MODIFIED GAMES 2017/18

Aims of the 2016 trials & proposed game models for 2017/18

» Increase fun, enjoyment and skill development of players within the Modified

Games.

» Demonstrates practical implementation throughout the nominated league locations as a basis trial for all junior league districts across Australia.

» Develop a game most tailored to pre-teen children at different stages of growth and motivation though gradual implementation of rule trials.

» Provide the ‘base’ for high performance outcomes (better technical and tactical skills).

Rationale 6 – 8 years’ game models

» Creates a positive learning environment: rewarding players for effort in attempting a

new skill, not penalised for making a mistake.

» More game time: Increase involvement = Increased fun and enjoyment = Increasing satisfaction.

» Efficient ground use: Provide appropriate space for development of technical and tactical skills such as the basic fundamental Rugby League skills of running, passing and catching.

» Allowing all players an opportunity to run with the ball in a set of six tackles.

NOTES:

1. Option is for coaches to be on the field at all times – the defending team coach

facilitates (referees) the game or official accredited Referees may be used in (a) 7’s

only or (b) 6’s & 7’s

2. One qualified Sports Trainer operates for the 4 games centrally controlled/ timed

for each venue (6 and 7 year game models).

3. Modified “Facilitators Course” for 6 & 7 years’ coaches replaces MG Course for

coaches of 6 & 7 year age groups, if using the no official Referee model.

4. Under the revised model of 40m x 20m playing areas for 6’s & 7’s within the

international size 48 players participate. Under the traditional model 32 players

participate on a full size field.

PROPOSED GAME MODELS

FOR SEASON 2017

Under 6 Model 2017

» Field Size – 40m x 20m (reduced from 68m x 30 m).

» Team Numbers – 6 per team (reduced from 8).

» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).

» Tackles per Set – 6 (increased from 4).

» Number of Passes – 1 (Reduced from 2, to avoid handover).

» Chance Rule – Addition of “running into touch”.

Under 7 Model 2017

» Field Size – 40m x 20m (reduced from 68m x 30 m).

» Team Numbers – 6 per team (reduced from 8).

» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).

» Tackles per Set – 6 (increased from 4).

» Number of Passes – 1 (Reduced from 2, to avoid handover).

Under 8 Model 2017

» First Receiver Vest introduced (FR) – First Receiver may run with the ball.

» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).

» Tackles per Set – 6 (increased from 4).

2017/2018: Under 6 & 7 (40 m x 20m – reduced from 68m x 30m )

Field sizes for 6-9 years’ age groups

2017: Under 8 2018: Under 8 & 9 (68 m x 30m – no change) (68 m x 30m – under 9 field size reduced )

SUMMARY OF MAJOR ASPECTS OF PLAY

6-12 YEARS

6 & 7 years’ – “Leaguestart” model 2017/18

» Field size = 40m x 20m » Team size = 6 players » Game duration = 4 x 8 mins » Number of passes required = 1 » Number of tackles = 6 per set » No Scrums » Tap re-start to non-scoring team (at 5m line) » No conversions » Chance rule (6’s only – KO, forward pass, run into touch) » Zero tackle standardised

8 & 9 years’ – “Mini Footy” model 2017/18

» Field size = 68m x 30m » Team size = 8 players » Game duration = 4 x 8 mins » Number of tackles = 6 per set » FR vest (8 years) = One Pass Variation rule » FR/DH vest (9 years) – Two Pass Variation rule » No Scrums » Tap re-start to non-scoring team (at half way) » Conversions allowed » Zero tackle standardised

10 & 11 years’ – “Mod League” model 2017/18

» Field size = 80m x 48m » Team size = 11 players » Game duration = 2 x 20 mins » Number of tackles = 6 per set » FR/DH vest – Two Pass Variation rule » No Scrums » Tap re-start to non-scoring team (at half way) » Zero tackle standardised

12 years’ (as per 10’s and 11’s “Mod League” model) plus

» Field size = 100m x 68m » Team size = 13 players

2015 Data Analysis: 6 & 7 years from

Sydney University Research Team

Traditional Model » We play-the-ball or tap 47 times » Our average tackle count per set is

2.5 » Each of us has 13.2 skill opportunities » We cross the advantage line 42

times/defensive line 38 times » We have 11 line breaks » We score 7.7 tries per game » DH – run (10), tackled (7), score (2.4)

per game » FR – run (4), tackled (2), score (0.3) per

game

Modified Rules » We play-the-ball or tap 50 times » Our average tackle count per set is 4.2 » Each of us has 15.4 skill opportunities » We cross the advantage line 45

times/defensive line 40 times » We have 18 line breaks » We score 11 tries per game » DH – run (7), tackled (4), score (1.2) per

game » FR – run (14), tackled (9), score (33) per

game

Survey results – Coaches in Parramatta/Illawarra trials 2016

Responses rated 1 – 4: 1 = Poor 2 = Ok 3 = Good 4 = Very Good

(A) Smaller field Good/Very Good = 77.9% Ok = 18.1% Poor = 4.0% (B) Fewer players Good/Very Good = 67.3% Ok = 19.5% Poor = 13.2% (C) 5m tap re-start Good/Very Good = 74.5% Ok = 16.2% Poor = 9.3% (D) 4 x 8 min quarters Good/Very Good = 72.8% Ok = 18.2% Poor = 9.0% (E) 6 tackles Good/Very Good = 84.1% Ok = 13.7% Poor = 2.2% (F) One Pass Rule Good/Very Good = 74.4% Ok = 16.3% Poor = 9.3%

Centralised model – 6 and 7 years matches

Advantages

» 4 games operate at any one time – reduces game day duration.

» One qualified Sports Trainer per full (4 game) venue. » Centralised canteen for clubs – venues rotated on a weekly basis.

» Ground set up is from one club only, rotated weekly.

» Spectators are strictly controlled – behind fence/roped area – not in centre/ between Mini fields.

» “Gala Day” atmosphere is created each week under a centralised model .