Potomac Rugby Union Youth League
Tackle Laws for U-13, U-15, and U-17

Adapted from the England Rugby Football Union (RFU) Rugby Continuum for 2004-2005, Under 11 & Under 12 Midi Rugby (Stage 3) — see http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Refereeing_Detail/storyID/2872/storytypeID/17/

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RULES OF PLAY

Players and match officials must endeavor to ensure that the Internal Rugby Board (IRB) Laws of the Game (http://www.irb.com/Laws/), modified by the following playing rules, are observed when playing youth tackle rugby in the Potomac Rugby Union Youth League in the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 age groups.

1.1 OBJECT:

The object of the game is to score a try (5 points) and conversion (2 points).

1.2 TEAMS:

The game is played between teams having a maximum of eleven (11), which includes five forwards who form the scrum, one scrumhalf, and five backs. Each side can have an agreed number of substitutes. Substituted players can be re-used at any time. Substitutions may only take place when the ball is “dead” or at half time and always with the referee’s knowledge.

1.3 STARTS:

 

1. A drop kick from the halfway line will be used to start the game, the second half, and for all restarts after a score. A kick-off after a score shall be taken by the scoring team. The kicker’s team must be behind the ball until it has been kicked and the receiving team must be at least 10 meters back from the ball.

2. If, from the kick-off, the ball is kicked directly into touch, the opposition has the choice of:

   1. the kick-off being taken again; or
   2. their put-in to a scrum at the center spot; or
   3. accepting the kick and contesting a line-out at the halfway line.

    

3. If, from the kick-off, the ball goes directly into in-goal and is then immediately touched down or made “dead,” or the ball goes into touch in-goal, the opposition has the choice of:

   1. the kick-off to be taken again; or
   2. their put-in to a scrum at the center of the halfway line.

    

4. If the ball is carried, or kicked, into the in-goal area by the opposition and the ball is made dead by going into touch in goal or over the dead ball line, or the ball is grounded by a defender, the game is restarted by the defending side with a drop kick on a line 22 meters out from the goal line.

5. Following an infringement for:

   1. offside;
   2. high or late tackle;
   3. fend off (when the ball carrier outstretches an arm against an opponent to discourage that person from making a tackle);
   4. fly-hacking (kicking a loose ball on the ground in the proximity of another player when that kicking could possibly cause injury to the other player, e.g., when the other player is attempting to pick up the ball); or
   5. obstruction;
   the game is restarted at the point at which the infringement occurred with a penalty kick to the non-offending team. Note that players should be encouraged to carry the ball in two hands to reduce the temptation to fend off with a free hand.

    

6. After any stoppage not covered elsewhere in this Section, the match restarts with a scrum to the team moving forward or, if neither team was moving forward, to the team last in possession of the ball.

 

1.4 GENERAL PLAY:

 

1. In general play, the ball can only be passed sideways or backwards - defined as “towards the player’s own try line”. If the ball is passed forward or knocked on, a scrum is awarded to the opposition.

2. Offside in general play is penalized in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game. A player offside in general play is to be penalized for being offside unless that player is making an obvious attempt to return to an onside position. Penalty: A penalty kick restart to the non-offending side.

3. If a ball carrier goes to ground in general play or if a player goes to ground to gather the ball in general play, the player must immediately do one of three things (or he will be penalized):

   1. get up with the ball;
   2. pass the ball to another player; or
   3. release the ball for another player to pick up.

    

   Note, however, that if a player releases the ball by placing it on the ground and his teammates drive over the ball to prevent the opposition gaining possession, a ruck will generally be formed and in this case the ball may not be picked up by hand until the ball has left the ruck, as described in Section 1.7. Penalty: penalty kick.

 

1.5 TACKLING:

 

1. Any player who has the ball and is on their feet (except in a maul) can be tackled. All tackles by a defender shall be above the knee and below the armpit of the ball carrier. All tacklers shall wrap their arms around the ball carrier. Note 1: Any tackle level with or above the armpit is to be considered a high tackle. Note 2: The scrag-type tackle (i.e. swinging the player round by the shirt) must be considered dangerous play and must be penalized.

