12aw.qxd (Page 1) · long term player development 14 5. staying safe in rugby 14 part 2 law variations law amendment trials 15 u19-u15 boys 16 u18 girls 18 u15 girls

PART 1 ARE YOU READY TO PLAY RUGBYPOLICY AND PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION 021. RugbyReady Practical course2. AGE GRADE LAWS INTRODUCTION

SUMMARY OF GIRLS AGE-GRADES 04SUMMARY OF BOYS AGE GRADES 05REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY - BOYS 06DISPENSATIONS 08

3. INJURY MANAGEMENTINJURY REPORTING 13PITCHSIDE CARE 13

4. BEST PRACTISEADVICE FOR TOURING TEAMS 12GAME COACHING 13LONG TERM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 14

5. STAYING SAFE IN RUGBY 14

PART 2 LAW VARIATIONS

LAW AMENDMENT TRIALS 15

U19-U15 BOYS 16

U18 GIRLS 18

U15 GIRLS 20

S2 BOYS 22

S1 BOYS 24

PRIMARY 7 27

PRIMARY 6 30

PRIMARY 5-4 33

PRIMARY 3-1 35

TAG RUGBY 36

PITCH SIZE DIAGRAMS 38

PART 3 CHILD PROTECTION AND WELFARE 39

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PART 1 ARE YOU READY TO PLAY RUGBY?

INTRODUCTIONAny sport involving physical contact has inherent dangers and ScottishRugby is committed to reducing the risks of serious injury through theimplementation of its Are You Ready to Play Rugby? policies. It is theresponsibility of those who coach or teach the game to ensure thatplayers are prepared in a manner which ensures safe practices. It is alsothe responsibility of players to ensure that they participate in a mannerwhich complies with the laws of the game and is safe and responsible.

1. RugbyReady Practical courseRugbyReady Practical Course - the minimum standards forcoaches, teachers and referees.To ensure that best safe practice is being followed, as aminimum standard we require that all active coaches withinschools and clubs complete the online IRB RugbyReady self-check assessment on www.IRBRugbyReady.com and attend thefree annual RugbyReady Practical course. Details of dates andvenues in your local area can be found in the Are You Ready toPlay Rugby? pages of www.scottishrugby.org. The RugbyReadyPractical course is updated every season to reflect current safetyissues and trends relevant to rugby in Scotland.

2. GET RugbyReady - FOLLOW THE LAWS

Age Grade Law Variations.Age grade law variations assist coaches and referees indeveloping players through a safe, enjoyable and progressiveenvironment.

All clubs and schools must follow the appropriate age gradelaw variations without exception so that youngsters are able tolearn the game and enjoy rugby in a structured, consistent andsafe manner. For example, the development of core skills suchas handling, offloading and tackling is more important thanwinning the match at mini or youth level.

The age grade law variations are reviewed every two years.They should not be viewed in isolation, but should always beused in conjunction with the full IRB laws of the game. Furtherinformation, including an on-line self-check test is available at

Find out more at www.scottishrugby.org 02

www.irblaws.com. All coaches should be aware of the full lawsof the game as well as the law variations for the age group theyare coaching (see part 2). Age grade law variations can also bedownloaded from the Are You Ready to Play Rugby? pages ofwww.scottishrugby.org.

Age Grades in youth rugbyYouth rugby begins at under 9s and ends at Under 18s. Forsafety and to allow young players to develop in the bestenvironment within clubs and schools young players should betraining and competing with others of the same age andphysical maturity. Therefore, the youth game is divided up bythe age of the players involved (age-grade rugby) withassociated law variations. Regulations specify the age gradeswithin which children should be grouped for training andplaying. The rules are different for male and female playerswhere physical maturity rates, levels of experience and playingnumbers vary. The grades are selected to minimise disparities inphysical maturity and experience, while allowing meaningfulplayer development to take place.

Mixed RugbyFrom P4-P7 Girls and boys play rugby together in a maximum oftwo year age grades, for example P6 & P7. From S1(U13) girlsand boys separate.

Female RugbyFor girls, where player numbers and levels of playingexperience are relatively low, players may be combined in amaximum of three year age bandings for example U13 & U14 &U15. The two standard age bands, at which Scottish Rugbydevelopment and competition takes place for girls are U15 andU18. As numbers grow in future it is Scottish Rugby’s aim tofurther narrow the girls’ age bands.

Age band is defined by the player’s age at the 1st September atthe start of the current season. For example: A girl aged 12,13 or 14 years of age on September1st 2012 will be an U15 player for the entirety of the 2012/13season. On turning 15 years of age a girl may choose to playU18 rugby and/or to stay within the U15 age group.

