Welcome to St Peter’s Rugby Club Junior Section

WRU PATHWAY – MINIS TO MILLENIUM

 RATIONALE

The pathway offers a progressive way of introducing the game to young players and developing coaches. At the same time it aims to capture the magic of the game and deliver a game that is fun to play, enjoyable and stimulating to coach and promotes open running rugby.

In Wales we have a tradition of playing rugby with flair and guile. With the game moving into the professional era back in 1995 there has been increased pressure to produce players who are bigger, faster and stronger.

Running with the ball, passing and having the ability to beat an opponent are the Welsh way. In order for us to try and promote and develop these skills the pathway has been adapted for our younger players. The rationale of the rugby pathway is to aid the development of the player through their early years of playing and to provide them with a progressive approach to their learning and the skills of the game.

Contesting the ball is introduced in a controlled environment at the age of ten helping players to gain confidence in this area of the game. With these skills being developed progressively at each age group it is hoped that young players will be encouraged to stay within rugby and enjoy the benefits of the game.

Within the pathway there is also information for coaches to support them to introduce and develop skills safely and effectively. The progressive nature of the pathway will, it is hoped, assist the coach to deliver the skills of the game in a progressive manner, without overloading them with too much information too soon.

WELSH RUGBY UNION POLICY

MATCHES are a means of coaching and encouraging young players to improve their skills with the object of them playing rugby correctly, effectively, safely and in an enterprising manner.

Our aim is that all coaches are qualified to appropriate level and must strive to improve the performances of each individual player. To this end a correct balance between coaching players and their participation in competition must be maintained.

Our aim is that all our referees have the following minimum qualifications:

• Under seven to under eight Tag Award.
• Under nine to under 16 age groups WRU Level one Referees Award.
• U16 to U19 Youth WRU Level two Referees Award.

While competition is an important aspect of the game, total emphasis should be placed on:

• Fun, enjoyment
• Running with the ball
• Evasion
• Running in support of the ball carrier
• Passing
• Running to tag/tackle the ball carrier

FAIR PLAY

It is absolutely vital, particularly during the development phases of young players in the playing of the game, that Acknowledged Standards of Sportsmanship are encouraged and maintained. The following elements are therefore to be regarded as the minimum standards necessary to ensure that rugby football in Wales is played by young players in a manner befitting the National heritage and traditions of the Welsh Game.

Coaches, parents’ players and spectators should therefore:

• Display courtesy, friendliness and sportsmanship to the opposing team and the referee at all times.
• Applaud the opposition for good play.
• Deplore foul play and abusive language. Report all incidents to the appropriate body.

Young players value highly the fun and enjoyment of the game and their membership of a team. Whilst they should always be encouraged to play with a strong, competitive spirit, they must also be coached to play within the laws and rules of the game and always with respect for their opponents. Coaches of young players should encourage and concentrate on enjoyment and development of skills – results are of secondary importance. Young players only enjoy competition on their terms and when it becomes too serious or intense, the outcomes can diminish their enthusiasm for the game.

It is strongly recommended that coaches and referees are sensitive to the scores so that one side is not overwhelmed. Enjoyment and development must be the priority at this stage.

 WELSH RUGBY COACH RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To develop in all players an appreciation of rugby.
• To develop each player’s maximum potential, including personal and social qualities.
• To encourage and deliberately boost the confidence of all players.
• DO NOT ridicule.
• Ensure each coaching session is well prepared with the coaching emphasis being placed on the development and acquisition of skill, decision-making and an understanding of the game.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal discipline and courtesy during matches irrespective of the result and be a perfect role model for the young people.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set an example to your child:
• Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Be friendly to parents of the opposition.
• Do not question publicly the referee’s decision.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from mini and junior rugby.
• Recognize and value the importance of coaches.
• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in rugby, as their enjoyment is paramount.
• Encourage your child to play by the Laws/Rules.
• Teach your child the importance of effort and teamwork.
• Help your child to improve skills and to learn a positive attitude to the game.

PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Play Rugby within the Laws and the Sporting Spirit of the Game.
• Support and cooperate with fellow team members to ensure the team plays to its maximum capability.
• Respect the opposition without whom the match would not take place.
• Respect the referee and accept all decisions without dissension.

REFEREE NOTES FOR JUNIOR RUGBY

At all levels Referees to have empathy with the players and the pathway Laws, explain your decisions clearly and apply the laws consistently.

Please remember when a team is more than 50pts in front in a game; the Referee blows the whistle to end the game, irrespective of how much time has elapsed. Some notes as reminder of key areas for Referee’s at different age groups.

Please adhere to scrum engagement process at all levels

CROUCH /TOUCH /PAUSE /ENGAGE

At all Levels below U/19, at tackle area Squeeze ball is illegal

 

U/9s

• Tackle must be below the waist, only one person allowed to tackle on each occasion.

• No ripping the ball.

• No contest at tackle area, ball-carrying team must pass ball from tackle area, no pick and go.

• Non-contested scrum, side putting in wins ball, no pushing or wheeling

• Scrum half is not allowed to pass centre line of scrum

• Scrum half must pass ball from base of scrum

• No Lineout, Rucks or Mauls

• Re starts free pass at halfway

• No handoff allowed

• No kicking of ball allowed

 

U/10s

• Tackle must be below the waist, more than one tackler allowed

• No ripping the ball

• Only 1 player from each side allowed to contest for the ball at the breakdown, this includes people involved in the tackle

• Non-contested scrums, side putting in wins ball, no pushing or wheeling

• Scrum half not allowed to pass centre line of scrum

• Scrum half must pass ball from base of scrum

• No lineout or mauls

• Re starts free pass from halfway

• No handoff allowed

• Kicking of ball only allowed in own 22

 

 U/11s

• Tackle must be below the waist, more than one tackler allowed

• No ripping the ball

• Only 1 player from each side allowed to contest for the ball at the breakdown, this includes people involved in the tackle

• No mauls

• Passive scrum, hookers can contest put in, no pushing or wheeling

• Scrum half not allowed to pass centre line of scrum

• Scrum half must pass from base of scrum

• Uncontested lineout, no catch and drive

• No handoff allowed

• Kicking of ball allowed in own half

 

U/12s

• Full contact laws at tackle and breakdown

• Contested scrum, maximum push 0.5 mtrs, no wheeling

• Scrum half not allowed to pass centre line of scrum

• Pick up by No 8 allowed

• Uncontested lineout, no catch and drive

• Kicking of ball allowed anywhere on the field

 

U/13s

• Full contact laws at tackle and breakdown

• Contested scrum, maximum push 0.5 mtrs, no wheeling

• Pick up by No 8 allowed

• Uncontested lineout with lifting, catch and drive allowed, maximum 10 mtrs anywhere on the field.

• Defending team can only contest when the lineout is deemed over, refer to law 19.9.b

 

U/14s – U/19s Full U/19 IRB Laws apply