2. Following a tackle:

   1. The tackler must immediately release the tackled player and get up or move away from the tackled player and the ball. The tackler must get up before playing the ball.
   2. The tackled player must immediately pass or release the ball and must get up or move away from the ball. The tackled player may put the ball on the ground in any direction, or may push the ball along the ground in any direction, except forward (towards the opposition try line), providing this is done immediately.
   3. At a tackle, or near to a tackle, other players who play the ball must do so from behind the ball and from behind the tackled player, or the tackler closest to those players’ goal-line.
   4. Any player who first gains possession of the ball at the tackle or near to it may be tackled by an opposition player, providing that player does so from behind the ball and from behind the tackled player or tackler nearest that player’s goal-line. Penalty for any of the above infringements: penalty kick.

    

3. If, after a tackle, the ball becomes unplayable, a scrum is awarded. The scrum is awarded to the team that was moving forward immediately prior to the tackle or, if no team was moving forward, to the attacking team (the team in the opponents’ half of the pitch).

4. No player shall use the technique known or referred to as “squeezeball” and no person involved in the teaching or coaching of PRUYL rugby may teach or coach or encourage the “squeezeball” technique. Penalty: penalty kick. [Note: “squeezeball” is a technique where the ball carrier goes to ground, head forward (touching or close to the ground), irrespective of immediate contact with opponents, usually keeping parallel to the touchline, holding and protecting the ball close to the chest and, when on the ground, pushes the ball back between the legs.]

5. It is illegal for any player to voluntarily fall on or over a player lying on the ground with the ball in his possession or to voluntarily fall on or over players lying on the ground with the ball between them, or near them. Penalty: penalty kick. Note: (1) no advantage shall be played; (2) a player is assumed to have fallen voluntarily unless the referee is absolutely certain the fall was accidental; (3) in the very rare instances when the fall is accidental, play must be stopped and scrum awarded to the side previously in possession. The object is to keep players on their feet and to prevent them from falling to the ground, thus removing a dangerous area of play. This will create proper rucks and mauls through encouraging players from each team to remain on their feet.

 

1.6 MAULS:

 

1. A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier’s teammates bind on to the ball carrier. It is helpful if the referee calls “maul formed.” All the players involved are on their feet.

2. Once a maul is formed, other players may only join the maul from behind the foot of their hindmost teammate in the maul. Players joining the maul from in front of this eg from the side are offside and should be penalized. Players joining the maul must do so under control so as not to intentionally injure another player or themselves. Penalty: penalty kick.

3. A maul ends successfully when either the ball or a player with the ball leaves the maul or the ball is on the ground or the maul is on or over the goal line (when the ball may be grounded for a try).

4. A maul ends unsuccessfully if the ball becomes unplayable or the maul collapses (not as a result of foul play) and a scrum is awarded. Should a maul collapse, the referee must immediately act to prevent a pile-up from developing.

5. When a maul remains stationary or has stopped moving forward for more than 5 seconds, but the ball is being moved and the referee can see it, a reasonable time is allowed for the ball to emerge. If it does not emerge within a reasonable time, a scrum is ordered. It is helpful in all maul situations if the referee calls “use it or lose it” prior to awarding a scrum.

6. When a maul has stopped moving forward it may start moving forward again providing it does so within 5 seconds. If the maul stops moving forward for a second time, and if the ball is being moved and the referee can see it, a reasonable time is allowed for the ball to emerge. A scrum is awarded if it does not emerge within a reasonable time.

7. In the case of a scrum following maul the team not in possession of the ball when the maul began will throw the ball in at the subsequent scrum. If the referee cannot decide which team had possession, the team moving forward before the maul stopped throws in the ball. If neither team was moving forward, the attacking team throws in the ball.