03

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SUMMARY OF DOMESTIC GIRLS’ AGE GRADES 2012-13


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SUMMARY OF DOMESTIC BOYS’ AGE GRADES IN SCOTLAND


Male RugbyBoys rugby is played in Scotland within school year groups upto the U15 age grade. The standard age grades, at whichScottish Rugby player development and competitionprogrammes for boys take place are: U15, U16, U18 and U20(senior).

Domestic age grade is defined by either the school year or theplayer’s age at the 1st September at the start of the currentseason.

For example: A boy aged 15 years of age on September 1st willbe an U16 player for the entirety of the season

Boys’ rugby is played in a maximum of two year age grades, forexample P4 and P5. However, due to the evidence on patternsof serious injury in Scotland, it is not possible to combine 15year old players alongside 16/17 year old players, without aspecific dispensation to do so (See below).

Age Grade representative Rugby - MaleCurrently the player eligibility for the International U20 & U18Competitions sanctioned by the IRB / FIRA & 6 Nations thatScotland are involved in is based on player age as of 1st Jan inany respective year. To be consistent with the internationalcompetitions we participate in, Scottish Rugby’s age graderepresentative programmes adopt the same eligibility criteria.

A deviation from this is Scottish Rugby’s regional and nationalU16 performance pathway (inc. Scotland U16). Eligibility forthis is based on player age as of the 1st September in anyrespective year.

Age Grade representative Rugby - FemaleFemale representative rugby starts at U20s with a programmeof training, individual skill sessions and matches. Scottish Rugbyuses the 1st of September to set eligibility for this programme.

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07


AGE BANDING

Player DispensationChildren and young people should be playing and training withother people of the same age and physical maturity.Mismatches in levels of physical maturity increase thelikelihood of serious injury.

Male under-16 players in under-18 rugby policy:

The age at which male players are permitted to participate inunder-18 rugby shall be 16 years old. This policy must befollowed unless the exception below is applicable.

Medical research shows that 95% of boys have reached physicalmaturity by the age of 16. This means that a boy of 15 whoplays U17 or U18 rugby will be mainly competing withphysically mature young men when he may not yet bephysically mature, and as a result are exposed to a greater riskof serious injury.

Scottish Rugby will only permit exceptional 15 year old playerswho have reached physical maturity and have the appropriatelevel of playing experience and skill levels to play in a higherage band, if this is considered to be in the player’s best interestsby his coach and parents.

Physical Maturity assessments for U16s in U18 RugbyPhysical maturity assessment tests are designed to assess thestage of development of the player’s skeleton, a key factor inavoidance of serious injury. They can be arranged forexceptional 15 year old players applying to move up an agegrade. The assessments verify the height and weightinformation given on the application form and also measurehand grip strength. Research shows that this set ofmeasurements can be correlated and considered against theparameters devised by the Scottish Committee of Orthopaedicand Trauma surgeons to give a reliable indication of the stageof development of an individual’s skeleton.

To ensure complete impartiality and to remove the chance ofplayers/parents or coaches putting undue pressure on testers or

09

players, the parameters which must be met, are not known bythose carrying out the tests or those being tested.You can not pass or fail a physical maturity assessment and it isnot possible to affect the player’s level of physical maturitythrough physical training techniques. It is important that ayoung player is not put under pressure to move up an agegrade before they are physically mature enough to do so.

Player’s whose results indicate that they are close to physicalmaturity may apply to be retested after 3 months. No otherplayers will be retested.

Under-18 players in adult rugby (male)Further to the recent communication of the “Are You Ready toPlay Rugby?” polices for the forthcoming season (2012-13),Scottish Rugby have received feedback from individual clubsand several members of the Scottish Rugby Council concerningthe “exception clauses” within the under-18 players in adultrugby section.

We have discussed this matter internally and have taken thedecision to revert at present to the policies that were in placelast season (2011-2012). We apologise for any inconveniencethis may cause you.

We will now consult further on this matter with allstakeholders with a view to re-assessing this position by 31October 2012.

Scottish Rugby firmly believes that the safety of all involved inour game is of paramount importance. Player welfare is at theheart of “Are You Ready to Play Rugby?” and the robustarrangements that pertained last season remain in place.

Policy (revised august 2012):

The age for which male players are permitted to participate insenior rugby shall be 18 years of age. This policy must befollowed unless the exception below is applicable.

In exceptional cases, a player’s physical development, skill level,


experience and medical condition may be such that they maybe allowed to participate in senior rugby at an age youngerthan 18 years old. Players are only permitted to participate insenior rugby aged younger than 18 in the followingcircumstances:

1. Where a player is 16 or 17 years old - i.e. no players under 16can play senior rugby. Players who were cleared to play senior rugby for the 2011-12season, must apply again for the 2012-13 season. The updatedapplication form requests more information on the player, suchas their medical condition. Player circumstances may alsochange season to season, e.g. injuries etc.

