Under 10’s
Steve George (Mini Section Chairman) steve@catnedd.co.uk
Paul Talbot AKA Spud (Pinner & Grammarians website administrator / PR)
For the RFU Continuum Regulations (PDF)(106KB)
The Laws for Under 10’s
- 9 a-side – 3 forwards, 6 backs. Match squads of 12 players.
- Mini rugby with an introduction of full contact.
- Size 4 rugby ball.
- Maximum pitch size is 60 metres x 35 metres plus 5 metres for each in-goal area.
- 15 minutes each way – no longer than 30 minutes.
- Scrum – 3 player front row, contested scrum. At Under 10, the scrum is contested by both sides: the team awarded the scrum will throw the ball into the scrum and the players in the scrum may contest the ball.
Although scrums are contested at Under 10, under no circumstances is the scrum to be: - pushed or pulled more than 1.5 metres towards either try line. Penalty: a free pass at the original spot against the side that has pushed or pulled the scrum;
- wheeled more than 45 degrees. Penalty: If a team intentionally wheels a scrum, a free pass will be awarded against that side.
- If the scrum is wheeled
- more than 45 degrees without a free pass award, the scrum will be reset with the same team throwing the ball in.
- Offside line (Scrum) – All opposing backs except for scrum half 7 metres behind scrum. Scrum half behind hindmost foot of scrum until the ball is out.
- Lineouts are contested. The lineout is made up of two players from each team, plus the player throwing the ball in and an immediate opponent, who must stand within the 2 metre area, and one player from either side in a position to receive the ball (ie. Scrum half). Both the thrower-in and his immediate opponent are able to take an active role in the game as soon as the ball has been touched by one of the players in the lineout.
- Free pass restart at kick off, infringement, ball in touch. At a free start, the starter cannot run with the ball and the receiving player can not run from more than 2 metres behind the passer. Opponents 7 metres away on line parallel to goal line.
- No Kicking or fly hacking (kicking a loose ball on the ground).
- No hand offs, fend offs, scrag tackles or barging.
- Maximum of 12 fixtures and not more than 3 festivals.
- Tackling is a skill that needs to be taught and must be introduced progressively as shown in the current RFU Coaching Course materials.
- For safety reasons coaches and referees must check that studs and other approved clothing are in accordance with the laws of the game.
- Mouthguards and shin pads mandatory.
- No under 7 or under 8 child may play with under 9 children or above in any circumstances.
- Under 9s and under 10s may play together, utilising the under 9 mini contact format. No under 9s may play with under 11s or above in any circumstances.