8. Any player at any stage in a maul who has or causes an opponent to have his shoulders lower than his hip joint must immediately be penalized by awarding a penalty kick. The object of this rule is to prevent the collapse of a maul. It is up to the coach to teach good technique and the referee to penalize bad technique. Any player who has his shoulders lower than his hip joint can only move downwards unless he has very great strength. The force through the shoulders should be directed forwards and upwards; all players should remain on their feet, thus preventing a pile-up and possible injury.

 

1.7 RUCKS:

 

1. A ruck occurs where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in physical contact, close over the ball on the ground. It is helpful if the referee calls “ruck formed”. Players are rucking when they are in a ruck and using their feet to try to win or keep possession of the ball, without being guilty of foul play.

2. The PRUYL imposes a limit of three (3) players from each team in a ruck, excluding the ball carrier of the attacking team and the tackler of the defending team if they are on the ground. If the tackler of the defending team gets to his feet to become part of the ruck, then the defending team is still restricted to three players in the ruck including the player who was the tackler. If the ball carrier of the attacking team gets to his feet to become part of the ruck, then the attacking team is still restricted to three players in the ruck including the player who was the ball carrier.

3. Once a ruck is formed, other players may only join the ruck from behind the foot of their hindmost teammate in the ruck. a player may join alongside this hindmost player. Players joining the ruck from in front of this eg from the side are offside and should be penalized. Penalty: penalty kick.

4. Players must not use their hands to pick up the ball while it is still in the ruck. Penalty: penalty kick.

5. A ruck ends successfully when the ball leaves the ruck, or when the ball is on or over the goal-line (when the ball may be touched down for a try).

6. A ruck ends unsuccessfully when the ball becomes unplayable and a scrum is awarded. Should a ruck collapse, the referee must immediately act to prevent a pile-up from developing.

7. Scrum following ruck: The team that was moving forward immediately before the ball became unplayable in the ruck throws in the ball. If neither team was moving forward, or if the referee cannot decide which team was moving forward before the ball became unplayable in the ruck, the team that was moving forward before the ruck began throws in the ball. If neither team was moving forward, then the attacking team throws in the ball. Before the referee blows the whistle for a scrum, the referee allows a reasonable amount of time for the ball to emerge. If the ruck stops moving or if the referee decides that the ball will probably not emerge within a reasonable time, the referee must order a scrum.

8. Any player at any stage in a ruck who has or causes an opponent to have his shoulders lower than his hip joint must immediately be penalized by awarding a penalty kick. The object of this rule is to prevent the collapse of a ruck. It is up to the coach to teach good technique and the referee to penalize bad technique. Any player who has his shoulders lower than his hip joint can only move downwards unless he has very great strength. The force through the shoulders should be directed forwards and upwards; all players should remain on their feet, thus preventing a pile-up and possible injury.

 

1.8 SCRUMS:

 

1. The scrum will be made up of five players from each team: the front row (a row of three players, i.e., a prop on either side of the hooker) and two locks forming the second row. The locks must bind to each other using the inside arm, with the outside arm around the hips (not between the legs) of the front row (props). Each lock shall bind between a prop and the hooker. Neither of the locks may unbind to pick up the ball at the rear of the scrum but must remain bound onto the scrum until the ball is carried or passed out by the scrum half. Penalty: Penalty kick.

   When eleven (11) players form a team, the scrums shall be composed of five (5) players including 3 front row and 2 locks. When fewer than 11 players form a team, then the scrums shall be the 3 front row players only.

2. The front rows from each team will bind together approximately half a meter apart, and the locks will bind to each other and to the props. Each prop will touch the upper arm of his opponent, and then pause before the engagement. The referee will talk the players through the engagement procedure in the sequence Crouch, Touch, Pause, and Engage. On the grounds of safety, it is important that the referee manages the engagement of every scrum in this way. There must be no downward pressure exerted by hands or arms.