2. Where the player and coach have completed the online IRBRugby Ready course (see www.irbrugbyready.com). The coachmust have also completed the RugbyReady Practical coursewithin the past year.

3. Where the club (or school) complies with the proceduredetailed below and completes the Under-18 in Senior Rugbyapplication form.

4. Front row players (props or hookers) are eligible forexception if the club (or school) complies with the procedurebelow and completes the Front Row Exception form, inaddition to the Under-18 in Senior Rugby Application form.

5. Scottish Rugby’s written approval must be received beforeany under-18 player participates in senior rugby.

6. A special form is available for a one-off match betweenunder-18 and senior players (e.g. for an exhibition match).Please see the Scottish Rugby website (www.scottishrugby.org)for more details.

All paperwork can be found in the Under-18 in Senior RugbyPolicy document and is on the Scottish Rugby website todownload.

11

Under-18 players in adult rugby (female)A 17 year old Girl can apply to play senior rugby, as long as herphysical development, skill level and experience is sufficientlyhigh that she is capable of competing safely with players insenior rugby. No 16 year old Girls can apply, and as a result playin senior rugby.

Female players may progress into the front row in senior rugbyonly once they reach the age of 18.

1. U12 Female Rugby . Girls are permitted to play mixed gender rugby before theage of 12. To be eligible, girls must be Under 12 as of 1stSeptember at the start of the season. . To be eligible for U12 Girls’ rugby, girls must be in Primary 6or Primary 7 or 11 years of age on the 1st of September. . On turning 12 years old, girls may elect to participate in U15rugby and/or remain within U12 rugby.

2. U15 Female Rugby. To be eligible, players should be aged 12, 13 or 14 on orbefore the 1st September to play under-15 rugby in thatseason. . On turning 15 years old, girls may elect to participate in U18rugby and/or remain within U15 rugby.

2.1 An 11 year old player who turns 12 during the season (1stSeptember - 30th June) can apply to play U15 rugby prior to her12th birthday provided she follows the steps highlighted in thefull policy (obtainable on the Scottish Rugby website).

2.2 A player who turns 15 years old between June 1st - August31st can apply to remain in U15 rugby provided she follows thefull policy (obtainable on the Scottish Rugby website).

For the full Female Age Bands and Dispensations 2012-13Policy, please visit the Are You Ready to Play Rugby? pages ofthe Scottish Rugby Website.

Player Dispensation based on medical groundsA player may apply for permission to play down an age gradewhen his or her safety may be compromised due to an existingor previous medical disability, physical or behaviouralcondition.

Details of how to apply for dispensations, along with all of theabove policies and forms are available from the Are You Readyto Play Rugby? pages of www.scottishrugby.org.

Advice for teams touring in other UnionsWhile an age grade team is touring in another Union theregulations of the host Union apply. Where such regulationsallow matches between boys or girls outwith the terms ofScottish Rugby age grade regulations, we advise teams tofollow Scottish Rugby’s safety policies before taking part insuch matches. For example: a team including U16 boys planningto play in another Union against players of the U17/U18 agegroup would be advised to undertake physical maturityassessments of such U16 players beforeconfirming the suitability of fixture/s.

Where a club is planning a homefixture against a touring age gradeteam, the normal Scottish Rugby agegrade regulations should be appliedto the touring team.


3. GET RugbyReady - PROPERLY MANAGE INJURIES

Injury ReportingIt is important that an injury report is filled out for any rugbyinjury that requires hospital treatment. This information willallow Scottish Rugby to record, monitor and evaluate injurytrends and make informed changes to help further reduce therisk of injury. Injuries requiring a hospital visit can now berecorded online by using the following details:

www.rugbyregistration.co.uk

Username: INJURYREPORTPassword: SRinjury01

Minimum Standards of Pitchside CareThe basic minimum standard of pitchside care across all levelsof rugby is that a responsible adult be present, with the meansto contact the emergency services. We also advise that there issomeone present with a recognised basic first aid qualification.Any tournament or event organiser should consider theprovision of formal first aiders and/or medical staff from arecognised provider.

4. GET RugbyReady - USE BEST PRACTISE

Game CoachingGame coaching describes the joint role of coaching andrefereeing during a game. When in control of a mini rugbygame, best practice is to referee the match as per the lawvariations, together with providing positive and constructivefeedback to the players.

Reinforcing model performances during the game is vital formini players; game coaches should consider the use of effectivequestioning and demonstrations during a game to highlightspecific techniques and skills.

13

Interrupting a game to develop players’ knowledge andunderstanding is more important than a game’s result.

There should only be one game coach on the field at all times.

No other adults should be on the field of play.

This allows players to make decisions for themselves based onthe situation around them.

