Age Grade Law VariationsSafe, fun and enjoyable for all

National Trials - Season 2018/19scottishrugby.org

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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.

What are Age Grade Law Variations Trials?

Technical Blueprint:The Scottish Way

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:• 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.

Our Game: Ethos & Values

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

Festivals

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 over-emphasis on winning at the younger age groups, leading to over-playing the more able team members and under-playing 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:

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.

Mixed Girls & Boys

Friendlies, Triangular Fixtures

Festivals

Mitsubishi Conferences

Pool & Knockout

National Cup

Player-centred, Development- driven, Competition-supported

RugbyRight online courseAll coaches, teachers and referees must undertake the annual course. Find it on Hive Learning.

Maximum game timeThe 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.

Maximum 2 year age bandsMale 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 firstA 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.

*All clubs and schools to give at least HALF A GAME to ALL players in a squad.

2 Years

Green Good low tackle around legs or waist (belly button).

Amber Tackle is slightly high. Play on but remind player about tackle technique and height.

Red High tackle. Penalty.

Tackle HeightTackle Height Guidance (P4-U9 / S2-U14) Note: P4-U9 / S2-U14 - Waist and below, no targeting of the ball, no swing tackles

Micro P1-P3 / U6-U8

BallSize 3

Pitch Size40mx30m

Game Length20mins Max

Team Max

Festival max playing time 50mins

6

Laws (no change for 2018-19)Tackle Touch or Tag

P4 / U9

BallSize 3

Pitch Size40mx30m

Game Length20mins Max

Trial LawsTackle Tackle or Tackle Hold Waist or below No targeting of the ballBreakdown None, offload or pop from floorRestart & Free Pass Penalties No scrums or lineouts Ball Handling Knock on, play on Hand-offs not allowed Ball in 2 hands to be encouraged

Festival max playing time 50mins

6

Team Max

P5 / U10

BallSize 3

Pitch Size40mx30m

Game Length20mins Max

Team Max

Festival max playing time 50mins

P6 / U11

BallSize 3

Pitch Size60mx40m

(with 5m in-goal)

Game Length30mins Max

Trial LawsTackle Waist and below, No targeting of the ballBreakdown Max 1 support player per teamRestart Tap & PassPenalties Tap & PlayBall Handling Ball in 2 hands to be encouraged Hand-offs not allowedKicking Kicking from hand allowed anywhere in open playScrum 3v3, closest 3, uncontested, no push, scrum-half must pass

Festival max playing time 60mins

6

Team Max

8

Trial LawsTackle Tackle or Tackle Hold Waist or below No targeting of the ballBreakdown None, offload or pop from floorRestart & Free Pass Penalties No scrums or lineoutsBall Handling Knock On, Play On Hand-offs not allowed Ball in 2 hands to be encouraged

P7 / U12

BallSize 4

Game Length40mins Max

Trial LawsTackle Waist and below No targeting of the ballBreakdown Max 2 support players per teamRestart Drop Kick or Tap & PassPenalties Tap & PlayBall Handling Ball in 2 hands to be encouragedKicking Kicking from hand allowed anywhere in open playHand-off Allowed (not to head or neck)Scrum 5v5, closest 5, contested, no push, scrum-half must passLineout 5v5, closest 5, uncontested, no lift

Festival max playing time 60mins

Team Max

10

Pitch Size60mx40m

(with 5m in-goal)

Full Pitch

S1 / U13

BallSize 4

Game LengthS1 / U13

Boys 45mins

Max

U15 Girls

60mins Max

Trial LawsTackle Waist or below No maul allowed No targeting of the ball Restart Drop Kick or tap & pass Ball Handling Hand-off - Allowed (Not to head or neck) Kicking Full open play kicking options, conversions within 15m linesLineout Uncontested, No Lift, Minimum of 5 players No maul allowedScrum Scrum-Half must pass 0.5m max push

S2 / U14

BallSize 4

Game Length60mins Max

Trial LawsTackle Waist or below No maul allowed No targeting of the ball Restart Drop Kick or tap & pass Ball Handling Hand-off - Allowed (Not to head or neck)Kicking Full open play kicking options, conversions within 15m linesLineout Uncontested, No lift, Minimum of 5 players, no maul allowedScrum Scrum Half can pass or run, Number 8 can pick and immediately pass 1m max push

Max playing time: 90mins over 48 hour period

Team Max

13

Team Max

15

Full Pitch

Max playing time: 90mins over 48 hour period

Full Pitch

S3 / U15

BallSize 5

Game Length60mins Max

Trial LawsLineout Uncontested, lift introduced. Minimum 5 from each team No maul allowedKicking Full open play kicking options, conversions within 15m lines

Team Max

15

Max playing time: 90mins over 48 hour period

S4 / U16 & U18

BallSize 5

Game Length70mins Max

Concussion ManagementAny 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 or visit.

sportscotland.org.uk

Team Max

15

IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT.

IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT.

Symptoms of concussion• Headache • Dizziness

• Confusion • Visual problems

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue • Drowsiness

• Pressure in head

• Sensitivity to light or noise

Questions to ask• Where are we now?

• What time of day is it?

• How did you get here today?

• Where were you on this day last week?

This card is a summary of the Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance report.

To view the full document visit: sportscotland.org.uk/concussion

LawsFull World Rugby U19 Law Variations

Full Pitch

Max playing time: 90mins over 48 hour period

Note:It is Scottish Rugby policy that male players are only allowed to play U18 rugby from 16 years old.

scottishrugby.org for full policy.

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:

Game Coach & Referee Guidance

AttackGo forward, attack space and evade defenders, support the ball carrier, keep the ball alive.

DefenceTackle 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.

EquityThe game coach must be fair, impartial and consistent to both teams.

LawsIt is important that game coaches at all levels learn, understand and apply the laws in a consistent way.

• Safeguarding and Wellbeing are 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/safeguarding

• Safeguarding 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.

Safeguarding