3. Scrums are contested at U-13, U-15, and U-17. However, there are restrictions as to the extent of the contest, as follows:

   1. The scrum may not be pushed in either direction either before or after the ball is put into the scrum. The forwards of each team shall push with equal and opposite pressure on their opponents; they shall not just lean into one another with no pressure. If one team feels the scrum going in their forward direction, they must ease up on the pressure applied until the scrum is steady and not moving.
   2. The scrumhalf of the team putting the ball in shall stand in the usual position and shall put the ball in straight as defined in the Laws.
   3. The hooker of the team putting in the ball shall not be challenged by any player in the opposing front row (defending team). He is free to win the hook by striking at the ball.
   4. The scrumhalf of the team not putting the ball in shall advance no more than the halfway point of the scrum (not past the middle of the tunnel) until the ball has emerged from the scrum.
   5. The team putting the ball in shall not be challenged in their attempt to hook the ball backward. However, if the ball isn’t hooked cleanly back to the second row but instead bounces forward (say, a bounce off the prop’s leg or foot) and is then more under or behind the hips of the team not putting the ball in (defending team), then the defending team shall have rights to the ball. The referee shall mediate this situation by declaring whose ball it is to play (e.g., if White is the attacking team and Red is the defending team, the referee might say, “White, you’ve lost the ball, leave it alone; Red, it’s your ball, play it”).

    

   Penalty for all infringements: penalty kick.

4. Front rows must not be allowed to charge at each other. If they start to engage too close together and with necks and backs bent, they must be stopped and the scrum reformed. Props’ body positions must be parallel to the touchline (not boring in). There must be no downward pressure exerted by hands or arms. Shoulders must always be above the level of the hips.

5. If the scrum collapses, the whistle must immediately be blown and the appropriate penalty awarded, or the scrum reset. If a player is persistently involved in collapsing or illegal binding they must be replaced. If a player’s lack of technique or strength is a danger then they must be replaced.

6. Any player at any stage in a scrum who has or causes an opponent to have his shoulders lower than his hip joint must immediately be penalized by awarding a penalty kick. The object of this rule is to tprevent the collapse of a scrum. It is up to the coach to teach good technique and the referee to penalize bad technique. Any player who has his shoulders lower than his hip joint can only move downwards unless he has very great strength. The force through the shoulders should be directed forwards and upwards; all players should remain on their feet, thus preventing a pile-up and possible injury.

7. The back lines of both teams must remain behind the hindmost foot of their respective scrums until the ball emerges or the scrumhalf places his hands on it. If a scrum is awarded within 5 meters of the goal-line, the scrum is to be taken at a mark such that the middle line of the scrum is 5 meters from the goal-line. In this case the defending backs must stay on or behind the goal line.

8. The scrumhalf not throwing the ball into the scrum may remain directly alongside his opponent, however, he/she must not move beyond the middle line of the scrum until the ball has emerged from the scrum or an opponent has placed their hands on the ball.

 

1.9 LINE-OUTS:

 

1. If the ball or a player carrying the ball goes out of play, a contested line-out at the point at which the ball or players crossed the touchline will take place. If a line-out is awarded within 5 meters of the goal-line, the line-out is to be taken at a mark such that the line of touch parallel to the goal-line is no closer than 5 meters from the goal-line. The opponents of the team who carried or last touched the ball before it went into touch throw the ball in.

2. The line-out will be made up of all forwards from each team (who stand between 5 and 15 meters from the touchline) plus the player throwing the ball in and an immediate opponent (who must stand within 3 meters of the touchline) and one player from either side in a position to receive the ball (i.e., the scrumhalf). Both the thrower-in and his immediate opponent are able to take an active role in the line-out as soon as the ball has been touched by one of the players in the line-out. Players not taking part in the line-out must stay behind the offside line until the line-out ends.

3. The line-out will extend from 5 to 15 meters from the touchline. Any scrums resulting from line-out infractions shall be formed 15 meters in from the touch line opposite the point where the ball went into touch.