Long Term Player DevelopmentAs players progress in age and experience their training andplaying should change and develop. Scottish rugbyprogrammes of skills development, competition, talentidentification and player development are planned in line withour Long Term Player Development Strategy in order to helpyoung players be the best they can be and to stay participatingfor as long as possible. More information can be found on thecoaching pages of www.scottishrugby.org.

5. STAYING SAFE IN RUGBY

All sporting organisations have a duty to safeguard the youngpeople in their care. Accordingly, all Scottish Rugby memberclubs with players under the age of 18 years are required toappoint a Child Protection Officer (CPO) whose role is toensure appointment of adults to work with young people inclubs are safe and to coordinate the club’s procedures forresponding to any concerns. All programmes of activity foryoung players run directly by Scottish Rugby will be run bysuitably trained and checked staff, with an appointed personresponsible for managing the welfare of the young peopleinvolved. Any concerns related to the safety of a child/childrenin rugby may be raised via your club CPO and/or direct withScottish Rugby.


The following Law amendments have been approved for globaltrial by IRB Council. The main Law amendments to be trialled,in all levels of the game, are:

1. Law 16.7 (Ruck): The ball has to be used within five secondsof it being made available at the back of a ruck with a warningfrom the referee to “use it”. Sanction - Scrum.

2. 19.2 (b) (quick throw-in) For a quick throw in, the player maybe anywhere outside the field of play between the line oftouch and the player’s goal line.

3. 19.4 (who throws in) When the ball goes into touch from aknock-on, the non-offending team will be offered the choice ofa lineout at the point the ball crossed the touch line; or a scrumat the place of the knock-on. The non-offending team mayexercise this option by taking a quick throw-in.

4. 21.4 Penalty and free kick options and requirements: Lineoutalternative. A team awarded a penalty or a free kick at alineout may choose a further lineout, they throw in. This is inaddition to the scrum option.

5. A conversion kick must be completed within one minute 30seconds from the time that a try has been awarded.

6. Law 20.1 (g) Forming a scrum:. The referee will call “crouch” then “touch”.. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop’s outside shoulder.. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready.. The front rows may then engage.. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the

front rows may come together when ready.

Please refer to www.irblaws.com for the full list of LawAmendment Trials, including video footage and forums.

15

PART 2 AGE GRADE LAW VARIATIONS 2012

The game from under-19 to under-15 level (boys) is played tothe IRB Laws of the Game with the following exceptions:

PLAYING NUMBERS

15 players per team _ 8 forwards and 7 backs, with a maximum squad of 22 players.

SCRUMS

(1) The scrum must be evenly matched, i.e. both sides must have the same number of players.

(2) If both sides have:

8 forwards, the formation must be 3 : 4 : 1

7 forwards, the formation must be 3 : 4



UNDER-19 - UNDER-15 BOYS


(3) If a team is unable to field suitably trained players in allfront five positions for any reason a non-contested scrumshould take place.

(4) In forming the scrum, each prop should touch hisopponent's upper arm and release. The engagementsequence is crouch, touch, set.

(5) If a scrum is wheeled beyond 45° the scrum should be resetand the side that put-in the ball should receive the put-inagain.

(6) A scrum must not move more than 1.5 metres. Sanction: free kick.

(7) The ball must emerge without delay. A player may controlit briefly but not hold it in. Sanction: free kick.

(8) Only the number 8 may detach and pick up the ball.

TIME

Maximum playing times are: U19 2 x 35 minutesU16 2 x 35 minutesU15 2 x 30 minutes

Games must not exceed the maximum playing times, but time must be added for stoppages or injury.

Extra time may not be played in the event of a draw in a knock-out competition.

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The game at under-18 level (girls) is played according to the IRBLaws of the Game, using the IRB under-19 law variations, withthe following exceptions:

PLAYING NUMBERS

15 players per team - 8 forwards and 7 backs, with a maximumsquad of 22 players. In the event that one team has fewer than15 players at the start of the match, both teams must play thematch with an equal number of players.

PITCH SIZE

Games with 10-a-side or fewer should be played with a reducedpitch width (5 metre line becomes touch).

BALL SIZE Size 4

SCRUMS

(1) The scrum must be evenly matched, i.e. both sides must

have the same number of players.






(3) If a team is unable to field suitably trained players in allfront five positions for any reason a non-contested scrumshould take place.

UNDER-18 GIRLS


(4) In forming the scrum, each prop should touch heropponent's upper arm and release. The sequence is crouch,touch, set.

(5) If a scrum is wheeled beyond 45° the scrum should be resetand the side that put-in the ball should receive the put-in again.

(6) A scrum must not move more than 1.5 metres. Sanction: free kick.

(7) The ball must emerge without delay. A player may control it briefly but not hold it in. Sanction: free kick.

