NZRFU Rules Are Available on Website

WBOP JMC RUGBY Rules Handbook

Under 9 NZRFU Rules are available on website: http://www.nzrugby.co.nz/SmallBlacks/

Some WBOP JMC rules differ slightly from NZRFU Rules in terms of game duration, number of players and points scored (refer below). Key rules for reference:

1.1 Fields ● All Games will be played at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui. ● Play is across the width of a full size playing field. This means the try lines are situated at opposite sidelines of a full size playing field. ● The sidelines should be the existing try line and the halfway line. ● Two cones should be placed at least 2 ½ meters either side of the 22-metre line for the 7 point tries.

1.2 Duration of Games ● A game is made up of two halves. Each half lasts for 20 minutes, with a two-minute interval at halftime. ● No extra time will be given to teams that are late starting. The teams playing time is lost if they are late starting. ● Teams who have finished playing must vacate the field immediately to enable the next game to start.

1.3 Equipment ● All players must wear Mouthguards. Referees are to send any players to the sideline who do not have a mouthguard. ● Boots are to be worn ● Under 9 will use a size 3 ball

1.4 Rules of the Game ● Under 9 is specifically a 10-aside game,(10 being the maximum number of players) ● If either team is short of players, the other team should lend any reserve players if asked for. ● The wearing of approved shoulder pads is allowed. ● All players must have a half a game (minimum) ● No coaches allowed on the field during play, after first six games. (Referee Only). ● U9’s is a competition grade and score cards must be completed and posted.

Kicking Off ● The game is started with a kick off at the beginning of both the 1st and 2nd halves and each time a try is scored. ● The kick should be a drop kick and is to be taken from the centre of the halfway line. ● The kicker’s team must be behind the halfway line until the kick is made. ● The opposition team must be 7 metres away from the halfway line when the kick is made. ● Where a try is scored, the scoring team restarts with a kick off.

Scoring ● 5 points are awarded for a try and 7 points if it is scored between the cones. WBOP JMC Rules Under 9 Page 1 WBOP JMC RUGBY Rules Handbook

Under 9

Scrums ● Scrum is to contain minimum of 5 players: front row and two locks. There must be equal numbers of players in the scrum at all times. ● Referee is to call the ‘engagement’ of scrum. ● Side that puts the ball into the scrum is to win its own ball ● No pushing in scrums ● Only a hooker of a side feeding the scrum can strike for the ball ● Opposition halfback must stand behind the feet of the last man in the scrum ● No 8 cannot pick the ball up from the back of the scrum.

Lineouts ● To consist of the same amount of players involved in the scrum. ● 1m gap between lines, and lines 2m from touch ● Both back lines stand 7 metres behind their respective side of the lineout

Tackle ● Full contact tackles. ● Tackles should be made no higher than the chest area. ● When a player has been tackled and both knees are on the ground he/she must release or play the ball immediately.

Penalties ● All penalties are tapped from the ground ● Opposition must be 7m back from the penalty mark

Other than the above variations all other laws will be played in accordance with the NZ Domestic Safety Law Variations (refer to Rugby-Laws of the Game made easier, available from your club or WBOP JMC).

1.5 Referees ● It should be by mutual consent by both teams for providing the referee. Order of preference referees applies to these grades. ● The order of preference as to who is entitled to referee the game is as follows: 1. Registered referee 2. Associate referee 3. Volunteer referee ● All associate referees should be in possession of his/her card as proof that they have successfully completed a current NZRFU Associate Referees course. ● Where no qualified referee is available, teams are able to referee half a game each by mutual agreement of the host team. ● Due to the basic philosophy of the Associate Referee structure it must be accepted that at present some of these referees may not be independent of a team’s management or players.

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Under 9 1.6 Team Management ● Each team must carry the official registration cards and “WBOP JMC produced” team sheet for every player to all games and only those players with cards available are eligible to compete. ● Teams must produce the registration cards if requested by the opposition team management. ● If there is a failure by team management to follow any of these procedures, a written complaint should be emailed or posted to the Secretary WBOP JMC ([email protected] ) by 5pm the Tuesday following the game.

1.7 Points ● Under 10s accumulate points. 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw and a bonus point for scoring 4 tries or more will be awarded when the competition starts.

● It is incumbent on registered and associate referee to forward the appropriate paperwork, (Form A or B APPENDIX Two) to the Secretary WBOP JMC in the event they sin bin or send a player off. The deadlines for these reports are as per 4.4 of the Judiciary Process.

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