4. The line-out begins when the ball leaves the hands of the player throwing it in. The line-out ends when the ball or a player carrying it leaves the line-out. This includes the following:

   1. when the ball is thrown or knocked out of the line-out;
   2. when a line-out player hands the ball to a player who is peeling close to and parallel to the line;
   3. when a ruck or maul develops in a line-out, and both feet of all the players in the ruck or maul move beyond the line-of-touch; and
   4. the ball has been passed or carried out of the line-out or if the receiver decides to drive through the line-out.

    

5. When the ball becomes unplayable in a line-out, play restarts with a scrum to the team moving forward or, if neither team was moving forward, to the team last in possession of the ball. The scrum will take place 15 meters in from the touchline opposite the point where the line-out took place.

6. All “peeling off” movements must be close to and parallel with the line-out. Players must keep moving. Lifting/supporting is permitted at this level provided that the lifting/supporting is under control and done safely. The referee may prohibit lifting/supporting if he deems it not to be under control or done safely. The player designated to receive the ball (i.e., the scrumhalf) may not enter the line-out to compete for the ball. “Peeling off” occurs when a player leaves the line-out to catch the ball knocked or passed back by a teammate.

7. The offside line for all players not participating in the line-out (all players other than those described under Section 5.9(b)) is 10 meters back from the line of touch, parallel to the goal-line, and they must remain behind that offside line until the line-out has ended. If the line-out is closer than 10 meters to the touchline, the goal-line is the offside line.

 

1.10 KICKING:

 

1. All the IRB Laws of the Game pertaining to kicking in open play will apply, with the following exceptions:

   1. Players may kick the ball out of their hands or when it is on the ground, subject to section 1.10(A)(2) below.
   2. Fly-hacking, or kicking a loose ball on the ground in the proximity of another player when that kicking could possibly cause injury to the other player, is not allowed.

    

   Penalty: A penalty kick.

2. After a try has been scored, the team can attempt to convert the try into a goal. The kick at goal may take place from anywhere in front of the posts.

3. When an infringement occurs, a penalty or penalty kick will be awarded in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game. The referee will make a mark for the kick. The opposition will retire quickly to 10 meters from the mark. If the kick is taken so quickly that opponents have no opportunity to retire, they will not be penalized for this. However, they must continue to retire, until a teammate who was standing 10 meters from the mark has run in front of them. The opposing team must not do anything to delay the penalty kick or obstruct the kicker. Any infringement by the opposing team results in a second penalty 10 meters in front of the mark for the first kick. On the second occasion the kick will not be taken until all opponents have retired 10 meters. No penalty or penalty kick can be taken within 5 meters of the goal-line.

4. Following the award of a penalty, a kick at goal or drop goal is permitted. Should the side awarded the penalty opt to kick to touch and do so directly, they will be awarded the subsequent throw-in at the line-out.

5. Drop goals are not permitted.

 

1.11 COACHING:

 

1. The PRUYL recommends that at a match, a coaching session precedes each match.

2. All matches should be used as an extension of the coaching session with the emphasis being on the quality of performance rather than the result.

3. During the match, coaches can direct and develop play, in a coaching sense, from the touchline.

4. The emphasis must be on enjoyment and the players must be encouraged to enjoy the physical skills of running, passing and evasion.

5. During the half-time interval, coaches must take time to talk to, encourage, coach and explain the game to the players.

6. Mismatches can be avoided by talking to the coach in charge of the opposition before the game.

 

1.12 MATCHES & TOURNAMENTS/FESTIVALS:

 

1. A match is the playing of rugby between teams of different schools or clubs, not more than three schools or clubs being involved together on any one day.

2. A tournament or festival is the playing of rugby between more than three teams of different schools or clubs, normally to establish a winner, all matches being part of one event.