(8) Only the number 8 may detach and pick up the ball.

CONVERSIONS

Conversions should be taken in line from where the try isscored, but no wider than the 15m line.

TIME

Maximum playing time is: 2 x 35 minutes.

Games must not exceed the maximumplaying time, but time must be addedfor stoppages or injury.

Extra time may not be played in theevent of a draw in a knockoutcompetition.

19

The game at under-15 level (girls) is played according to the IRB Laws of the Game, using the IRB under-19 law variations,with the following exceptions:

PLAYING NUMBERS

13 players per team _ 6 forwards and 7 backs, with a maximumsquad of 20 players. In the event that a team has fewer than 13 players at the startof the match, both teams must play the match with an equalnumber of players.

PITCH SIZE

Games with 10-a-side or fewer should be played with a reducedpitch width (5 metre line becomes touch).

BALL SIZE Size 4.

KICK-OFF AND RESTARTS

At the start and after half time _ with a drop-kick. Restart after a score and for any free kick is by a tap andimmediate pass. Neither team may move until the tap.

SCRUMS

The law variations for under-18 girls should be followed,except:




UNDER-15 GIRLS


(2) Both hookers should strike.

(3) All forwards may push.

(4) The ball must emerge without intentional delay. No. 8 can control the ball briefly, but may not pick it up or hold it in. Sanction: free kick.

(5) The opposition scrum half must remain on the midline andallow an immediate pass. Sanction: penalty kick.

TOUCH

Lineouts are contested _ no supporting (coach the throw,movement, jump & catch, land & delivery).

KICKING

Normal kicking applies except: From scrums and lineouts outside a team's own 22m, the firstTWO players playing the ball must run or pass, not kick.Sanction: free kick.

CONVERSIONS

Conversions should be taken from in line with where the try isscored, but no wider than the 15m line.

OPEN PLAY

The ball must emerge from rucks and mauls within 5 seconds.Sanction: tap and pass to the team that did not take the ballinto the ruck or maul.

TIME


Games must not exceed the maximum playing time, but timemust be added for stoppages or injury.


21

The game at S2 (boys) is played according to the IRB under-19law variations, with the exception of the following:

PLAYING NUMBERS

15 players per team _ 8 forwards and 7 backsAll squad players must play a minimum of 20 minutes.

BALL SIZE Size 4 or size 5.


Drop kick at the start and after half-timeRestarts after scores _ drop kick.

S2 BOYS


SCORING

Try _ 3 points.Kicks at goal _ 1 point.

SCRUMS

No number 8 pick-up. Sanction: free kick.

KICKING

Normal kicking applies, except: from scrums and lineoutsoutside a team's own 22m, the first TWO players playing theball must run or pass the ball. Sanction: free kick.

OPEN PLAY

The ball must emerge from rucks and mauls within 5 seconds. Sanction: tap and pass to the team that did not take the ballinto the ruck or maul.

TIME

Maximum playing times are: 2 x 25 minutes, or 3 x 20 minutes.

Games must not exceed the maximum playing times, but timemust be added for stoppages or injury.


23

The game at S1 (boys) is played according to the IRB under-19 law variations, with the exception of the following:

PLAYING NUMBERS

13 players per team (maximum) - 6 forwards and 7 backs.Exception: schools and clubs with large numbers may play up to15-a-side as long as both teams agree and S1 law variations stillapply. All squad players must play a minimum of 20 minutes.

BALL SIZE Size 4.


(1) Drop kick at the start and after half-time.(2) Restarts after scores - tap and pass. The defending team

must be 10m from the mark.(3) Neither team may move before the ball leaves the first

player's hands - the first receiver must pass the ball immediately.

- The ‘first player’ in this instance refers to the player undertaking the tap and pass. No player from either team may move before the ball is passed.

- Once the ball has left the first player’s hands, players from either side can start to move.

- The ‘first receiver’ in this instance refers to the player receiving the ball from the ‘first player’ (highlighted above).

S1 BOYS


- The first receiver can move as soon as the ball is passed from the tap and pass - as can any player in attack or defence. Therefore the first receiver can receive the pass when moving - however they must pass the ball immediately to a team-mate.

- This variation promotes the first receiver to Go Forward, and also pass the ball quickly to a support runner.

(4) There must be no cavalry charge - a forward charge by a single player or a line of attacking players, all a metre or two apart. Game coaches should encourage passing and distribution skills at all times. Sanction: tap and pass to the non-offending team.

SCORING

Try _ 3 points. Kicks at goal _ 1 point.

SCRUMS

(1) The scrum formation is to be 3:2:1 (exception: 3:4:1). (2) No number 8 pick-up allowed. Sanction: free kick.(3) The defending scrum half must remain on the midline until

their opponent touches the ball. The winning scrum halfmust pass. Sanction: penalty kick.

