U11 Laws

Laws

Field:

Half-field. 50m wide – goal line to half-way line (sidelines are try-lines)

Kick-off:

Punt kick

Time:

25-minute halves and 5-minute half-time

Kick-off:

Tap and pass

Time:

25-minute halves and 5-minute halftime.

Ball:

Size 3

Players:

Teams comprise of 7 players. Recommend 10 players per team.

Subs:

All players must play half a game which may consist of one half or two quarters i.e. Substitutions may be made at quarter-time, half-time or three-quarter-time. No rolling substitutions are permitted.

Referees:

Associate referee, if not - no game

Tackle (Rip)

• To complete a 'rip' one of the two flags from the ball carriers’ belt must be removed.
• Only the ball carrier can be ripped.
• The ripper stops holds the flag above their head and shouts "RIP!”
• The ball carrier must then pass the ball within three steps. He or she does not have to stop, return to the mark, or tap the ball before passing
• After the ball carrier has passed the ball the ripper must hand the flag back to the player who then reattaches it to their belt before they rejoin play.
• Four rips in a row lead to a turnover in possession.
• The belt must be worn outside the clothing and flags positioned one on each hip.
• If a player is 'ripped' when crossing the try line, they restart play five metres out from the try line.

Offside:

• Offside only occurs at the rip.
• When a rip is made, all players from the ripper's team must get back until they are in front of where ball is being passed from (facing the opposition).
• If a player is offside and intercept, prevent, or slow down a pass, a free pass will be awarded to the non-offending team.

A free pass is used to:

• Start play.
• Restart after a try is scored (non-scoring team).
• Restart after a turnover or a penalty offence.
• To make a free pass, the referee calls "Play" and the player passes the ball backwards to a member of their own team.
  The opposition team must remain five metres back from the free pass.

Penalties:

• Contact of any kind (pushing, tackling, fending).
• Hiding or shielding Rippa tags.
• Offside
• Diving on the ball on the ground.
• Not handing back Rippa tag.
• Continuing to run after rip (more than 3 steps).

Turnover of Possession :

• Four rips - Restart with a pass.
• Knock On - restart with a scrum.
• Forward Pass - restart with a scrum.
• Ball or ball carrier outside the field of play. Restart with a lineout.

Scrums:

• 3 players and a halfback
• No contesting or pushing
• Opposition back lines and those not involved in the scrum must be back 5m.
• The halfback must start and stay at the tunnel of the scrum until the ball has been cleared.
• Players in scrum cannot pick up the ball.
• Attacking team win's own ball

“Everyone Enjoying Rugby”
North Harbour Rugby

Advice & Guidance

At U11 there are some new concepts for the players. Scrums, Lineouts and kicking. When it is time for a scrum or lineout take some time to ensure players are standing in the right places and perform the restarts correctly. Help teach the players as many won't know or understand what they should be doing.

At U11 there are going to be plenty of mistakes. Finding that balance to keep the game flowing is a small art. Talk with the opposition but consider ignoring knock-ons from kicks. We want to encourage players to catch and penalising them when they drop it may not promote this.

It is not uncommon for players to stop when they think something has gone wrong. Help the players out by letting them know when the game is still on. Like after a knock-on and advantage is being played. "Advantage Northcote, Play on!". When the ball is dropped but has gone backwards. "Knocked back. Play on!".