3. A tour is considered to be a match or tournament/festival according to the number of teams involved.

 

1.13 THE SEASON:

The PRUYL season is the summer, with practice beginning sometime in May or June as each team desires, league-scheduled matches beginning in late June and ending in early August, and the PRUYL Tournament being the second weekend in August (or as otherwise scheduled). Teams are free to play each other at any other time during the year as they wish to arrange.

1.14 UNDER-13, UNDER-15, AND UNDER-17 AGE GRADES:

 

1. A player’s age grade is determined by their age on July 1 of the playing season. If the player will be 11/12 or 13/14 or 15/16 on or before June 30 of the year, then that player may play in the U-13 or U-15 or U-17 age group, respectively.

2. Players aged 11 and older can generally play up one age group. A 10-year-old player who will not be 11 by July 1 may be allowed to play in the U-13 age group only.

3. Players in league matches and other friendly competition can play down one year if both coaches agree on conditions for permitting this, with more concern being given to 15 year olds playing down one age group than that given to 13 year olds playing down one age group (16 year olds may not play in the U-15 game, and 14 year olds may not play in the U-13 game). Mixing the U-13 and U-15 players to form a single team should be done in consultation with the opposing team and their ability to field an age grade team. uring the course of a season players may only play rugby with other Under 11 players unless they are permitted to play with players from a different age grade under a dispensation referred to in Section 5.15.

4. The PRUYL will develop age grade rules for the annual PRUYL Tournament.

 

1.15 MATCH DURATIONS:

 

1. A match is made up for four (4) quarters, each lasting 10 minutes, with the quarter break lasting 2 minutes and the half time lasting 5 minutes. No extra time (overtime) is required in any match, except that added for injury time, and except as provided below.

2. Coaches may mutually decide to shorten a match in any way for any reason.

3. Coaches may play extra periods in order to give sufficient playing time to all players; however, coaches need to be mindful of the weather conditions and fitness levels of their players when playing extra time.

 

1.16 DURATION OF COACHING OR PRACTICE SESSIONS:

The PRUYL imposes no restrictions on the length of a practice session nor on total match time during a tournament or festival.

1.17 EQUIPMENT:

 

1. Under-13 and Under-15 age groups should use a size 4 ball. Under-17 may use a size 4 or size 5 ball.

2. Players may use only studs, clothing, and padding during practice sessions and matches that are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game.

3. Eyeglasses (normally permitted in a touch game) are prohibited in a tackle game.

4. Mouthpieces are required in a tackle game.

 

1.18 PITCH SIZES:

 

1. There is no specification for maximum pitch size. Reduced pitch sizes are acceptable provided this is agreed between the referee and coaches and the smallr pitches will not materially increase the risk of injury to players.

2. Each hosting team is free to adjust pitch sizes in consideration of age group, skill level, and player enjoyment.

 

1.19 DANGEROUS PLAY:

 

1. Dangerous play can cause injury. Coaches and match officials must be particularly vigilant to prevent it.

2. There will always be knocks and bumps in rugby, but if dangerous play is eliminated, then many serious injuries will never happen.

3. After a stoppage for injury, restart play with a scrum to the team moving forward, or, if neither team was moving forward, to the team that was last in possession of the ball immediately prior to the stoppage.

 

1.20 DISCIPLINE:

 

1. If the referee decides that a player must cease to participate in a match, they must stop the match, call the individual player aside from the other players and invite the coach of that player on to the field. The referee must explain to the coach and the player why they feel the player’s behavior is unacceptable and instruct the coach to provide a substitute player. That player is to take no further part in that match or tournament.. It is the responsibility of the coach to speak to and educate the player as to why such action was taken.