TOUCH

Lineouts are contested _ no supporting or lifting (coach thethrow, movement, jump & catch, land & delivery). The lineoutends when the ball or the player carrying it leaves the lineout.

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KICKING

Normal kicking applies, except: from scrums and lineoutsoutside a team's own 22m, the first TWO players playing theball must run or pass the ball. Sanction: free kick.

CONVERSIONS

Kicks should be taken from in line with where the try is scoredbut no wider than the 15m line.

OPEN PLAY

The ball must emerge from rucks and mauls within 5 seconds. Sanction: tap and pass to the team that did not takethe ball into the ruck or maul.

TIME

Maximum playing times are: 2 x 20 minutes, or3 x 15 minutes.

Games must not exceed the maximum playing times, but time must be added for stoppages or injury.



The game at P7 is played according to the IRB under-19 lawvariations, with the exception of the following:

PLAYING NUMBERS

Games must proceed with even numbers.10 players per team _ 5 forwards and 5 backs.Exception: schools and clubs with large numbers may play up to13-a-side (6 forwards, 7 backs) as long as both teams agree andP7 law variations still apply.All squad players must play a minimum of 20 minutes.

PITCH SIZE 70m x 40m.



(1) Tap and pass at the start and after half-time.(2) Restarts after scores - tap and pass. The defending team





- The ‘first receiver’ in this instance refers to the player receiving the ball from the ‘first player’ (highlighted above)

P7

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- The first receiver can move as soon as the ball is passed from the tap and pass - as can any player in attack or defence. Therefore the first receiver can receive the pass when moving - however he/she must pass the ball immediately to a team-mate.


(4) There must be no cavalry charge - a forward charge by a single player or line of attacking players, all a metre or two apart. Game coaches should encourage passing and distribution skills at all times. Sanction: tap and pass to the non-offending team.

SCORING Try _ 1 point.

SCRUMS

(1) Scrum formation to be 3:2. (exception: 3: 2: 1).(2) No pushing or wheeling. (3) Both hookers should strike.(4) Scrum half must pass, then at least one further pass must be

made before a try can be scored.(5) The opposition scrum half must remain at the midline and

allow an immediate pass.

TOUCH

(1) The lineout should start 3m from the touchline. (2) After the lineout, two passes must be made before a try

can be scored. (3) Lineouts are not to be contested. There is to be no lineout

supporting or lifting at this level.(4) The lineout ends when the ball or the player carrying it

leaves the lineout.


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KICKING

Kicking is only allowed within 5m of the kicker's goal line.

OPEN PLAY

(1) The ball must emerge from rucks within 5 seconds. Sanction: tap and pass to the team who did not take it intothe ruck.

(2) A pile-up must be stopped immediately and a scrumawarded to the side going forward.

(3) As per the full laws, tackled players must pass, play or release the ball and move away immediately.

(4) All tackles must be below the waist and defending playerscannot prevent the ball from being played. Sanction: tap and pass.

(5) Defending players can contest the ball once the tackle is complete.

BALL CONTROL

The ball must be held in two hands at all times.

HAND OFF

No hand-off is permitted. Sanction: tap and pass.

GAME COACH

There will be one game coach on the pitch who will apply thelaws of the game (no other adults should be on the pitch).

TIME


During festivals shorter games may be played but no playershould play a total of more than 60 minutes.

The game at P6 is played according to the IRB under-19 law variations, with the exception of the following:

PLAYING NUMBERS

Games must proceed with even numbers. 8 players per team.Exception: schools and clubs with large numbers may playeither 10 or 13-a-side as long as both teams agree and P6 lawvariations still apply.All squad players must play a minimum of 15 minutes.

PITCH SIZE 70m x 35m.







- Once the ball has left the first player’s hands, players fromeither side can start to move.


P6


- The first receiver can move as soon as the ball is passed from the tap and pass - as can any player in attack or defence. Therefore the first receiver can receive the pass when moving - however he/she must pass the ball immediately to a team-mate.




SCRUMS

(1) Scrums should be formed from the nearest availableplayers:8 players per team. Scrum size: 3 players (formation 3)10 players per team. Scrum size: 5 players (formation 3: 2)13 players per team. Scrum size: 6 players (formation 3: 2: 1)

(2) No pushing or wheeling.(3) Both hookers should strike.(4) Scrum half must pass, then at least one further pass must

be made before a try can be scored.(5) The opposition scrum half must remain at the midline and

allow an immediate pass.

TOUCH

No lineouts. Restart the game with a tap and pass from wherethe ball crossed the touchline.

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KICKING

Kicking is only allowed within 5m of kicker's goal line.

