The key elements of the Under 12s Rules of Play are:

Team numbers: 11 or 12 a-side
Maximum pitch size: 60 metres x 43 metres
Ball Size: 4
Up to 40 minutes playing time
Continuation of the contested strike
Nearest 5 players in scrum (all players trained, late specialisation)
No limit on numbers contesting for the ball including in the maul and ruck
Introduction of the hand off – below the armpits
Personal and social

Take on different roles
The child:

• Plays in different positions including playmaker (scrum-half, fly-half)
• Leads a team or unit practice
• Is deployed in different ways: first receiver, ball carrier, support runner, decoy runner, kicker, thrower.

Be creative

The child can:

• Explore and discover for themselves ways of solving problems.
• Is confident to take risks e.g. overhead passes, round the back passes and so on
• Sees mistakes as a valuable part of learning.

Physical and movement

Perform with accuracy, fluency, control and consistency
The child can:

• Pass and then support to receive the ball
• Run, kick and gather
• Change direction to move defenders and execute a well-timed pass to a supporting player.

Understand the importance of warm up and cool down, the benefits of physical exercise and being healthy in relation to Rugby Union

The child can:

• Explain the benefits of a warm up and cool down
• Perform or lead warm-up and cool down
• Explain the benefits of being fit for rugby
• Make every effort to establish and maintain levels of fitness appropriate to rugby

Game Understanding

Solve problems using the Principles of Play

The child can:

• Demonstrate all the principles of play in competitive situations
• Go forward and support
• Demonstrate continuity and pressure
• Communicate
• Contest possession in a variety of game situations.

[i]Understand ‘why’ and explain or execute the next steps

The child can:

• Recognise and suggest patterns of play that will increase the chances of success
• Show anticipation and awareness in changing game situations
• Evaluate and adapt actions in pressure situations
• Choose and vary skills and tactics to suit the situation in a game.

Skill Focus

Support

The child can:

• Support close, deep, wide, decoy, behind
• Work hard to support the ball carrier or tackler.

Contact
The child:

• Is able to tackle (side and rear) through the progressions of kneel, squat, stand, walk, jog
• Often performs a safe tackle in a game situation.

Rules

• 12 v 12
• Half Pitch (up to 5m lines)
• Unlimited contest for the ball
• Nearest 5 in the scrum and contested strike
• No line-out
• No kicks for goal
• The team being scored against have the option to kick or receive
• Size 4 Ball

Competition Framework
[list]