This is an introduction to rugby at the earliest years, and as such is a simple & easy to understand game with minimum intervention from the game coach (referee).

The rules of the game are deliberately uncomplicated and flexible. The referee/coach uses this as an opportunity to coach within a game and if interpretations vary this provides an excellent learning opportunity for the players to review, adapt and modify their play.

A free flowing & continuous game is encouraged, and the outline rules below offer core guidelines to the game, with enough flexibility for the coach/referee to adapt to the needs and abilities of the players.

The game coach will refrain from intervening too often and should only do so if a) it is dangerous/potentially dangerous b) there is an injury or b) there is an obvious and significant advantage to one side.

Should the ball be propelled forward accidently (knock on, dropped pass etc) play is allowed to continue – it offers opportunity for the defending team to win the ball.

There are limitless tags, and any breaks in play (ball out/throwing tags down etc) will result in the referee (game coach) passing the ball to the non offending team, preferably to players who may not have had much of the ball.

The game coach will also act as a coach to both sides with every child and their development being a priority rather than the outcome of the game.

Personal and Social

Enjoy Activity

• The child can explain what he or she enjoys and why.

Follow simple instructions

The child:

• Listens carefully and follows instructions
• Can work on simple instructions for a period of time
• Can work independently for a period of time.

Physical and Movement

Move with Agility and Balance

The child can:

• Change direction, dodge, jump.

Perform a single skill with control

The child can:

• Pass the ball accurately to a partner
• Receive a pass.

Game Understanding

Demonstrate basic spatial awareness

The child can:

• Identify where space is
• Run into space
• Identify a player in space
• Take actions to get the ball into space (run or pass).
Solve basic problems using Principles of PlayThe child understands and demonstrates:[list]
• Go forward and support

Skill Focus

Passing

The child can:

• Pass the ball to enable a partner to catch it
• Pass to a moving partner
• Pass the ball when moving.

Attack

The child can:

• Move forward with purpose
• Avoid a defender using a variety of strategies.

Rules

• 4 v 4
• 12m x 20m
• Knock-on not penalised
• No coaches on the pitch
• Rules as a framework
• Size 3 ball

Competition Framework

• Inter-club
• Triangular
• Festival: round robin, rock up and play. No leagues or knock-out.

4 –a –side Tag Rugby:

1. Pitch size 20m x 12m
2. Tag belts clearly visible, excess strap tucked away, 1 tag each side.
3. Ball should be passed sideways or backwards.
4. Ball carrier should pass when tagged within approx 3 metres or approx 3 seconds.
5. Opponents must allow them to pass and try hard to get in front of the ball (off side).
6. Ball carrier cannot continue to play until both tags are attached.
7. Tagger cannot continue to play until s/he has returned tag.
8. A try is scored when the ball carrier has placed the ball over the line. Re start from centre with free pass from the game manager or one of the players
9. If the ball carrier is tagged within approx 1 metre of the try line a score can be made.
10. No Physical contact (including fending off with hands, or ball)
11. If a free pass is awarded the opposition should be 3 meters back, toward their own try line. Free passes may not take place within 3 metres of the try line.
12. Players may not dive on the ball