OPEN PLAY

(1) The ball must emerge from rucks within 5 seconds.Penalty: tap and pass to the team that did not take the ballinto the ruck.

(2) A pile-up must be stopped immediately and a scrumawarded to the side going forward.

(3) As per the full laws, tackled players must pass, play orrelease the ball and move away immediately.

(4) All tackles must be below the waist and defending playersare not allowed to target the ball or prevent it from beingplayed. Sanction: tap and pass.

(5) Defending players can contest the ball once the tackle iscomplete.

BALL CONTROL


HAND-OFF


GAME COACH


TIME




The game at P4 and P5 is played according to the IRB under-19 law variations, with the exception of the following:

PLAYING NUMBERS

6 maximum. Games must proceed with even numbers. Balance players and ability where possible. All squad players must play a minimum of 10 minutes.

PITCH SIZE 40m x 30m. BALL SIZE Size 3.





- The ‘first player’ in this instance refers to the undertaking the tap and pass. No player from either team may move before the ball is passed.



- The first receiver can move as soon as the ball is passed from the tap and pass - as can any player in attack or defence. Therefore the first receiver can receive the pass when moving - however he/she must pass the immediately to a team-mate.

Primary 5 - 4

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SCORING Try _ 1 point

SCRUMS

Scrums are not permitted. The tap and pass should be used for all infringements.

TOUCH

No lineouts. Tap and pass from where the ball crossed thetouchline.

KICKING No kicking.

OPEN PLAY

(1) The ball must emerge from rucks within 5 seconds. Sanction: tap and pass to the team that did not take theball into the ruck.

(2) As per the full laws, tackled players must pass, play orrelease the ball and move away immediately.

(3) All tackles must be below the waist and defending playersare not allowed to target the ball or prevent it from beingplayed. Sanction: tap and pass.

(4) Defending players can contest the ball once the tackle iscomplete.

BALL CONTROL



HAND-OFF


GAME COACH


TIME



35

Only non-contact forms of the game should be played inPrimary 1-3. Examples of these forms are:-- Tag rugby- small sided tig games- small sided relay games.

The focus of coaching should be on the following:-- introduction to invasive and evasive

running skills- introduction to handling and passing- introduction of basic support skills- communication.

Unstructured play within these boundaries should be encouraged.

Primary 3 - 1

WHO IS TAG RUGBY SUITABLE FOR?

It is the policy of Scottish Rugby that children can begin theirintroduction to training and playing contact rugby from theage that they enter their fourth year of primary school.Children between Primary 1 and Primary 3 should participate innon-contact versions of the game like TAG rugby, focussing onthe development of basic movement and co-ordination skills.

Further information on what to prioritise at each age and stageof a child and young person's development in rugby is availablein Scottish Rugby's Long Term Player Development strategy,which is available from the Are You Ready to Play Rugby?pages of www.scottishrugby.org

PLAYING NUMBERS

Games may only proceed with even numbers, up to a maximumof 15 players per team.Balance players and ability where possible.All squad players should play equal game time.

PITCH SIZE

This should be appropriate for the playing numbers, age andability.

BALL SIZE This should be appropriate for the players' ages.


(1) Tap and pass at the start and after half-time.(2) Restarts after scores and infringements _ tap and pass. (3) The opposition team must always be 5m from the mark.

TAG



KICKING No kicking.

TOUCH

Restart with a tap and pass to non-offending team.The opposition must be 5 metres back.

OPEN PLAY

(1) Tag rugby is non-contact.(2) All players must wear a tag belt with separate colour

team tags. (3) Only the ball carrier can be tagged.(4) Once tagged, a player must pass within 3 seconds.(5) A tagged player may score if the action can be completed

within 1 step.(6) Defender must hold the tag above their head and shout

'tag', step back 1m to allow the pass to be completed andhand the tag back to the player. The defender must returnthe tag before rejoining the game.

(7) A tagged player cannot rejoin the game until both tagsare in place.

NOTE

Further laws for more experienced players are available,including guidance on lineouts and scrums.

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PITCH SIZE DIAGRAMS

40m x 30mPITCH

DIRECTION OF PLAY

40m x 30mPITCH

DIRECTION OF PLAY

40m x 30mPITCH

DIRECTION OF PLAY

40m x 30mPITCH

DIRECTION OF PLAY

70m x 35mPITCH

70m x 35mPITCH

70m x 40mPITCH

70m x 40mPITCH

DIR

ECTI

ON

OF

PLA

YD

IREC

TIO

N O

F PL

AY

DIR

ECTI

ON

OF

PLA

YD

IREC

TIO

N O

F PL

AY

P4 & P5 PITCH SIZE

P6PITCH SIZE

P7PITCH SIZE


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Child Protection and Welfare

All sporting organisations have a duty to safeguard the youngpeople in their care. Accordingly, all Scottish Rugbyprogrammes for young people are run in line with the code ofconduct for safeguarding children.

