Play games with small numbers, no more than seven players and not less than four players.
Match squads of 16.
Mini Tag Rugby.
Size 3 rugby ball.
Maximum pitch size is 40 metres x 30 metres, plus 2 metres for each in-goal area.
10 minutes each way – Game no longer than 20 minutes.
Passes may be sideways or backwards through the air.
Free pass restart, opponents 7 metres away on line parallel to goal line.
No scrum.
No lineout.
No kicking.
A tackle – a ‘tag’ – is made by removal of one of the two tags from the ball carriers belt.
The tagged player must pass the ball to a team mate.
The tagger must stop running and wait for the tagged player to reclaim their tag before re-joining the game.
No hand offs, fend offs or barging.
Under 7s and under 8s may play together, utilising the Mini Tag format.
No under 7 or under 8 child may play with under 9 children or above in any circumstances.
Under 7 players must be limited to playing in not more than 17 fixtures including festivals / tournaments per season.
Mouthguards, shin pads are mandatory.
Checking of studs at regular intervals.
On match days, a coaching session lasting no longer than 60 minutes with the addition of no more than 20 minutes devoted to match play against outside opposition is mandatory.
All matches must be used as an extension of the coaching session, with the emphasis

being on the quality of performance rather than the result.

Under 9s Under 10s

9 a-side – 3 forwards, 6 backs. Match squads of 12 players.
Mini rugby with an introduction of full contact.
U9 – Size 3 rugby ball. U10 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, uncontested scrum (no pushing permitted and the ball be won by team putting 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 uncontested. 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.

Under 11s Under 12s

12 a-side – 5 forwards, 7 backs. Match squads of 15.
Mini rugby with contact.
Size 4 rugby ball.
Maximum pitch size is 60 metres x 43 metres, plus 5 metres for each in-goal area.
20 minutes each way – no longer than 40 minutes. Scrum – 3 player front row and 2 second row locks binding around hips.
Offside line (Scrum) – Scrum half behind the hindmost foot of scrum until the ball is out.
Lineout (Contested) – 2-4 players lineout between 2 metres and 7 metres from the touchline, 5th player throws in. Quick throw is not allowed.
Offside line (lineout) – 10 minutes from line of touch.
No hand offs, fend offs, scrag tackles or barging.
Maximum of 14 fixtures and 3 festivals.
Mouthguards and shinpads mandatory.
Under 10s and under 11s may play together utilising the under 10 mini contact format. No under 10 child may play with under 12s or above in any circumstances.
Under 11s and under 12s may play together utilising the mini contact format.