<p>WBOP JMC RUGBY Rules Handbook Under 8</p><p>NZRFU Rules are available on website: http://www.nzrugby.co.nz/SmallBlacks/</p><p>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:</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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</p><p>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).</p><p>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</p><p>● 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</p><p>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).</p><p>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</p><p>WBOP JMC Rules Under 8 Page 2 WBOP JMC RUGBY Rules Handbook Under 8</p><p> player off. The deadlines for these reports are as per 4.4 of the Judiciary Process.</p><p>1.6 Points ● Under 8 grade games are non-competition games and no points will be awarded. </p><p>WBOP JMC Rules Under 8 Page 3</p>