Member clubs with players under the age of 18 years arerequired to appoint a Child Protection Officer (CPO) whose roleis to ensure that the appointment of adults to work with youngpeople in clubs are safe. The club child protection officer willalso lead on the club’s procedures for responding to concerns.

Scottish Rugby supports the club child protection officers bycoordinating applications for disclosure checks through thePVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme) administrator([email protected]) and advising on matters ofprocedure and good practice.

Any concerns related to the safety of a child/children in rugbymay be raised via your club CPO and/or direct with the ScottishRugby.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SAFEGUARDING YOUNG PLAYERS IN RUGBY

Scottish Rugby requires all members to observe the followingstandards of practice when involved in activities with youngplayers under the age of 18 years. Staff and volunteers whowork with young people sign up to this code of conduct, whichis linked to the SRU staff performance management systemsand disciplinary policies.

PART 3 CHILD PROTECTION AND WELFARE


Clubs agree to abide by this code of conduct through theirmembership of Scottish Rugby and by signing up to the annualParticipation Agreement.

All concerns about breach of this code of conduct will be takenseriously and responded to in line with Scottish Rugbyperformance management, disciplinary and/or responding toconcerns procedures.

The standards of practise given below are indicative notexhaustive, and serve to highlight key areas. Basic principlesremain consistent, but specific methods of application will varydepending on age and performance level of the young playersinvolved.

GOOD PRACTICE

ORGANISATION/YOUTH PROGRAMME

. Implement suitable and robust recruitment for volunteersand staff to work with young players . Appoint suitably trained coaches and managers. Ensure there is a clear way for young players and parents to raise any concerns. Appoint a child protection officer. Adopt and implement a child protection policy. Involve parents/carers wherever possible. Ensure staff/volunteers are up to date with good practice in welfare and child protection

COACHES, MANAGERS, PHYSIOS AND MEDICS, MATCHOFFICIALS

. Follow Scottish Rugby Are You Ready to Play Rugby and age grade policies. Keep up to date with and follow good practice coaching guidelines. Properly supervise young players during rugby activity. Make rugby fun, enjoyable and promote fair play principles. Place value on the efforts and achievements of all players involved, including those on other teams. Treat all players with respect, dignity and fairness. Put the welfare and development of players first before winning or achieving team performance goals. Build balanced relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Include players in the decision-making process wherever possible and appropriate. Work in an open environment, wherever possible . Be an excellent role model. Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism. Recognise the individual developmental needs and capacity of young players. Follow medical advice and protocols relating to injury prevention and management

41

PRACTICE TO BE AVOIDED

COACHES

. Too much emphasis on the team winning over the enjoyment and development of the young players involved (Note: the balance of winning v player development will be different at different ages and stagesbut should be in line with the relevant Long Term Player Development principles). Excessive training and competition, pushing young players against their will and putting undue pressure on them.. Involving adults in practical demonstrations of contact rugby techniques. Spending inappropriate and unnecessary amounts of time working with young players alone in private or unobserved situations.

GENERAL

. Failing to follow SRU guidelines and recommendations on best practice. Having ‘favourites’. Arranging to transport a young player alone in your car, without prior parental consent. Smoking or drinking alcohol while responsible for young players. Entering player’s bedrooms on trips away, unless in an emergency or in the interest of health and safety. Doing things of a personal nature for young players that they can do for themselves.


UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICE

COACHING

. Deliberately threatening, insulting, humiliating or embarrassing a player as a form of control and/or ‘motivation’. Reducing a player to tears as a form of control. Engaging in rough or physical contact, including tackling a young player and/or participation in contact games or training. Swearing at young players or allowing players to do the same unchallenged. Use of sexualised, racist, homophobic or sexist language and/or allowing young players to do the same unchallenged. Condoning or promoting excessive rivalry between players, teams and/or clubs on or off the pitch. Shouting abusive or derogatory comments from the touchline at players, coaches, match officials or other spectators.

GENERAL

. Inviting or allowing young players to stay at your home. Sharing a room alone with a young player. Getting changed and/or showered in the same facilities at the same time as young players

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. Forming intimate emotional, physical or sexual relationships with young players. Allowing or engaging in sexual behaviour - this includessuggestive comments and provocative jokes and games. Allowing young players to smoke or drink alcohol. Allowing young players to take non-prescription drugs. Failing to follow SRU policies on safety for young players. Allowing allegations made by a player to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.


Find out more at www.scottishrugby.org

Documents

pocketGUIDEmini12aw.qxd (Page 1) · long term player development 14 5. staying safe in rugby 14 part 2 law variations law amendment trials 15 u19-u15 boys 16 u18 girls 18 u15 girls