NZRFU Rules Are Available on Website s1

WBOP JMC RUGBY Rules Handbook Under 8

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 metres either side of the 22-metre line for the 7 point tries.

1.2 Duration of Games ● A game is made up of 2 halves. Each half lasts for 15 minutes, with a 2 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. ● This grade must wear shoes or boots. ● Under 8 will use a size 3 ball

1.4 Rules of the Game ● Under 8 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 in order to field a minimum of 10 players. Teams shall be equal in numbers. ● Coaches may assist their teams on the field. ● All players must have half a game (minimum).

Kicking Off ● The game is started with a kick off at the beginning of both the first and second halves and each time a try is scored. ● The kick should be a punt or 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 5 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. Scrums ● Scrum is to contain 5 players: front row and two locks (5) ● Referee is to call the ‘engagement’ of scrum. ● Side that puts the ball into the scrum is to win its own ball WBOP JMC Rules Under 8 Page 1 WBOP JMC RUGBY Rules Handbook Under 8

● 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 ● Scrum can be set no closer than 5 metres from the goal line. Lineouts ● To consist of the same 5 players involved in the scrum. ● 1m gap between lines, and lines 1m from touch ● If the throw is not straight, then the throwing in team throws again – team not responsible for lineout to gain possession ● Both back lines stand 5 metres behind their respective side of the lineout Tackle ● Full contact tackles, ● Fending allowed. ● 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 and the ball must be passed from the tap ● Opposition must be 5m 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 refs 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. ● If the host team cannot provide a referee a registered or associate referee then the opposition team must be asked. If they are able to provide either a registered or associate referee then they should be entitled to referee the whole game. ● If the opposition is unable to provide a referee then the onus shifts back to the host team to provide a referee. ● 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. ● It is incumbent on registered and associate referee to forward the appropriate paperwork, (Form A or B APPENDIX Two) to the Secretary WBOP JMC ([email protected]) in the event they sin bin or send a

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player off. The deadlines for these reports are as per 4.4 of the Judiciary Process.

1.6 Points ● Under 8 grade games are non-competition games and no points will be awarded.

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