2. In the case of actions on the part of adults involved in youth tackle rugby which contravene the codes of practice (for parents, spectators, match officials, or coaches), the recommended procedure is as follows:

   1. The match or practice session should be stopped and the match officials and coaches should confer and agree on a course of action appropriate to the circumstances. This may include the match officials and relevant coach warning the adult concerned or requesting the relevant adult to vacate the vicinity of the pitch before recommencing the match or practice. In extreme cases or where the adult refuses to cooperate, the match or practice should be abandoned.
   2. The match officials and coaches should notify the incident to the officials of their respective clubs for further consideration. In extreme cases this may include banning the relevant adult from attending matches and/or practice sessions for a period and/or submission of a complaint to the relevant constituent body.
   3. In all cases where a disciplinary matter has been referred to a constituent body, the constituent body may require either Club or Schools to provide additional information on the incident including confirmation of the action taken and may in exceptional cases refer the matter to the PRUYL for further consideration and sanctions.

    

 

1.21 SAFETY:

 

1. The development of all contact (contested or uncontested scrums and line-outs) must be introduced using the techniques contained in current USA Rugby coaching materials. Tackling is a skill that needs to be taught and must be introduced progressively. Similarly, the formation of the scrum must be introduced in a progressive way following the stages described in current USA Rugby coaching materials.

2. The PRUYL requires the wearing of mouth guards in case of accidental collision. Mouth guards should be custom made from a dental impression of the teeth.

3. If a player appears injured, the referee must blow the whistle and stop play immediately. Obviously the referee must use judgment—players don’t want to stop for every slight knock—but it is usually possible to tell when a player is hurt. Where possible, invite the player to get up. If it hurts them to move, let them stay where they are (if this will not worsen their injury) and send for expert help. In all cases it is essential that other people/players are stopped from rushing in and hauling the player to their feet. They may mean well, but they could make the damage even worse. In summary, take no chances: act fast but act with caution.

4. If referees find themselves in an injury situation, they must concentrate on the vital things. If there is difficulty breathing, remove the player’s mouthguard and ensure the player hasn’t swallowed their tongue: if they have, hook it out at once. If they seem stunned, they may be concussed: if so, they must leave the field and have a medical examination. If there is any bleeding, the player must leave the field for treatment.

 

1.22 THE GOOD MATCH OFFICIAL’S CODE:

Match Officials should:

1. Recognize the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.

2. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.

3. Emphasise the spirit of the game.

4. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

5. Understand the physical and behavioral development of players.

6. Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive and supportive.

7. Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.

8. Recognize that the safety of players is paramount.

9. Explain decisions—all players are still learning and parents will understand the game better.

10. Always penalize foul play.

11. Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.

12. Show empathy for the age and ability of players.

13. Be consistent and objective.

14. Be familiar with the Good Spectators Code and ensure ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.

15. Officiate to the rules laid down in the lawbook and keep themselves updated on rule changes.

16. Before practice sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game.

 

1.23 THE GOOD COACH’S CODE:

Coaches of players should:

1. Recognize the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.

2. Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.

3. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

4. Be a positive role model, and think what this implies.

5. Keep winning and losing in perspective, and encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.

6. Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake (remember it could be you refereeing next week), and ensure that the players recognize that they must do the same.

7. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.

8. Provide rugby training matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioral development.

9. Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily on hand.

10. Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.

11. Never allow a player to train or play when injured.

12. Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.

13. Recognize that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.

14. Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.

15. Recognize that it is illegal for players under 21 to drink alcohol and those under 18 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.

16. Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with USA Rugby philosophy.

17. Be aware of, and abide by, the USA Rugby recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.

18. Coach to the rules laid down in the lawbook and keep themselves updated on rule changes.

 

1.24 THE GOOD PLAYER’S CODE:

Players should be encouraged to:

1. Recognize and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials, and administrators in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

2. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and teammates.

3. Recognize that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.

4. Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at the Club or School or outside of the game.

5. Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.

6. Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.

7. Be attentive at all practice and coaching sessions.

8. Work equally hard for themselves and their team—both will then benefit.

9. Recognize good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.

10. Be a sportsman—win with dignity, lose with grace.

11. Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions even if they appear to make a mistake.

12. Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of teammates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.

13. Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully, or take advantage of any player.